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Nyarko, K. B., Oduro-Kwarteng, S., Dwumfour-Asare, B. & Boakye, K. O. (2016). Incentives for water supply to the urban poor and the role of the regulator in Ghana. International Journal of Water, 10,
Abstract
Urban water coverage in Ghana has been increasing but urban water supply to the poor is a challenge. This paper examines the incentive mechanisms in use in the urban water sector to serve the poor. The paper is based on reviews of incentive mechanisms (policy, strategies and practices), assessment of the level of implementation of pro-poor strategies and water supply situation in selected poor communities in the second largest city, Kumasi. The paper discusses the incentive mechanisms and the level of effectiveness and emphasises the role of the regulator. The study revealed that the policy framework for water service delivery to the urban poor exists but not all the intentions have been implemented. The urban utility is setting up a pro-poor unit and piloting innovative technical and management approaches for delivering services to the urban poor. The sector lacks sufficient incentive mechanisms to accelerate water service delivery to the urban poor.
Urban water coverage in Ghana has been increasing but urban water supply to the poor is a challenge. This paper examines the incentive mechanisms in use in the urban water sector to serve the poor. The paper is based on reviews of incentive mechanisms (policy, strategies and practices), assessment of the level of implementation of pro-poor strategies and water supply situation in selected poor communities in the second largest city, Kumasi. The paper discusses the incentive mechanisms and the level of effectiveness and emphasises the role of the regulator. The study revealed that the policy framework for water service delivery to the urban poor exists but not all the intentions have been implemented. The urban utility is setting up a pro-poor unit and piloting innovative technical and management approaches for delivering services to the urban poor. The sector lacks sufficient incentive mechanisms to accelerate water service delivery to the urban poor.
Owusu-Mensah, I. & Mensah, E. E. (2015). Polynomial Modelling of Allelopathic Effect of Topsoil Extract. British Journal of Research, 2,
Abstract
Objective: This paper seeks to model the allelopathic effect of topsoil extract transferred from Tectona grandis L. plantation on lycopersicum esculentum seed germination and seedling growth Research Methods: A mathematical model will be formulated using polynomial regression based on the data collected. This model was used instead of other proposed models because the relationship between the two variables was curvilinear. Cubic spline method was used to smooth the model to avoid oscillations between exact fit values. Computer program MATLAB was used in the analysis of the data. Results: It was found that the quartic polynomial regression model was the best fitted model for the collected data with least square parameters estimates given by Conclusion: This study has demonstrated that the allelopathic effects present in transferred topsoil samples of T. grandis on lycopersicum esculentum seed germination can be modeled using the quartic polynomial model for any concentration of topsoil between 0 kg and 7 kg.
Objective: This paper seeks to model the allelopathic effect of topsoil extract transferred from Tectona grandis L. plantation on lycopersicum esculentum seed germination and seedling growth Research Methods: A mathematical model will be formulated using polynomial regression based on the data collected. This model was used instead of other proposed models because the relationship between the two variables was curvilinear. Cubic spline method was used to smooth the model to avoid oscillations between exact fit values. Computer program MATLAB was used in the analysis of the data. Results: It was found that the quartic polynomial regression model was the best fitted model for the collected data with least square parameters estimates given by Conclusion: This study has demonstrated that the allelopathic effects present in transferred topsoil samples of T. grandis on lycopersicum esculentum seed germination can be modeled using the quartic polynomial model for any concentration of topsoil between 0 kg and 7 kg.
Dontwi I.K., Obeng-Denteh W., Darku F.D., Owusu-Mensah I., and Amoah-Mensah J. (2014). On the study of memorization trends. Physical Sciences Research International, 2,
Abstract
The purpose of this paper was to decipher the rate at which memorization of the stuff that required memorization in the area of axioms and proofs of theorems, and to calculate the various amount learnt at particular periods. The usage of differential equation was employed to model the trend. The paper contributes to the literature by documenting that memorization of large number of stuff could be done even beyond perceived imaginations
The purpose of this paper was to decipher the rate at which memorization of the stuff that required memorization in the area of axioms and proofs of theorems, and to calculate the various amount learnt at particular periods. The usage of differential equation was employed to model the trend. The paper contributes to the literature by documenting that memorization of large number of stuff could be done even beyond perceived imaginations
Faculty of Science and Environment EducationJul 19, 2015
Owusu-Mensah, I
Young Topologist Meeting. Copenhagen, Denmark June 30th – July 4th, 2014
Paper presented:
Topological Social Choice Model.
