ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Effect of Neem (Azadiracta Indica A. Juss) Extract of Different Concentrations on the Management of Insect Pests of Garden Eggs (Solanum Melongena) in Birim Central Municipality in the Eastern Region of Ghana

Garden egg (Solanum melongena), is a specie which has wide distribution throughout tropical Africa. It is an important solanaceous vegetable crop in Ghana. However, pests particularly insects, continue to ravage crops and without proper protection systems, farmers continue to lose most of their produce. Pest control, as practiced in most developing countries relies mainly on the use of synthetic insecticides. Natural or botanical insecticides serve as the best alternative to synthetic insecticides. The aim of the study was to determine the effect of neem leaf water extract of different concentrations in the management of insect pests of garden eggs (Solanum melongena). The experimental design used in the study was Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with five treatments and three replications. Data was collected on the following parameters; plant height, fruit weight, fruit and leaf damage, insect pests, flowering and yield. The data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics and ANOVA. The descriptive statistics was used to find the mean of the various parameters. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) test was used to analyze the data to determine the significant differences between the various treatments in the study. Means of the results on the parameters were used to construct tables and bar charts to show the trends of results of the study. Effect of neem leaf water extract was observed for insect pests that infested the garden eggplant for the different treatments, fruit weight, plant height and flowering. In addition, plant growth and yield were also observed. Significant differences were recorded for insect infestation on garden egg leaves among the various treatments and the control. The neem leaf water extract was found to have profound effect on the growth of the plants. Concentration of 150 g/l showed the highest leave numbers while 50 g/l concentration of neem leaf water extract exhibited intermediate high leaf numbers. Fruit weight for 150 g/l and 100 g/l concentration showed significant difference among the treatments. The most striking result was with the pest observed in the field, there was no insect found on the 100 g/l concentration of neem leaf extract treatment which lead to high production of fruits. It was observed that the 100 g/l concentration produced the highest yield per acre at the end of the experiment. From the study it was recommended that; firstly, Agricultural extension should be used as a major channel of communication to farmers to incorporate the use of neem into their crop production to manage insect pests. Secondly, the 100 g/l concentration of neem leaf extract must be recommended to farmers.

Source: KNUST
THE EFFECT OF NON-PERFORMING LOANS ON THE FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE OF SELECTED RURAL BANKS IN THE WESTERN AND ASHANTI REGIONS OF GHANA

This study investigated the effect of non-performing loans on financial performance and trend of incidence of non-performing loans. Secondary data with reference period of 2004-2013 were collected from six selected rural Banks in both the Ashanti and Western Regions of Ghana between. The Ordinary Least Square Regression (OLS) was employed to estimate the effect of non-performing loans on financial performance. The polynomial function was employed to determine the trend of the incidence of non-performing loans. The results of the OLS revealed that non-performing loans, cost-income ratio, loan recovered and total revenue were all statistically significant at 1% significance levels respectively. The liquidity risk was not statistically significant. The non-performing loans and cost-income ratio had a negative influence on financial performance whereas total revenue and loan recovered had a positive effect on financial performance. The polynomial trend analysis revealed that non-performing loans in all the selected banks showed an increasing trend. The study therefore recommends that, the six rural banks should improve their credit management so as to avoid the fall in their profitability

Source: KNUST
The effect of neutron irradiation on the impedance of asbestos

The project was concerned with finding the effect of neutron irradiation on the impedance of asbestos. Asbestos is used as an insulator of electricity in homes and industries; and in places of high temperatures and ionising radiations. Asbestos papers called ‘Terratex’ and ‘Novabestos’ have been found to be most suitable for thermal and electrical insulation in the air-cooled transformers and reactors rated for operation at elevated temperatures and under conditions where the liquid cooled counterpart is unsuitable. Thus even though there is a ban on the manufacture and use of asbestos in some countries, this ban has not been completely enforced in many countries. The impedance of samples of asbestos ceiling tiles were measured with an Impedance/Gain Phase Analyzer. The samples were then irradiated with a constant neutron flux to different time intervals using the Miniature Neutron Source Reactor (MNSR) at Kwabenya, Accra. A control sample X was not irradiated. A second impedance measurement of the samples was made. Before irradiation the mean impedance of the asbestos samples was µ = 295.91kΩ, at a standard deviation of σ = 2.86kΩ. After irradiated with a mean neutron flux density of 11.25 x 1011ncm-2 for an average time interval of 2.25 hours, the impedance of the samples was found to be lowered to a mean impedance of = 281.22kΩ, at a standard deviation of sX = 5.42kΩ. A difference in sample means of about 14.69kΩ. At α = 0.05 and d.f. = 9, the critical value of t was -1.83 The calculated value was -8.58. The null hypothesis was rejected since -8.58< -1.83 lies in the critical region. Thus at a significance level of α = 0.05 (i.e. 95% confidence interval), the t test indicates that the difference in the sample means was significant. Thus, by irradiating an asbestos sample with neutrons the impedance will be lowered.

