Microbial analysis of leafy vegetables in iceless cooling facility

Against the background that leafy vegetables stored under ambient conditions are influenced by environmental factors which may cause significant quality loss in terms of freshness, colour, texture and composition, the iceless cooler was used to evaluate microbial load of leafy vegetables. The samples were evaluated for bacterial (coliforms and mesophiles) and fungal (mold and yeast) loads. Results of the microbial test showed that Corchorus olitorius had highest mean microbial load with plate count of 6.7 x 104 CFU/g and Hibiscus sabdariffa had the least mean microbial load with plate count of 4.8 x 104 CFU/g after five days of storage. Corchorus olitorius show a significant increase of Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococci species after five days of storage. The ANOVA results showed that vegetables stored under ambient conditions were significantly different (p˂0.01) from those stored in the iceless cooler. The results also indicate that Amaranthus dubius recorded the highest mean weight of 1.94kg and maintained its freshness and colour for up to three days compared with Corchorus olitorius with the least weight of 1.84kg

MANAGING AND MAXIMISING THE USE OF SEWAGE IN TAMALE

Treated water is used for bathing, fl;ushing toilets, drinking, cooking, washing, recreation, building, construction and gardening in Tamale resulting in high generation of sewage. Reuse of sewage at homes will supplement the national water budget especially in towns and cities.  This will promote income generation, socio-economic equity and urban food security (Shaat 1998). The treatment ponds in Tamale during the research was basic (pH range 8-10) and was unaffected by seasonal variations. Turbidity values ranged from 32 to 480 NTU. Electrical conductivity varied between 1128-5035 µS/cm. The concentration of DO in sewage ranged from 3.3mg/l in the discharge pond to 10.7mg/l in the aerobic pond. The mean total coliforms of sewage ranged between 1136 and 1880 CFU while faecal coliforms ranged between 336-739 CFU. The proportion of those who pay for water use (69%) coincided with those who use tap water. About 47% of the people in Tamale who use piped water do not get regular supply of water. Willingness to pay for water use was negatively related (?= -0.01) to education

Signs of Financial Distress in Projects Funded by Project Finance

The need to implore project finance for funding projects cannot be overemphasized. Project financing are however susceptible to risk. In the last few decades, a number of projects and companies have plunged into financial distress. The impact of financial distress on economies of nations is huge. Financial distress of companies and projects is of serious concern and need to be investigated in order to find a remedy for the canker. This paper moves beyond traditional ratio analysis to find out the possibility of financial distress of companies and projects using a Prediction model. The Modified Altman’s Z-score Model is applied to the financial statements of the defunct Enron Company to see if it was possible to detect its collapse before it eventually did. The Modified Altman’s Z-score Model is a predictor of bankruptcy. It was found that the use of the Modified Altman Model was possible to notice early signs of financial distress of the Enron Company in particular and generally all businesses. It is recommended that projects and companies should make it a habit to apply Prediction models to test their financial soundness regularly to guide against financial distress. Keywords: Project finance, financial distress, Prediction models, The Modified Altman mode

Perceived Competencies of Agriculture Extension Workers in Extension Services Delivery in Northern Region of Ghana, Perspective from Literature

This study is an exploration of literature on perceived competencies of workers in the agriculture industry.  Extensive literature is reviewed on the topic and related to the need of people in the agriculture sector in northern region of Ghana to help facilitate increased production of agriculture produce.  The study sought to identify the current level of competencies possess by extension workers in the northern region and which level of these competencies are used.  Finding of other authors has been reviewed and compared to the current level of competencies possessed by extension workers.  The importance of competencies are revealed as found by researchers in the field of competencies.  A comparison of the literature to the Ghanaian situation is attempted, demonstration of made on how competencies can help facilitate the work of agricultural extension workers.  Conclusions are drawn and key suggestions made to help guide policy makers and financing partners in agriculture to help formulation policies that will help build the needed competencies in people to enable them function well in the agriculture industry in Ghana. This study is based on literature on the subject.   This paper also analyse the relevance of competencies in agriculture extension services delivery. Keywords: Perceived competencies, Extension service, Abilities, Communication, Performanc

FARMING, EXCRETA AND HEALTH IN TAMALE METROPLITAN AREA-AN ENVIRONMENTAL PERSPECTIVE

Poverty and the rising cost of synthetic fertilizer have compelled backyard gardeners to resort to wastewater irrigation and excreta fertilization in Tamale. Research has indicated that soil texture and nutrients are improved greatly if sludge and wastewater are used for crop production because excreta contain all the nutrients needed for plant growth but may be supplemented for potassium. Infectious organisms such as bacteria, viruses, protozoa and parasites (worms) are found in sludge. Three methods were used by the farmers: Surface spreading method-55%; Pit method-17%; and Spot method-28%. Those who apply four trips of excreta per acre acquired more yield (15 bags/acre of maize) than those who applied less than four trips of faecal sludge. Keywords: Pathogens, Excreta, Hazardous, Bacteria, Compost, Plough, Cespit tank

