ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Potability of Water from Bore Holes and Hand-Dug Wells In Two Peripheral Communities of Jacobu in the Amansie Central District, Ghana

The drinking suitability of water collected from seven different sources (borehole and dug out wells) in Aboabo and Pataase in the Amansie Central District of the Ashanti region of Ghana were investigated by determining the microbial quality and some physicochemical parameters using standard analytical techniques. The results of physicochemical parameters (pH, temperature, turbidity, conductivity, alkalinity, and amount of oxygen) revealed varying concentration in relation to required standards. Mean conductivity ranged from 68.36 μS/cm to 581.22 μS/cm, with most of the other parameters measured below the standard permissible range of WHO and Ghana Standards. pH was slightly acidic and below the WHO permissible range. All the hand-dug wells and boreholes with the exception of borehole BHA2 showed evidence of faecal contamination. The counts of the total coliform, faecal coliform and the E. coli differed significantly (p = 0.005) between the various water sources sampled. It is imperative from this study that water from the various sources should be treated before drinking and also monitored regularly in order to put in measures to reduce or identified pollution indicators and pathogens that may pose some dangers to the health of people living in this area.

Source: KNUST
Potential and Comparative Tablet Disintegrant Properties of Pectin Obtained from Five Okra Genotypes in Ghana

Okra pectin has been studied as a potential excipient in tablet formulations for pharmaceutical industries. Okra is widely grown and available in Ghana and other parts of the world. .e prospective use of pectin from okra genotypes grown in Ghana as tablet disintegrants has not been reported. .is study aims to determine the potential and comparative disintegrating properties of pectin from five okra genotypes (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) in Ghana using uncoated immediate release paracetamol tablet formulations. .e yield of the pectin from the various genotypes ranged between 6.12 and 18.84% w/w. .e extracted pectins had pH ranging from slightly acidic to almost neutral (6.39–6.92). Pectin from the various genotypes exhibited good swelling indexes (˃200%), varying solubility in different solvents, and low moisture content (˂20%). Elemental analysis of the extracted pectin from the various genotypes revealed very low levels of toxic metals and micronutrients. Pectin from the various genotypes was evaluated as disintegrants within concentrations of 5–10% w/w (F1–F18). .eir disintegrating properties were compared to that of maize starch BP. All the formulated batches of uncoated immediate release paracetamol tablets (F1–F18) passed the following: uni formity of weight test, uniformity of dimensions, hardness, friability (˂1%), and drug content (95–105%). Significant differences (p ≤ 0.05) were observed between the hardness of the maize starch tablets and tablets formulated from pectin of the various genotypes. Pectin from all genotypes other than PC5 exhibited good disintegrating properties (DT ˂ 15 min) and subsequently passed the dissolution profile test (≥70% release in 45 minutes). Tablets formulated with PC5 as disintegrants at all concentrations (5% w/w (F5), 7.5% w/w (F11), and 10% w/w (F17)) failed the disintegration and dissolution tests. Ultimately, pectins extracted from PC1, PC2, PC3, and PC4 can be commercially exploited as disintegrants in immediate release tablets

Source: KNUST
Potential antiasthmatic, antihistaminic and antidiarrhoeal effects of cryptolepine, the major alkaloid of cryptolepis sanguinolenta (lindl.) schltr (periplocaceae), in experimental animals.

