ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
The use of herbal medicines by pregnant women in the Obuasi municipality

Background: Prior knowledge, perception, and some demographic characteristics are key determinants of the use of herbal medicine among pregnant women before, during and after pregnancy. Numerous studies have come out with different results. Studies in the past have either confirmed already discovered reasons for Complementary and Alternative Medicine use during pregnancy or revealed otherwise. Objectives: This study sought to access the use of herbal medicines by pregnant women in the Obuasi municipality. Methods: A crosssectional study design was conducted among pregnant women who have used Herbal preparation in their previous pregnancy at Obuasi municipality. A simple random sampling approach used to recruit participants. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire assessing the specific objectives of the study. Data obtained were analyzed using STATA Version 14.0. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were carried out. Relationships between categorical variables were analyzed using the Pearson chi-square test at a significance level of P <0.05. Results: A sample of 300 women participated in the study. The mean age of the respondents was 33.7±5.5years. The results showed that 52% of respondents has ever used herbal medication (HM) and 66.7% of these people believed herbal preparations were cheaper and that orthodox medication was more effective (55.3%) than herbal medicine. A larger proportion saw no adverse effect in the combination of both orthodox and herbal medicine (70.3%). About 52.6% of women knew the effects of herbal medicine use. Factors such as the number of pregnancies which HM was taking for [AOR = 2.14; 95% CI. = 4.83-9.5], the stage of the pregnancy [AOR = 9.71; 95% CI. = 1.9-14.73] and the ability to consult other people on HM for details [AOR = 3.13; 95% CI. = 1.73-5.36] were factors that influenced a woman to use HM during pregnancy. Conclusion: This study explored the knowledge, perceptions, and utilization of herbal medicine among pregnant women in the Obuasi Municipality of Ghana. Many pregnant women reported positive perceptions and attitudes towards herbal medicines as well as using such therapies frequently. Sensitization of the community on the effects of herbal medicines on pregnant women and their unborn babies is key.

Source: KNUST
The use of low linear density polyethylene in the production of LLDPE-sand-stone composites.

The efficient management of plastic wastes is a great challenge for most developing countries. This study examined the effect of melt blending a waste low linear density polyethylene film popularly called “sachet water” into sand and granite and forming a composite of different ratios. The polymeric material was shredded and melted in an aluminium pot at a temperature range of 110 ºC - 120 ºC and added to granite and sand in ratios of 9 %, 12.5 %, 14 %, 25 % and 28. 5%. Studies involved determining the effect of sulphuric acid, water and sodium carbonate on the composite material. The mechanical properties determined were the compressive strength on the composite materials produced. The impact strength was also determined on the composite material. FTIR analyses were carried out on all the initial compounds used and the final composite product formed. The compressive strength of the composite block increased as the weight of the polymeric material was increased. As the ratios of the polymeric material was increased in the composite from 9 % to 25 %, the compressive strength of the polymeric composite increased for both 7 days and 28 days. The most compatible and suitable composite material produced was at 25 % loading of the polymeric material and at 28.5 % loading of the polymeric material the compressive strength reduced from the maximum peak. The composite material had maximum impact strength of 80.442J. The use of waste LLDPE films carries the advantage and cheap means of using it in lightweight construction works and is an alternative way to utilize plastic waste

Source: KNUST
The use of mixed media in the production of Metal Art.

The focus of this study was to explore and incorporate various artistic and non artistic media into the production of metal art. The researcher was particularly interested in integrating more non metallic materials that are not traditional to the production of metal art in the decoration, finishing and the protective coating of metal art works. Basic hand forming techniques including raising, chasing and repoussé, piercing and soldering were employed in the execution of the works. Other techniques such as painting, dyeing and macramé were also used. Non metallic media that were used in the production of the works included leather, nail polish, acrylic paint, epoxy, formica glue, graphite, eye pencil, lagging, foam, wood, shoe polish, shoe lace, eggshell paper, spray paint, cotton cords and correction fluid. It was discovered that non metallic media could successfully be integrated into the production of metal art thus diversifying the course of traditional metal art in Ghana particularly in KNUST.