Source: KNUST
Effect of occupational accident on job performance; a case of a construction firm in Kumasi-Ghana

The construction industry is besieged with accidents. Incidents of accidents at the construction site are higher in developing countries than developed countries. Safety at the construction site remains the poorest of all when compared with other manufacturing industry like the furniture and fixtures, fashion industries among others. The construction industry comprises of several people with different backgrounds and different tasks performed by them. The study examined the effect of occupational accident on job performance; a case of a construction firm in Kumasi-Ghana. 5 section questionnaires enclosing questions on demographic characteristics, general knowledge on safety and legalities, accident occurrence, safety management systems and employee attitude were administered to 110 workers of the construction firm. Chi-square and Pearson‟s Correlation Coefficient(r) were statistical tools used for the analysis of results. The result established a weak negative correlation (-0.164) between accident and job performance (labor productivity). The association between the accidents occurrence and absenteeism was statistically not significant (χ2 = 0.4291; d.f. = 1; p > 0.512) and a significant association was found between nature of accident and absenteeism (χ2 =6.7360; d.f. = 1; p < 0.009). The results of the study revealed a higher knowledge of safety legalities and practices and a positive attitude on safety from respondents, whereas low records of accidents were recorded among the construction workers of the firm implying a good safety management system. The study concludes that a good safety management system and a positive employee attitude would reduce absenteeism, occupational accidents and further increases labor productivity as demonstrated in the conceptual framework.

Source: KNUST
Effect of occupational accidents on job performance; a case of a construction firm in Kumasi-Ghana

The construction industry is besieged with accidents. Incidents of accidents at the construction site are higher in developing countries than developed countries. Safety at the construction site remains the poorest of all when compared with other manufacturing industry like the furniture and fixtures, fashion industries among others. The construction industry comprises of several people with different backgrounds and different tasks performed by them. The study examined the effect of occupational accident on job performance; a case of a construction firm in Kumasi-Ghana. 5 section questionnaires enclosing questions on demographic characteristics, general knowledge on safety and legalities, accident occurrence, safety management systems and employee attitude were administered to 110 workers of the construction firm. Chi-square and Pearson‟s Correlation Coefficient(r) were statistical tools used for the analysis of results. The result established a weak negative correlation (-0.164) between accident and job performance (labor productivity). The association between the accidents occurrence and absenteeism was statistically not significant (χ2 = 0.4291; d.f. = 1; p > 0.512) and a significant association was found between nature of accident and absenteeism (χ2 =6.7360; d.f. = 1; p < 0.009). The results of the study revealed a higher knowledge of safety legalities and practices and a positive attitude on safety from respondents, whereas low records of accidents were recorded among the construction workers of the firm implying a good safety management system. The study concludes that a good safety management system and a positive employee attitude would reduce absenteeism, occupational accidents and further increases labor productivity as demonstrated in the conceptual framework.

Source: KNUST
The effect of occupational health and safety on productivity of project employees of Wilkins engineering limited

The numerous cases of injuries, fatalities, recurrent absenteeism and enormous compensation costs that characterize most Ghanaian industries are a worry to the nation’s economic development. These adverse repercussions of unhealthy and unsafe working environment continue to stifle employees’ productivity and have the tendency of impeding economic growth. Globally, about 4% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is lost due to poor workplace health and safety policies, which is just the immediate cost of hazardous and unhealthy job setting. To effectively tackle this menace, it is expedient to really know and understand the effects of occupational health and safety of an organization on employee’s productivity. Quantitative research strategy and structured survey design were used in gathering data from Wilkins Engineering Limited to determine the impact of general challenges of health and safety practices on employee productivity. The results revealed that 84.3% of respondents said there is extreme impact of H&S challenges on employee’s level of productivity and performance. Also, 82.6% stated that challenges of H&S have extreme impact on their attendance to work. With regard to the concentration levels of employees, while 48.7% stated there is great impact, the remaining 51.3% of respondents said H&S challenges would have extreme impact on their concentration levels at work. Findings from the study indicate that health and safety are vital to one’s productivity. The study recommends that the organization should make Occupational Health and Safety a top most priority, as it is very pertinent in enhancing productivity and also safeguarding employees’ health. Also, the organization should conduct frequent safety trainings for employees. Finally there should be a system that evaluates, monitors and controls risk at work places in order to reduce the decline in productivity associated with any kind of risk

