ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Parasitic infection in HIV-infected patients at varying T cell levels rural and peri-urban areas in Ghana

Background: Intestinal parasites especially coccidian parasites are related to gastrointestinal symptoms causing severe diarrhoea in HIV/AIDS patients. These parasitic infections have further complicated the problem of morbidity and mortality in HIV/AIDS patients especially in Sub Saharan Africa. Hence, this study investigated the occurrence of intestinal parasites in HIV/AIDS at different CD4 T-cell counts.

Source: KNUST
Parental involvement in adolescent reproductive and sexual health: a case study of Asamang Community in Afigya Sekyere District, Ghana

Young people constitute a major potential for socio-economic development in every country. In Ghana, young people aged 15-24 years account for 18.5 per cent of the total population. As the future leaders of the country, it is important to ensure that young people are educated, well informed, and provided with improved health care services and facilities. Creating an acceptable atmosphere for adolescents to learn about transition to adulthood is one of the central issues in education. Values, attitudes and behaviours for promoting positive living, including those on reproductive health, are first formed at the adolescent stage. Therefore, educating adolescents and young adults on sexual and reproductive health has the benefit of contributing to the well-being of the members of the society as well as helping them to develop their potentials. The study type was observational with a current cross-sectional design, and looked at the practices in the community where parents were less concerned about the reproductive and sexual health issues of their adolescents. In other words, it intended to find how best parents could be at the forefront of issues bordering on their adolescents’ reproductive and sexual health. The study variables were mainly qualitative in nature. The study concluded that parents are trying their best to educate their adolescents on ARSH issues, but however their best is not enough, the methods through which they impart knowledge to their children needed to be modified, it is time that parents sat down with their adolescents and discussed ARSH issues in a friendly atmosphere devoid of shouting and scolding. It was established in the research that parents somehow communicate ARSH information to their adolescent in the community. However the mode of communicating ARSH information to the adolescent needed to be improved because some of the parents were not sure about what they tell their children. Besides, the parents are not comfortable discussing ARSH issues with their adolescents. The research further established that parents hid behind anger, intimidation and shouting to address their adolescents on ARSH issues.

Source: KNUST
Parliamentary representation and political accountability: a case study of ghana’s fourth republic.

The research examines the nature of Parliamentary representation and Political accountability under Ghana’s Fourth Republic. This research using questionnaires findsout that, Ghana’s Parliamentary representation under the Fourth Republic was base predominantly on the mandate representation, where Political parties remain a significant platform for Parliamentary representation. The research finds strong preference for Resemblance representation, acknowledging the need for increase representation of women and the socially excluded in Parliament. Delegate representation and Trusteeship representation were weak due to the preponderance of partisanship in Parliament. Election was central to Political accountability of MPs, containing in it, mechanisms of rewards (Re-election) and sanctions (Defeat at the polls). Civil Society Organizations, Media (Print and Electronic) and Chiefs exert strong accountability pressures on Members of Parliament influencing materially the re-election bid of MPs in the next election. Ghana’s Parliamentary representation and Political accountability under the Fourth Republic was dual in nature, from the floor of Parliament and the Constituency.

Source: KNUST
Parents’ socio-economic status as determinants of young adults’ educational attainment in Ayeduase, Kumasi.

It has been well-documented by researchers that having a higher Socio-Economic Status (SES) enables one to have greater access to an array of materials, goods, and services to promote or support academic achievement. The investment in one‟s higher education benefits not only the individual but also broader society and the fundamental well-being of our nation. Given that vital educational decisions are made during the span of years characterized by adolescents becoming young adults‟, research is needed to explore the basis or association of these decisions, measured by the potential connection between parental socio-economic status and young adults‟ educational attainment. The present study, using Forward Selection Step-wise Linear Regression and Chi-square analysis, examined the relationship between parents‟ socio-economic status and the educational attainment of young adults‟ in Kumasi. The data for this study were gathered using a comprehensive questionnaire. The sample consisted of young adults‟ respondents (N =300) who were between 25 and 29 years old. The young adults‟ respondents completed questionnaires through detailed interviews in person. The study revealed a positive relationship between parents‟ socio-economic status (parent educational attainment, parent income, parents‟ occupation) and young adults‟ educational attainment, In addition, parents‟ income and parents occupation significantly predicted young adults‟ educational attainment. Thus, it is recommended that the results of this study potentially provide a new starting point for community organizations, public school systems, colleges and universities and policy research organizations to reassess the influence that proxy parenting has on educational attainment.

