ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Simulated regional yields of spring barley in the United Kingdom under projected climate change

This paper assessed the effect of projected climate change on the grain yield of barley in fourteen administrative regions in the United Kingdom (UK). Climate data for the 2030s, 2040s and 2050s for the high emission scenario (HES), medium emissions scenario (MES) and low emissions scenario (LES) were obtained from the UK Climate Projections 2009 (UKCP09) using the Weather Generator. Simulations were performed using the Aqua Crop model and statistics of simulated future yields and baseline yields were compared. The results show that climate change could be beneﬁcial to UK barley production. For all emissions scenarios and regions, differences between the simulated average future yields(2030s–2050s) and the observed yields in the baseline period (1961–1990) ranged from 1.4 to 4 tons·ha−1. The largest increase in yields and yield variability occurred under the HES in the 2050s. Absolute increases in yields over baseline yields were substantially greater in the western half of the UK than in the eastern regions but marginally from south to north. These increases notwithstanding, yield reductions were observed for some individual years due to saturated soil conditions (most common in Wales, Northern Ireland and South-West Scotland). These suggest risks of yield penalties in any growing season in the future, a situation that should be considered for planning adaptation and risk management

Source: UCC
Simulating a single-server queue using the Q – Simulator

This paper introduces a technique for simulating a single-server exponential queuing system. The technique called the Q-Simulator is a computer program which can simulate the effect of traffic intensity on all system average quantities given the arrival and/or service rates. The Q-Simulator has three phases namely: the formula based method, the uncontrolled simulation, and the controlled simulation. The Q-Simulator generates graphs (crystal solutions) for all results of the simulation or calculation and can be used to estimate desirable average quantities such as waiting times, queue lengths, etc

Source: UCC
Simulating spatial growth patterns of urban areas in Ghana: An agent based modeling approach

In Sub-Saharan Africa, rapid urban growth has outstripped the capacities of central and local government to control and regulate urban land development; hence people construct their homes on available lands most of which are liable to floods. This research set out to identify the driving forces of spatial growth and to simulate spatial growth patterns of structures in the Shama district of the Western Region of Ghana using an agent-based modeling approach. The study was conducted within a framework of Net Logo with geographic information systems (GIS) data layers prepared in ArcGIS. The Net Logo assisted to incorporate and simulate driving forces that affect location decision-making by households and the growth of informal structures. A preliminary survey was conducted to obtain household location decision preferences. The study established that the development of unplanned structures and eventual settlement has been a function of land price, proximity to economic Centre’s, household economic potential, and the location decision-making patterns of households. This exploratory study also found that the majority of spontaneous development took place in areas liable to floods suggesting that some structures fall outside the required building regulations. The application of the proposed model indicates its potential to improve urban planning policies and decision-making processes in emerging cities of developing countries. Also, the result of the simulation suggests potential preferential location for residential development. The research justifies an approach in the area of simulating urban dynamics with agent-based models given the inclusion of empirical data layers.

Source: UCC
Simulation of the Stability of the Engineered Barrier System of the Borehole Disposal System for the Disposal of Disused Sealed Radioactive Sources in Ghana

Ghana has opted for the Borehole Disposal System (BDS) as the long-term management solution for disused sources in storage. Confidence in the ability of the BDS to provide containment of the radionuclides for the requisite timescale rests on an adequate understanding of the behaviour of the engineered barrier system (EBS) on the host environmental conditions. The stability of the EBS to augment the natural barriers to ensure the long-term safety of the BDS had been demonstrated with the aid of a scoping tool. The failure times of the EBS were calculated based on hydro-chemical data determined at the site. The failure times which indicated the stability were influenced by the variations in the thickness of the engineered barriers. The results indicated faster failure times in aerobic environment compared to anaerobic environment. At the end of the failure times of the engineered barriers, the short-lived disused sources had decayed to negligible activities levels for all the scenarios considered. However, the activities of the long-lived disused sources at the end of the failure times had decayed by a factor of two as compared to the initial activities. The study thus demonstrated that with the required thickness for the proposed materials, the engineered barriers evaluated appeared stable on the host environmental conditions for a period commensurate to contain the disused sources for them to decay to their exemption levels. The disused sources could therefore be disposed using the BDS, particularly in anaerobic zone based on the engineered barriers evaluated. The results of the study could serve as reference data for the Nuclear Regulatory Authority when granting authorisation to the applicant. The implementer of the project could also use the results as a supplementary data in developing their safety case and in the fabrication of the waste packages.