Cryptolepine (CLP) is a known antimuscarinic at M1, M2 and M3 receptors. Antimuscarinics tend to find use in asthma due to their bronchodilatory effect. Coupled with this, is its established anti-inflammatory effect. As asthma medications are either bronchodilative or anti -inflammatory agents, the effect of CLP was studied in certain animal models of asthma. In addition some asthma patients tend to present with certain conditions such as diarrhoea due to release of certain mediators like histamine and general vagal stimulation. In that vein, the antidiarrhoeal effect of cryptolepine was also evaluated. Ovalbumin-induced airway guinea pig model was used in the study to evaluate airway inflammation. Allergic inflammatory response was also evaluated using skin prick test. Results revealed that CLP at a dose range of 10-100 mg/kg significantly and dose dependently inhibited inflammatory cells in the periphery. These effects corresponded with the histopathology in the airways. Also evident in the histopathology is protection of CLP against airway inflammation and remodeling viewed in parameters such as thickening of basement membrane and epithelial cells, smooth muscle hypertrophy and hyperplasia in goblet cells. There was significant reduction in the oedema at various doses of CLP compared to the control in the skin prick test, the effect still greater after 24 hours suggesting that it might have an effect in both early and late phase of inflammation. Cryptolepine showed dose-dependent protection in histamine-induced bronchoconstriction from a dose of 10- 100 mg /kg which was significant even after 24 hrs. At doses of 10, 30 and 100 mg/kg of CLP there was graded decrease mucus secretion in the tracheal phenol red model. These effects could also be attributed to stablilizing mast cells apart from its known antimuscarinic and antihistaminic effect. This is evident in the protection showed by cryptolepine at a dose of 30 and 100 µg/ml in compound 48/80 induced rat mesentery mast cell degranulation. CLP (10, 30 and 100 mg/kg) reduced diarrhoea in the castor oil induced diarrhoea model from 100% in control group to 46.5-78.89%. This effect could be partly due to inhibition of peristalsis of GIT by cryptolepine, evidenced by inhibition of transition of charcoal meal from 100% in control group to 17.7% and 37.07%in the charcoal meal test. CLP therefore demonstrated antiasthmatic, antidiarrhoeal and antihistaminic in animal models.

Source: KNUST
Potential challenges in e-government procurement implementation in MMDAs in Greater Accra Region

Procurement is a necessary part of government business which cannot be underemphasized. In recent times, Electronic Government Procurement (e-GP) has turned out to be a paradigm shift from the traditional manual approaches to procurement in many countries. In Ghana, government has started putting structures and systems in place to support the introduction and implementation of e-Government Procurement meant to enhance the country’s procurement processes and block the financial loopholes in the already established manual system of procurement. It is however an undeniable fact that with the introduction of this new technological novelty in Ghana, there might be potential challenges which can profoundly affect the success of the implementation if not handled properly. As a prelude to the full roll out of the new system, there has been an urgent need to carry out a lot of background preparation towards its introduction and adoption. With emphasis on the critical success factors to the implementation of e-procurement, this study explored ways to overcome the potential challenges that might rear their head during the implementation in the MMDAs in the Greater Accra Region (GAR) of Ghana. There are sixteen (16) MMDAs in GAR comprising two (2) Metropolitan Assemblies, nine (9) Municipal Assemblies and five (5) District Assemblies. The study is exploratory in nature and makes use of both primary and secondary data. The Census method was employed in collecting data from the various MMDAs. Generally the study concludes that for electronic procurement implementation to be successful in Ghana, human resource and technological logistics, change management programme, top management support, security, user uptake and training among others must be critically looked at and the shortfalls addressed.

Source: KNUST
Potential Exposure To Carbon Monoxide (Co) And Total Volatile Organic Compounds (Voc) In The Kitchen Environment Of Households And Local Restaurants In The Kumasi Metropolis In Ghana