Abstract
The topological approach to social choice was developed by Graciela Chichilnisky in the beginning of the eighties, all the fundamental results about the social choice have been established by B. Eckmann in 1954 through the use of n − mean spaces, this presentation extensively discusses these results in a self contained way through the use of spaces of n − mean, groups with means and H-space and end with open questions relating to the main results obtained so far.
The topological approach to social choice was developed by Graciela Chichilnisky in the beginning of the eighties, all the fundamental results about the social choice have been established by B. Eckmann in 1954 through the use of n − mean spaces, this presentation extensively discusses these results in a self contained way through the use of spaces of n − mean, groups with means and H-space and end with open questions relating to the main results obtained so far.
Faculty of Science and Environment EducationJul 19, 2015
Prempeh, E., Owusu-Mensah, I. and Frimpong-Piesie, K. (2014). On the Regularization of Hammerstein Type Operator Equation. The Australian Journal of Mathematical Analysis and Applications, 11,
Abstract
We have studied Regularization of Hammerstein’s Type Operator Equations in general Banach Spaces. In this paper, the results have been employed to establish regularized solutions to Hammerstein’s type operator equations in Hilbert spaces by looking at three cases of regularization
We have studied Regularization of Hammerstein’s Type Operator Equations in general Banach Spaces. In this paper, the results have been employed to establish regularized solutions to Hammerstein’s type operator equations in Hilbert spaces by looking at three cases of regularization
Faculty of Science and Environment EducationJul 19, 2015
Prempeh, E., Owusu-Mensah, I. and Piesie-Frimpong, K (2015). Different Levels of Perturbations of Operators of Hammerstien Type Operator Equations. British Journal of Mathematics and Computer Science, 7,
Abstract
We have studied perturbations of Hammerstein’s Type Operator Equations in general Banach Spaces. In this paper, two different levels of perturbations have been studied in Hilbert spaces.We prove that these levels satisfy the regularization conditions for Hammerstein type operator equations
We have studied perturbations of Hammerstein’s Type Operator Equations in general Banach Spaces. In this paper, two different levels of perturbations have been studied in Hilbert spaces.We prove that these levels satisfy the regularization conditions for Hammerstein type operator equations
Faculty of Science and Environment EducationJul 19, 2015
Kuffour, R. A., Dartey, E., Owusu, W and Dabuoh, P. M. (2014). Level of Awareness of Effects of the Use of Cosmetic Bleaching Products among Women: A Case Study of Bolgatanga Municipality of Ghana.. Research on Humanities and Social Sciences, 11,
Abstract
This study intends to find out the level of awareness of the harmful effects of cosmetic bleaching products among women in Bolgatanga municipality of Ghana. The study also investigated the motives for skin bleaching as well as observing any physical manifestation of bleaching effects on the skin. Structured questionnaire was the main instrument used for the data collection. The questionnaires were administered in ten (10) selected communities in the Bolgatanga Municipality from which one hundred and twenty (120) women were randomly selected. The results showed that 39.2% of the women interviewed used cosmetics bleaching products, 9 women representing 7.5% experienced related side-effects and 82.4% had no knowledge on the side effects of these bleaching products. Chi-square analysis showed that lack of formal education could account for their ignorance. High amount of sunshine in addition to skin bleaching could serve as a predisposing factor which would lead to the contraction of skin cancer. The knowledge of the effects of cosmetic bleaching products is an imperative measure in maintaining a healthy skin.
This study intends to find out the level of awareness of the harmful effects of cosmetic bleaching products among women in Bolgatanga municipality of Ghana. The study also investigated the motives for skin bleaching as well as observing any physical manifestation of bleaching effects on the skin. Structured questionnaire was the main instrument used for the data collection. The questionnaires were administered in ten (10) selected communities in the Bolgatanga Municipality from which one hundred and twenty (120) women were randomly selected. The results showed that 39.2% of the women interviewed used cosmetics bleaching products, 9 women representing 7.5% experienced related side-effects and 82.4% had no knowledge on the side effects of these bleaching products. Chi-square analysis showed that lack of formal education could account for their ignorance. High amount of sunshine in addition to skin bleaching could serve as a predisposing factor which would lead to the contraction of skin cancer. The knowledge of the effects of cosmetic bleaching products is an imperative measure in maintaining a healthy skin.