Techno-economic comparison of standalone solar PV and hybrid power systems for remote outdoor telecommunication sites in northern Ghana

Telecommunication services have continued to evolve to meet the ever-changing bandwidth demand requirements. The electricity grid network of Ghana is faced with challenges, including low voltages, a lack of quick fault response teams, and the proximity to specific locations. Using diesel generators to address the shortfall in grid supply is expensive and has implications for greenhouse gas emissions. This study evaluated the technical and economic benefits of using a standalone solar photovoltaic (PV) system, hybrid (Solar PV/diesel), conventional diesel generators (DG), and grid extension to power an off-grid outdoor telecommunication site. Power solutions configurations were simulated using hybrid optimization of multiple electric renewables (HOMER). The study found the optimum design to be a standalone solar PV/battery system with 56.3 kW solar PV array and Sixty (60) pieces of 12 V SAGM batteries of 135 Ah. The optimum design had a net present cost (NPC) of US$88,176.00 and a cost of energy (COE) of US$ 0.321/kWh. The COE and the NPC of the optimum system were approximately 50% less than the design with DG only, which could significantly impact service tariff and improve access to digital connectivity. The COE from the solar PV/battery system is not competitive with the grid power supply (COE = US$0.12). However, considering the electric distance limit or breakeven distance of 4.51km for grid extension, the solar PV/battery is preferred. Therefore, the stakeholders in providing power solutions to off-grid locations should consider solar PV technology

KNOWLEDGE AND SELF-EFFICACY OF TEACHERS INTEGRATION OF ICT INTO BASIC INSTRUCTION

The use of technology in education has become an unstoppable force in recent years. However, its usefulness largely depends on the success of its integration into teaching and learning. Unfortunately, the majority of teachers do not incorporate it into their classes. The study aimed to test teachers’ knowledge and self-efficacy belief towards integrating Information Communication Technology into teaching and learning at the elementary level. In particular, this research focuses on Junior High Schools in the Kumbungu District of Northern Ghana. The study adopted a qualitative research approach. The results showed that the teachers had high knowledge about ICT and strong positive self-efficacy beliefs on ICT integration into the delivery of their lessons

The Evaluation of Evidence of the Audit Expectation Gap in Ghana

The study examined the existence of audit expectations gap in Ghana from the point of view of auditors, bankers and students of the Institute of Chartered Accountants, Ghana (ICA (G)) as users of financial statements. Questionnaires were used on a sample size of 135 respondents. The random and the convenient sampling methods were used. The study uncovered an expectation gap which was quite wide especially in relation to; auditors responsibility for detecting and preventing fraud and errors, the soundness of the internal control structure of the entity, the auditor not exercising judgment in the selection of audit procedures among others. The researchers therefore recommend that the regulators of audit profession in Ghana must take steps necessary in educating auditors and financial statements users alike and that the establishment of an independent government agency to oversee the implementation of audit regulation in Ghana is eminent. The researchers further propose the extension of the auditors’ responsibility as a shared cost between audit firms and their clients. Keywords: Auditor, audit, audit expectation gap, Ghana, responsibility

Relationship Between Financial Regulation and Microfinance Institutions Sustainability and Outreach in Northern Ghana

Purpose: This study examined the relationship between financial regulation of microfinance institutions and their sustainability and outreach from the view point of managers and operation staff in northern Ghana. Methodology: The study used primary data. Purposive and convenient sampling techniques were used in selecting 189 managers and operating staffs across 18 microfinance institutions operating in northern Ghana. In addition, the researchers purposively sampled 5 experienced senior staff from the Bank of Ghana. Data was collected using structured questionnaires, which was personally administered by the researchers and two research assistants. Research assistants were trained by the researchers on the ethics of this study before and during the data collection process. Data collected was analysed using Spearman’s correlation and descriptive statistics. Findings: The study found positive statistically significant relationship between financial regulation and financial sustainability and outreach among managers and operation staff of MFIs surveyed in northern Ghana. The study further found that financial regulations of MFIs in northern Ghana affected sustainability and outreach. Originality: This study adds to the literature on financial regulation and microfinance sustainability and outreach in the context northern Ghana. Limitations: This study is limited to only northern Ghana and not Ghana in its entirety. The study was delayed due to publication processes and other factors and changes might have taken place in the microfinance industry in northern Ghana. However, this notwithstanding, the results of the study are still relevant for publication. Keywords: Financial regulation, Sustainability, Outreach, Ghana, Microfinance institutions. DOI: 10.7176/EJBM/11-25-10 Publication date:September 30th 201