Source: KNUST
Use of mild heat pre-treatment of whole pineapples for quality retention and improved shelf-life of its fresh-cut fruits

Mild heat pre-treatment has been used by a number of researchers to improve on the shelf-life and sensory qualities of fruits. The effect on sensory and nutritional attributes of fresh-cut MD2 and Smooth Cayenne pineapples subjected to mild pre-heat treatment at 60 °C, 70 °C, and 80 °C for 10, 20 and 30 min was studied. The optimum treatment condition that maintained the highest sensory and nutritional quality and variety was determined. Further studies was conducted to determine the effect of mild heat pre-treatment and storage condition (ambient and refrigeration) on the chemical (vitamin C content, pH values, TSS content and moisture content of treated and untreated pineapples), microbial (yeast, mould and aerobic bacteria) and sensory attributes of MD2 pineapple variety. A preference test to asses taste (sweet, sour balance), texture (firm, soft), and appearance/colour; and chemical (vitamin C and sugar content) analyses were carried out on the samples after a 24 h storage period during the first phase. Results showed that vitamin C content reduced with increased temperature and time of treatment in both varieties of pineapples. Total Soluble Solids (TSS) content of samples from both varieties increased with increase temperature at 10 min treatment. Sensory attributes (Taste, texture and appearance/colour) improved at some treatment conditions used in this experiment (80 °C -10min, 70 °C -10 min, 70 °C - 20 min, 60 °C -10 min). The optimum treatment condition and variety were 73.49 °C – 10 min and MD2 pineapple variety respectively where pineapples maintained the golden brown colour typical of MD2 variety and had an improved firmer texture and a good balance of sweet and sour taste highly preferred by consumers. Moisture, pH and TSS loss was reduced in treated MD2 fruits in both storage conditions during the second phase of the work. Shelf-life of the treated fruits was improved about a double fold in terms of microbial count (ambient treated and untreated = 2.3, 1.3; refrigerated treated and untreated = 6.2, 3.0) and vitamin C content (ambient treated and untreated = 12.0, 7.5; refrigerated treated and untreated = 27.0, 17.9).Thus mild heat pre-treatment technology for extending shelf-life of fresh-cut pineapples and maintaining sensory attributes will provide an alternative to the use of chemical additives.

Source: KNUST
The use of microbe plus to improve phosphorus availability from rock phosphate under oil palm (Elaesis guineensis, Jacq.) nursery

Although there are several options open to process Rock Phosphate (RP) into a form that is more plant available, the options for small-holder farmers are limited. Practical alternative methods and technologies of rock phosphates have to be developed for the farm level. The use of Microbe plus to improve RP solubility under oil palm nursery was evaluated at Oil Palm Research Institute (OPRI) of Ghana, Kade – Kusi, in the Eastern Region from May 2013 to May 2014. The study consisted of 16 treatments replicated 3 times in a 4 by 4 factorial experiment arranged in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD). The factors tested were: P fertilizers (Po ; Triple superphosphate, TSP; Senegal rock phosphate, SRP; Togo rock phosphate, TRP) and Microbe plus rates (0, 50, 100, 150 %). Data collected included number of fronds/palm, butt, height, LA, LAI, dry matter, frond nutrient contents, soil pH and soil available P. The results showed that the P fertilizers and Microbe plus rates applied alone or their interactions had no significant (p>0.05) effect on frond numbers/palm, butt, height, LA, and LAI. Frond nutrient contents, dry matter produced and soil parameters on the other hand, were significantly different from each other (p<0.05). The highest pH of 5.1 and available P of 180.36 mg kg -1 was observed at 10 months after transplanting (MAT) following the application of TSP. The use of MP100 showed pH of 5.2 and available P of 142.55 mg kg -1 at 10 MAT. The combined applications of TSP + MP150 produced the highest dry weight (285.50 g) and available P (180.90 mg/kg) (which represented 42 and 285 % increase respectively over the control). Also, TSP + MP100 treatment recorded 47 % increase in dry weight over the control at 10 MAT. Soil pH produced by the combined applications was also within the critical range (4 – 6.5) for oil palms, except for TRP and MP 50 and MP 100 which was below the critical range. Besides, the combined application of Microbe plus with TSP or SRP proved to be better option in terms of vegetative growth than the TRP. In all, the xiii combined use of MP 100 and P fertilizers gave the highest vegetative and soil parameters measured. Economically, the most cost effective nutrient input was the use of TSP alone whiles the least cost effective options were MP150 with TSP or SRP or TRP. The correlation matrix also showed a strong positive correlation (r = 0.873) between seedling height and butt; a weak positive correlation (r = 0.325) between soil available P and LAI, as well as, LA and LAI. (r = 0.528). Soil available P and biomass P correlated positively (r = 0.339), whereas, available P and biomass N correlated negatively (r = -0.543).

