ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Assessment Of Performance Of Mesophilic Single-Stage Biogas Digester For Treating Agricultural Wastes

Agricultural activities play a crucial role in global food production and economic growth, but they also generate substantial amounts of organic wastes and by-products. One of the leading causes of environmental pollution and health hazards has been the improper management of agricultural wastes. One promising and environmentally friendly solution for treating agricultural wastes is anaerobic digestion. Although studies have been done in Ghana and Central Region using anaerobic digestion to treat organic wastes, there is little or no knowledge available on the assessment of the performance of a mesophilic single-stage biogas digester for treating agricultural wastes. The primary objective of the research work is to develop such biogas digester to treat agricultural wastes. An 8 m3 pilot-scale single-stage digester with a manual stirrer operated at a mesophilic condition (30 oC) was used to treat agricultural wastes at three different hydraulic retention time (HRT): HRT 20, 23 and 26 days with a hydraulic flow rate of 300 L/d, 260 L/d and 230 L/d respectively. Cow dung was used as inoculum for the digester whiles pig manure, cabbage wastes, carrot leaves, jute leaves, amaranth plant and spinach leaves represented agricultural wastes. Selected physicochemical parameters (BOD, COD, pH, chloride, ammonia, total phosphorus, total solid, volatile solid, total nitrogen, and nitrate), pathogenic microorganisms (E. coli and Salmonella spp.) and heavy metals (lead, chromium, nickel, zinc and cadmium) were analyzed on the inoculum, influent and effluent. The results from the cow manure made it feasible and preferred inoculum for the anaerobic digestion of agricultural wastes. With regards to physicochemical parameters, the greatest elimination was seen in TS and VS at HRT 26, whereas TN, OC, COD NO3-, and TP were at HRT 23. The results of the pathogenic microbial treatment indicated an infinite reduction of salmonella spp. and a 2.02 log reduction in E. Coli all at HRT 26. Additionally, the data related to heavy metals indicated that all the initial values of these metals were higher in the influent than in the effluent, except for Zn and Pb at an HRT of 23 days, which saw an increment in their effluent concentrations. HRTs 23 and 26 days showed better treatment efficiency as compared to HRT 20. This research is a win-win solution for farmers and policy makers as it addresses waste management, energy, environmental and economic concern, whiles supporting sustainable agricultural and rural development. However, Pb and Zn showed higher effluent values which need additional treatment before using it for cultivation.

Source: UCC
Assessment of Pesticide Use and Impacts Among Smallholder Rice Farmers in the Upper East Region, Ghana

This study conducted an analysis among 388 smallholder rice farmers in the Upper East region, aiming to evaluate pesticide application practices and associated awareness. The research unveiled awareness of potential health risks associated with pesticides among the participants. The analysis revealed that diverse educational levels were observed among the farmers, with 33% having primary education and 27% admitting to not reading pesticide labels before use. The statistics indicated a higher utilisation of nose masks (70%) compared to protective coveralls (45%), implying potential inadequacies in protective measures during pesticide application. In addition, the study analysed the Environmental Impact Quotient (EIQ) values of various pesticides. The analysis revealed that Lambda, exhibiting a lower overall impact (EIQ 9.6), posed a higher risk to the ecosystem. Conversely, Dursban showcased a higher potential impact (EIQ 36.1) across all domains, particularly on the ecosystem. Furthermore, Confidor exhibited notably higher potential environmental impact (EIQ 50.4) compared to Lambda, emphasising the necessity for cautious usage. Additionally, the study focused on on how biochar contributes in reducing pesticide concentrations in soils. The results highlighted efficacy of rice husk biochar, notably the 1% rice husk effectively reduced pesticide concentrations in the soil. These findings underscore the need for targeted education, improved practices, and the potential application of biochar to ensure safer and more sustainable agricultural approaches among smallholder rice farmers in the region.

