ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Biochar and/or compost applications improve soil properties, growth, and yield of maize grown in acidic rainforest and coastal savannah soils in Ghana

Use of biochar for soil fertility improvement is gaining popularity due to its potential to improve soil quality, increase crop yield, and sequester carbon from the atmosphere-biosphere pool into the soil.A40-day pot experiment was carried out to investigate the eﬀects of corn cobbio charand compost applied alone(atarateof2%,w/w)orin combination(1%ofeach,thus1%compost+1% biochar)onsoilphysicochemicalproperties,growth,andyieldofmaizeontwosoilsofcontrastingpHandtexturecollectedfrom the Rainforest and Coastal Savannah agroecological zones of Ghana. Biochar and compost applied alone or in combination signiﬁcantly increased soil pH, total organic carbon, available phosphorus, mineral nitrogen, reduced exchangeable acidity, and increased eﬀective cation exchange capacity in both soils. Additionally, combined application and single application biochar or compost additions increased the plant height, stem girth, and dry matter yields of two maize (local (“ewifompe”) and hybrid (Obaatanpa))varieties used in the study. The study showed that biochar applied alone or in combination with compost oﬀers the potential to enhance soil quality and improve maize yield

Source: UCC
Biochemical changes that occur in plantain (unripe) and cassava peels during processing (sun‐drying)

Cassava (Manihot spp) and green (unripe) plantain (Musa spp., AAB group) peels are a cheap source of feed to ruminant livestock in Ghana. Since cassava and plantain availability in large quantity is seasonal, effective utilization of the peels can be obtained by sun-drying (processing) to increase its dry matter content and enhance its storability. A study was conducted to determine the effect of sun-drying on the chemical components of the peels with the view to enhance peel utilization by small scale ruminant livestock farmers in Ghana. The colour and texture of the peels changed appreciably after processing. The observed peel to pulp ratios (wet basis) were 53:47, 40:60, and 21:79; and 36:64, 27:73 and 15:85 (dry matter basis) for French-, and False-horn plantains and cassava, respectivley. Significant increases in dry matter content (15.14% to 94.00%, 17.51% to 91.00% and 30.02 to 87.64%) for French-, False-horn plantain and cassava peels, respectively, resulted from the processing (P<0.05). Sun-drying increased the acid detergent fibre (ADF), acid detergent lignin (ADL), and acid detergent insoluble nitrogen (ADIN). But decreased substantially reducing sugar, chlorine, and iodine concentrations (non significant, P>0.05) in the sun-dried peels. The treatment does not seem to influence the quality of feed in terms of energy and digestible organic matter

Source: UCC
Biochemical composition of some marine fish species of Ghana

The biochemical compositions of five commercial marine fish species (Chloroscombus chrysurus, Pseudotolithus senegalensis, Sardinella aurita, Scombus japonicus and Syacium micurum) landed at the Elmina landing quay were analyzed using standard analytical techniques. The results indicate significant differences among the biochemical compositions of the five fish species studied. Moisture content ranged from 72.36% in S. japonicus (chub mackerel) to 79.06% in S. micurum (the sole fish). The least protein content (16.71%) was observed in S. micurum and the highest of 22.53% in S. japonicus. The fat content was highest for S. japonicus (15.27%) and lowest for S. micurum (3.10%). In all the five fish species studied, calcium content was highest, followed by phosphorus and iron content was the least. P. senegalensis (cassava fish), however, had higher phosphorus than calcium content. S. micurum is therefore recommended for people with over-weight (obesity) problem.

Source: UCC
Biochemical constituents influencing the resistance to flower bud thrips in cowpea [vigna unguiculata (l.) walp] germplasm

The flower bud thrips, Megalurothrips sjostedti, is a major pest of cowpea that can cause yield losses of up to 100%. The use of cowpea cultivars resistant to thrips is among the most promising control measures. Six cultivars were evaluated in 2016 in Uganda for resistance to thrips under field conditions and analyzed for total carbon, total reducing sugar, total protein, soluble amino acid, total phenol, flavonoids, antioxidant activity and tannin contents. Data were subjected to analysis of variance, correlation and multiple linear regression analyses. The results showed that the genotypes responded differently to thrips damage and thrips counts in flowers and they presented different concentrations in total reducing sugar, total carbon, soluble amino acid, antioxidant activity, flavonoids and tannin in the plants parts. Cultivar TVU-1509 suffered the least thrips damage (1.03) while WC36 was severely damaged by thrips (6.55). A significant negative correlation was observed between thrips damage scores and total carbon concentration (r=-0.54) indicating that total carbon plays a significant role against thrips damage in cowpea. Increase in the concentration of flavonoids, total reducing sugar, total carbon in the plants contributed to the reduction of thrips damage (coefficient of regression = -1.47; -0.61 and -0.48, respectively) while the increase in the concentration of the soluble amino acid contributed to the increase of thrips damage (coefficient of regression = 2.10), suggesting that these biochemical conferred the resistance of cowpea to flower thrips damage. These biochemical compounds could be promising candidates to bolster cowpea cultivars ’resistance

