ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Studies on the inheritance of seed quality traits in groundnut (Arachis Hypogaea L.)

Development of groundnut genotypes with large seed size and seed weight and improved seed quality attracts consumers‘ immediate attention. Knowledge of the genetics system controlling expressions of these traits facilitates the choice of the most efficient breeding and selection procedure. A study of the nature and magnitude of gene effects in groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.), utilizing three parameter additive-dominance model, where a confectionery variety (Oboshie) was crossed with two non confectionery high yielding varieties (Jenkaah and Nkosour). Six generations of parents, first filial and second filial generations, backcrosses 1 and 2 (P1, P2, F1, F2, B1 and B2) were studied for two quantitative traits (seed size and seed weight) in Oboshie x Jenkaah and Oboshie x Nkosour crosses. The study indicated that the additive-dominance model was adequate to explain the mode of inheritance of seed size in both crosses. The net additive gene effect contributed significantly (P ≤ 0.05) to the inheritance of seed size; therefore, suggesting that selection for improvement of seed size could be accomplished in the F2 generation in both crosses. The net dominance effect was positive indicating dominance towards the direction of the larger seed parent. Additive gene effects contributed significantly to the inheritance of seed weight per plant in Oboshie x Jenkaah cross, and magnitude of the net additive effect was higher than the dominance gene effect. Dominance value was positive indicating direction towards the heavier seed parent. The simple additive-dominance model was inadequate to explain the mode of inheritance of seed weight per plant for Oboshie x Nkosour cross, and therefore suggested the presence of non-allelic interaction in the inheritance of seed weight per plant. The result suggested that selection for seed weight per plant for Oboshie x Nkosour could be achieved through indirect selection for a component trait such as seed size than direct selection for seed weight itself. The additive genetic effects observed for both traits will enhance pure line breeding.

Source: KNUST
Studies on the Occurrence, Ethnomycology and Cultivation of Pleurotus Tuber-Regium.

Two hundred questionnaires were administered to people in ten selected villages in each of the Hohoe and Techiman Districts of the Volta and Brong Ahafo Regions respectively. Ten people from ten communities in each of the two districts answered the questionnaires. 52% of the respondents from the Volta Region were females with majority (30.7%) in the age group of 61-70 years while 70% of the respondents from the Brong Ahafo Region were females with majority (28.6%) in the age group of 41-50 years. Results from the questionnaires showed that the middle aged had more knowledge of Pleurotus tuber-regium than those from the other age groups. Respondents said ailments such as asthma, underweight in babies, boils, etc. are cured using the sclerotium of P. tuber-regium. Samples of P. tuber-regium were collected from the wild in both the Hohoe and Techiman Districts and the mycelia grown on different media and incubated at 25ºC, 30ºC and 35ºC. Potato Dextrose Agar and Wheat Dextrose Agar were the best growth media for P. tuber-regium at the optimum temperature of 35ºC. The result subjected to statistical analysis of variance (ANOVA) at 5% significance level showed significance differences in the mycelia growth at the different temperatures for both strains of P. tuber-regium. The strain from the Hohoe District grew faster than that from the Techiman District. pH 6 supported the best growth rate for both strains. Light was not essential for the mycelial growth of both strains of P. tuber-regium. P. tuber-regium was grown on various agricultural wastes (sawdust, plantain leaves, water hyacinth and millet stalk) to determine their suitability for fruitbody and sclerotium formation. Sawdust and plantain leaves produced sclerotia which gave Biological Efficiency (B.E) of 99.65% and 62.05% respectively, but only plantain leaves produced fruitbodies with B.E of 54.47%. Fruitbody induction from sclerotia in soil was carried out in both cane baskets and plastic bowls to assess formation of fruitbodies. The cane basket recorded the fastest rate of induction. Plantain leaves contained the highest concentration of crude protein followed by wawa sawdust, millet stalk and water hyacinth. Cellulose and hemicellulose were most abundant in millet stalk followed by wawa sawdust and least in water hyacinth. Lignin was most abundant in wawa sawdust and lowest in plantain leaves.

