ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Microplastic Occurrence and Distribution in the Water, Sediment and Fish of the Pra Estuary, Ghana

ABSTRACT The study investigated the occurrence and distribution of microplastics in the water, sediment and fishes from the Pra estuary. Samples were collected using a manta trawl and Ekman grab within sixteen sampling points of 1km apart. Microplastics (MPs) were categorized into shapes, colour, size and polymer types using a stereomicroscope and ATR-FTIR spectrometer. A total of 12 species, Gobionellus occidentalis, Ethmalosa fimbriata, Chrysichthys nigrodigitalus, Elops lacerta, Mugil bananesis, Cynoglossus senegalensis, Galeoides decadactylus, Sarotherodon melanotheron, Apsilus fuscus, Pseudotolithus senegalensis Callinectis aminicola, and Penaeus penaeus were identified to accumulate microplastics. Occurrence of MPs in the gastrointestinal tract exceeded that of the gills. Microplastics were present in the vesical tissues of all the shellfishes sampled. The overall mean (± s.d) density of microplastics in the surface water and sediment were 196,259.84 ± 60168.72 items.km-2 and 116.44 ± 11.31 items.kg-1d.w respectively. The occurrence of microplastics was significantly higher at S-N (a tributary passing the Anlo community) along the Pra estuary. Temporally, microplastic abundance was observed to increase during the early raining season (April) compared to the other months. Further, the flow velocity had a significant influence on microplastic distribution in the water column. Transparent and black fibres, less than 0.5 mm were found to dominate the surface water, sediment and fish. Polyethylene and Polypropylene were found to be the most occurring polymer type in the Pra estuary. Hence, there is the need for proper plastic waste management strategies to reduce the amount of plastics waste entering into the aquatic environment

Source: UCC
Microsatellite based genetic variations and relationships among some farmed Nile tilapia populations in Ghana: Implications on Nile tilapia culture

The study investigated genetic variation and relationships among populations of Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus in pond fish farms located in six regions of Ghana. Thirty fish specimens were collected from each farm and analysed together with improved locally bred ‘Akosombo strain’ and imported ‘GIFT-derived strain’ populations. Fin clips of specimens per farm were labelled, put together, preserved in ethanol and transported to CSIR-WRI laboratory for molecular analysis. All samples were screened with five microsatellite markers using Zymo-kit DNA extraction, PCR technology and agarose gel electrophoresis. Bands visualized were scored and analysed using GenALEx, MegaX, and Genpop on the web. Two of the microsatellite markers, GM531 and GM538 showed four alleles per locus whereas UNH154, UNH222, and UNH995 showed three alleles per locus. ‘GIFT- derived’ was highest in heterozygosity at 0.445 whereas locally bred ‘Akosombo Strain’ was 0.232. Heterozygosity was also high in three populations ranging from 0.232 to 0.258 which suggest high variability among the populations. Gene diversity based on locus ranged between 0.180 to 0.430 whereas genetic differentiation between populations (FST) was 0.140 indicating moderate differentiation between the populations. Three fish population clusters were formed; four clustered closely with locally bred ‘Akosombo Strain’, seven clustered closely with ‘GIFT- derived’ and three other fish farms forming a separate cluster. This debunks common perception that O. niloticus farmed in Ghana is solely the Akosombo strain. Cluster of populations also suggested that farmed Nile tilapia populations are now mixed hence production from different farms would not easily be predictable or comparable.

Source: UCC
Microscopic identification of possible Clonorchis/Opisthorchis infection in two Ghanaian women with undiagnosed abdominal discomfort: two case reports