Source: UCC
An Assessment of Petroleum revenue management in Ghana

The purpose of the study was to examine the management of oil revenue in Ghana. Specifically, the study ascertains whether Ghana’s petroleum revenue management model conforms to the internationally recognised standard, and also whether it depicts transparency. The reasons for the statutory limits on collateralisation of government’s borrowing against the projected petroleum revenue and the benefits of segregation of the petroleum revenue and limits for the mandatory savings plan and the annual budget funding of the petroleum revenue were also examined. Descriptive research design was used. Purposive sampling procedure was used to sample 93 employees comprising 37 from private institutions and 56 from government institutions. Data were collected using questionnaire. The analysis of collected data was done by the help of the Predictive Analytic Software and presented using cross tabulation, frequency tables and percentages. Ghana’s petroleum revenue management model exhibits international features best practices even though it still needs some modifications for its effective management in relation to transparency and good governance. The law ensures that revenue from the oil and gas are used for development and improve standard of living of the citizenry and also provisions are made for future generation. Based on the key findings and conclusions of this study, it is recommended to stakeholders to constantly ensure that the objectives of petroleum revenue management in Ghana are adhered to for it to continue to match international best practices.

Source: UCC
Assessment of petroleum revenue management in Ghana, from 2011 to 2017

Ghana commenced the commercial production of oil in 2010 with the subsequent passage of the Petroleum Revenue Management Act, 2011 (Act 815) and the Income Tax Law to govern the management of the petroleum revenues. In spite of Act 815 as amended, Act 893 in 2015, regarding sustainable revenue management; government’s expenditure from the Ghana Petroleum Fund on recurrent and non-capital items creates sources for concern. This study therefore, was set out to examine the various petroleum revenue sources in Ghana, their trends and proportions over a seven-year period (2011 2017). Secondary petroleum revenue data from the annual reports of the Ministry of Finance were subjected to descriptive statistics, frequencies, graphs, cross tabulations and content analysis. During the period under review, the operations of three oil fields such as the Jubilee, TEN and Saltpond fields had been identified. With respect to the provisions of Section 21(4), no further revenue allocations had been made into the Ghana Infrastructure Investment Fund after it received a total of US$6.92 million from the first TEN lifting in the first quarter of the 2017 budget. This, in addition to weakening the fundamentals of the economy has damning implications for other sectors of the economy as well. In other to encourage allocations into the GIIF, Section 21(4) can be amended to set a minimum cap of say 10% or 15% and also restrict the implementation of policies whose infrastructural needs have not been met by say 70 to 80 percent. This would boost public investment expenditure in the domestic market and increase development of other sectors in the economy, leading to direct or indirect income gains to supplement any marginal gains of Petroleum Holding Fund income (PHFI).

Source: UCC
Assessment of Physical Facilities and Quality Assurance Practices: A Comparative Study of Takoradi and Cape Coast Technical Universities

The study sought to assess the extent to which quality assurance practices of Takoradi and Cape Coast Technical Universities in Ghana capture physical facilities as a way to achieve an enhanced quality. The study employed the quantitative approach of data collection to establish how quality assurance practices of Takoradi and Cape Coast Technical Universities captured physical facilities as a driver of an enhanced quality, and make a comparative evaluation between the two technical universities. The researcher employed simple random sampling and stratified sampling technique in selecting a total sample size of 210 lecturers as lecturers for Cape Coast and Takoradi Technical Universities and 380 respondents were selected as respondents for students for both Cape Coast and Takoradi Technical Universities. A questionnaire personally structured by the researcher was used to collect data. Descriptive statistics (means and standard deviation) was used to analyze the data. The findings reveal that some of the physical facilities in the Cape Coast and Takoradi Technical Universities were not covered by regular and routine quality assurance. Owing to this, there are some difficulties that come with teaching and learning in the two Technical Universities. It is therefore recommended that stakeholders in the two Technical Universities must as a matter of urgency address the inadequate physical facilities issues that overwhelm the Technical Universities in order to meet the standard that they have been raised to and also those that are not disability friendly must be addressed.

