Delays to Large Construction Projects in Ghana： A Risk Overview

Delay to large scale projects, which is as a result of actions or inactions of some project stakeholders, is becoming a global phenomena and Ghana is no exception. The objective of the research is to identify, rate and rank the most significant risk factors that causes delay on projects and examine the social impact of these delays to recommend modalities to help mitigate these risk factors. The study adopted quantitative methods with the distribution of 144 questionnaires to built environment professionals receiving a response rate of 75.7%. The instrument listed 58 common factors under eight categories that contribute to the causes of delay for respondents to rate. Analysis of data non-parametric test revealed that client, contractor, material and finance category factors significantly resulted in the schedule delay of large infrastructural projects. The survey analysis revealed that micro-factors that result in delays to large construction projects are time constraint, cost overrun, payment problems, dispute and litigation. The research recommended the following modalities to minimize such delays： availability of resources, improved communication and coordination, proper scope definition and feasibilities, utilization of modern technology, appropriate application of technologically based systems and competent project management＇s structures.     

Compatibility problems after intravenous immunoglobulin--a case report

The purpose of this study was to determine whether there are changes in anterior and posterior glenohumeral translation after arthroscopic, nonablative, thermal capsuloplasty with a laser. Two anteriorly and two posteriorly directed loads were sequentially applied to the humerus of nine cadaveric glenohumeral joints, and anterior and posterior translation of the humerus on the glenoid was measured. The glenoid was rigidly fixed, and the glenohumeral joint was positioned simulating 90 degrees of shoulder abduction and 90 degrees of external rotation. Using the holmium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet laser, thermal energy was then applied to the anterior capsuloligamentous structures and anterior and posterior translation measurements were then repeated. The results showed a significant reduction in anterior and posterior translation after laser anterior capsuloplasty. Anterior translation decreased from 10.9 +/- 2.0 mm (mean +/- SEM) to 6.4 +/- 1.5 mm with the 15-N load; and from 13.4 +/- 2.1 mm to 8.9 +/- 1.8 mm with the 20-N load. Posterior translation decreased from 7.2 +/- 1.2 mm to 4.4 +/- 0.6 mm with the 15-N load and from 10.4 +/- 1.4 mm to 6.5 +/- 0.9 mm with the 20-N load. These results indicate that the holmium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet laser can be used to decrease glenohumeral joint translation and may be an effective treatment for glenohumeral joint instability.     

Effect of Particle Size on the Dissolution Characteristics of Chlorthalidone

The particle size reduction of chlorthalidone by fluid energy milling, Alpine milling and Fitzpatrick milling were evaluated. The desired particle size was achieved by both the fluid energy milling and Alpine milling processes. Alpine mil1ing, however, is a more complex process and is susceptible to product decomposition, whereas fluid energy milling is a simple and efficient process without any risk of product decomposition. The desired particle size cannot be achieved by Fitzmilling because of the low probability of impaction force on particles. The dissolution rate of the chlorthalidone from chlorthalidone/propranolol hydrochloride tablets (25/80 mg) prepared with fluid energy milled chlorthalidone was significantly better than the tablets prepared with Fitzpatrick - milled chlorthalidone. The minimum effective specific surface area of chlorthalidone needed for maximum dissolution in water was found to be around 3.5 m²/g.     

Dietary modulation of avian coccidiosis

During the past several years, our laboratory has been investigating the anticoccidial activities of various natural products that have potential use as dietary supplements for coccidiosis control. Sources of fats containing high concentrations of n-3 fatty acids such as menhaden oil and flaxseed oil and flaxseed, when added to starter rations and fed to chicks from one day of age, effectively reduce lesions caused by the caecal parasite Eimeria tenella, but not lesions caused by Eimeria maxima. Our results are consistent with reports of effects of diets high in n-3 fatty acids on other protozoan parasites which suggest that the state of oxidative stress induced by these diets in the cells of both host and parasites is responsible for their parasitic actions. Artemisinin, a naturally occurring (Artemisia annua) endoperoxide and effective antimalarial significantly lowers lesions from E. tenella when given at low levels as a feed additive. The mechanism of its action is also considered to involve induction of oxidative stress. Diets supplemented with 8 p.p.m. gamma-tocopherol (abundant in flaxseeds) or with 1% of the spice tumeric, reduce mid-small intestinal lesion scores and improve weight gains during E. maxima infections. These compounds may exert their anticoccidial activity because they are effective antioxidants. Betaine, a choline analogue found in high concentrations in sugar beets, improves nutrient utilisation by animals under stress. When provided as a dietary supplement at a level of 0.15% it has enhanced the anticoccidial activity of the ionophore, salinomycin. Betaine may act as an osmoprotectant whereby it improves the integrity and function of the infected intestinal mucosa. In in vivo studies, betaine plus salinomycin significantly inhibit invasion of both E. tenella and E. acervulina. However, subsequent development of E. acervulina is inhibited more effectively with this combination treatment than development of E. tenella.     

Cytodiagnosis of primary malignant melanoma of the female urethra--a case report

Clinical course of multiple myeloma in patients under 40 years of age was analysed. In all cases diagnosis was established in III stage of the disease according to Durie and Salmon. In 4 cases good response to treatment (partial remission or stabilisation of proliferative process) was achieved. Survival time of 2 dead patients was 5 and 74 months, and that of 3 still alive patients is 41, 53, and 59 months and tends to be longer than median survival time of general population of patients with multiple myeloma.     

Kinetic studies of copper ion adsorption on palm kernel fibre

Palm kernel fibre is a common agricultural waste in West Africa and its use as an adsorbent for the removal of copper ions from aqueous solution has been studied. Batch kinetics studies were carried out based on the assumption of the pseudo-second-order kinetic model, which was developed to predict the rate constant of adsorption, the equilibrium adsorption capacity and initial adsorption rate with the effect of initial copper concentration and reaction temperature. A comparison was made of the linear least-squares method and a trial-and-error non-linear method of the pseudo-second-order kinetic model for the adsorption of copper onto palm kernel fibre.