Source: UCC
Simulation studies of plasmon enhanced evanescent near-field optical lithography

A finite element analysis (FEA) of surface lasmon polariton (SPP) assisted evanescent near field optical lithography (ENFOL) is described. A gold on silicon nitride nanostructured, low-stress, conformable mask is used to control the coupling etween surface lasmons (SPs) and the incident light, in conjunction with an optically active resist, to couple the SPs and the transmitted evanescent field for in lithography

Source: UCC
A simulation study on spss ridge regression and ordinary least squares regression procedures for multicollinearity data

This study compares the SPSS ordinary least squares (OLS) regression and ridge regression procedures in dealing with multicollinearity data. The S regression method is one of the most frequently applied statistical procedures in application. It is well documented that the LS method is extremely unreliable in parameter estimation while the independent variables are dependent (multicollinearity roblem). The Ridge Regression procedure deals with the multicollinearity problem by introducing a small bias in the parameter estimation. The application of ridge egression involves the selection of a bias parameter and it is not clear if it works better in applications. This study uses a monte Carlo method to compare the results of OLS Procedure with the Ridge egression procedure in SPSS

Source: UCC
Simultaneous determination of lithium, sodium and potassium in blood serum by flame photometric flow-injection analysis

A simultaneous flow-injection analysis (FIA) manifold that could analyse three ions from a single injection was designed, constructed, calibrated and used successfully to analyse Li+. Na+ and K+. This FIA method was 10 times faster than the batch technique. The sample volume required was a fraction of about l/l 10 to 1,/75 that of the batch technique. The outputs were quite reproducible and calibration curves were linear. Results obtained for artificial sera compared favourably with the actual known concentrations of ions and results obtained in the analysis of eight natural human blood sera compared well with those obtained by the traditional batch technique

Source: UCC
Single and joint toxicological effect of dispersit spc 1000 and bonny oil on mudskipper fish (periophthalmuspapilio) from the brackish waters of Buguma, River State, Nigeria

Marine oil spillage accidents greatly impact major risks to the environment in terms of the acute and chronic adverse effects not only to the offshore, but also the coastal ecosystem. This study assessed single and joint toxicological effect of Dispersit SPC 1000 and Bonny Oil on mudskipper fish (Periophthalmus papilio) from the brackish water research station of African Regional Aquaculture Centre, Buguma, Rivers State, Nigeria. The physicochemical parameters observed throughout the study were the pH, alkalinity and salinity were 6.83 ± 0.1, 40 mg/L± 0.2 and 17,655 mg/L respectively. The temperature and Dissolved oxygen (D.O.) and specific gravity averaged 26.7 o C ± 0.1, 5.70 mg/L ± 0.02 and 1.008 ± 0.001, respectively. Dispersit SPC 1000 was found to be toxic to the mudskipper at various % (v/v) concentration, above 60 % (v/v) concentration no fish survived after one hour. The relation between the probit mortality and log concentration showed a strong positive correlation between the dispersant concentration and fish mortality within 3 hours, with r2 = 0.813 p = 0.05;The lethal dose Lc50 was 73.48%. Within 6 hours, the mortality increased as the dispersant exposure concentration was increased (r2 = 0.872, p =0.05). The results of exposure of the mudskippers to the water-oil-dispersant mix (CEWAF) showed lower mortalities. Mortality was observed after 72 hours for dispersant concentration above 54 %. 63% dispersant concentrations, 20% mortalities was observed between 72 and 96 hours. Dispersit SPC 1000 alone was highly toxic, and the toxicity of CEWAF was primarily caused by the presence of dispersant. There was no joint increase in toxicity between bonny oil and the chemical dispersant, as the mixing of the dispersant by the oil resulted in diminished toxicity of CEWAF and lower mortality

Source: UCC
A ‘single point’ experimental approach of assessing the inactivation kinetics of -glucuronidase by aqueous-based leaf extractives notably used as enemas

Excess beta-glucuronidase in the caecum and colon is responsible for enterohepatic circulation of toxic aglycones, which have been implicated in development of cancer, diarrhea, jaundice and other disease conditions of the gut. Botanicals are potential sources of molecules, which can serve as dietary components for inactivating beta-glucuronidase. Enzyme inactivation is employed in this study to categorize the potencies of the leaf extracts of Alstonia boonie (Ext1), Vernonia amygdalina (Ext2), Heliotropium indicum (Ext3) and Momordica charantia (Ext4) to inactivate betaglucuronidase. In a ‘single point’ experimental approach a fixed amount of five micrograms of each samples were tested for their ability to reduce -glucuronidase activity. Extracts reduced activity of the control (100%) to about 5-30% in 20 minutes. Ext2 and Ext3 were more potent as inactivators recording lower Km, Vmax and kcat compared to Ext1 and Ext4. Ext2 and Ext3 treatments resulted in 619 and 843 fold decreases in -glucuronidase activity respectively. The partitioning ratios kinact/Km, kcat/kinact and Di values confirmed Ext2 and Ext3 as the more potent inactivators of -glucuronidase than Ext1 and Ext4. Furthermore, Ext2/Ext3 inactivation mechanisms may involve the formation of a tenary enzyme-inactivator-substrate complex, which could be different from the inactivation mechanisms of Ext1/Ext4. However Ext2, Ext3 and Ext4 treatment produced same magnitude of order of the inactivation reaction, n = 0.17 and inactivation rate constant, kinact = 0.0024 min-1 compared with n = 0.09 and kinact = 0.0020 min-1 of Ext1 treatment which are indication of the complexity and form of the molecules in the extracts. Thus, extracts of similar chemical entities could display varying degrees of inactivation mechanism. These results show that the ‘single point’ experimental approach can be used to categorize the potencies of consumable botanicals for their ability to inactivate -glucuronidase