Source: UCC
Assessment of Physical Fitness Levels of Soccer Referees in Relation to their Performances During Officiating In Ghana

The study investigated the physical fitness levels of soccer referees in relation to the performances they exhibit during officiating in Ghana. The cross-sectional survey design was employed to shape the study. The stratified and proportionate multistage sampling techniques were used to select a sample of 65 from the three belts of the country. The physical fitness test results of referees accredited by the RAG were compared with the referees’ officiating performance reports. Data covering the period 2003 to 2005 were utilised. The referees assessed in this study had a mean age of 31.8 (SD, 6.6 years), physical fitness test result of 2875.4 (SD, 178.8 metres), fitness in match of 1.5 (SD, 0.13 marks) out of 2, and officiating performance of 7.5 (SD, 0.62 marks) out of 10. The data collected were analysed using the SPSS Windows 13.0 of means, standard deviations and percentages. The inferential statistics of Linear Regression and Chi-square were used to test the hypotheses at the .05 alpha level of significance. The results of the study indicated that soccer referees who exhibit significant physical fitness assessment levels perform better when officiating in Ghana, irrespective of their fitness level, age, and the part of the country they come from. Based on this, the RAG is admonished to continue to use the YYIRT to assess referees fitness. This should be organised every quarter at the district and regional levels. Also referees are to select physical conditioning regimens and choose appropriate modes of developing their endurance and fitness. Thirdly the RAG is admonished to review the age limit for referees in line with FIFA’s.

Source: UCC
Assessment of polyscias frutcosa (L.) Harm (Araliaceae) leaf extract on male fertility in rats

Background: Polyscias frutcosa is used widely as food, remedy for diseases, and as anornamental across Afro-Asian countries. For instance, P. frutcosa is used traditionally as an ant-asthma, ant-tussive, and a muco-suppressant herbal remedy for asthmatics in Ghana. Although many studies have investgated the pharmacological basis of the ethnobotanical uses of P. frutcosa, however, its efect on the reproductve system remains completely unknown. Aim of study: This study assessed efects of P. frutcosa leaf extract (PFE) on male fertility and toxicity in adult male Wistar rats. Materials and methods: After crude preparaton of PFE, it was subjected to qualitative phytochemical, thin layer chromatography and gas chromatography mass spectrometry analyses. The effect of PFE was assessed on male fertility and toxicity by using healthy adult male Wistar rats. Rats were randomly assigned to normal saline (5 ml/kg po, n = 5), Clomiphene Citrate (CL; 50 mg/kg po; n = 5), and PFE (100, 200, and 500 mg/kg po; n = 5, respectively) groups and treated for 21 days. On day 22, rats were sacrificed and male fertility parameters (lef tests weight, relative tests weight, caudal epididymal weight, caudal epididymal sperm count, sperm motility, sperm morphology, and assessment of male sex hormones and testicular histology) were assessed. Results: There were no significant changes in bodyweight, weight of lef tests, weights of right and left caudal epididymitis between treatment groups (PFE and CL) and control. Caudal epididymis sperm count increased in PFE (100 and 500 mg/kg)-treated rats relative to control. Sperm motility relatively increased in PFE-treated rats compared to control. Sperm abnormality decreased in PFE-treated rats, especially in PFE (100 mg/kg) group compared to control. Serum testosterone levels decreased inversely with serumluteinizing hormone levels in PFE-treated rats compared to control. There were minimal-to-no-alteratons in histological sections of tests, except vacuolatons at primary spermatocyte stage. Glycosides, saponins, cyanogenic glycosides, sterols, and alkaloids were detected in PFE Conclusion: PFE improved caudal epididymal sperm count and may be useful as male fertility enhancer but exhaustive safety studies on key male sex organs needs to be established

Source: UCC
Assessment of polyscias fruticosa (L.) Harm (Araliaceae) leaf extract on male fertility in rats

