R&P Entries
Published Proceedings of Conferences/Workshop/Symposia/Seminar
Samlafo, B.V, (2018). Selenium - mercury antagonism in human blood samples from residents of Wassa West District, a mining area in Ghana. ICRST (2018) VIIIth International Conference on Researches in Science & Technology.. Rome, Italy: ICRST Ltd.
Abstract
This paper sought to evaluate Se to Hg (Se:Hg) molar ratio in human blood samples from residents of Wassa West district of Ghana, a region which has a long history of gold mining. Determining Hg levels alone in either environmental samples or human body fluids or tissues is necessary but not essential enough to assess the health risk of a given population. The levels of Se in such matrices are the fundamental factor in health risk assessment of Hg exposure and toxicity. Fifty blood samples were collected from volunteers from Wassa West District and were analysed for Hg and Se concentrations. The molar concentrations of each element were calculated and the corresponding Se:Hg molar ratios were determined. The results indicated that the molar concentrations of Se ranged from 0,35 µM to 62.38µM with a mean value of 25.26 µM, while Hg molar concentrations ranged from 0.05 µM to 4.65 µM with a mean value of 0.38 µM. The ratios ranged from 0.97 to 958 with a mean value of 155.40. Apart from, one subject, all the Se:Hg molar ratios were above one, which may imply that the residents have enough Se (well nourished) to prevent Hg toxicity.The precision and accuracy of the analytical methods were determined by the standard reference materials, DORM-2 and GBW 09101. The measurement precision which was determined using relative standard deviation fell within 4%.The results of the analysed samples were within ±5% of the certified values of the standard reference materials. Key words: blood, Selenium, mercury, antagonism, molar ratio, mining, health, risk.
This paper sought to evaluate Se to Hg (Se:Hg) molar ratio in human blood samples from residents of Wassa West district of Ghana, a region which has a long history of gold mining. Determining Hg levels alone in either environmental samples or human body fluids or tissues is necessary but not essential enough to assess the health risk of a given population. The levels of Se in such matrices are the fundamental factor in health risk assessment of Hg exposure and toxicity. Fifty blood samples were collected from volunteers from Wassa West District and were analysed for Hg and Se concentrations. The molar concentrations of each element were calculated and the corresponding Se:Hg molar ratios were determined. The results indicated that the molar concentrations of Se ranged from 0,35 µM to 62.38µM with a mean value of 25.26 µM, while Hg molar concentrations ranged from 0.05 µM to 4.65 µM with a mean value of 0.38 µM. The ratios ranged from 0.97 to 958 with a mean value of 155.40. Apart from, one subject, all the Se:Hg molar ratios were above one, which may imply that the residents have enough Se (well nourished) to prevent Hg toxicity.The precision and accuracy of the analytical methods were determined by the standard reference materials, DORM-2 and GBW 09101. The measurement precision which was determined using relative standard deviation fell within 4%.The results of the analysed samples were within ±5% of the certified values of the standard reference materials. Key words: blood, Selenium, mercury, antagonism, molar ratio, mining, health, risk.
Samlafo, B.V, (2018). Speciation of selenium (IV) (selenite) and selenium (VI) (selenate) levels in human blood samples. 17th International conference on Industrial Chemistry and Water Treatment. UK: Conference Series LLC Ltd.
Abstract
This paper examined the speciation of selenium(IV) (selenite) and selenium(VI) (selenate) levels in human whole blood samples from Tarkwa and its environs, a mining-impacted area in Ghana, using hydride generation atomic absorption spectrophotometric technique. Selenium (IV) in the experimental subjects ranged from 0.08±0.01 µg/mL to 0.50±0.02µg/mL with a mean of 0.29 µg/mL, while the control ranged from 0.02±0.1 µg/mL to 0.21 ±0.05 µg/mL, with a mean of 0.07 µg/mL. Significant differences existed between the levels of selenium (IV) concentrations in experimental and control subjects (p=0.0001 <0.05). The selenium (VI) in experimental subjects ranged from 2.97±0.52 µg/mL to 4.39±0.42 µg/mL ,with a mean of 3.63 µg/mL, while the control ranged from 0.60 µg/mL to 1.0 µg/mL, with a mean of 0.89 µg/mL. Significant differences existed between the levels of selenium (VI) in experimental and the control subjects (p=5.98 x10-14<0.05). The measurement precision determined by relative standard deviation was within ±5%. The accuracy of the determination was evaluated by analysing certified standard human hair reference material GBW 09101. The observed values were within ±6% of the certified values.