The impact of foodborne trematode infections is gaining recognition worldwide. Clonorchiasis and opisthorchiasis are some of the most neglected tropical foodborne diseases that pose a significant threat to human health. Persistent or chronic infection of Clonorchis/Opisthorchis often leads to hepatobiliary diseases including cholangitis, cholelithiasis, cholecystitis, pancreatitis, hepatic fibrosis, cholangiocarcinoma and liver cancer. wo cases of Clonorchis/Opisthorchis infection in humans in the Central Region of Ghana are reported. Case presentation:Eggs suspected to be from Clonorchis sinensis orOpisthorchis species were detected in the stools of a 29-year-old Ghanaian woman and an 18-year-old Ghanaian woman in two clinics in the Central Region of Ghana. The diagnosis was based on clinical symptoms as well as detection of the eggs of the trematode in the faeces of the patients using light microscopy after staining with Giemsa or Ziehl–Neelsen stains. Conclusions: To the best of our knowledge these are the first documented cases of Clonorchis sinensis or Opisthorchis species infection in Ghana. The detection of this infection in these patients in Ghana should be of concern to clinicians because the infection can be easily misdiagnosed since the accompanying clinical symptoms are malaria-like. Consideration should therefore be given to Clonorchis sinensis and Opisthorchis species when diagnosing patients presenting with malaria-like symptoms

Source: UCC
Microscopic identification of possible Clonorchis/Opisthorchis infection in two Ghanaian women with undiagnosed abdominal discomfort: two case reports

Introduction: The impact of foodborne trematode infections is gaining recognition worldwide. Clonorchiasis and opisthorchiasis are some of the most neglected tropical foodborne diseases that pose a significant threat to human health. Persistent or chronic infection of Clonorchis/Opisthorchis often leads to hepatobiliary diseases including cholangitis, cholelithiasis, cholecystitis, pancreatitis, hepatic fibrosis, cholangiocarcinoma and liver cancer. Two cases of Clonorchis/Opisthorchis infection in humans in the Central Region of Ghana are reported. Case presentation: Eggs suspected to be from Clonorchis sinensis or Opisthorchis species were detected in the stools of a 29-year-old Ghanaian woman and an 18-year-old Ghanaian woman in two clinics in the Central Region of Ghana. The diagnosis was based on clinical symptoms as well as detection of the eggs of the trematode in the faeces of the patients using light microscopy after staining with Giemsa or Ziehl–Neelsen stains. Conclusions: To the best of our knowledge these are the first documented cases of Clonorchis sinensis or Opisthorchis species infection in Ghana. The detection of this infection in these patients in Ghana should be of concern to clinicians because the infection can be easily misdiagnosed since the accompanying clinical symptoms are malaria-like. Consideration should therefore be given to Clonorchis sinensis and Opisthorchis species when diagnosing patients presenting with malaria-like symptoms.

Source: UCC
Microstructure and visible light photocatalytic activity of Fe–TiO2 films on steel by PEO

Fe doped TiO2 ceramic films were fabricated on carbon steel by plasma electrolytic oxidation. The microstructure of the film was characterised, and the photocatalytic activities of the films were evaluated. The results showed that the phases of the films were anatase TiO2 and Al2TiO5. The film surface was rough and porous. With increasing the treatment time, the pores on film surfaces gradually became deep and large, which made the film surfaces rougher. Fe–TiO2 films showed red shift in photoresponse towards the visible region. The photocatalytic activities of the films were evaluated by photocatalytic oxidation of Rhodamine B aqueous under visible light irradiation. The results revealed that the film showed visible light photocatalytic activity. With increasing treatment time, the degradation rate of rhodamine B gradually increased and the highest degradation rate was ,80% in visible light irradiation for 6 h

Source: UCC
Microstructure characterisation of alumina coating on steel by PEO

Alumina ceramic coating was prepared on Q235 carbon steel by plasma electrolytic oxidation. The discharge process was analysed according to the voltage–time curve. The microstructure of the ceramic coating was investigated by scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffractometry and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The bonding strength, thickness, hardness, surface roughness and corrosion properties of the coatings were studied. The results indicated that coating on Q235 carbon steel mainly consisted of a-Al2O3 and c-A12O3. The coating showed coarse and porous surface. The surface roughness of the coating was 1?8 mm, and the average diameter of the pores was 3–4 mm. The hardness of the coating was 1854 HV. The thickness of the coating was ,28 mm, and the bonding strength was 23 MPa. The corrosion tests indicated that the corrosion current density of alumina coated Q235 in 3?5%NaCl was 8?28961027 A cm22 , which was decreased by two orders of magnitude compared with the uncoated one. The corrosion potential was increased to 20?379 V, which shifted positively by 0?303 V compared to the uncoated one