Source: UCC
Biochemical studies of resistance levels of cocoa varieties at cocoa research institute of Ghana, Tafo-Akim to cocoa swollen shoot virus

Blood transfusion saves lives but can result in poor client outcome when it is associated with errors. This study aimed at examining the knowledge of blood transfusion and practice errors among nurses in the Cape Coast Teaching Hospital. The study utilized a descriptive cross-sectional design approach using 140 registered nurses who were selected purposively. A modified Routine Blood Transfusion Knowledge Questionnaire (RBTKQ) was used to collect information in two sections. First part on demographic data and second part on knowledge and practice errors which were structured along a three-point Likert scale. Data was analysed with SPSS version 20, the binary logistic regression analysis was employed and all inferences were drawn at 5% significance level. Results showed that nurses have higher knowledge in the four phases of blood transfusion practices as they scored overall averages of 2.79, 2.80, 2.64 and 2.83 out of 3.0 for Phases I, II, III and IV, respectively. Although, majority of the nurses (72.0%) acknowledged they have not received any official training on blood transfusion since commencement of clinical work. A z-value of 165.29 and p<.05 indicated that there was a significant difference in the knowledge level of the nurses on the four phases of the procedure. On commonest errors, 40 (28.6%) nurses reported that they sometimes forgot to check vital signs throughout the transfusion process. This study concludes that nurses have very good knowledge on blood transfusion process but some practice errors exist that put patients at risk. Periodic training and auditing of the transfusion process is therefore recommended

Source: UCC
Biochemical studies of resistance levels of cocoa varieties at cocoa research institute of Ghana, Tafo-Akim to cocoa swollen shoot virus

Biochemical studies were carried out on ten cocoa types to find out their different levels of resistance to Cocoa Swollen Shoot Virus. The beans were inoculated via viruliferous nymphs of mealy bugs, and observed after planting for 3 months. Patches of barks of severe symptom bearing cocoa types were also tested through grafting on healthy Amelonado plants and observed for 3 months. Significant differences were observed in the cocoa types in terms of symptoms appearance and in severity. PAI50 X NA33, T63/967 X T65/326 and T85/199 X PA7 were observed to be the best resistant to the CSSVD whilst T85/799 X T65/238, Amelonado X Amelonado, T85/799 X Amelonado, T85/799 XT65/326, and T85/799 X T79/50I were observed to be poor in resistance. In the investigations, there was weak correlation (0.333) between total polyphenol content and susceptibility of cocoa types to the CSSV, whereas a significant correlation (-0.58) existed between total nitrogen content and susceptibility to the Cocoa Swollen Shoot Virus. PAI50 X NA33 had the highest nitrogen content, and statistically different. There were no differences between T85/799 X Amelonado, T63/967 XIMC60 and Amelonado X Amelonado. T85/799 X T65/238 had the lowest and different from the rest. From the polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, protein with molecular weights ranged from 12.0 to 62.6 kDa. A pathogenic related protein of size 23.9 kDa was detected in PAI50 X NA33, T85/799 X Amelonado and on Amelonado X Amelonado. Another pathogenic related protein of size 46.6 kDa and 23.9 kDa were detected in T85/799 X T79/501.

Source: UCC
Biochemicophysiological mechanisms underlying signs and symptoms associated with diabetes mellitus

Diabetes mellitus is a disorder, which has become a major health burden all over the world. This metabolic disorder currently has no cure A search of database sites such as Medline, Elsevier, Springer, Science Direct, PubMed, Google Scholar, Web of science, as well as other sources of literature available across public libraries was conducted to obtain information related to the topic. This review has presented a discussion on the biochemical and physiological mechanisms underlying the associated signs and symptoms of diabetes mellitus by relating it to the role of insulin in glucose uptake in cells and fuel metabolism. This exposé is anticipated to enlighten researchers on specific management targets, which may warrant future research into developing pharmacological and non-pharmacological therapies as a means of managing diabetes mellitus, its associated signs and symptoms and ultimately chronic complications. An understanding of how these signs and symptoms develop, early recognition of it by patients and diagnosis of condition by healthcare professionals coupled with early management can prevent or delay the onset of chronic complications and ultimately reduce mortality and morbidity rate in the general population

Source: UCC
Bioconjugation of small Molecules to rna impedes its recognition by Toll-like receptor 7