Source: UCC
Siting of vehicle terminals in Cape Coast metropolitan area: safety issues, challenges and the way forward

Cities and traffic have developed hand-in-hand since the earliest large human settlements. The level of urbanisation in the developing world indicates that more people live in cities than before. This blueprint has led to high unbearable levels of traffic congestion in cities, vehicle terminals, streets and thoroughfares. The main objective of the study was to examine issues and challenges with respect to the siting of vehicle terminals in the Cape Coast metropolis. The study employed a descriptive survey design to sample 196 respondents and road management institutions in the Cape Coast metropolis through simple random and purposive sampling techniques. The main instruments used to collect data for the study were questionnaires and in-depth interviews. The study revealed that passenger demands, availability of space, limited space in the Central Business District, demand from community members and availability of passengers were the main factors that contributed to siting of vehicle terminals in the Cape Coast Metropolis. In addition, it was found that stakeholders in the transport sector played key roles in managing vehicle terminals, even though respondents were not satisfied with their roles. The study recommends provision of proper and standard lorry terminals, regular inspection, decongestion of illegal terminals and collaboration among stakeholders as measures to deal with unplanned vehicle terminals in the Metropolis

Source: UCC
Size-related differences in feeding habitat use of adult female loggerhead turtles Caretta caretta around Japan determined by stable isotope analyses and satellite telemetry

Stable isotope analyses and satellite telemetry were used to investigate the relationship between the body size and feeding habitat of adult female loggerhead turtles Caretta caretta around Japan. A total of 149 females from 2 nesting sites, 600 km apart, 1 in Minabe and 1 in Yakushima, was examined by stable isotope analyses of the egg-yolk in 1998 and 1999. Since there were neither significant intra- nor inter-clutch variations in δ 13 C or δ 15N egg-yolks from the same female, the isotope signatures of a single egg-yolk from any clutch in a nesting season could be used to represent those of its nesting female. Both isotopic values increased as the body size of the nesting female increased, irrespective of nesting site. Comparisons between isotopic values of loggerhead egg-yolks and prey items revealed size-related differences among both feeding habits (planktonic or benthic) and habitat areas (pelagic or neritic) of female loggerheads. In 1999, 5 females nesting in Minabe were tracked by satellite. After the nesting season, 2 females with low isotopic values migrated to the pelagic Pacific along the Kuroshio Current, whereas 3 with high isotopic values migrated to the neritic East China Sea. The former females were smaller than the latter. These results were consistent with inferences from stable isotope analyses and previous findings, indicating that the body size, habitat area, and feeding habit of female loggerheads around Japan are closely related. In addition, there were no significant differences in δ13C or δ15N between recruits and remigrants, implying that female loggerheads do not change their feeding habitats during the reproductive stage. We postulate that female habitat selection as a function of body size is closely related to the recruitment and settlement in immature loggerheads, which return to Japan after developmental migrations in the North Pacific

Source: UCC
Size-related differences in feeding habitat use of adult female loggerhead turtles Caretta caretta around Japan determined by stable isotope analyses and satellite telemetry

Stable isotope analyses and satellite telemetry were used to investigate the relationship between the body size and feeding habitat of adult female loggerhead turtles Caretta caretta aroundJapan. A total of 149 females from 2 nesting sites, 600 km apart, 1 in Minabe and 1 in Yakushima, was examined by stable isotope analyses of the egg-yolk in 1998 and 1999. Since there were neither significant intra- nor inter-clutch variations in δ13C or δ 15N egg-yolks from the same female, the isotope signatures of a single egg-yolk from any clutch in a nesting season could be used to represent those of its nesting female. Both isotopic values increased as the body size of the nesting female increased, irrespective of nesting site. Comparisons between isotopic values of loggerhead egg-yolks and prey items revealed size-related differences among both feeding habits (planktonic or benthic) and habitat areas (pelagic or neritic) of female loggerheads. In 1999, 5 females nesting in Minabe were tracked by satellite. After the nesting season, 2 females with low isotopic values migrated to the pelagic Pacific along the Kuroshio Current, whereas 3 with high isotopic values migrated to the neritic East China Sea. The former females were smaller than the latter. These results were consistent with inferences from stable isotope analyses and previous findings, indicating that the body size, habitat area, and feeding habit of female loggerheads around Japan are closely related. In addition, there were no significant differences in δ13C or δ15N between recruits and remigrants, implying that female loggerheads do not change their feeding habitats during the reproductive stage. We postulate that female habitat selection as a function of body size is closely related to the recruitment and settlement in immature loggerheads, which return to Japan after developmental migrations in the North Pacific