Source: UCC
Microwave-assisted extraction of natural antioxidants from the exotic gordonia axillaris fruit: optimization and identification of phenolic compounds

Our previous study reported that the fruit of Gordonia axillaris, an edible wild fruit, possessed strong antioxidant activity. In this study, a microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) method was established to extract antioxidants from the fruit of Gordonia axillaris. The influence of five parameters, including ethanol concentration, solvent/material ratio, extraction time, extraction temperature and microwave power, was investigated by single-factor experiments. Three factors, namely ethanol concentration, solvent/material ratio, extraction time, were found to exert a major influence on extraction efficacy, and were further studied by response surface methodology to investigate their interactions. Ethanol concentration of 36.89%, solvent/material ratio of 29.56 mL/g, extraction time of 71.04 min, temperature of 40 ◦C, and microwave power of 400 W were found to be the optimal condition. The TEAC value was 198.16 ± 5.47 µmol Trolox/g DW under the optimal conditions, which was in conformity to the predicted value (200.28 µmol Trolox/g DW). In addition, the MAE method was compared with two conventional methods (Soxhlet extraction and maceration extraction). Results showed that the antioxidant capacity of the extract obtained by MAE method was stronger than that obtained by maceration (168.67 ± 3.88 µmol Trolox/g DW) or Soxhlet extraction (114.09 ± 2.01 µmol Trolox/g DW). Finally, several phenolic compounds in the extract were identified and quantified by UPLC-MS/MS, which were rutin, gallic acid, protocatechuic acid, epicatechin, epicatechin gallate, 2-hydrocinnamic acid, p-coumaric acid, quercetin, chlorogenic acid and ferulic acid

Source: UCC
The Middle Ground of Curriculum: History Teachers’ Experiences in Ghanaian Senior High Schools

This study explores Ghanaian history teachers’ experiences of the "middle ground of curriculum; a crucial stage of curriculum negotiation and a process, according to Harris (2002), that includes what “teachers individually and collectively perceived and enacted. . . prior to classroom implementation” The study employed the concurrent parallel design (Quanqual). The researchers collected quantitative data from sixty history teachers in Cape Coast Metropolis through the census method. Six teachers were randomly selected from the sixty to participate in the qualitative phase of the study. The quantitative data was analysed descriptively (means and standard deviations) while the qualitative data was analysed based on emerging themes. The findings revealed that the history departments through departmental relation, subject conceptualisation and governance influence the ways in which teachers negotiate the formal curriculum prior to teaching. More specifically, the study established the interaction of these variables that shape history teachers’ decision-making on the middle ground of the curriculum. The study, therefore, showed that the internalisation of curriculum change is a dynamic process that is evidenced at all levels of curriculum change – the high ground, middle ground of the curriculum, and lower ground.

Source: UCC
Midwifery students’ willingness to provide manual vacuum aspiration in Ghana

Abortion remains one of the leading causes of maternal mortality in the developing world. Midwives are more likely to provide services to more than half of the world’s population residing in rural areas than other healthcare providers. When properly trained, midwives are able to safely provide manual vacuum aspiration (MVA). As part of a larger study, final-year midwifery students took part in a computer-based survey and were asked about the training and education they received related to MVA. 93 students completed the survey questions related to MVA. 60.2% reported that they are either “very likely” or “likely” to provide this service once they graduate. Only 5 students indicated they had an opportunity to practice the skill during their training. The most common reason for answering “definitely will not” provide MVA was religious beliefs. In Ghana, midwifery students are being taught manual vacuum aspiration, although they are not being given adequate opportunity for supervised experiences. This raises the issue of how well prepared they are to provide this service following graduation. To address the continuing problem of unsafe abortion, midwifery training colleges in Ghana should establish a mechanism to expose students to additional simulation and clinical experiences.