Faculty of Science and Environment EducationJul 18, 2015
Sarpong, K. Dartey, E and Owusu-Mensah, I. (2015). Phytochemicals and Hazardous Metal Contents in Unregistered Herbal Drugs sold in Kumasi Metropolis, Ghana.. International Journal of Green and Herbal Chemistry, 4,
Abstract
Sixty (60) unregistered herbal drug samples sold as cures for several ailments were collected from six communities (Atonsu, Bomso, Twumduase, Breman, Tafo and Bantama) in the Kumasi Metropolis and assessed. Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry was employed to determine hazardous metal levels and concentrations expressed in μgg-1. Standard methods for qualitative determination of secondary metabolites in samples were applied to the ethanolic extract. Arsenic (As), lead (Pb) and zinc (Zn) contents observed in the samples showed amounts lower than the World Health Organization (WHO) Maximum Permissible Limits (MPL) for the respective metals and pose no health threat to consumers. The range of As, Pb and Zn concentrations in the samples from the six communities studied were: As (0.00 - 0.657μgg-1) , Pb (0.0013- 0.553 μgg-1) , Zn (0.014 μgg-1 - 0.785 μgg-1) for Atonsu; As (0.133 μgg-1 - 0.650 μgg-1) , Pb (0.005 μgg-1 - 0.173 μgg-1) , Zn (0.00 - 0.817 μgg-1) for Bomso; As (0.033 μgg-1 - 1.545 μgg-1) , Pb (0.00-0.776 μgg-1) , Zn (0.051 μgg-1 - 0.423 μgg-1) for Twumduase; As (0.00 - 0.153 μgg-1) , Pb (0.023 μgg-1 - 0.430 μgg-1) , Zn (0.002 μgg-1 - 0.867 μgg-1) for Tafo; As (0.017 μgg-1 - 1.33 μgg-1) , Pb (0.00-2.067 μgg-1) , Zn (0.00 - 0.513 μgg-1) for Breman; As (0.00 - 0.620 μgg-1) , Pb (0.00 - 1.267 μgg-1) , Zn (0.013 μgg-1 - 0.536 μgg-1) for Bantama. The samples contained no alkaloids. However, overall they contained 75 % polyphenols, 8 % flavonoids, 42 % steroids, 48 % saponins and 28 % triterpenes.
Sixty (60) unregistered herbal drug samples sold as cures for several ailments were collected from six communities (Atonsu, Bomso, Twumduase, Breman, Tafo and Bantama) in the Kumasi Metropolis and assessed. Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry was employed to determine hazardous metal levels and concentrations expressed in μgg-1. Standard methods for qualitative determination of secondary metabolites in samples were applied to the ethanolic extract. Arsenic (As), lead (Pb) and zinc (Zn) contents observed in the samples showed amounts lower than the World Health Organization (WHO) Maximum Permissible Limits (MPL) for the respective metals and pose no health threat to consumers. The range of As, Pb and Zn concentrations in the samples from the six communities studied were: As (0.00 - 0.657μgg-1) , Pb (0.0013- 0.553 μgg-1) , Zn (0.014 μgg-1 - 0.785 μgg-1) for Atonsu; As (0.133 μgg-1 - 0.650 μgg-1) , Pb (0.005 μgg-1 - 0.173 μgg-1) , Zn (0.00 - 0.817 μgg-1) for Bomso; As (0.033 μgg-1 - 1.545 μgg-1) , Pb (0.00-0.776 μgg-1) , Zn (0.051 μgg-1 - 0.423 μgg-1) for Twumduase; As (0.00 - 0.153 μgg-1) , Pb (0.023 μgg-1 - 0.430 μgg-1) , Zn (0.002 μgg-1 - 0.867 μgg-1) for Tafo; As (0.017 μgg-1 - 1.33 μgg-1) , Pb (0.00-2.067 μgg-1) , Zn (0.00 - 0.513 μgg-1) for Breman; As (0.00 - 0.620 μgg-1) , Pb (0.00 - 1.267 μgg-1) , Zn (0.013 μgg-1 - 0.536 μgg-1) for Bantama. The samples contained no alkaloids. However, overall they contained 75 % polyphenols, 8 % flavonoids, 42 % steroids, 48 % saponins and 28 % triterpenes.