Cooking with fuels results in emissions of numerous health-damaging pollutants such as particulate matter (PM), carbon monoxide (CO), nitrous oxides (NOx), sulphur oxides (SOx), and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These hazardous pollutants are recognised as potential health risks to exposed populations throughout the world. The types and the concentration of these pollutants depend on the fuel and the completeness of the burning process. This study assessed the concentrations and potential health issues of CO and TVOCs from the use of firewood, charcoal and LPG in three kitchen types identified in the Kumasi Metropolis. Aeroqual Gas Monitor (S500) was used to determine the level of pollutants emitted from cooking fuel combustion (CO and TVOC). Questionnaire was administered to record time activity pattern of food preparers and exposure health related issues experienced by those involved in cooking. CO and TVOCs concentrations under enclosed kitchen (poorly ventilated conditions) were higher for all the three fuel types. Statistically, there was a significant difference (p < 0.001) between the opened and enclosed cooking conditions. Averagely, among the three fuel types, highest pollutants concentrations were determined from charcoal (34.62 ± 36.33 mg/m3), followed by firewood (22.49 ± 26.07mg/m3) and LPG (3.77 ± 9.99 mg/m3) recorded the least. Pollutant concentrations resulting from firewood and charcoal combustion, especially under enclosed conditions could substantially exceed health-based air quality standards or guidelines. Pollutant concentrations decreased with increasing ventilation as pollutant concentrations under opened kitchen type (ventilated condition) recorded lower concentrations than enclosed kitchen type. The results from the questionnaire administration revealed numerous health effects experienced by the respondents. The findings from this study suggest that households and local restaurants using firewood and charcoal as their main sources of cooking energy may be exposed to some undesirable levels of pollutants emitted from the crude fuels. This study recommends the use of cleaner fuel such as LPG to reduce exposure to CO and TVOC and its accompanied health risks.

Source: KNUST
Potential for increasing Aricultural water productivity in the Black Volta Basin

The effect of over or under irrigation on vegetables is the reduction in yield. The study carried out in the Black Volta Basin that falls within the administrative boundaries of the Upper West Region, Ghana, sought to ascertain the potential for increasing agricultural water productivity under various agricultural water management interventions being used for dry season gardening and livestock rearing. Seven sites were selected for detailed studies. Primary and Secondary data were collected through desk studies, .....................................................

Source: KNUST
Potential Health Risk From Heavy Metals To The Population Of Monrovia, Liberia Through The Consumption Of Rice

Rice is the major component of Liberian diets. It is the most widely consumed crop in Monrovia. Environmental pollution can possibly contaminate the crop with heavy metals. In this study, sixtyone rice samples comprising nine domestic cultivated and twenty imported brands of different batches were obtained from six local markets in Monrovia, Liberia and evaluated for the concentrations of six heavy metals: Arsenic (As), Cadmium (Cd), Chromium (Cr), Lead (Pb), Mercury (Hg) and Nickel (Ni). The concentrations of Hg were determined by AAS using a Lumex RA-915M Portable Zeeman Automatic Mercury Analyzer while the concentrations of As, Cd, Cr, Pb and Ni were determined by ICP-MS using an Agilent 7900 Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometer. The concentrations of As, Cd, Cr, Pb, Hg and Ni ranged from 0.0011 to 0.0181, 0.0048 to 0.1179, 0.050 to 0.4245, 0.0011 to 0.0371, 0.0011 to 0.0094 and 0.0151 to 0.6552 mg/kg respectively. The study revealed no significant statistical difference in the metal concentrations between the locally cultivated and imported rice samples, except for As (P = 0.002). Dietary exposure of the consumers to the metals was assessed by comparing Estimated Daily Intake to the Provisional Tolerable Daily Intake of the metals, and the non-carcinogenic health risk posed was assessed using Hazard Quotients and Hazard Indices. Carcinogenic health risk posed from As was assessed by using Incremental Lifetime Cancer Risk values. Incremental Lifetime Cancer Risk values for As were less than the US EPA threshold value of 10-4. Hazard Quotients and Hazard Indices for all the metals were less than the US EPA permissible value of 1. Therefore, consuming the selected rice samples sold on the local markets in Monrovia at the current consumption rate posed no health risk to the population from As, Cd, Cr, Pb, Hg and Ni alone or when combined. Hence, there is no need for consumption advisory

Source: KNUST
The potential of Azadirachta indica leave biomass as a nutrient source for maize cultivation in Tolon/Kumbungu District of Northern Ghana

