ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Effect of fermentation on the quality characteristics of nixtamalized corn

Spontaneous lactic acid fermentation is an important process in cereal processing. It is applied to develop and enhance taste and flavour, modify texture and improve the microbial safety of foods. When applied to nixtamalized corn mixed with traditional steeped corn it is expected to further improve the functionality, improve nutritional quality and provide an alternative corn-based ingredient. The objective of this study was to investigate the chemical and functional properties of fermented blends of steeped and nixtamalized corn. A 3 × 5 factorial experimental design with fermentation time (0, 24, 48 h) and blends composition (0:100, 25:75, 50:50, 75:25, 100:0 steeped:nixtamalized corn) was performed. The blends were fermented for the specific times and analysed for pH, titratable acidity, water absorption, texture and viscosity. The pH of all the blends decreased with a corresponding increase in titratable acidity as fermentation time was increased. Decreases in water absorption capacity, texture, colour and cooked paste viscosity were measured in all the blends with increasing fermentation time. The cooled paste viscosity of the blends containing 50:50, 25:75 and 0:100 of steeped:nixtamalized corn showed decreases from 1840 to 780, 650 to 240 and 2240 to 1790 BU, respectively, after 48 h of fermentation. The sample derived from 100% steeped corn, however, showed increases in water absorption capacity, texture and cooked paste viscosity with increasing fermentation time. Nixtamalized corn can be subjected to spontaneous fermentation to produce thin, energy dense gruels of acceptable qualities to solve the low energy density problem of weaning foods prepared from fermented corn. © 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.

Source: UG
Effect of financial development on international trade in Africa: Does measure of finance matter?

Although improving international trade on the back of financial sector development is one of the preoccupations of countries in Africa, empirical literature on financial development-trade nexus has not been rigorous in examining how finance shapes trade. In this study, we examine the effect of financial development on international trade in Africa relying on data for 46 countries over the period 1980–2015. Results from our system generalized method of moments reveal differential effects of finance on trade. In particular, we notice that, private credit does not promote trade while domestic credit positively affects trade. These effects are robust to measures of trade. Thus, improving the level of private (domestic) credit dampens (amplifies) exports and trade openness. However, we also find a U-shaped relationship between private credit and trade measures suggesting that financial sector development may be detrimental (helpful) to trade for economies with low (high) level of private credit. © 2018 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group

Source: UG
Effect of firm size and corruption on financial challenges of savings and loans companies: Evidence from Ghana

Savings and loan companies have attempted to satisfy the needs of their customers by raising assets and giving them credit. The study examines the financial challenges of savings and loan companies in Ghana from 2016 to 2021. The data came from the Savings and Loans Companies database and the Bank of Ghana (BoG) database. Using panel data analysis and the Whited-Wu Index, the results show that the firm shows a consistent higher level of financial constraints of − 1.7 in 2016. From 2019 to 2021, the company will have easier access to funds compared to the period between 2017 and 2018. The study shows that cash holdings and private credit have a positive influence on the financial constraints of the companies. The study also found that firm size, collateral security, corruption index, and exchange rate significantly affect the financial challenges of companies nega tively. It turned out that there was no connection between Ghana’s economic growth and the company’s financial challenges. The absence of sufficient financing significantly affects operations and profitability for the company. It is therefore recommended that there be business realignment at the savings and loan companies in Ghana. Company realignment is mostly done to get out of lines of business with poor margins and go into lines that are more naturally financially smart and boost performance.

Source: UG
The effect of foreign market knowledge on SME export performance: a study of non-traditional SMEs in Ghana

Purpose: It is well documented in the extant literature that knowledge plays a crucial role in small and medium enterprise (SME) internationalization. Exporting SMEs from developing economies faces many challenges, including lack of knowledge about institutions in foreign markets and inadequate knowledge about foreign institutions and limited internationalization knowledge (IK). However, research on the export performance of SMEs has thus far focused on the internationalization strategies of multinational corporations. This study aims to explore the effect of foreign market knowledge on SME export performance. The authors also assessed the moderating effect of employee absorptive capacity in the knowledge-performance nexus. Design/methodology/approach – The authors adopted a survey design to collect data from owners managers of SMEs and exporters in the Greater Accra region of Ghana. A total of 350 questionnaires were distributed based on convenience. Of this number, 257 usable responses were used in the final analysis. The authors tested the proposed model using partial least squares-structural equation modeling. Findings: The findings show that the three types of foreign market knowledge tested in this study, namely, foreign institutional knowledge (FIK), foreign business knowledge and IK have positive and significant effects on SME exporters’ performance. It also shows that employees’ absorptive capacity the relationship between FIK and SME exporters’ performance. Originality/value: The study demonstrates the types of knowledge relevant to SME export performance. The study further demonstrates the moderating effect of employee absorptive capacity on the relationship between knowledge and export performance. The study advances existing knowledge on SME performance. especially from an emerging economy context.