Source: UCC
Skilled labour placement and organisational efficiency: A case study of Ghana Customs and Preventive Services

The aim of the study was to investigate skilled labour placement and organizational efficiency in the Customs Excise and Preventive Service of Ghana (CEPS). To achieve this goal, questionnaires specially designed in line with the objectives of the study were administered to 200 officers of CEPS. Their responses were analyzed with the Predictive Analysis Software (PASW) version 17 and presented in the form of simple frequency tables. The results of the study suggest that CEPS measured the efficiency of its employees by considering how fast they processed client’s clearing documents, the extent to which they were able to work with minimal errors and with less supervision, their ability to initiate and maintain friendly customer relationship, their ability to detect revenue fraud and finally by their ability to solve job-related problems as they arise. The results further suggest that in spite of the challenges faced by CEPS, skilled labour placement played some role in achieving organizational efficiency. An average of 50 percent of transfers and placements in CEPS were based on academic or professional backgrounds. Based on the findings, the study recommended that management should involve in training and capacity building for staff. Secondly, management should be involved in recruitment and placement processes thereby recruits be tested for the skilled they applied for. It is also recommended that CEPS’ management should show more commitment to staff transfer and that transfer must primarily be based on proven qualifications, skills and experiences.

Source: UCC
Slavery and Community in the 1st Century C. E.: A Reading of the Letter to Philemon and Its Contextual Implications

ABSTRACT The quest to incarnate Christianity in a multi-cultural society—to contend with dilemmas of modern slavery—has called for an interpretation of the Bible able to respect the text and engage with the culture. Given the interpretative challenges the Letter of Philemon poses to biblical scholarship, the study set out to analyse the text as a ‘rhetorical discourse’ situated in the socio-economic context of the 1st Century CE and to identify the insights that may be gained from the comprehension and appropriation of the text in the contemporary Ghanaian context where different forms of modern slavery are still present and often justified as part of the traditional culture. The study employed the tri-polar exegetical model of African contextual interpretation as its theoretical framework to bridge the gap between the academic and popular reading of the biblical text and thereby make Scripture ‘relevant’ in the Ghanaian community. Empirical data was collected through personal interviews and secondary data were retrieved from journals, legal documents as well as institutional policies and reports on modern slavery in Ghana. The findings revealed that modern forms of slavery are incompatible with the Christian faith and Ghana’s legal system, yet the menace is wide present and tolerated in our Christian communities. The study also discovered Christocentric values and actions indispensable for subverting abusive master servant relationships. Accordingly, the study calls on Ghanaian contemporary churches to employ advocacy and diplomacy to denounce any hidden form of modern slavery in the community as part of their socio-religious responsibility. In particular, religious leaders should partner with frontline institutions in the fight against modern slavery.

Source: UCC
Slum Dwellers’ Particpation in the Governance of Slum within the Ashaiman Municipality of Ghana

Slums are being created in many developing world cities as a result of rapid urbanisation, poor infrastructure, and inadequate facilities to accommodate the growing urban population. This study investigated the participation of slum dwellers in the governance of slums in two communities within the Ashaiman Municipality of Ghana. Using a systematic random sample technique, 390 slum inhabitants provided cross-sectional data. In the Ashaiman settlements of Tulaku and Manmomo, key informant interviews were also carried out with a selected core officials of the municipality, community leaders and civil society organisations. Atlas ti 9 was used to analyse the themes in the data, and STATA 14.0 was used to generate descriptive statistics. The investigation produced the following results: first, the majority of slum inhabitants in the study area were involved in the local governance system. Second, slum residents' involvement in the decentralised local governance structure was influenced by their educational attainment, length of residence, and intention to remain in the community. Third, important players in the local governance structure included assembly members, unit committee members, opinion leaders, and slumpreneurs. Fourth, most of the inhabitants largely participated in activities related to cleanliness and sanitation. The municipal assembly should implement programmes to enhance participation in local governance amongst the slum dwellers. The central government through the local government authority should also facilitate the provision of essential public infrastructural facilities such as drains, paved roads and educational facilities in the study areas.

Source: UCC