Source: KNUST
The effect of official development assistance and foreign direct investment on economic growth in Ghana (1975-2014)

This study examined the effect of official development assistance and foreign direct investment on growth in Ghana and analyzed the fiscal response effect of ODA. Specifically, the study investigated the long run effect of ODA and FDI on economic growth using Johansen cointegration approach to establish the presence of long run cointegration relationship among the variables. The fully modified ordinary least squares (FM-OLS) was used to estimate the long run effect of ODA and FDI on economic growth. Lastly, the seemingly unrelated regression (SUR) method was used to estimate the fiscal response effect of ODA in Ghana. Results of the long run analysis showed that there exists statistically significant negative relationship between ODA and economic growth while a positive but insignificant relationship was found between FDI and economic growth. The results of the fiscal response model indicated that public investment spending increases with increase in official development assistance. Domestic tax revenue was found to be a significant driver of total public spending, which gives an indication that Ghana is not over-dependent on ODA inflows. The government of Ghana is seen as focused on tax efforts and the desire to raise public sector borrowing requirement without depending so much on donor-support funds. The study therefore suggests implementation of sound monetary policies that aim at effective control of domestic funds (tax revenue) as well as stabilization policies such as low and stable inflation rate and stable domestic currency for smooth economic activities in the country since ODA inflows does not increase economic growth. Attracting efficient-seeking type of FDI is also recommended for the growth of the Ghanaian economy

Source: KNUST
The effect of oil price on exchange rate in Ghana

The aim of the research was to find out the relationship between exchange rate and oil prices. The study test for the presence unit root was found using the ADF test and the PP test procedure at levels but the variables became stationary after the first difference. Oil price showed a lot of volatility but the trend of the movement of exchange rate did not fluctuate as much since it was contant during some periods. However, both trends kept on increasing moderately with oil price change being lower than exchange rate. The study employed the Vector Error Correction Model (VECM). The secondary data employed consist of monthly time series data sampled over the period of January 2000- May 2015. The cointegration results showed that the variables are cointegrated hence have a long run equilibruim relationship. The short run estimation, the results shows that, past period value of real exchange rate imposes a positive and significant impact on the current level of exchange rate. The short run coefficient of oil price is positive but insignificant. Inflation has a negative and significant effect on exchange rate. The long run results show that, oil price has a positive and significant effect on exchange rate in Ghana. Inflation on the other hand has a negative and significant long run effect on exchange rate. The study recommends the storage of oil when the price is relatively low and hedging to reduce the risk associated with increase in oil price.

Source: KNUST
Effect of Okra Pectin on the Sensory, Physicochemical and Microbial Quality of Yoghurt

The objective of this work was to investigate the effect of okra pectin from two genotypes (asha and agbagoma) on the physicochemical, sensory and microbial quality of yoghurt. Okra pectin concentrations (w/w pectin to milk powder ratios) of 0.2%, 0.4% and 0.6% were used in the yoghurt preparation and its water holding capacity, titratable acidity and pH were analyzed against a control (0.0% pectin) weekly for a month. Consumer acceptability tests for the yoghurt samples were carried out using 50 untrained panellists on a 7-point hedonic scale. Total aerobic microorganisms present in the most preferred samples were enumerated over a four-week period. Results indicated that samples containing 0.2% asha pectin were most preferred by panelists. Water holding capacity varied significantly with those containing asha pectin higher than agbagoma counterparts and the control. There was a decline in pH with increasing pectin concentration and over the storage period. Samples containing agbagoma pectin had lower pH (3.60 - 4.32) compared to samples containing asha pectin (4.22 - 4.45). Titratable acidity increased during the storage period and with increasing pectin concentration. After four weeks of storage at 4˚C sample containing 0.2% agbagoma pectin had the least microbial count (7.6 × 105 ± 4.51 cfu/g), followed by the sample containing 0.2% asha pectin (2.4 × 107 ± 11.14 cfu/g) and the control (8.6 × 107 ± 5.57 cfu/g). The study revealed that addition of okra pectin at 0.2% improved the con sumer acceptability of yoghurt and 0.2% agbagoma pectin inhibits the proliferation of aerobic microbes. Addition of okra pectin also improved the water holding capacity and reduced whey exudation.