Source: UG
Effect of fortification of maize with cowpea and iron on growth and anaemia status of children

Iron and iron deficiency anaemia is of concern globally, and most vulnerable are children and women. In Ghana, after six months of age when breast milk is not enough, children are given cereal-based gruels which are poor in nutrients. Addition of cowpea to maize improved nutrient quality but not enough to meet iron needs. We investigated the effect of iron-fortified maize-cowpea blend in controlling iron deficiency anaemia in a high risk population. Fifty-six children aged 6 - 18 months in two peri-urban communities were randomly assigned (i) iron-fortified food or (ii) non-iron fortified food, fed daily for six months. Haemoglobin concentration (Hb), serum iron, total iron-binding capacity (TIBC), transferrin saturation, weight, length and mid upper arm circumference (MUAC) were measured at baseline and at the end of intervention. Generally, growth improved in the iron fortified group over the control group. Iron status was improved in the test group. Significant differences were observed in haemoglobin concentration (1.08±1.43 compared with -0.40±1.72 g/dL, p=0.0009), and the risk of developing anaemia was about 3 times less likely among this group compared to the non-fortified group. The children liked the diets, and preparation did not create an additional burden for mothers. Use of cowpeas and maize are within the socio-cultural context of the people, hence the right vehicle for fortification and has implications for intervention, policy and advocacy.

Source: UG
The effect of fruit fly larval density on some quality parameters of mango

Three varieties of mango, Jaffna, Palmer and Kent were infested with different first instar larval densities (10, 20 and 30) of the invasive fruit fly species, Bactrocera invadens Drew, Tsuruta & White. This was to determine the effect of each of the densities on three fruit quality parameters. The parameters included Total Soluble Solids (TSS), Percentage Titratable Acidity (% T.A.) and pH, of which TSS and pH showed decreasing trends while % T.A. showed an increasing trend with time. In the controlled treatments where fruits were either held intact or punctured but with no introduction of larvae, there was an increase in pH and TSS and a decrease in %T.A.. The shelf-life, which was taken as the period from the first day of treatment till signs of damage were observed, saw the three varieties infested with 10 larvae lasting up to 6 days, while fruits infested with 20 and 30 larvae lasted for 3 days. The shelf life of the controlled treatments for all the varieties lasted till the 15th day. The presence of fruit fly larvae in fruits causes a number of changes in internal quality parameters such as the TSS, pH, % T.A. and the internal damage area. While pH and TSS decreased with storage time, % T.A. increased with storage time compared with the controlled fruits. Total damage area of fruits was also increased with increase number of larvae introduced. pH, TSS and % T.A. of Jaffna and Kent on the 3rd day of storage were almost the same as their control treatments. Despite the differences, the presence of fruit fly larvae in fruits (irrespective of number), will have negative impact on the internal quality parameters after the 3rd day of storage and reduce the market (export and locally) value of the fruits.

Source: UG
The effect of fruit fly larval density on some quality parameters of mango

Three varieties of mango, Jaffna, Palmer and Kent were infested with different first instar larval densities (10, 20 and 30) of the invasive fruit fly species, Bactrocera invadens Drew, Tsuruta & White. This was to determine the effect of each of the densities on three fruit quality parameters. The parameters included Total Soluble Solids (TSS), Percentage Titratable Acidity (% T.A.) and pH, of which TSS and pH showed decreasing trends while % T.A. showed an increasing trend with time. In the controlled treatments where fruits were either held intact or punctured but with no introduction of larvae, there was an increase in pH and TSS and a decrease in %T.A.. The shelf-life, which was taken as the period from the first day of treatment till signs of damage were observed, saw the three varieties infested with 10 larvae lasting up to 6 days, while fruits infested with 20 and 30 larvae lasted for 3 days. The shelf life of the controlled treatments for all the varieties lasted till the 15th day. The presence of fruit fly larvae in fruits causes a number of changes in internal quality parameters such as the TSS, pH, % T.A. and the internal damage area. While pH and TSS decreased with storage time, % T.A. increased with storage time compared with the controlled fruits. Total damage area of fruits was also increased with increased number of larvae introduced. PH, TSS and % T.A. of Jaffna and Kent on the 3rd day of storage were almost the same as their control treatments. Despite the differences, the presence of fruit fly larvae in fruits (irrespective of number), will have negative impact on the internal quality parameters after the 3rd day of storage and reduce the market (export and locally) value of the fruits

