ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Sequestration of Arsenic by Moringa Oleifera Seeds and Bauxite

The ability of Moringa oleifera seeds and bauxite to sequester arsenic was studied individually and in combination. The study was in relation to how the bauxite, Moringa oleifera seeds and the Moringa-bauxite mixture could reduce the concentration of arsenic in aqueous solution. Matured Moringa oleifera seeds were dried and processed into powder and the bauxite pulverised. Both sorbents were sieved using 500 um copper sieves. Fifty millilitres each of arsenic solution with concentrations 1, 5, 10, 25, 50 and 100 mg/L were prepared into Erlenmeyer flasks and sorbed with 2g of Moringa oleifera seeds. The procedure was repeated with bauxite and Moringa-bauxite mixture. The duration of sorption was one and half hours. Both Moringa oleifera seeds and the bauxite were good sorbents over the concentration range of arsenic solutions prepared. Moringa oleifera recorded a mean sorption of 90.94% at 25 mg/L and bauxite a sorption of 98.60% at 1 mg/L. A combination of the two sorbents recorded a percentage sorption of 85.20% at 1 mg/L. There was also a significant sorption of 82.00% at 25 mg/L when Moringa oleifera seeds were combined with bauxite. The results were modelled along the Langmuir and Freundlich sorption isotherms with the latter providing a mathematical evidence that sorption were high for all the sorbents. This piece of work provides a competitive option for the removal of arsenic from aqueous solution particularly for the gold mining companies that process sulphidic gold ores and can be extended to areas of arsenic contamination in general.

Source: KNUST
Separating Sets for the Unitary Group U2(Fq2)

A separating set for a group G with respect to the group CG is a set of simultaneously diagonalisable linear operators fT 1 ; :::; Tr g of C that distinguish the invariant subspaces of CG with their eigenspaces. In this thesis, we study the character table of the irreducible representation of the unitary group G and construct the modi ed character table which consists of the eigenvalues that the class sum of each conjugacy class of G assigns to an irreducible representation of G: The separating set for G is then obtained by extracting the class sums which is associated to each irreducible character distinct pair of eigenvalues.

Source: KNUST
Sero-epidemiology of human coronaviruses in three rural communities in Ghana

Introduction: acute respiratory tract infections (ARIs) are responsible for significant proportions of illnesses and deaths annually. Most of ARIs are of viral etiology, with human coronaviruses (HCoVs) playing a key role. This study was conducted prior to the outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) to provide evidence about the sero-epidemiology of HCoVs in rural areas of Ghana. Methods: this was a cross sectional study conducted as part of a large epidemiological study investigating the occurrence of respiratory viruses in 3 rural areas of Ghana; Buoyem, Kwamang and Forikrom. Serum samples were collected and tested for the presence of IgGantibodies to three HCoVs; HCoV-229E, HCoV OC43 and HCoV-NL63 using immunofluorescence assay. Results: of 201 subjects enrolled into the study, 97 (48.3%) were positive for all three viruses. The most prevalent virus was HCoV-229E (23%; 95% CI: 17.2 - 29.3), followed by HCoV-OC43 (17%; 95% CI: 12.4 - 23.4), then HCoV-NL63 (8%, 95% CI: 4.6 - 12.6). Subjects in Kwamang had the highest sero-prevalence for HCoV-NL63 (68.8%). human coronaviruses-229E (41.3%) and HCoV-OC43 (45.7%) were much higher in Forikrom compared to the other study areas. There was however no statistical difference between place of origin and HCoVs positivity. Although blood group O+ and B+ were most common among the recruited subjects, there was no significant association (p = 0.163) between blood group and HCoV infection. Conclusion: this study reports a 48.3% sero-prevalence of HCoVs (OC43, NL63 and 229E) among rural communities in Ghana. The findings provide useful baseline data that could inform further sero-epidemiological studies on SARS-CoV-2 in Africa.