Maize is the major staple food for most communities in Africa. For improved yield, high yielding varieties have been adopted by farmers. In spite of this, maize yields are dwindling. This is due to the extension of cultivation into drought prone, semi-arid areas, declining soil fertility, shortened fallow periods, high rates of erosion, leaching and removal of crop residues without adequate fertilization. Socio-economic studies was conducted in Tolon/ Kumbungu District while field and laboratory studies was conducted at Savanna Agricultural Research Institute in Nyankpala from July to November 2010. This was to evaluate the potential of Azadirachta indica biomass as a nutrient source for maize cultivation. A randomized complete block design (RCBD) was used. Six treatments used were: T1- 6t/ha of biomass, T2- 3t/ha of biomass, T3- 120kg of NPK fertilizer/ha, T4- 3t/ha of biomass with 60kg of NPK fertilizer/ha, T5- 4t/ha of biomass with 40kg of NPK fertilizer/ha and T6- control. The socio-economic survey indicated that, Azadirachta indica is located on farmland and infront of houses in Tolon-Kumbungu District. Is mainly used for roofing poles and fuelwood while pruning is adopted as the main management practice. Laboratory studies indicated that Azadirachta indica biomass contained nitrogen content of 2.07%, 0.12% of phosphorous, 0.20% of potassium, 0.61% of calcium and 0.22% of magnesium. Maize grain yield differed significantly among the treatments. One hundred and twenty (120) kg of NPK fertilizer/ha significantly produced the highest maize grain yield of 3t/ha than all the treatments. The same grain yield of 1.8t/ha was obtained for 6t/ha of biomass (T1), 4t/ha of biomass plus 40 kg of NPK fertilizer/ha (T5), and 3t/ha of biomass plus 60 kg of NPK fertilizer/ha (T4) which recorded the second highest maize yield. 3t/ha of biomass gave maize yield of 1.2t/ha. All the treatments were significantly different from the control. The control had the least grain yield of 0.5t/ha. Highest level of NPK fertilizer application (120 kg/ha) significantly produced the highest maize height (170.2cm). Besides, 6t/ha of biomass (T1), 3t/ha of biomass with 60 kg of NPK fertilizer/ha (T4), 4t/ha of biomass with 40 kg of NPK fertilizer/ha (T5), were not significantly different but were significantly higher than 3t/ha of biomass (T2), and the control. In conclusion, despite the low yield recorded by either sole or combined application of neem leave biomass, small scale farmers who are mostly financially less resourced can adopt the combination of organic and inorganic fertilizers application to enhance nutrients use efficiency, increase the organic matter base of their farms which will enable farmers achieve sustainable yield.

Source: KNUST
Potential of E-Procurement as a Tool for Improving Efficiency in Public Procurement in Ghana

Public procurement is at the heart of many public sector institutions. However various studies show that the traditional procurement system is characterized by inefficiencies and a lack of transparency. This study was conducted to explore the views of public sector workers regarding the potential of e-procurement as a tool forimproving efficiency in public procurement. Qualitative and quantitative methods were used in collecting and analyzing the data collected. The key findings of the study indicate that e-procurement has the potential of improving the public procurement system. The study revealed that factors such as inadequate understanding of procurement, political influence, poor and improper documentation, bureaucracy and inadequate information to tenderers contributes to the inefficiencies in the procurement process. The use of electronic information and communication technology better ensures time management, reduced transactional and administrative cost; enhanced decision making and productivity as well as safe record keeping and proper documentation. The study recommends that government support is necessary for implementation. Resources are also needed both in technology and software of procurement and human resource as well as frequent training and workshop for officials involved in procurement to upgrade their skills.