A fundamental mechanism of the innate immune system is the recognition, via extra- and intracellular pattern-recognition receptors, of pathogen-associated molecular patterns. A prominent example is represented by foreign nucleic acids, triggering the activation of several signaling pathways. Among these, the endosomal toll-like receptor 7 (TLR7) is known to be activated by single-stranded RNA (ssRNA), which can be specifically influenced through elements of sequence structure and posttranscriptional modifications. Furthermore, small molecules TLR7 agonists (smTLRa) are applied as boosting adjuvants in vaccination processes. In this context, covalent conjugations between adjuvant and vaccines have been reported to exhibit synergistic effects. Here, we describe a concept to chemically combine three therapeutic functions in one RNA bioconjugate. This consists in the simultaneous TLR7 stimulation by ssRNA and smTLRa as well as the therapeutic function of the RNA itself, e.g., as a vaccinating or knockdown agent. We have hence synthesized bioconjugates of mRNA and siRNA containing covalently attached smTLRa and tested their function in TLR7 stimulation. Strikingly, the bioconjugates displayed decreased rather than synergistically increased stimulation. The decrease was distinct from the antagonistic action of an siRNA bearing a Gm motive, as observed by direct comparison of the effects in the presence of otherwise stimulatory RNA. In summary, these investigations showed that TRL7 activation can be impeded by bioconjugation of small molecules to RNA

Source: UCC
Biodiesel production from Shea butter: A suitable alternative fuel to premix fuel

This work focused on transesterifcation of shea butter into biodiesel via double stage acid-alkaline catalysis. It outlined the use of shea butter biodiesel as a substitute for premix fuel for fshing.Upon using 0.8–1.4 wt% KOH catalyst per shea butter weight, a methanol/oil ratio of 4:5 and 2 mL of 95% H2SO4 at 65 °C, the optimum biodiesel yield was 74% wt.FTIR was conducted to ascertain the biodiesel composition. Some of the important properties of the biodiesel (density, kinematic viscosity, flash point, cetane number, iodine value, methyl ester content and high heating value) at different temperatures were investigated and compared with the ASTM and EN standards for biodiesel, and No.2 diesel. The compared values were similar, indicating that the shea butter biodiesel can be used as an alternative to premix fuel

Source: UCC
Biodiesel production from tropical almond (Terminalia Cattapa L.) Seed oil

The aim of this work was to produce biodiesel from oil of tropical almond (Terminalia catappa) seed using response surface method (Box-Behnken design). Tropical almond seed oil was extracted using the Soxhlet extraction technique, and the yield was 58.24%. The free fatty acid value was 1.48 mgKOH/g. A bifunctional heterogeneous catalyst of NaOH (20%)/kaolin was synthesized to convert tropical almond (Terminalia catappa L.) seed oil into biodiesel. NaOH and modified bifunctional kaolin were used as catalysts via transesterification process to turn the oil into biodiesel. The transesterification study findings demonstrated the effectiveness of the catalyst for producing biodiesel. At modelling conditions of methanol-oil ratio (6:1), catalyst amount (1.0 g), temperature (65 oC), stirring speed (600 rpm) and time (30 minutes), the RSM predicted and validated biodiesel yields using NaOH as catalyst were 96.38%, and 96.81% respectively. The synthesized bifunctional catalyst (NaOH(20%)/kaolin) was characterised by means of XRD, FTIR, SEM, and TGA. The yield of biodiesel generated using the NaOH(20%)/kaolin catalyst was 95.94% at optimal parameter of catalyst amount (2 g), temperature (65 °C), methanol-oil ratio (8:1), time (90 minutes). For the forward response, a second-order kinetic process employing second sections was suggested. The process of converting triglycerides to diglycerides served as the rate-determining step for the whole NaOH (20 %)/kaolin catalysed transesterification. The rate constant saw an increment from 0.014 to 0.037 min-1 as temperature was elevated from 50 to 65 oC. Based on how well the physical and chemical characteristics of the produced biodiesel compared to ASTM D6751 standards, tropical almond seed oil was deemed to be suitable feedstock for producing biodiesel.