Source: KNUST
Serological evidence of vector and parasite exposure in Southern Ghana: the dynamics of malaria transmission intensity

Background: Seroepidemiology provides robust estimates for tracking malaria transmission when intensity is low and useful when there is no baseline entomological data. Serological evidence of exposure to malaria vectors and parasite contribute to our understanding of the risk of pathogen transmission, and facilitates implementation of targeted interventions. Ab to Anopheles gambiae salivary peptide (gSG6-P1) and merozoite surface protein one (MSP-119) reflect human exposure to malaria vectors and parasites. This study estimated malaria transmission dynamics using serological evidence of vector and parasite exposure in southern Ghana. Methods: Total IgG responses to both antigens in an age stratified cohort (<5, 5–14, >14) were measured from South-eastern Ghana. 295 randomly selected sera were analyzed from archived samples belonging to a cohort study that were followed at 3 consecutive survey months (n = 885); February, May and August 2009. Temporal variations in seroprevalence of both antigens as well as differences between the age-stratified cohorts were determined by χ 2 test with p < 0.05 statistically significant. Non-parametric repeated ANOVA – Friedman’s test was used to test differences in antibody levels. Seroprevalence data were fitted to reversible catalytic model to estimate sero-conversion rates. Results: Whereas parasite prevalence was generally low 2.4%, 2.7% and 2.4% with no apparent trends with season, seroprevalence to both gSG6-P1 and MSP119 were high (59%, 50.9%, 52.2%) and 57.6%, 52.3% and 43.6% in respective order from Feb. to August. Repeated measures ANOVA showed differences in median antibody levels across surveys with specific significant differences between February and May but not August by post hoc Dunn’s multiple comparison tests for gSG6-P1. For MSP119, no differences were observed in antibody levels between February and May but a significant decline was observed from May to August. Seroconversion rates for gSG6-P1 increased by 1.5 folds from February to August and 3 folds for MSP119. Conclusion: Data suggests exposure to infectious bites may be declining whereas mosquito bites remains high. Sustained malaria control efforts and surveillance are needed to drive malaria further down and to prevent catastrophic rebound. Operational factors for scaling up have been discussed.

Source: KNUST
Serological evidence of vector and parasite exposure in Southern Ghana: the dynamics of malaria transmission intensity

Background: Seroepidemiology provides robust estimates for tracking malaria transmission when intensity is low and useful when there is no baseline entomological data. Serological evidence of exposure to malaria vectors and parasite contribute to our understanding of the risk of pathogen transmission, and facilitates implementation of targeted interventions. Ab to Anopheles gambiae salivary peptide (gSG6-P1) and merozoite surface protein one (MSP-119) reflect human exposure to malaria vectors and parasites. This study estimated malaria transmission dynamics using serological evidence of vector and parasite exposure in southern Ghana. Methods: Total IgG responses to both antigens in an age stratified cohort (<5, 5–14, >14) were measured from South-eastern Ghana. 295 randomly selected sera were analyzed from archived samples belonging to a cohort study that were followed at 3 consecutive survey months (n = 885); February, May and August 2009. Temporal variations in seroprevalence of both antigens as well as differences between the age-stratified cohorts were determined by χ2 test with p < 0.05 statistically significant. Non-parametric repeated ANOVA – Friedman’s test was used to test differences in antibody levels. Seroprevalence data were fitted to reversible catalytic model to estimate sero-conversion rates. Results: Whereas parasite prevalence was generally low 2.4%, 2.7% and 2.4% with no apparent trends with season, seroprevalence to both gSG6-P1 and MSP119 were high (59%, 50.9%, 52.2%) and 57.6%, 52.3% and 43.6% in respective order from Feb. to August. Repeated measures ANOVA showed differences in median antibody levels across surveys with specific significant differences between February and May but not August by post hoc Dunn’s multiple comparison tests for gSG6-P1. For MSP119, no differences were observed in antibody levels between February and May but a significant decline was observed from May to August. Seroconversion rates for gSG6-P1 increased by 1.5 folds from February to August and 3 folds for MSP119. Conclusion: Data suggests exposure to infectious bites may be declining whereas mosquito bites remains high. Sustained malaria control efforts and surveillance are needed to drive malaria further down and to prevent catastrophic rebound. Operational factors for scaling up have been discussed.