Source: KNUST
The Potential Of heterotis Niloticus (African Bony-Tongue) as Aquaculture Candidate in Ghana

Two studies were conducted on the African bony-tongue (Heterotisniloticus) a non-traditional farmed species in Ghana. The first study was done to assess indigenous and culture knowledge of fish farmers from the Ashanti and Eastern regions of Ghana on this non-traditional fish species. Subsequently, a nutritional study was conducted to determine the effect of varying dietary protein levels on the growth and feed utilization of the bony-tongue. The indigenous and culture knowledge of farmers on the bony-tongue were assessed by administering structured questionnaires to ten farmers; five from the Ashanti Region and five from the Eastern Region of Ghana. There is a growing interest of fish farmers for the culture of the bony-tongue. Therefore, there is the need for research to be conducted on this farmed fish species to enable research findings to be extended to farmers to enhance efficient farming of the bony tongue. The nutritional study evaluated the effect of four is oenergeticdiets with varying crude protein (CP) levels of 26.2%, 32.1%, 34.6% and 42.8% on growth; feed utilization and whole-body proximate composition of bony-tongue juveniles. Juveniles (initial weight: 32.65±0.03g) of the bony-tongue were stocked in rearing hapas (2x1m2) at5 fish per hapa. Each diet was assigned to triplicate groups of fish in a completely randomized block design and the experiment lasted for ten weeks. An increasing growth trend and better feed utilization was observed as dietary protein levels increased from 26.2% to 42.8%. Fish fed 42.8% protein diet had the best growth performance and nutrient utilization, with a mean weight gain of 202.30±19.6%, feed conversion ratio of 1.20±0.15 and protein efficiency ratio of 1.66±0.2, however this was not significantly different from values of fish fed 32.1% and 34.6% dietary protein. Significantly lower values were recorded for fish fed 26.2% dietary protein. Whole- body nutrient composition of bony-tongue was not affected by the diets. The results of this study suggest that H.niloticus juveniles would grow best when fed diets containing at least 32.1% protein.

Source: KNUST
The Potential of Indigenous Plants for Use in Phytoremediation of Tailings Dam at Chirano Gold Mine, Ghana

The potential of indigenous plants for use in phytoremediation of heavy metal contaminated soil in Chirano Gold Mine Limited was investigated. Plant species growing in and around the Tailings Storage Facility 1 were sampled in five plots, randomly selected. Plants species diversity was determined using the Shannon-Weiner Index. Plants root and shoot of all identified species and soil samples were collected and analysed for Arsenic, Cadmium and Zinc concentrations using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer while for Cyanide concentration Cyanide Analyser (Flow-injection analysis) was used. Bioavailable fractions of studied metals were also measured with formation of metal complex with Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid and ammonium acetate reagents. Data obtained were subjected to Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) using SPSS version 16 with values for p < 0.05 considered significantly different. The hyper-accumulation potential and mobility of heavy metals within the plants were determined from the bioaccumulation and translocation factors. A total of 19 plant species belonging to 8 families were identified. The most abundant family was Poaceae (37%). Grasses were the dominant growth form which contributed much to the Shannon-Weiner Index of 2.01. Majority of plants species (90%) are propagated by seeds. The total and bioavailable mean content of heavy metals (Zn, Cd and As) varied in the area with Zinc being most predominant-13.20±0.06 mg/kg. However, CN was the most bioavailable with percentage bioavailability of 64. The soil elemental concentrations of Zn (13.20 mg/kg), Cd (0.29 mg/kg), As (3.0 mg/kg) and CN (0.11 mg/kg) were below the WHO recommended standards of 200 mg/kg, 1.4 mg/kg, 12 mg/kg, and 0.9 mg/kg for Zn, Cd, As and CN respectively. The concentrations of all metals were significantly higher in the roots than in the shoots. In all plant species Zinc was the most accumulated heavy metal, recording the highest level of accumulation in the root of Euphorbia heterophylla. Bioaccumulation factor as expressed by total and bioavailable metal concentration in soil indicate that all the plant species demonstrate good hyperaccumulation and phytoextraction potential for Zn and Cd whilst 13 and 8 plant species demonstrate good accumulation and phytoextraction potential for CN and As, respectively. The translocation factor indicates that 8 plant species are good phytotranslocators for Zn, 7 plant species for Cd, 10 plant species for As and 8 plants species CN. The accumulative and phytotranslocation potential of these plant species provide useful information about theirs elective exploitation for effective phytoremediation of the tailings dam at Chirano Gold Mine.

Source: KNUST