Source: UCC
Bioeconomic Analysis Of The Semi-Industrial Fishery In Ghana

The biological and economic factors that influence the semi-industrial fishery, one of the three major subsectors of the fishing industry in Ghana, was studied from November 2020 to May 2021, in order to determine the most efficient management and optimize policy for the fishery. Historical catch, effort and revenue data from 1980 to 2019 were obtained from the Fisheries Scientific Survey Division (FSSD), Ghana. Structured questionnaire and interviews were used in collecting primary data from fisher folks, some key informants and stakeholders along the value chain. The Gordon Schaefer surplus production model based on the empirical data on the semi-industrial fishery, was applied to determine the static reference points of the model and the results were discussed. Gross Margin analysis was also used to evaluate for the profitability of the fishery at each node of the value chain. The results revealed a steady decline in CPUE over the period (1980-2018) which may be symptomatic of overexploitation of the fishery. In spite of the fact that the current (2018) fishery reference situation had not exceeded optimum level yet, the trends revealed that, in the past years the fishery had experienced gross economic overfishing. The poor economic conditions forced most of the fishers to move out of the fishery, thereby reaching the current reference point. Illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing activities (e.g. Saiko) and high cost of fuel (marine gas oil) have been the major challenges impeding the proper management of the fishery, putting the fishery at the verge of vulnerability against changing climatic and economic conditions. Hence, the current study calls for policy intervention to rescue the stock from the existing high fishing pressure that would lead to depletion.

Source: UCC
Biogas Production from Invasive Aquatic Weeds (Water Hyacinth and Water Lettuce) from the Volta River Estuary, Ada-Ghana

Water Hyacinth, E. crassipes, and Water Lettuce, Pistia stratiotes are invasive water weeds that thrive in freshwater bodies and estuaries. These weeds have high cellulose and hemicellulose concentrations, highlighting their potential for generating biogas and other bioenergy sources. Since these invasive aquatic weeds could potentially have a positive economic impact, this study aimed to investigate their possible economic benefits and assess the possibility for biogas production from their biomass. For this investigation, the Volta River Estuary near Ada was chosen as the study area. At Ada, boats were used to harvest weeds from the Volta River Estuary. They were placed in an ice chest and taken to the laboratory. The experiment was performed by first pre-treating the two weeds. The pre-treatment involved using mortar and pestle to pound the weeds to create a larger surface area for microbial activity on the weeds. Pre-treated Water hyacinth/Water lettuce plus cow dung were continually fed into an anaerobic digester for 45days and allowed to generate biogas. Factors such as pH and temperature were closely monitored during the digestion period. The Chemical and elemental composition of the two weeds were also determined. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to describe the variations in the parameters. At the end of the study, Eichhornia crassipes and Pistia stratiotes exhibited the potency to be used as feedstocks for biogas production. Based on the Analysis of Variance and Z-Tests findings, it was realized that the means of the biogas yield of the two weeds differ significantly. Consequently, water hyacinth has been identified as the perfect weed suitable for the production of large-scale biogas.

Source: UCC
Biogas technology diffusion and shortfalls in the central and greater Accra regions of Ghana

The current status of biogas technology in Ghana, a developing country, was explored focusing on factors affecting dissemination of the technology and the associated challenges. Data collection was by personal interview and physical observations, and was conducted between July and October 2017. Non-probabilistic sampling procedures were used to select 61 respondents from 162 users, while 54 digesters were selected from 120 digester sites. The findings revealed that: initial installation and maintenance costs appear high; the needs of most biogas users had not been fully met, thus, they were only partially satisfied with the outcome of the technology; and 21% of the biogas service providers were engineers and 79% from other disciplines (plumbers, masons, carpenters, and graduates from arts, social sciences, business, etc.). These factors affect technology diffusion. In addition, bottle necks for more intense use of biogas technology that need to be addressed include lack of government subsidies or financial support, poor or unstandardized digester design, lack of gas production, lack of follow-up, lack of maintenance, lack of monitoring, and market value for bio-fertilizer (digestate). It is recommended that financial institutions support individuals and institutions with soft loans to acquire biogas digesters/plants, and that a regulatory body be formed for the activities of biogas service providers in developing countries

Source: UCC
A Biographical Study of Mama Dosi’s Song Texts

ABSTRACT According to Miller and Brew (2003), biographical study of an artist’s work reveals to us the life experiences and the background that engineered the composition of such literary works. This assertion is based on their definition of biographical study as “a collection and analyses of an intensive account of a life, usually by in-depth unstructured interview” (p.5). Against this backdrop, I used the narrative theory, whose proponents believe in the interplay between interviewer and interviewee with the aim of taking the idea of the story to interpret how the individual constructs an account of life to do a biographical research on Mama Dosi and her song texts. Mama Dosi is an E3e song composer from 3ume in the Volta Region of Ghana. The choice of Mama Dosi was necessitated by the fact that after a critical investigation on biographical works of E3e composers, that a lot of biographical works have been carried out on E3e male composers but it seems to me none on female E3e songs composers especially those from Tongu area of Volta Region of Ghana. After a thorough study and analyses of the song texts, it was evident that, the life experiences of Mama Dosi such as the early death of her parents, her polygamous marriage, the death of her husband, her social life, and happenings in the community served as impetus for her literary works. This proves, to a large extent that an artist’s work and his or her life experiences, background and beliefs are interwoven.

Source: UCC