This paper examined the speciation of selenium(IV) (selenite) and selenium(VI) (selenate) levels in human whole blood samples from Tarkwa and its environs, a mining-impacted area in Ghana, using hydride generation atomic absorption spectrophotometric technique. Selenium (IV) in the experimental subjects ranged from 0.08±0.01 µg/mL to 0.50±0.02µg/mL with a mean of 0.29 µg/mL, while the control ranged from 0.02±0.1 µg/mL to 0.21 ±0.05 µg/mL, with a mean of 0.07 µg/mL. Significant differences existed between the levels of selenium (IV) concentrations in experimental and control subjects (p=0.0001 <0.05). The selenium (VI) in experimental subjects ranged from 2.97±0.52 µg/mL to 4.39±0.42 µg/mL ,with a mean of 3.63 µg/mL, while the control ranged from 0.60 µg/mL to 1.0 µg/mL, with a mean of 0.89 µg/mL. Significant differences existed between the levels of selenium (VI) in experimental and the control subjects (p=5.98 x10-14<0.05). The measurement precision determined by relative standard deviation was within ±5%. The accuracy of the determination was evaluated by analysing certified standard human hair reference material GBW 09101. The observed values were within ±6% of the certified values.
Samlafo, B.V, Bobobee, L.H, Quarshie, E , Sarsah, L.A and Kaka, E.A, (2017). Quality Assessment of Groundwater from Avenorfeme, Akatsi District, Ghana. 2nd World International conference on Industrial Chemistry and Water Treatment. Las Vegas, USA: Conference series.com.
Abstract
A holistic assessment of the quality of groundwater from the shallow unconfined aquifers of the Avenorfeme and surrounding villages in the Akatsi South District in the Volta Region of Ghana has been conducted. A groundwater classification scheme has been developed for groundwater in the area using a robust water quality index (WQI) modified for the case of the study area. For calculating the WQI, pH, sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, bicarbonate, chloride, nitrate, sulphate, total dissolved solids, and fluorides have been considered. On the basis of the WQI so computed, groundwater fell within the ‘Excellent”, “Good”, “Poor” and “unsuitable for drinking” categories. This study finds that the salinity of groundwater in the area is largely attributed to mineral weathering leading to evolution of predominantly intermediate to high salinity Na-Cl water types. On account of salinity hazard, most of the waters are not suitable for irrigation in the area. Based on total hardness, the groundwater in the area is permanently hard. Key words: Groundwater, Akatsi district, Volta, Water Quality Index, SAR
A holistic assessment of the quality of groundwater from the shallow unconfined aquifers of the Avenorfeme and surrounding villages in the Akatsi South District in the Volta Region of Ghana has been conducted. A groundwater classification scheme has been developed for groundwater in the area using a robust water quality index (WQI) modified for the case of the study area. For calculating the WQI, pH, sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, bicarbonate, chloride, nitrate, sulphate, total dissolved solids, and fluorides have been considered. On the basis of the WQI so computed, groundwater fell within the ‘Excellent”, “Good”, “Poor” and “unsuitable for drinking” categories. This study finds that the salinity of groundwater in the area is largely attributed to mineral weathering leading to evolution of predominantly intermediate to high salinity Na-Cl water types. On account of salinity hazard, most of the waters are not suitable for irrigation in the area. Based on total hardness, the groundwater in the area is permanently hard. Key words: Groundwater, Akatsi district, Volta, Water Quality Index, SAR
Hanson, R., (2017). Assessing the potential of worksheets as a tool for revealing teacher trainees' conceptions about chemical bondsconceptions. C. A. Shoniregun & G. A. Akmayeva Canada International Conference on Education (CICE-2017). UK: Infonomics Society.
Abstract
The conceptions held by undergraduate teacher trainees about basic types of chemical bonds are investigated in this paper. The research was carried out with 95 first year Chemistry education teacher trainees purposely chosen from two teacher training institutions. Participants worked on worksheets which showed figures of compounds with different kinds of chemical bonds after which their answers were scored and interpreted in order to understand the possible reasons behind their choices. Results from the activity indicated that more than 80% of the chemistry education trainees had vernacular and conceptual misconceptions about basic chemical bonding, which stemmed from their environment, text books and teachers. Some suggestions were made for more effective teaching approaches to enhance teacher trainees’ conceptual understanding of chemical bonds.