Faculty of Science and Environment EducationJul 18, 2015
Sarpong, K., Dartey, E. and Owusu-Mensah I. (2014). Assessment of trace metal levels in commonly used vegetables sold at selected markets in Ghana.. International Journal of Medicinal Plant Research, 3,
Abstract
Trace metal levels were assessed in edible parts of thirteen (13) common vegetables sold at seven (7) selected markets; Kumasi, Asante-Mampong, Obuasi, Nkenkesu, Akomadan, Daboase and Nobekwaw in Ghana. The vegetable samples were analysed for Pb, Fe, Zn and Cu using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry. The concentration of Pb registered in Lactuca sativa (1.82 mg/kg), Daucus carota (1.72 mg/kg), Solanum melongena (1.44 mg/kg) and Cucumis sativus (1.37 mg/kg) all from Obuasi were above the FAO/WHO MPL of 0.3 mg/kg. The mean concentrations of Zn in the vegetable samples were all below the FAO/WHO MPL of 100 mg/kg with the exception of Piper nigrum from Kumasi which recorded a mean Zn value of 298.78 mg/kg. The highest mean Fe concentration of 698.79 mg/kg was registered in Lycopersicum esculentus, above the WHO/FAO MPL for Fe of 425 mg/kg. The mean concentration of Cu recorded for all the vegetables were below the FAO/WHO MPL of 73 mg/kg for Cu. The overall mean concentration of trace metals in the vegetables analysed appeared to be within safe limits laid down by FAO/WHO.
Trace metal levels were assessed in edible parts of thirteen (13) common vegetables sold at seven (7) selected markets; Kumasi, Asante-Mampong, Obuasi, Nkenkesu, Akomadan, Daboase and Nobekwaw in Ghana. The vegetable samples were analysed for Pb, Fe, Zn and Cu using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry. The concentration of Pb registered in Lactuca sativa (1.82 mg/kg), Daucus carota (1.72 mg/kg), Solanum melongena (1.44 mg/kg) and Cucumis sativus (1.37 mg/kg) all from Obuasi were above the FAO/WHO MPL of 0.3 mg/kg. The mean concentrations of Zn in the vegetable samples were all below the FAO/WHO MPL of 100 mg/kg with the exception of Piper nigrum from Kumasi which recorded a mean Zn value of 298.78 mg/kg. The highest mean Fe concentration of 698.79 mg/kg was registered in Lycopersicum esculentus, above the WHO/FAO MPL for Fe of 425 mg/kg. The mean concentration of Cu recorded for all the vegetables were below the FAO/WHO MPL of 73 mg/kg for Cu. The overall mean concentration of trace metals in the vegetables analysed appeared to be within safe limits laid down by FAO/WHO.
Faculty of Science and Environment EducationJul 18, 2015
Dartey, E., Berlinger, B., Thomassen, Y., Ellingsen, D. G., Odland, J. O., Nartey, V. K., Yeboah, F. A. and Weinbruch, S. (2014). Bioaccessibility of lead in airborne particulates from car battery repair work.. Environmental Science Processes & Impacts, 16,
Abstract
The bioaccessibility of Pb in air particulate matter from two car battery repair workshops in Kumasi (Ghana) was measured (64 full shift personal aerosol samples). An artificial lung lining fluid simulant (Hatch solution) was applied for leaching the bioaccessible fraction in half of the samples, the other half was leached with synthetic gastric juice. At both locations, the Pb solubility (median) in gastric juice (89% and 92%) is substantially higher than in Hatch solution (4.9% and 5.6%). The high solubility of Pb in gastric juice may be related to the presence of Pb oxides. The low bioaccessibility of Pb in Hatch solution is in good agreement with previous work on mine tailings, urban aerosol, car exhaust, welding fumes and indoor dust. The high bioaccessibility of Pb in the gastrointestinal tract underpins the importance of improving the personal hygienic behavior at the workplace. It is recommended that air monitoring of Pb should include the extrathoracic aerosol fraction using inhalable aerosol samplers, as particles of this size fraction are most likely transferred to the gastrointestinal tract in addition to the non-lung-soluble particles transported from the lung by mucociliary and phagocytosis clearance.
The bioaccessibility of Pb in air particulate matter from two car battery repair workshops in Kumasi (Ghana) was measured (64 full shift personal aerosol samples). An artificial lung lining fluid simulant (Hatch solution) was applied for leaching the bioaccessible fraction in half of the samples, the other half was leached with synthetic gastric juice. At both locations, the Pb solubility (median) in gastric juice (89% and 92%) is substantially higher than in Hatch solution (4.9% and 5.6%). The high solubility of Pb in gastric juice may be related to the presence of Pb oxides. The low bioaccessibility of Pb in Hatch solution is in good agreement with previous work on mine tailings, urban aerosol, car exhaust, welding fumes and indoor dust. The high bioaccessibility of Pb in the gastrointestinal tract underpins the importance of improving the personal hygienic behavior at the workplace. It is recommended that air monitoring of Pb should include the extrathoracic aerosol fraction using inhalable aerosol samplers, as particles of this size fraction are most likely transferred to the gastrointestinal tract in addition to the non-lung-soluble particles transported from the lung by mucociliary and phagocytosis clearance.
Faculty of Science and Environment EducationJul 18, 2015