Source: KNUST
Seroprevalence of toxoplasma Gondii infection among pregnant women in the Ashanti region of Ghana: evidence from the Manhyia district Hospital, Kumasi.

Toxoplasma gondii infection is a zoonotic protozoan infection that affects warm-blooded animals, including humans. Congenital toxoplasmosis occurs when unborn and developing foetus becomes infected with T. gondii through the placenta in utero. The study sought to determine the seroprevalence of T. gondii infection among pregnant women seeking antenatal care at the Manhyia District Hospital. Consent form, structured questionnaires, as well as, about 3mls of venous blood was taken from 110 pregnant women for the study. Analysis of blood sera using commercial ELISA kit (Teco Diagnostics, 1268 N, Lakeview Ave., Anaheim, CA 92807, USA) showed that, 71.8% (79/110) were seropositive for T. gondii IgG antibodies whiles 39.1% (43/110) were seropositive for T. gondii IgM antibodies. A total of 30 representing 27.3% of the pregnant women were seropositive for both T. gondii IgG and IgM antibodies. Again, 44.5% (49/110) was reported for pregnant women with only T. gondii IgG antibodies and 11.8% (13/110) for only T. gondii IgM antibodies. The overall seroprevalence of toxoplasma IgG and IgM antibodies for the study was 83.6% (92/110). It is recommended that screening of pregnant women for toxoplasmosis be done during routine antenatal laboratory test. Again, it is recommended that, a study to determine the risk factors for T. gondii infection among pregnant women in the Ashanti region of Ghana be done.

Source: KNUST
Seroprevalence of toxoplasma gondii infection among pregnant women in the Asunafo North District, Brong-Ahafo Region, Ghana

Toxoplasma gondii is the causative organism of toxoplasmosis and it can be acquired orally or congenitally. Congenital infection of neonates is found to be the cause of several neurological, brain and ophthalmic disorders later in life. The objectives of this study were to determine the seroprevalence of T. gondii among pregnant women attending antenatal clinic at Asunafo North district of the Brong-Ahafo region, Ghana. One hundred and forty-six (146) pregnant women aged 16 to 40 years voluntarily took part in this study. Blood samples were collected and questionnaires were administered to them. ELISA test was done to detect anti-T. gondiiIgG and IgM antibodies in their blood samples. The data collected was analysed using SPSS (Version 16). Analysis of the data collected showed 23.3% (34/146) and 67.8% (99/146) were positive for anti-T. gondiiIgM and IgG respectively. Furthermore, a breakdown of the analysed data is as follows: 10.3% (15/146) tested positive for only anti-T. gondiiIgM, 54.8% (80/146) also tested positive for only anti-T. gondiiIgG and 13% (19/146) tested positive for both anti-T. gondiiIgM and IgG.This gave a total prevalence of anti-T gondii antibodies tested to be 78.1% (114/146).This implies that 23.3% of the respondents were recently infected and 67.8% of the respondents were old infection. Further studies need to be done to determine the rate of mother-to-child transmission of T. gondii infection in Ghana.

Source: KNUST
Serum angiopoietins (ANG -1) and (ANG-2) levels as prognostic biomarkers for differentiating severe malaria from uncomplicated malaria in a Ghanaian population.