The conceptions held by undergraduate teacher trainees about basic types of chemical bonds are investigated in this paper. The research was carried out with 95 first year Chemistry education teacher trainees purposely chosen from two teacher training institutions. Participants worked on worksheets which showed figures of compounds with different kinds of chemical bonds after which their answers were scored and interpreted in order to understand the possible reasons behind their choices. Results from the activity indicated that more than 80% of the chemistry education trainees had vernacular and conceptual misconceptions about basic chemical bonding, which stemmed from their environment, text books and teachers. Some suggestions were made for more effective teaching approaches to enhance teacher trainees’ conceptual understanding of chemical bonds.
Ghanney, R., Antwi, T., Agyeman, E, (2017). The Effects of Social Media on Literacy Development among Pupils in Junior High Schools in Ghana. . United Kingdom: Society for Science and Education.
Abstract
The study sought to investigate the effects of social media on literacy development among pupils in junior high schools particularly on their perception about the nature of literacy, identifying major social media network sites and their mass usage among pupils as well as the effects of social media and social networking sites on pupils’ language learning and literacy development within the context of socio-cultural and social learning theories. To achieve the objectives of this study, a case study design was used which comprised the use of interviews to solicit pupils’ responses on the effects of social media on literacy development. The population of the study consisted of all JHS pupils in the Asante-Akim South District in the Ashanti region of Ghana. A purposive sampling technique was used to select 25 pupils (14 females, 11 males) from three junior high schools. The data were analyzed using thematic analysis (qualitative content and document analyses), table with description and data triangulation. The findings showed participants’ exposure to major social media tools and social networking sites such as Facebook, Short Message Services (SMS), WhatsApp, Twitter and You Tube likewise online practices such as chatting, blogging, watching movies, listening to audios, image sharing, and so on. The study in addition revealed that social media tools and online practices influence participants’ reading skills and habits, writing skills and speaking in every way. This research recommends the strict application of Ghana Education Service rules and parental guidance on electronic devices usage in schools, homes and the promotion of social media networks for educational purposes.
The study sought to investigate the effects of social media on literacy development among pupils in junior high schools particularly on their perception about the nature of literacy, identifying major social media network sites and their mass usage among pupils as well as the effects of social media and social networking sites on pupils’ language learning and literacy development within the context of socio-cultural and social learning theories. To achieve the objectives of this study, a case study design was used which comprised the use of interviews to solicit pupils’ responses on the effects of social media on literacy development. The population of the study consisted of all JHS pupils in the Asante-Akim South District in the Ashanti region of Ghana. A purposive sampling technique was used to select 25 pupils (14 females, 11 males) from three junior high schools. The data were analyzed using thematic analysis (qualitative content and document analyses), table with description and data triangulation. The findings showed participants’ exposure to major social media tools and social networking sites such as Facebook, Short Message Services (SMS), WhatsApp, Twitter and You Tube likewise online practices such as chatting, blogging, watching movies, listening to audios, image sharing, and so on. The study in addition revealed that social media tools and online practices influence participants’ reading skills and habits, writing skills and speaking in every way. This research recommends the strict application of Ghana Education Service rules and parental guidance on electronic devices usage in schools, homes and the promotion of social media networks for educational purposes.
Ali, C.A., Davis, E.K., & Agyei, D.D., (2017). 4T Models of Anthropological Moments of Didactical Praxeologies in the Parabola with Digital Technologies. R.S. Galván, J. Leitao, M. Martins, & Rasquinho, M. Innovative and Creative Education Teaching International Conference. , Badajoz, Spain: Theorem Conferences and Events, Edinburgh, Unitd Kingdom.
Abstract
The study integrated digital technologies (GeoGebra) tools to test the significance and success of employing 4T anthropological moments of didactical praxeologies in the teaching and learning of conceptual structures in the parabola. The experimental methodology explored mixed methods concurrent convergent design involving the GeoGebra to collect and analyze quantitative data with quasi-experimental tests and content analysis with an interview guide to collect and analyze qualitative data from thirty three groups of preservice teachers of the University of Education, Winneba, Ghana. The findings of both the quantitative and qualitative results showed that the 4T models of anthropological moments of didactical praxeologies with the GeoGebra achieved higher significant improvements as compared to the conventional methods and were adjudged most successful models for didactical praxeologies in the teaching and learning of conceptual structures in the parabola. It was therefore, concluded that the 4T models be adopted as main instructional models in the teaching and learning of conceptual structures in multiple mathematics domains.