Source: UG
Effect of gamma radiation and storage at 4°C on the inactivation of Listeria monocytogenes, Escherichia coli and Salmonella enterica Typhimurium in Legon-18 pepper (Capsicum annuum) powder

Objectives: Spices are low moisture foods which have been known to be contaminated with various pathogens and sun-dried Legon-18 pepper powder is not left out. Due to its contamination with various pathogens, a study was conducted to determine the effects of gamma irradiation on the decontamination of Legon-18 pepper powder and on some quality parameters. Methods: Samples were obtained from a local farmer from the Eastern Region of Ghana. Sterility tests were carried out. The samples were inoculated with known cfu/ml of Escherichia coli, Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella enterica Typhimurium. Samples were irradiated at 1, 2, 4, and 5 kilogray (kGy). Zero kilogray served as control (unirradiated). All samples were stored at 4oC for 60 days. Enumeration of the various pathogens was done in appropriate media. Some quality parameters were determined after irradiating unsterile samples at 5 kGy and 0 kGy served as control. Capsaicinoids and carotenoids were quantified using a high performance liquid chromatography. The samples were stored at 4oC for 8 weeks. Results: A dose-dependent effect on the inactivation of the pathogens was observed (P < 0.05). Storage time affected the inactivation of the pathogens as well (P < 0.05). Complete inactivation of the pathogens was observed at 5 kGy at day 0. Capsaicin, dihydrocapsaicin and total capsaicinoid content of the samples irradiated at 5 kGy increased at 23.64%, 14.7 % and 20.95% respectively as compared with the contents of the unirradiated samples. A gamma irradiation dose of 5 kGy caused losses of 8.11%, 8.67% and 26.54% in capsanthin, beta carotene and beta cryptoxanthin respectively. Quality parameters measured reduced with storage (P < 0.05). Conclusions: Gamma irradiation inactivated pathogens at 5 kGy. Lower doses used during the study could inactivate the pathogens but with time. All quality parameters and carotenoids quantified were affected by gamma irradiation and storage period (P < 0.05).

Source: UG
The Effect of Ghana’s National Health Insurance Scheme on Health Care Utilisation

Objectives: The study investigates the effect of Ghana’s National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) on health care utilisation. Methods: We provide a short history of health insurance in Ghana, and briefly discuss general patterns of enrolment in Ghana as well as in Accra in a first step. In a second step, we use data from the Women’s Health Study of Accra wave II to evaluate the effect of insurance on health seeking behaviour using propensity score matching. Results: We find that on average individuals enrolled in the insurance scheme are significantly more likely to obtain prescriptions, visit clinics and seek formal health care when sick. Conclusion: These results suggest that the government’s objective to increase access to the formal health care sector through health insurance has at least partially been achieved.

Source: UG
The effect of global volatility, uncertainty and geopolitical risk factors on international tourist arrivals in Asia

The major tourist destinations in the Asian region are promoting and maintaining a conducive tourism environment. The susceptibility of the major tourist destinations in Asia, the uncertainties may encumber the arrival of international tourists. However, to the best of our understanding, the research in this area is scant. Further though the tourism-uncertainty nexus has been widely explored in the literature, the deliberations in a time-varying and frequency-domain framework continue to be ignored. Thus, building upon the earlier deficiencies this study investigates in a time and scale-varying framework the tourism uncertainty/risk nexus for Singapore and Malaysia is one of the two major tourist destinations in the Asian region. This article endeavors to investigate the role of world policy uncertainty, US Monetary Policy Uncertainty, geopolitical risk, Global Financial Stress Index and market volatility on international tourist arrivals in Malaysia and Singapore. To the best of our understanding, this study is the foremost to scrutinize the interrelatedness between these variables in a multivariate wavelet causality framework, from January 2000 to April 2020. Our results show that global uncertainties manifested through different macro-based indicators affect international tourism demand for the destination countries. During the subprime crisis, Euro-crisis and the pandemics significant coherencies are perceivable. The major empirical findings of the impact of uncertainty indicators and geopolitical risk on international tourist arrivals over the recent period have important implications for policy makers and practitioners.