Source: KNUST
USE OF OPEN ACCESS JOURNALS BY LIBRARIANS IN GHANA

Introduction: This study examined the use of open access journals by librarians in Ghana. The objectives were to establish the familiarity, attitude and benefits of open access journals among librarians in Ghana. Method: This study uses a survey research design. A web-based questionnaire was used to seek information on respondents’ demographics, awareness, use, attitudes and benefits of open access journals. Analysis: Descriptive statistics was used to analyze survey results. The Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) was used for the analysis of data collected from 103 librarians who are members of the Ghana Library Association. Results: All the respondents were aware of open access journals and to a greater extent that they showed positive attitude towards open access journals. Many of them however, are not fully committed to publishing their articles in open access journals. It is recommended that, librarians should be willing to publish more of their research works in open access journals in order for them to be ambassadors and advocate for open access. Conclusion: Knowledge of open access journals and related content among librarians is crucial not only in disseminating research quality but also in weeding out poor content.

Source: KNUST
The use of Moringa Oleifra leaf powder in the management of sub-clinical protein energy malnutrition in childen between the ages of 6-36 months

Malnutrition is a major factor in the often high rates of infant mortality in the tropics and sub-tropics. Current treatment for children involves the use of special formulated foods which are either labeled as F-100 or F-75. These formulated foods are expensive and not sustainable in the long term. A study was undertaken to evaluate the potential of Moringa oleifera leaf powder in the management of malnutrition in children between the ages of 6 - 36 months. 25 selected malnourished children were fed 15 grams of dry Moringa leaf powder in their diets for 4 weeks. Anthropometric indicators were measured (weight to height ratio), haematological (haemoglobin and corrected white blood cell) and biochemical analysis (serum urea and serum albumin) were also carried out. Haematological results showed that daily addition of Moringa oleifera leaf powder to the diets of the children resulted in a significant (p < 0.001) linear increase in the haemoglobin levels of subjects. The individuals understudied had corrected white blood cell count that fell within the reference range of 4.5 - 13.5 K / \i\ both at the baseline studies and at the end of the study period. Biochemical results obtained showed that all the subjects had serum urea levels within the normal range of 1.4-6.8mmol/l and addition of Moringa leaf powder to the foods of the subjects resulted in a significant (p < 0.001) linear increase in serum urea levels of subjects. It was observed that none of the subjects fed on Moringa oleifera leaf powder had serum albumin level that was below the lower limit of the accepted range (38.0 - 51.0 g/1) both at the baseline study and throughout the study period. Anthropometric results obtained showed that Moringa fed subjects obtained better weight gain than the F-100 fed subjects. Thus Moringa leaf powder has the potential to contribute significantly to the management of malnutrition in children between the ages of 6-36 months.

Source: KNUST
Use of performance based contracting for road maintenance works in Ghana

Road authorities always strive to reduce the maintenance costs of the road infrastructure system by using various traditional methods of contracting. Due to the emerging problems faced by road agencies in controlling the quality of maintenance works and the management of time and cost related to various traditional methods of contracting, some road agencies worldwide have started to consider alternative solution to the problem. In the light of the above, this research aimed at identifying the expected benefits and challenges of implementing a Performance Based Contracting for Road Maintenance works in Ghana. The specific objectives were therefore to identify the expected benefits, implementation challenges and routine maintenance activities that are capable of being implemented easily using Performance Based Contracting. Samples of road maintenance administrators within the urban road network who are directly involved in the procurement of maintenance works, were surveyed using structured questionnaires. The factors identified were ranked by respondents and the data was analysed using one sample t-test, relative importance index and One-way Anova. The analysis identified cost savings, improved control and enforcement of quality standards and enhancement of expenditure certainty as the most significant benefits of using Performance Based Contracting. Allocation of risk to the party that is able to manage them, Fear of losing job, and the design of incentive payment schemes were found to be the most significant challenges with regards to the implementation of the Performance Based Contracting method. Finally, cleaning of drainage structures/kerbs, desilting works, green area maintenance and potholes patching were identified to be the routine maintenance activities that can easily be implemented using Performance Based Contracting. As noted throughout the study, the implementation of PBC on many road maintenance projects has yielded the desired results leading to some extent as high as 40% cost savings. Cost savings, enhancement of quality standards, expenditure certainty and other significant benefits identified are potential benefits that the road agencies and the country as a whole stand to gain if PBC is implemented. The prospects of implementing PBC are therefore very high for road agencies and the country as a whole and far outweigh the surmountable implementation challenges. This research is therefore recommending that legal and regulatory frame work by way of standard bidding documents be put in place so that routine maintenance activities will be awarded using this contracting method as a piloting process. Steps should also be put in place to enable staff of the various road agencies to acquire new skills for the successful implementation of this contracting method.