The study integrated digital technologies (GeoGebra) tools to test the significance and success of employing 4T anthropological moments of didactical praxeologies in the teaching and learning of conceptual structures in the parabola. The experimental methodology explored mixed methods concurrent convergent design involving the GeoGebra to collect and analyze quantitative data with quasi-experimental tests and content analysis with an interview guide to collect and analyze qualitative data from thirty three groups of preservice teachers of the University of Education, Winneba, Ghana. The findings of both the quantitative and qualitative results showed that the 4T models of anthropological moments of didactical praxeologies with the GeoGebra achieved higher significant improvements as compared to the conventional methods and were adjudged most successful models for didactical praxeologies in the teaching and learning of conceptual structures in the parabola. It was therefore, concluded that the 4T models be adopted as main instructional models in the teaching and learning of conceptual structures in multiple mathematics domains.
Abraham, I., Frimpong, C. & Asinyo, B. K., (2016). Comparative Analysis of Patronage of Classical and Contemporary African Textile Prints in Ghana.. 2nd International Conference on Applied Sciences and Technology (ICAST), October 28 – 30, 2015, Kumasi Polytechnic.. Kumasi: Kumasi Polytechnic. http://icast.kpoly.edu.gh/proceedings/index.php/ICAST/ICAST/paper/view/11
Abstract
African prints which were introduced into the West African market in the 19th Century by the European missionaries and traders were highly patronized by Ghanaians during the 20th Century. These early African prints were commonly referred to as classical prints. Over the years, design and colour preferences changed and textile producers adapted more creative ways in designing to satisfy the taste and demand of textile consumers. This gave rise to contemporary designs that were quickly embraced by the public especially the youth. The purpose of this study was to determine the level of patronage of classical and contemporary prints, with the view of helping the textile industries satisfy the taste of wider consumers. Interviews were conducted to determine why people preferred either classical or contemporary prints. The findings revealed that majority of consumers of African prints in Ghana still patronise the classical prints whiles the contemporary prints are highly patronised by the youth. The study recommends that textile designers should consider integration of symbolism and aesthetics in textile designing to increase the patronage of African prints produced in Ghana.
African prints which were introduced into the West African market in the 19th Century by the European missionaries and traders were highly patronized by Ghanaians during the 20th Century. These early African prints were commonly referred to as classical prints. Over the years, design and colour preferences changed and textile producers adapted more creative ways in designing to satisfy the taste and demand of textile consumers. This gave rise to contemporary designs that were quickly embraced by the public especially the youth. The purpose of this study was to determine the level of patronage of classical and contemporary prints, with the view of helping the textile industries satisfy the taste of wider consumers. Interviews were conducted to determine why people preferred either classical or contemporary prints. The findings revealed that majority of consumers of African prints in Ghana still patronise the classical prints whiles the contemporary prints are highly patronised by the youth. The study recommends that textile designers should consider integration of symbolism and aesthetics in textile designing to increase the patronage of African prints produced in Ghana.
Ali, C.A. & Davis, E.K., (2016). Harnessing Indigenous Basketry Resources for National Development: A Long Term Prospects for Mathematics Education in Ghana. S. Abazaami, A. Mahama & A. Seidu Northern Harmattan School. University for Development Studies, Tamale, Ghana: Institute for Continuing Education and Interdisciplinary Research (ICEIR), University for Development Studies.
Abstract
The study explored how indigenous basket resources could be harnessed to benefit long term development planning in mathematics education to accelerate national development. Even though basket weaving is an age old occupation in Northern Ghana, its resources have still experienced little exploitation to be integrated and consolidated into formal education in Ghana. This qualitative survey purposively interviewed four teachers and two basket artisans in the Bolgatanga Municipality of Upper East Region of Ghana. The findings revealed that the indigenous basket resources would boost employment, reduce poverty rate, combat migration, integrate indigenous knowledge and improve learning upon outcomes. We therefore, recommended that other stakeholders fashion out policies and programmes to harness the indigenous basket resources to help achieve long term development goals.