Source: UCC
MIGRANTS‟ ASSOCIATIONS IN GHANA: A CASE STUDY OF THE BONABOTO AND ADUAMOAMAN ASSOCIATIONS

This thesis examined the “BONABOTO” and “Aduamoaman” internal migrants‟ associations in Ghana. The main objective was to examine the associations‟ development process, organisation and persistence. Situated within the mixed method approach, the study utilised purposive and convenient sampling techniques. A total of 120 respondents participated in the survey while 52 key informants were interviewed. The quantitative data was analysed using SPSS (version 21), while qualitative was done manually. The results showed that more males (56%) than females (44%) constitute the membership of the two associations and members were mostly within the age brackets of 30-39 (BONABOTO) and 60-69 (Aduamoaman). There were more literates and formal sector employees in the BONABOTO than in the Aduamoaman. While the majority migrated for education or employment, some moved because of their families and social networks. The associations grew out of informal migrant networks based on common origin, and sustained by interests. The associations are organized based on laid down rules and guidelines coded into constitutions, which attract sanctions when breached. The associations perform the functions of social control, integration and contributors to social development, but are however faced with challenges of waning membership and financial commitment, elitism and clientelism, which derail their activities and intended positive impacts. The study recommends that continuous education for members and frequent interaction should be encouraged in order to maximise the benefits of the associations to members, origin areas and host communities.

Source: UCC
MIGRATION INTENTIONS OF GHANAIAN MEDICAL STUDENTS: THE INFLUENCE OF EXISTING FUNDING MECHANISMS OF MEDICAL EDUCATION (“THE FEE FACTOR”)

Background: To explore the effects of fee paying status on migration intentions of Ghanaian medical students. Design: Cross sectional questionnaire based survey Setting: All established Ghanaian medical schools with students in their clinical years Participants: Fee-paying and non-fee-paying Ghanaian medical students in their clinical years Interventions: None Main outcome measures: Migration intentions of Ghanaian medical students after graduation, Allegiance to Government of Ghana Results: Approximately half (49%) of the medical students surveyed had intentions of migrating after school. Over 48% of those with migration intentions plan on doing so immediately after completing their house job, while 44% plan to migrate at least one year after their house job. The most popular destination chosen by the potential migrant doctors was North America (38%). Fee-paying students were significantly more likely (OR=2.11, CI=1.32, 3.38) than non-fee-paying students to have intentions of migrating after their training. Secondly, fee-paying students were more likely (OR=9.66, CI=4.42, 21.12) than non-fee paying students to feel they owe no allegiance to the Government of Ghana because of their fee-paying status. Conclusions: Medical Students’ fee-paying status affects their intentions to migrate and their allegiance to the country after completion of their training.

Source: UCC
MIGRATION INTENTIONS OF GHANAIAN MEDICAL STUDENTS: THE INFLUENCE OF EXISTING FUNDING MECHANISMS OF MEDICAL EDUCATION (“THE FEE FACTOR”)

Background: To explore the effects of fee-paying status on migration intentions of Ghanaian medical students. Design: Cross sectional questionnaire-based survey Setting: All established Ghanaian medical schools with students in their clinical years Participants: Fee-paying and non-fee-paying Ghanaian medical students in their clinical years Interventions: None Main outcome measures: Migration intentions of Ghanaian medical students after graduation, Allegiance to Government of Ghana Results: Approximately half (49%) of the medical students surveyed had intentions of migrating after school. Over 48% of those with migration intentions plan on doing so immediately after completing their house job, while 44% plan to migrate at least one year after their house job. The most popular destination chosen by the potential migrant doctors was North America (38%). Fee-paying students were significantly more likely (OR=2.11, CI=1.32, 3.38) than non-fee-paying students to have intentions of migrating after their training. Secondly, fee-paying students were more likely (OR=9.66, CI=4.42, 21.12) than non-fee-paying students to feel they owe no allegiance to the Government of Ghana because of their fee-paying status. Conclusions: Medical Students’ fee-paying status affects their intentions to migrate and their allegiance to the country after completion of their training.