Background: Polyscias fruticosa is used widely as food, remedy for diseases, and as an ornamental across Afro-Asian countries. For instance, P. fruticosa is used traditionally as an anti-asthma, anti-tussive, and a muco-suppressant herbal remedy for asthmatics in Ghana. Although many studies have investigated the pharmacological basis of the ethnobotanical uses of P. fruticosa, however, its effect on the reproductive system remains completely unknown. Aim of study: This study assessed effects of P. fruticosa leaf extract (PFE) on male fertility and toxicity in adult male Wistar rats. Materials and methods: After crude preparation of PFE, it was subjected to qualitative phytochemical, thin layer chromatography and gas chromatography mass spectrometry analyses. The effect of PFE was assessed on male fertility and toxicity by using healthy adult male Wistar rats. Rats were randomly assigned to normal saline (5 ml/kg po, n = 5), Clomiphene Citrate (CL; 50 mg/kg po; n = 5), and PFE (100, 200, and 500 mg/kg po; n = 5, respectively) groups and treated for 21 days. On day 22, rats were sacrificed and male fertility parameters (left testis weight, relative testis weight, caudal epididymal weight, caudal epididymal sperm count, sperm motility, sperm morphology, and assessment of male sex hormones and testicular histology) were assessed. Results: There were no significant changes in bodyweight, weight of left testis, weights of right and left caudal epididymides between treatment groups (PFE and CL) and con- trol. Caudal epididymal sperm count increased in PFE (100 and 500 mg/kg)-treated rats relative to control. Sperm motility relatively increased in PFE-treated rats compared to control. Sperm abnormality decreased in PFE-treated rats, especially in PFE (100 mg/kg) group compared to control. Serum testosterone levels decreased inversely with serum luteinizing hormone levels in PFE-treated rats compared to control. There were mini- mal-to-no-alterations in histological sections of testis, except vacuolations at primary spermatocyte stage. Glycosides, saponins, cyanogenic glycosides, sterols, and alkaloids were detected in PFE. Conclusion: PFE improved caudal epididymal sperm count and may be useful as male fertility enhancer but exhaustive safety studies on key male sex organs needs to be established.

Source: UCC
Assessment of potential impact of climate change on peanut yield in Senegal through a modelling approach

This study assess of the potential impact of climate change on peanut yield in Senegal. Seven field experiments were conducted at three sites in the dry seasons of 2014 and 2015 and the rainy season of 2014. SIMPLACE1 crop model was calibration and validation at two sites Bambey and Nioro and for two peanut cultivars over two years. To assess the impact of climate change on peanut growth and yield in Senegal, outputs of four Regional Climate Models were used together accounting for impacts with and without consideration of elevated CO2. The effects of fertilizer application on peanut in three different sites, Bambey, Nioro and Sinthiou Malem were not significantly different between fertilizer levels. Under water stressed conditions, the seed yield was more affected than the biomass yield. Seed yield decreased by 33% when stress occurred at flowering period and by 50% when stress occurred during seed filling. In dry season when the plants were subjected to periodic heat stress conditions, yield simulations were markedly improved when canopy temperature was considered instead of air temperature. Projected climate change without CO2 elevation may impact negatively biomass and seed yield for RCP4.5 and RCP8.5. However, positive yield changes result when CO2 concentration increase of up to 5.4% and 12.4% for RCP4.5 and RCP8.5 respectively for biomass and for seed yield up to 9.6% for RCP4.5 and 13.2% for RCP8.5. Short season varieties had greater relative yield changes and can therefore be recommended in these two sites to cope with the impact of early rain cessation. It is concluded that climate change will have positive impact on peanut yield in Senegal due to the elevated of CO2 concentration.