Source: KNUST
Participation of Women in Local Governance in Ghana

Globally, women form half of the human population yet in terms of governance, there is a general trend of under representation of their quantitative and qualitative participation at all levels of governance. The process of governance apparently has become the preserve of men. The goal of this study is to enhance the participation of women in local governance in Ghana. It focused on two districts; Kumasi Metropolitan and Ejura-Sekyedumase districts. The methods of investigation were the use of both primary and secondary data. The primary data was obtained from questionnaires, discussion and participant observation. Secondary data were obtained from documents, journals, books, newspapers and the internet. The study revealed that women were underrepresented in terms of quantity in the two districts. Another revelation was the fact that numerous obstacles such as religion, and other cultural practices as well as the multiple roles of women, impede the participation of women in local governance. However, the extents to which these obstacles impede their participation vary from one district to the other and have socio-cultural undertones. Among the major findings of the study is the low level of education of women involved in the functional obligations of the district assemblies. Seventy percent of women respondents of the two districts studied ate Middle School Leaving Certificate holders; all the five Assemblywomen at KMA were found to be involved in commercial activities while in Ejura, only two were into commerce. With the remaining three, two are civil servants and one is the District Chief Executive. Generally the breadth and depth of women’s participation in communal activities in the two districts are low. However, the extent of participation of the women in the proceedings of assemblies is considered to be high. Women who are currently involved in the work of the district assemblies are between the ages of thirty and sixty-five years. In spite of various efforts made by international bodies, such as United Nations, civil society organizations including women’s groups such International Federation of Women Lawyers and religious organizations such as Christian Mothers Association, the problem of women’s under representation in local governance persists. This therefore calls for a new approach to the solution of this problem, hence the need for all stakeholders to consider the recommendations made in this study, which will help to enhance the participation of women in local governance in Ghana. This is necessary since women’s contributions to family livelihoods are very crucial and their leadership in community work fosters democratic participation. Their participation in the decision making process is therefore basic in achieving the principle of inclusion. Skills that women use in daily activities like settling disputes among children, securing and distributing food, organising a household lead to qualities essential for successful leadership .based on the principles of participation and inclusion at the local level.

Source: KNUST
Partial replacement of phenol in phenol-formaldehyde adhesive with tannin and cost performance of imported adhesives in local plywood industry

Tannin extracted from Acacia nilotica, a local plant species was used to prepare Tannin-Phenol-formaldehyde resin, a phenolic adhesive in which Phenol has been partially substituted. The bonding strength of the adhesive was compared with Urea-Formaldehyde (UF) and Phenol- Formaldehyde (PF) which are currently being imported for commercial production of plywood locally at very high cost. The objective of this study is to promote the industrial production of T.P.F. to replace PF resin in the manufacture of exterior grade plywood locally which is expected to be relatively cheaper. The current percentage cost of adhesive in local plywood manufacture and consumption level of adhesive were also assessed. The TPF resin formed hot pressed bond that was superior to UF and comparable to that of PF. The percentage cost of adhesive in local plywood manufacture was observed to have increased approximately from 51.7% in 1992 to 60.7% in 1994. The current consumption of resin was observed to be approximately 1605 tonnes costing about 6.6 billion Cedis for UF and 14.5 billion Cedis in the case of PF.

Source: KNUST
Participation of women in local government: a case study of Wenchi Municipal Assembly.

The number of women participating in the local government system in Ghana compared to men is low. This study, conducted in the Wenchi Municipal Assembly, was to: (1) examine the level of participation of women in local government; (2) identify the factors that account for the low level of women participation in local government and (3) assess the effects of low participation of women in local government on grassroots development in Ghana. Structured questionnaires were administered to 104 respondents drawn from workers at the Municipal Assembly, Youth group and members of the Unit Committee and Town Council. The results showed that 44% percent of the respondents were dissatisfied with the participation of women while 37 % indicated that they were satisfied. In contrast, 81% would be willing to campaign for women to participate in local government, 89% of the respondents indicated they would be willing to advocate for more women to participate in local government. Over 80% of the respondents agreed that the level of education of women contributes to the low participation of women in local government. Fifty-seven percent (57%) of the female respondents strongly agreed that reproductive roles prevent women from participating in local government compared with 32% of male respondents. Sixty-seven percent (67%) of the respondents strongly agreed that political violence prevented women from participating in local government. Sixty- four percent (64%) of the respondents strongly agreed that women face financial constraints that hinder them from participating in local government while 23.1% agreed. This study concluded that the participation of women in local government of the Wenchi Municipal Assembly is low. This low level of participation can be attributed to level of education, reproductive role, political violence, culture and religion, finance and male dominance.