Source: UCC
Mineral nitrogen and salicylic acid rates and their effects on yield, quality and alternaria blight incidence in cabbage

Cabbage is the main vegetable grown largely in Adarkabrunso/Adeito in the Bosome Freho District in the Ashanti region of Ghana. Lower yields and quality due to Alternaria blight and inappropriate use of fertilizers are setbacks in its production. A study was conducted to assess cabbage yield, quality and resistance to Alternaria blight under different rates of mineral nitrogen fertilizer and salicylic acid in 2019. Oxylus cabbage variety was planted in a randomized complete block design with six treatments: control (NPK (0-0-0) kg/ha), NPK (30-60-60) kg/ha, NPK (60-60-60) kg/ha, NPK (90-60-60) kg/ha, NPK (90-60-60) kg/ha+ 0.25 mM SA and NPK (90-60-60) kg/ha+ 0.5 mM SA which were replicated four times. Of the parameters studied, leaf area, leaf number and circumference of cabbage heads were significantly different whilst cabbage yield, Alternaria blight and pest resistance, number of folded and unfolded leaves were not significant at 5 % probability level. However, treatments (NPK (90-60-60) kg/ha and NPK (90-60-60) kg/ha + 0.5 mM SA gave an equal yield of (50.9 t ha-1) and resisted the Alternaria blight most. NPK (60-60-60) kg/ha induced better leaf area (6.847 m2) and number (19.875). Control plots (NPK (0-0-0) kg/ha) were more resistant to pests, treatments with salicylic acid (NPK (90-60-60) kg/ha + 0.5 mM SA and (NPK (90-60-60) kg/ha + 0.25 mM SA induced better leaf folding and circumferences (56.95 & 55.05 cm) respectively, Control (NPK (0-0-0) kg/ha) and (NPK (30-60-60) kg/ha) controlled unfolded leaves in cabbage. Meanwhile treatments with highest nitrogen rate NPK (90-60-60) kg/ha stood tall interms of yield, quality, cost and resistance to Alternaria blight in cabbage compare to NPK (90-60-60) kg/ha + 0.5 mM SA.

Source: UCC
Mining and heavy metal pollution: assessment of aquatic environments in Tarkwa (Ghana) using multivariate statistical analysis

Application of multivariate statistics for the interpretation of surface and groundwater data from Tarkwa, a mining community in the Western region of Ghana, is presented in this study. Effluents from extractive industries established over the last half century within the study area are directly discharged onto surrounding land and surface water bodies constituting point and non-point sources of contamination for groundwater in the study area. In the Tarkwa mining area, large deposits of mine wastes, ore stockpiles and waste rocks have become a heap around the place. Twelve parameters including trace elements (Cu, Mn, Cd, Fe, Pb, As, Hg and Zn) and physico-chemical parameters (pH, conductivity, turbidity and total dissolved salts) were monitored on 49 sampling points including surface and groundwater. Data set was analysed using factor analysis (FA). FA identified four factors responsible for data structure explaining 69% of total variance in surface water and two factors in groundwater explaining 79%, and allowed the grouping of selected parameters according to common features. This study underscores the value of multivariate statistical analysis for evaluation and interpretation of the data with a view to stimulating better policy outcomes and decision-making that positively impacts water quality and thus prospectively diminishes the pollution caused by hazardous toxic elements in mining environments

Source: UCC
Mining and Intra-Community Conflicts in Gbane in the Talensi District of the Upper East Region of Ghana

This study explored the effects of mining on communal conflicts in Gbane in the Talensi Traditional Area of the Upper East Region in Ghana. The study employed qualitative research approach using purposive and snowball sampling methods to select the participants for the study. Data for the study was generated through in-depth interviews and focus group discussions. The findings revealed different forms of conflicts manifesting as a result of mining activities in the community. These conflicts involved different mining actors each with their interest and motivations. The conflicts include conflicts community against company conflict, small scale miners against large scale mining companies, a large mining company against another large company conflict. These mining related conflicts were found to evolve into intra-community conflicts in several ways with these old conflicts taking on new dimensions. Drivers of these conflicts range from inadequate consultation, trespassing into mining concessions, non-payment or delays in payment of compensation, and non-enforcement of mining laws. The resultant effect is a polarised community with a breakdown of cultural and social systems, leading to negative peace and stunted development. The study recommends that Mineral Commission and Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources should enforce the Ghana minerals and mining regulations to reduce conflicts over access to and control of land for mining. The role of chiefs and Tindanas in leasing land to prospective miners should strictly be enforced by the Minerals Commission.

Source: UCC