Source: UCC
Assessment of premix fuel governance in the marine small-scale fisheries sector and implications on the livelihoods of fishers in ghana

Premix fuel is subsidised and central to the fishing operations of small-scale marine and inland fishermen in Ghana. However, its distribution and access among fishermen have always been fraught with challenges such as hoarding, and politicization thus, it is unclear if premix supply by the government correlates with fish landings. Primary data was collected through systematic random sampling of 1,151 artisanal fisherfolk in four communities namely Axim, Abandze, Kedzikope and Old Ningo using structured interviews. Secondary data was also collected from National Petroleum Authority and Fisheries Scientific Survey Division on the quantity of premix supply and fish catch by small-scale fishermen in Ghana. Thematic, descriptive, trend, regression and correlation analysis were conducted to achieve the results of the study. However, 32% of the fish catch variations is as a result of the supply of premix fuel and the total number of canoes in Ghana. In addition, there is no significant relationship between premix fuel supply, number of canoes and the quantitity of fish catch in Ghana. In addition there is a significant relationship between expenses made on premix fuel and the income generated from the sales of fish catch per trip but the relationship is very moderate (R square =18.1%; r = 0.43; p value < 0.05). It is recommended that, there should be a sequential reduction in the supply of premix in order not to jeopardise the livelihoods of fishers thus depoliticising the local distribution system to ensure equity in the coastal communities.Premix subsidisation funds should be re-channeled into other social intervention initiatives such as education of the youth in coastal communities, providing insurance for fishers at their old age, and alternative livelihood interventions.

Source: UCC
Assessment of preservice business teachers’ teaching passion and perseverance: A preliminary teaching requirement

The current study assessed preservice business teachers’ passion and perseverance to teach through the descriptive cross-sectional survey design. Out of a population of 577 preservice business teachers (Management = 172, Accounting = 45), a valid sample of 217 participated in the study. The Preservice Teaching Passion and Perseverance Questionnaire was used to gather data on the study’s variables. This instrument was validated through the exploratory factor analysis, and the reliability was ascertained through the McDonald's omega due to its multidimensional nature. Both descriptive (mean, standard deviation) and inferential (independent samples t-test, one-way ANOVA and Factorial MANOVA) statistics were used to analyse the data. The study found that the preservice business teachers exhibited high levels of passion and perseverance for teaching. Their passion to teach was sensitive to their level of study. However, their passion to teach declined at a higher level of study (Level 400); this is seen in the harmonious passion factor. Also, it was found that their demographic characteristics did not significantly influence their perseverance to teach. However, the interaction between their prior teaching experience and Level of study influenced their perseverance to teach. Therefore, to avert the possibility of admitting teacher candidates who are not passionate to teach, the Directorate of Academic Affairs of universities should include the submission of motivation letters as part of the admission requirements for education programmes.

Source: UCC
Assessment of Public Exposure to Radiofrequency Radiations from Mobile Phone Base Stations and Handsets

This thesis reports the results of radio frequency exposure level in the vicinity of fifty mobile phone base stations in Ghana. The measurements showed that a power density variation of as low as 0.01 uW/m2 to as high as 10pW/m2 for the frequency of 900 MHz. At a transmission frequency of 1800MHz, the variations of power densities were from 0.01 uW/m2 to 100pW/m2. The results generally showed that level of compliance with ICNIRP limit was about 0.01%. These results are much higher than results in other countries where there are radio frequency safety regulations in place for the installation of RF antennae. The temperature rise in human head caused by absorbed power in the form of SAR from mobile phones is computed using bio-heat equation approach. The SAR was computed for fifty mobile phone handsets that radiate at 900MHz and 1800MHz. The temperature rise in the human head were calculated and the results show that average SAR values of 0.42W/kg, 0.98W/kg, 1.7W/kg, and 1.94W/kg resulted in temperature rise of 0.14°C, 0.15°C, 0.17°C and 0.18°C respectively after l0 min. Using PMMA phantom the temperature changes in the human head at different frequencies there was 0.19°C change over the initial 20°C for the 1800MHz and at the 900 MHz the temperature change was 0.18°C. The results showed that PMMA phantom can be used to estimate temperature changes within the human head. The results presented in this work will help in the further development of criteria for exposure guidelines, and technique developed may be used to assess temperature rises in the head associated with SARs for different types of RF exposure.

Source: UCC