Source: KNUST
Partial Substitution of Cocoa Butter with Processed Shea Butter in Milk Chocolate

Natural cocoa butter is expensive but a major ingredient used for the manufacture of chocolate. The search for alternative cheaper cocoa butter substitute with the similar physical properties, fatty acid and triglyceride content has been proposed. The objective of this study was to evaluate the potential of cheaper and processed (fractionated- or deodorized-) shea butter (FSB or DSB) to partly substitute 5% and 7.5% cocoa butter in chocolate production. The proximate composition, microbiological and sensory qualities, as well as estimated cost of the formulated chocolate products were determined and compared with that of the 100% cocoa butter chocolate as control. Results showed that all the shea butter substituted chocolate samples varying in percentages of incorporation had acceptable proximate composition and microbial quality according to the international standards. Also, there were no significant differences (P > 0.05) among all the five samples in terms of flavour, after-taste and texture except for the 7.5% FSB substituted chocolate which differed significantly (P < 0.05) from the other samples in terms of overall acceptability, thus 7.5% FSB was less preferred by consumers. FSB is cheaper than DSB based on the world market price quotes. Thus the current study recommends the use of FSB for chocolate confectioneries at 5% substitution rate for cocoa butter could help reduce the cost of chocolate production and increase turnovers.

Source: KNUST
Participatory GIS for inland water cadastre: case of Densuano, Koforidua, Ghana

Water bodies in Ghana are utilized for various purposes including drinking, irrigation, transportation and hydropower generation just to mention a few. Stakeholders who utilize these water bodies for different activities hold diverse rights and relating interests seen in the form of responsibilities, restrictions and privileges. In Ghana, one major challenge that threatens management and administration of these rights is the absence of a complete and comprehensive information system that records the spatial extents and terms on use rights for stakeholders who hold both statutory and customary water rights. This study aims at exploring participatory GIS tools to capture and record the various interests related to inland water resources in Ghana and to develop a prototype information system that facilitates the visualization and analysis of the identified interests. Participatory sketch mapping, interviews and focus group discussions were used to capture and record indigenous knowledge on water rights. Two participatory mapping exercises were conducted; for stakeholders at Densuano in Koforidua, a community in the Densu River Basin. The mapping exercise engaged stakeholders upstream and the other for stakeholders at the downstream portion of the water resource. A GPS survey of selected points was used to validate the accuracy of the mapping exercise. ArcGIS and Map Guide Maestro were used to develop a prototype cadastral system for the resource. The study shows that the local community members have rich knowledge in water rights. The stakeholders were able to use the participatory mapping tools after a short training and the maps produced through the participatory exercise shows that the stakeholders have varying use rights on water. Participatory mapping ensured maximum community participation and involvement, urging the various stakeholders to identify and come to a consensus on the various physical boundaries associated to particular rights and underlining responsibilities, privileges, and restrictions. The prototype created provides a good interface for visualizing the physical extent of varying customary and statutory rights and the restrictions on water usage. The interface provides users the opportunity to conduct spatial analysis and therefore can aid in the management and administration of water at Densuano.

Source: KNUST
Particulate matter exposure among artisans at Suame-magazine in Kumasi metropolis, Ghana

Air pollution is one of the major causes of mortality and disease globally. This study was conducted on particulate matter exposure among artisans at Suame-Magazine. Sampling was carried out at three different spots within Zone 21 of Suame-Magazine for a period of 8 hours per sampling section. The same process was done at a residential area which was the control. PM10 particles were collected using the HAZ-DUST EPAM 7500 air sampling device. Questionnaires were administered to assess the health effects on artisans as a result of exposure to PM10. A Human Health Risk Analysis was calculated to predict the health risk posed on an artisan as a result of PM10 inhalation. A number of hazards artisans are faced with were identified. PM10 concentrations from the exposed group and the control group was 211µg/m3 and 103 µg/m3 respectively. The level of PM10 pollution was very high in the exposed group compared to the control group. PM10 pollution level was very high in both groups with mean concentrations exceeding WHO and Ghana EPA guideline values, 50 µg/m3 and 70 µg/m3respectively. Results from a Chi-square analysis revealed that there was an association between exposure to PM10 particle pollution and some health outcomes like hypertension, breathing difficulties, headaches and asthma. Results from the Human Risk Analysis revealed that the risk of exposure to particulate matter inhalation to an artisan was moderate. Hazards identified were slips, trips and falls, cuts, burns, punctures, noise and eye irritations. Air pollution has been proven to be a threat to the health of humanity and the environment as a whole. Proper safety precautions should be taken by workers at all times and more research should be carried out in this particular area due to the due to the fact that it is major health threat to humans, animals and the environment as a whole.