Source: KNUST
The effect of official development assistance and foreign direct investment on economic growth in Ghana (1975-2014)

This study examined the effect of official development assistance and foreign direct investment on growth in Ghana and analyzed the fiscal response effect of ODA. Specifically, the study investigated the long run effect of ODA and FDI on economic growth using Johansen cointegration approach to establish the presence of long run cointegration relationship among the variables. The fully modified ordinary least squares (FM-OLS) was used to estimate the long run effect of ODA and FDI on economic growth. Lastly, the seemingly unrelated regression (SUR) method was used to estimate the fiscal response effect of ODA in Ghana. Results of the long run analysis showed that there exists statistically significant negative relationship between ODA and economic growth while a positive but insignificant relationship was found between FDI and economic growth. The results of the fiscal response model indicated that public investment spending increases with increase in official development assistance. Domestic tax revenue was found to be a significant driver of total public spending, which gives an indication that Ghana is not over-dependent on ODA inflows. The government of Ghana is seen as focused on tax efforts and the desire to raise public sector borrowing requirement without depending so much on donor-support funds. The study therefore suggests implementation of sound monetary policies that aim at effective control of domestic funds (tax revenue) as well as stabilization policies such as low and stable inflation rate and stable domestic currency for smooth economic activities in the country since ODA inflows does not increase economic growth. Attracting efficient-seeking type of FDI is also recommended for the growth of the Ghanaian economy.

Source: KNUST
Effect of okra pectin on the quality and consumer acceptability of tigernut milk and fried yam

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of okra pectin as a stabilizer and a texturizer on the quality and consumer acceptability of tigernut milk and fried yam, respectively. Okra pectin concentrations 0% (control), 0.2%, 0.4% and 0.6% were used in the preparation of tigernut milk as well as to pretreat yam slices before deep frying. The viscosity and microbial quality of the tigernut milk samples were evaluated, whilst the moisture content, oil uptake and colour of fried yam were also determined. Consumer acceptability test was conducted on both the tigernut milk and fried yam using 50 semi-trained panelists. The viscosity of the tigernut milk samples which ranged from 4.67 cP to 10.50 cP increased with increasing concentrations of okra pectin. The microbial load of all tigernut milk samples were within the acceptable limits. With the exception of sample appear ance, okra pectin also had no significant effect (p > 0.05) on the sensory quality of tigernut milk. On the other hand, okra pectin treatment in the fried yam samples resulted in significantly different moisture (54.33–56.71%), oil uptake/fat content (4.00–5.50%) and colour (L*a*b*) values. Results showed that okra pectin had no significant effect (p > 0.05) on all sensory quality parameters of fried yam samples though 0.2% okra pectin treated yam had the highest mean overall acceptability. The findings suggest that treatment with okra pectin can be exploited to make appreciable impact on the quality and consumer acceptability of fried yam.

Source: KNUST
Effect Of Okra Pectin On The Sensory, Physicochemical And Microbial Quality Of Yoghurt

Okra (Abelmoschus spp.) is a staple vegetable in Ghana and several African countries. The pectin content is responsible for the slimy texture of okra extracts that can be used as functional ingredient for food applications. However, okra is underutilized in Ghana, partly due to limited knowledge on their impact on specific applications. The objective of this work was to investigate the effect of okra pectin from two genotypes (Asha and Agbagoma) on the physicochemical, sensory and microbial quality of yoghurt. Okra pectin concentration (w/w pectin to milk powder ratios) of 0, 0.2%, 0.4% and 0.6% were used in the yoghurt preparation and its water holding capacity, titratable acidity and pH were analyzed weekly for a month. Consumer acceptability test for the yoghurt samples were carried out using 50 untrained panelists. Total aerobic microorganisms present in the most preferred samples were enumerated over a four-week period. Results indicated that samples containing 0.2% pectin was most preferred by panelists. Samples containing 0.4% pectin showed the highest water holding capacity. Sample containing 0.4% asha pectin had water holding capacity ranging from 89.07-90.27% whereas sample containing 0.4% Agbagoma pectin had water holding capacity ranging from 40.43-54.86% as against the control (0.0% pectin) which had water holding capacity ranging from 40.43-50.10%. There was a decline in pH with increasing pectin concentration and over the storage period. Samples containing Agbagoma pectin had lower pH (3.60-4.32) as compared to samples containing Asha pectin (4.22-4.45). Titratable acidity increased during the storage period and with increasing pectin concentration. Sample containing 0.6% Asha pectin on the 28th day of storage exhibited the highest titratable acidity (44.00±0.57). After four weeks of storage at 4 °C sample containing 0.2% Agbagoma pectin had the least microbial count (7.6×105±4.51 cfu/g), followed by the sample containing 0.2% Asha pectin (2.4×107±11.14 cfu/g) and the control (8.6×107±5.57cfu/g). The present study showed that pectin from the two different okra genotypes had significant effects on the sensory, microbial and physicochemical properties of yoghurt. Sample with 0.2% pectin was the most preferred and acceptable to consumers. However, yoghurt sample containing 0.2% Asha had the highest overall acceptability and thus pectin from Asha okra genotype could be considered for application as stabilizer in yoghurt.

Source: KNUST