Malaria is classified as either uncomplicated malaria or severe malaria. The principle that underly the progression of uncomplicated malaria to severe malaria is still unclear. This study aimed at assessing serum angiopoietins (ANG -1) and (ANG-2) levels as prognostic biomarkers for differentiating severe malaria from uncomplicated malaria in a Ghanaian population. A descriptive cross-sectional study was employed to sample 166 study participants of which forty-two (42) were apparently healthy controls, seventy-eight (78) were uncomplicated malaria cases, and forty-six (46) were severe malaria cases. Blood samples were taken and analysed for full blood count, liver function test, renal function test, and serum angiopoietins. Statistical analyses were carried out using Graph Pad Prism 9 software. The median and interquartile ranges, Mann-Whitney U test, and Kruskal-Wallis’s analysis were done to compare groups. The Ang-1 levels in the severe malaria group were lower (3.8 ng/L, IQR: 2.2 – 12.7) in comparison to the uncomplicated malaria group (6.3 ng/L, IQR: 3.3 – 8.0) and healthy controls (9.6 ng/L, IQR: 3.5 – 15.3). Ang-2 levels were higher in the severe malaria group (19.1ng/L, IQR: 9.0 – 25.8) compared to the uncomplicated malaria group (15.7ng/L, IQR: 2.6 – 27.4). The Ang-1 levels showed a high predictive ability of 94.9% to predict severe malaria from uncomplicated malaria whiles Ang-2, and Ang-2/Ang-1 ratio levels showed no predictive ability in discriminating malaria severity. Some hematological parameters, biochemical parameters, and parasite density were also associated significantly with malaria severity. In conclusion, the results suggest that Ang-1 and Ang-2 do not have the potential to serve as biomarkers of both severe and uncomplicated forms of malaria in a Ghanaian population.

Source: KNUST
Sero-prevalence, cross-species infection and serological determinants of prevalence of Bovine Coronavirus in Cattle, Sheep and Goats in Ghana

Cattle, goats and sheep are dominant livestock species in sub-Saharan Africa, with sometimes limited in formation on the prevalence of major infectious diseases. Restrictions due to notifiable epizootics complicate the exchange of samples in surveillance studies and suggest that laboratory capacities should be established domestically. Bovine Coronavirus (BCoV) causes mainly enteric disease in cattle. Spillover to small ruminants is possible. Here we established BCoV serology based on a recombinant immunofluorescence assay for cattle, goats and sheep, and studied the seroprevalence of BCoV in these species in four different locations in the Greater Accra, Volta, Upper East, and Northern provinces of Ghana. The whole sampling and testing was organized and conducted by a veterinary school in Kumasi, Ashanti Region of Ghana. Among sampled sheep (n = 102), goats (n = 66), and cattle (n = 1495), the seroprevalence rates were 25.8 %, 43.1 % and 55.8 %. For cattle, seroprevalence was significantly higher on larger farms (82.2 % vs 17.8 %, comparing farms with > 50 or < 50 animals; p = 0.027). Highest prevalence was seen in the Northern province with dry climate, but no significant trend following the north-south gradient of sampling sites was detected. Our study identifies a considerable seroprevalence for BCoV in Ghana and provides further support for the spillover of BCoV to small ruminants in settings with mixed husbandry and limited separation between species.

Source: KNUST
Serum Homocysteine, Vitamin B12 and folate in Ghanaian women with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy.

Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy are common complication occurring during pregnancy, and are associated with maternal and fetal mortality and morbidity. Hyperhomocysteinaemia, a known risk factor for vascular disease, could play a significant role in the aetiopathogenesis of pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH). This study, therefore, evaluated the maternal serum concentrations of homocysteine, vitamin B12 and folate in normal pregnancy (NP) and pregnant women presenting with preeclampsia (PE) and gestational hypertension (GH). This randomized case-control study involved 30 PE patients, 30 GH patients and 30 age-matched normotensive uncomplicated pregnant women (control group) in the third trimester of pregnancy. After obtaining an informed consent from each participant, information on socio-demographic characteristics, medical history and previous obstetric history was obtained. Blood pressure, anthropometric measurements and blood sample were taken for the estimation of homocysteine, vitamin B12, folate and lipid profile of each woman. Mean levels of maternal serum homocysteine was significantly higher in PIH, PE and GH patients when compared with NP women (p<0.05). Although mean vitamin B12 and folate were decreased in the PIH, PE and GH patients when compared with the normal pregnant women, it was only in the PIH and the PE patients that the differences were significant (p<0.05). In the PIH patients, there was a statistically significant negative correlation between homocysteine and folate (r=-0.283, p<0.05). While none of the normal pregnant women had intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) or low birthweight (LBW), thirty-five percent (35%) and twenty-eight percent (28%) of the participants with PIH demonstrated IUGR and LBW respectively. Except for the GH patients where estimated foetal weight (EFW) was insignificantly lower, EFW and birthweight were significantly lower in the PIH (PE and GH) patients when compared with the NP women. The use of the contraceptive Depo-Provera prior to pregnancy was significantly associated with about thirty-fold (30) increase in the odds of developing preeclampsia (OR=29.71, p<0.001). There was a significant (p<0.01) positive correlation between homocysteine and blood pressure (systolic and diastolic blood pressure) in the PIH patients. Maternal serum concentration of homocysteine is altered in PIH (PE and GH) when compared with normal pregnancy, and this imbalance is depicted by an elevated serum concentration of homocysteine with a correspondingly decreased serum concentrations of vitamin B12 and folate. Hyperhomocysteinaemia in pregnancy could play a significant role in the aetiopathogenesis of pregnancy induced hypertension, intrauterine growth restriction and low birthweight. Furthermore, the use of the contraceptive Depo-Provera by women prior to pregnancy predisposes them to a high risk of developing preeclampsia.