Source: KNUST
Particulate matter exposure among artisans at Suame-magazine in Kumasi metropolis, Ghana

Air pollution is one of the major cause of mortality and disease globally. This study was conducted on particulate matter exposure among artisans at Suame-Magazine. Sampling was carried out at three different spots within Zone 21 of Suame-Magazine for a period of 8 hours each sampling section. The same process was done at a residential area which was the control. PM10 particles were collected using the HAZ-DUST EPAM 7500 air sampling device. Questionnaires were administered to assess the health effects on artisans as a result of exposure to PM10. A Human Health Risk Analysis was calculated to predict the health risk posed on an artisan as a result of PM10 in halation. A number of hazards artisans are faced with were identified. PM10 concentrations from the exposed group and the control group was 211µg/m3 and 103 µg/m3 respectively. The level of PM10 pollution was very high in the exposed group compared to the control group. The of PM10 pollution was very high in both groups with mean concentrations exceeding WHO and Ghana EPA guideline values, 50 µg/m3 and 70 µg/m3 respectively. Results from a Chi-square analysis revealed that there was an association between exposure to PM10 particle pollution and some health outcomes like hypertension, breathing difficulties, headaches and asthma. Results from the Human Risk Analysis revealed that the risk of exposure to particulate matter inhalation to an artisan was moderate. Hazards identified were slips, trips and falls, cuts, burns, punctures, noise and eye irritations. Air pollution has been proven to be a threat to the health of humanity and the environment as a whole.

Source: KNUST
Pasting properties of starch-okra pectin mixed system

The pasting properties of starch are influenced by the starch-hydrocolloid interaction in the mixed system. In this study, the effect of pectin extract from three okra genotypes (Agbagoma, Asontem, and Sengavi) at concentrations of 0%, 5%, 10%, and 15% on the pasting properties of starch were investigated. The pasting properties of the mixed systems were determined using the Rapid ViscoAnalyzer. The results showed that okra pectin decreased the peak viscosity and setback value of starch with the highest exhibited by Agbagoma and Asontem. The final viscosity of starch was increased in most samples except for 10–15% Agbagoma and 15% Asontem pectin systems. The peak time (3.84 − 6.84 min) increased with increasing okra pectin concentration. Pasting temperature for the mixed systems ranged from 51.24 o C (for 10% Sengavi) to 80.65°C (for 15% Agbagoma). Overall, okra pectin affected the pasting properties of starch and decreased starch retrogradation.

Source: KNUST
Pasting of G-Irradiated proteins from Vigna Subterranea in native starch models and the surface functional properties of the proteins

This research was carried out to evaluate the surface functional properties of gamma irradiated Bambara groundnut protein isolates and to study their performance in modeled starch systems using the Brabender Viscoamylograph. Irradiation was done at five levels: 2.50, 5.00, 7.50, and 10.00kGy; while protein-starch admixtures in three combinations: 30P:70S, 50P:50S, 70P:30S were pasted. The results showed significant (p<0.05) effects of increasing irradiation doses on some protein related functional properties, while pasting characteristics of admixtures showed no dose-dependent significant (p<0.05) changes. Protein solubility decreased following irradiation, even though there were no significant differences (p<0.05) among samples. All samples readily solubilized at pH 8.00 with the non-irradiated (0.00kGy) showing the highest solubility value of 0.173g/ml. Increases in Water and Oil Absorption Capacities (WAC and OAC) were dose-dependent, with samples showing significant differences (p<0.05). The 10.00kGy samples recorded the highest values of 18.45% and 10.09% for WAC and OAC respectively. Foaming Properties increased across irradiation doses with some significant differences (p<0.05) among samples. However the 10.00kGy irradiated samples compared to Egg White, recorded lower values for foaming properties. Significant decreases (p<0.05) in Emulsifying Properties were recorded after irradiation, with the 2.50kGy sample recording the highest values of 45.83% and 73.33% for Emulsifying Activity and Emulsion Stability respectively. Pasting characteristics again increased significantly (p<0.05) with increasing starch:protein ratios. Correlation studies showed that the pasting properties were solely dependent on the starch concentration within the admixtures, indicating the insignificant contribution of modified Bambara groundnut proteins to the pasting properties of the blends. Enhanced surface functional properties of the gamma irradiated proteins makes them potential foaming, emulsifying, shelf life extension, and flavour retention agents. Admixtures may also serve as thickening agents for foods that require various degrees of viscosities.

Source: KNUST
Pasting properties of starch-okra pectin mixed system

system. In this study, the effect of pectin extract from three okra genotypes (Agbagoma, Asontem, and Sengavi) at concentrations of 0%, 5%, 10%, and 15% on the pasting properties of starch were investigated. The pasting properties of the mixed systems were determined using the Rapid ViscoAnalyzer. The results showed that okra pectin decreased the peak viscosity and setback value of starch with the highest exhibited by Agbagoma and Asontem. The final viscosity of starch was increased in most samples except for 10–15% Agbagoma and 15% Asontem pectin systems. The peak time (3.84 − 6.84 min) increased with increasing okra pectin concentration. Pasting tempera ture for the mixed systems ranged from 51.24 o C (for 10% Sengavi) to 80.65°C (for 15% Agbagoma). Overall, okra pectin affected the pasting properties of starch and decreased starch retrogradation.

Source: KNUST