The study explored how indigenous basket resources could be harnessed to benefit long term development planning in mathematics education to accelerate national development. Even though basket weaving is an age old occupation in Northern Ghana, its resources have still experienced little exploitation to be integrated and consolidated into formal education in Ghana. This qualitative survey purposively interviewed four teachers and two basket artisans in the Bolgatanga Municipality of Upper East Region of Ghana. The findings revealed that the indigenous basket resources would boost employment, reduce poverty rate, combat migration, integrate indigenous knowledge and improve learning upon outcomes. We therefore, recommended that other stakeholders fashion out policies and programmes to harness the indigenous basket resources to help achieve long term development goals.
Ali, C.A., Adzifome, N.S. & Addison, K.A., (2015). Contemporary Issues and Challenges in Basic Education in Gha; Principal Component Extractions of SWOT Matrix for National Development. F. Anam, Diji, C. & Adebitan, E. African Regional Research Conference on Sustainable Development Strategies. Kenyatta University, Nairobi, Kenya: International Institute for Policy Review and Development Strategies.
Abstract
The strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) matrix is very appropriate in identifying contemporary issues and challenges in basic education that face the African continent. We propose this matrix to help identify and address the essential issues that militate against successful implementation of basic education in Ghana. We sampled serving teachers and elicited information that border on internal and external issues of interest in basic schools. The SPSS codes and analyses revealed that the matrix was very appropriate and effective in identifying these issues of enrollments, completion rates, infrastructure and pedagogies. Therefore, educational planners, managers and supervisors should prioritize the use of the SWOT matrix in their domains in the basic schools to accelerate national development.
The strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) matrix is very appropriate in identifying contemporary issues and challenges in basic education that face the African continent. We propose this matrix to help identify and address the essential issues that militate against successful implementation of basic education in Ghana. We sampled serving teachers and elicited information that border on internal and external issues of interest in basic schools. The SPSS codes and analyses revealed that the matrix was very appropriate and effective in identifying these issues of enrollments, completion rates, infrastructure and pedagogies. Therefore, educational planners, managers and supervisors should prioritize the use of the SWOT matrix in their domains in the basic schools to accelerate national development.
Ali, C.A., Adzifome, N.S. & Addison, K.A., (2015). Contemporary Issues of Basic Education in Ghana; Principal Component Extractions of Swot Matrix for National Development. F. Anam, Diji, C. & Adebitan, E. African Regional Conference on Sustainable Development Strategies: Contemporary Issues and Challenges in African Development Patterns: Multi-disciplinary Assessment. Kenyatta University, Nairobi, Kenya: International Institute for Policy Review and Development Strategies.
Abstract
The strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats matrix identified the critical contemporary and essential issues that confront policies and programmes of basic education in Ghana. We purposively sampled sixty-five teachers and elicited fortythree essential internal and external issues in the basic schools. The SPSS method of principal component extractions revealed that internal issues of good and neat pupils in structured mathematics classrooms enhanced teaching and learning but lack of communication with authorities, pupils' previous knowledge and poor fellow teacher support hindered teaching and learning. Externally, stakeholders' support to teachers, upgrading of teachers' knowledge and general popularity of the basic schools boosted teaching and learning, whereas poor quality of pupils enrolled to pursue the overloaded mathematics syllabus and competitions faced with faith-based and private basic schools in attracting good quality pupils inhibited teaching and learning. We therefore, recommended adoption of the matrix to prioritize, address, and accelerate national development.
The strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats matrix identified the critical contemporary and essential issues that confront policies and programmes of basic education in Ghana. We purposively sampled sixty-five teachers and elicited fortythree essential internal and external issues in the basic schools. The SPSS method of principal component extractions revealed that internal issues of good and neat pupils in structured mathematics classrooms enhanced teaching and learning but lack of communication with authorities, pupils' previous knowledge and poor fellow teacher support hindered teaching and learning. Externally, stakeholders' support to teachers, upgrading of teachers' knowledge and general popularity of the basic schools boosted teaching and learning, whereas poor quality of pupils enrolled to pursue the overloaded mathematics syllabus and competitions faced with faith-based and private basic schools in attracting good quality pupils inhibited teaching and learning. We therefore, recommended adoption of the matrix to prioritize, address, and accelerate national development.