Source: KNUST
Service Quality and Customer Loyalty in the Ghanaian Automobile Service Industry - A Case Study of Toyota Ghana Company Limited

The Ghanaian automobile service industry has recently seen a lot of competition with the proliferation of various brands. The provision of quality after-sale service has therefore become an important source of competitive advantage in winning and retaining customers. The study sought to use Toyota Ghana Company Limited as a case study to understand the relationship between service quality and customer loyalty. This research work adopted the SERVQUAL service quality model with its five dimensions (tangibles, reliability, responsiveness, assurance and empathy) to measure customers’ perception of service quality and to investigate its effect on their loyalty. A self-completion questionnaire with a total of 45 closed questions and 2 open ended questions was developed to gather field data from 5 Toyota Ghana branches nationwide. All of the items were measured by using a five Point Likert-type response scale. SPSS software was used to carry out reliability test, descriptive analysis (frequency and percentage distributions), correlation coefficient tests and regression model analysis on the data obtained. Responses to the open ended questions were also studied. The results showed that there exists a positive relationship between all the five dimensions of service quality and customer loyalty. It also showed that Toyota Ghana customers have a positive perception of services rendered to them and have a high sense of loyalty to the company. The study provides insight and significant feedback from automobile service customers. As the competitive environment increasingly becomes fierce, the voice and expectations of the customers have become important in the quest to keep them loyal so as to maintain long term organizational revenue streams. This finding is expected to serve as a guide to automobile service managers and also to managers of service firms in general in making informed judgment about the quality of their services having the customer in mind.

Source: KNUST
Service quality and customer loyalty: the case of the Mobile Telecommunication industry in Ghana.

The study investigated the relationship between service quality and customer loyalty in the Mobile Telecommunication industry in Ghana. The research was conducted at the time when Ghana has just introduced the Mobile Number Portability (MNP) system which provides dissatisfied customers the opportunity to port to other networks in search for better mobile services. The literature review revealed that although quality is an elusive and indistinct construct which may vary from one person to another or even from one situation to another it can be assessed by probing whether perceived service delivery meets, exceeds or fails to meet customer expectations. The SERVQUAL instrument postulated by Parasuraman, Zeithaml and Berry was used to measure service quality. Customer satisfaction and customer loyalty construct were also established relying on studies done by Zhang and Feng, Mouri and Aydin and Özer. A total of 400 questionnaires were administered out of which 311 valid responses were obtained for the study. The findings from the study revealed that service quality variables such as Tangibles, Responsiveness, Reliability, Assurance and Empathy have a positive influence on customer loyalty through customer satisfaction. Besides, customer satisfaction was found to have a direct relationship with customer loyalty. The study recommends that mobile operators should endeavour to improve the quality of mobile services offered to clients in order to achieve brand Loyalty.

Source: KNUST