Source: UG
Effect of gold mining on total factor productivity of farmers: Evidence from Ghana

Gold mining comes with several benefits to developing countries, manifested mainly in the form of employment and revenue, but simultaneously impacts negatively on the immediate environment. It affects the economic structure including agriculture and its productivity. Hence, this study investigated the effect of gold mining on total factor productivity of farmers in Ghana using 110 cocoa farmers from Asutifi North and Asutifi South districts of the Brong Ahafo Region, categorised into mining and non-mining areas respectively. About 83 % of the farmers in the mining areas were affected by gold mining through channels such as land disputes, relocation of farm/residence, high cost of labour, illegal small-scale mining and dust settlement on crops. Also, about 64 % of cocoa farmers in the mining areas lost their farm lands (between 0.4 and 3.64 ha as a result of gold mining. The Tornqvist Total Factor Productivity (TFP) indices for cocoa farmers in the non-mining areas (mean TFP of 1.404) were also statistically higher than those in the mining areas (mean TFP of 0.371). The study concluded that gold mining activities adversely affect productivity of farmers in the catchment areas. The study recommends, among others, that a policy of land-for-land should be in place and effectively implemented to ensure that mining companies in order to enhance and ensure continuity of livelihoods must fully replace lands lost through mining activities.

Source: UG
Effect of habitat change through infrastructural development on small mammal diversity and abundance on the Legon Campus of the University of Ghana.

The study investigated the effect of real estate development on small mammal diversity and abundance in order to inform town planners during their decision-making process. Small mammals were used because they are relatively easy to survey and serve as bio-indicators that provide knowledge on the state of health of the habitat in which they inhabit. The University of Ghana Campus, Legon (UGCL) was divided into two sites: built-up areaand the botanical garden, which is less developed. The small mammals were live-trapped using Sherman traps in May 2009 for seven nights by means of transect in the two study sites, using a mixture of peanut butter and corn meal as the preferred bait. The 350 trap-nights yielded 68 captures of five species of small mammals. They were (i) Pygmy mouse (Mus musculoides), (ii) Unstriped grass rat (Arvicanthis niloticus), (iii) Tullberg’s soft-furred rat (Praomys tullbergi), (iv) African giant shrew (Crocidura olivieri) and (v) White-bellied hedgehog (Atelerix albiventris). Small mammal diversity and abundance were similar between the two sites. This may be due to the comparatively large size and the presence of green areas in the built-up area. The preference of C. olivieri for human-interfered habitats may be used to monitor further habitat modification through real estate development in UGCL.

Source: UG
The Effect of Health Expenditure on Selected Maternal and Child Health Outcomes in Sub Saharan Africa

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of public and private health expenditures on selected maternal-child health outcomes in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Design/methodology/approach The study utilizes panel data on 40 SSA countries spanning the period 2000-2010. The data are analyzed using the fixed effects estimation technique. Findings The results indicate that public health expenditure is inversely and significantly related to infant (IMRR) and under-five (U5MR) mortalities in SSA. Though public health expenditure has the a priori negative sign, it has no significant effect on maternal mortality (MMR) in SSA. Further, private health expenditure did not prove to be significant in improving maternal-child health outcomes (IMRR, U5MR and MMR) in SSA. Practical implications The implication of the findings is that a percentage point increase in public health expenditure (as a share of GDP) across the region will result in saving the lives of about 7,040 children every year. Hence, it is important for governments in SSA to increase their shares of health expenditure (public health expenditure) in order to achieve improved health outcomes. Originality/value Previous studies have not adequately explored the effect of various components of health expenditures – public and private – on health outcomes in the context of SSA. In addition to the focus on maternal-child health variables such as infant, under-five and maternal mortalities, the study accounts for the possibility of a non-linear and non-monotonic relationship between healthcare expenditures and health outcomes.

Source: UG
The Effect of Health Expenditure on Selected Maternal and Child Health Outcomes in Sub-Saharan African

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of public and private health expenditures on selected maternal-child health outcomes in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Design/methodology/approach The study utilizes panel data on 40 SSA countries spanning the period 2000-2010. The data are analyzed using the fixed effects estimation technique. Findings The results indicate that public health expenditure is inversely and significantly related to infant (IMRR) and under-five (U5MR) mortalities in SSA. Though public health expenditure has the a priori negative sign, it has no significant effect on maternal mortality (MMR) in SSA. Further, private health expenditure did not prove to be significant in improving maternal-child health outcomes (IMRR, U5MR and MMR) in SSA. Practical implications The implication of the findings is that a percentage point increase in public health expenditure (as a share of GDP) across the region will result in saving the lives of about 7,040 children every year. Hence, it is important for governments in SSA to increase their shares of health expenditure (public health expenditure) in order to achieve improved health outcomes. Originality/value Previous studies have not adequately explored the effect of various components of health expenditures – public and private – on health outcomes in the context of SSA. In addition to the focus on maternal-child health variables such as infant, under-five and maternal mortalities, the study accounts for the possibility of a non-linear and non-monotonic relationship between healthcare expenditures and health outcomes.

Source: UG