Source: KNUST
The use of printed and dyed textiles and their socio-cultural effects on the Ghanaian society

The importance of choice at textiles in the Ghanaian society cannot be over-emphasized. The Ghanaian usually considers social, economic, cultural and. spiritual factors before he chooses textiles to clothe himself. This choice and. the type of textiles a Ghanaian uses have influenced his life so much so that there is the belief that even though modern fashion springing out from these printed and dyed textiles enhance individual beauty, the craze f or the fast changing fashions in textile design has also given rise to some social ills in the society. To find, out the authenticity of the assumption, on the choice of textiles and the effects these textiles have on the Gahanna society, it was found necessary to carry out this research to examine critically the major factors that influenced the production and. use of printed and dyed fabrics in Ghana. This research has covered the historical overview of printed and dyed fabrics in Ghana. Identification and classification of types of textiles were made and traditional and contemporary textile fashions were hi lighted. The significant factors that promote the sale and use of printed and dyed textiles were also discussed in detail Analyses of the use of printed and dyed fabrics and their socio-cultural effects on the Ghanaian society were made based on the data collected. Finally, the summary of the research, suggestions and recommendations have been made.

Source: KNUST
The use of rumble strips as a speed - reducing measure on the Kasoa – Winneba road

The installation of rumble strips on the Kasoa-Winneba road is aimed at reducing speed, especially within settlements along the road to improve traffic safety. Thus, this research attempted to determine the effectiveness of the installation of rumble strips as a speed reducing measure. An inventory of rumble strips was conducted and spot speed data were recorded on sections with rumble strips and sections without the rumble strips. Speeds were recorded for all the classified vehicle types. The analysis of the spot speed data indicated that vehicles reduce speed at sections with rumble strips. Again the percentage of speed reduction at locations where strips were preceded by speed humps was significant compared to locations without speed humps. It was also revealed that small vehicles recorded the least reduction in speed of 23%, followed by medium vehicle represented by minibus with 28% reduction in speed. Heavy vehicle represented by a heavy truck recorded the highest speed reduction of 33% in speed .The overall speed reduction for all the three categories of vehicles was estimated as 26%. Considering the percentage reduction in speeds for categories of vehicles, it can be concluded that, the installation of rumble strips is an effective speed reducing measure in the light of pedestrians’ fatalities especially within settlements on highways.

Source: KNUST
The use of small group work to improve problem solving in the study of engineering thermodynamics

This work has neither underplayed nor exaggerated the importance of learning in groups as a way of accelerating and understanding the study of engineering thermodynamics with particular reference to’ problem solving .The main focus is on the active participation by students in the solving of problems. The research is organised around the premise that the personal qualities of individual students and the techniques they employ in problem solving can be harnessed by the use of small study groups if there is both team commitment and individual commitment within these groups. The action research is conducted by assessing how students obtain solution to engineering problems. This is achieved by interviewing both lecturers and students. This is then followed by the ‘group task’, which consists of giving out assignment to a group of students not more than six in the group and again scheduling tutorials for each of these groups. Group Tasks are assessed by Awarding Group Marks. Previous examination results are then compared with examination results obtained after the group task. At the end of the research, group task is seen to be a method, which can be employed to get students actively involved in problem solving.

Source: KNUST
Use of social media in a national Tuberculosis Drug Resistance Survey: lessons from the first anti-tuberculosis drug resistance survey in Ghana

Background: The widespread use of social media applications on mobile phones indicate that smart phones have become more than just a simple medium for voice calling. Several studies have shown the potential benefit of these social media applications in discussing many health conditions. We report on tracking sample transport by public and private transport providers using WhatsApp during the first nationwide drug resistance tuberculosis (TB) survey in Ghana. Methods: The survey was conducted between February 2016 and June 2017, and involved 33 TB diagnostic sites selected on the basis of a two-stage cluster randomized sampling design on both anticipated yield and probability proportional to size method. We engaged the services of privately and publicly owned vehicles’ union to transport samples to the central laboratories in Kumasi for further laboratory processing.We created a mobile social group platform (‘National TBDRS’) on WhatsApp consisting of two representatives from each site as well as other stakeholders. The purpose was to notify a laboratory team in Kumasi, on the following details of the sample: date and time of dispatch, driver’s name, car number, estimated time of arrival, and bus terminal name. Results: A total 3077 WhatsApp messages were received during the survey period. Of these, 2879 (93.57%) messages were related to the survey. We observed a positive correlation between the total number of messages received and the total number of well-packaged sputum samples sent (r=0.89, p=0.02). There were no major transport delays (11:44±03:50) and all samples arrived within a 3-day window from the survey sites. Conclusions: Using WhatsApp as a platform of communication can significantly aid in improving tracking of samples, enhance accountability of for example drivers handling the samples over at a road crossing and communication across health facilities.

Source: KNUST