Source: KNUST
Studies on the pectolytic enzyme activity of some pure yeast strains and their utilisation in control fermentation of cocoa

Fermentation of fresh cocoa beans (Amazon hybrid) was conducted using Kluvveromyces fragilis, Candida norvengensis, Torulopsis candida and Saccharomyces chevalieri under sterile conditions to enhance sweating yield. As control experiment, cocoa beans were fermented under natural conditions. Saccharomyces chevalieri had the highest sweating potential (P < 0.05) and was capable of producing average increases in yield of 171% and 126% over periods of 12 and 48 hours respectively. Much of the sweating process occurred within the first 12 hours of fermentation. All the yeast strains studied had polymethylgalacturonase activity but lacked pectin esterase activity. The type of polymethylgalacturonase present in S.chevalieri and K. fragilis appeared to be of the exo and endo- types respectively. The yeast strains had optimal pH ranging from 3.5 - 4.5 with that of S. chevalieri falling within cocoa pulp pH and thus could be used naturally without the need for pH adjustment during fermentation. Optimal temperatures of the strains activities ranged from 40 - 55°C. These temperatures fall within the temperatures normally attained during natural cocoa fermentation. With respect to sweating rate and pectin degradation, combinations of strains did not offer any advantage over individual yeast strains (P < 0.05). To obtain high pectin containing sweating drainage of sweating must be done within the first 6 hours after yeast seeding of cocoa bean mass. On the contrary low pectin sweating would be obtained around 24th hour of fermentation. Cocoa beans seeded with yeasts and fermented under sterile and controlled temperature condition gave good quality beans as judged by quality indices.

Source: KNUST
Studies on the preservation of okra (Hibiscus esculentus) by solar drying and) packaging of the dried products

Solar drying technology as an alternate drying method for the preservation of okra (Hibiscus esculentus L) was investigated in this study. Experiments were carried out to study the effects of three factors, namely: slice thickness and drying time; dipping and blanching pretreatments prior to drying; and type of packaging material and storage time on some nutritional and sensory quality attributes of solar dried okra. Results show that drying time significantly (p<0.01) affected all quality parameters monitored, while slice thickness significantly influenced the moisture, crude fibre and ash contents of the solar dried okra. Also the combined effects of slice thickness and drying time had a significant effect (p<0.0 1) on ash, moisture and crude fibre contents, as well as on viscosity and microbial load (p<0.05) of dried samples. The study revealed that with the exception of vitamin C, most other nutrients increased in concentration upon drying up to a maximum at about 48hrs, after which no significant changes were observed. Although some of the original green colour of okra was lost during drying, solar-dried okra had a better appearance than traditionally-dried okra. Of much significance was the increase in viscosity upon drying. Under the conditions of this study, a slice thickness of 10mm and a drying time of 48hrs were most suitable for solar drying of okra. With respect to application of pretreatments the results showed that, certain nutritional and sensory quality attributes of dried okra were enhanced or lost depending on the particular pretreatment used. Blanching or dipping in NaC1 resulted in products with the least viscosity and acceptable colour among other quality losses. Though dipping in lemon juice and ascorbic acid solutions did produce dried okra of acceptable colour and viscosity, none of these pretreatments surpassed the control (no pretreatments applied) in producing dried okra with comparatively higher nutritional and sensory quality attributes. Drying sliced okra without any pretreatments is thus recommended. During storage of solar dried okra, the packaging material and storage time significantly (p<0.0l) affected viscosity, colour, ash and moisture contents, while physical form only affected (p<0.05) product colour. The combined effect of package material and storage time also had a significant effect (p<0.01) on moisture content and green colour of solar dried okra. From this study, rehydration of dried okra during storage through absorption of water from the surrounding air appeared to be the single most important quality deteriorating factor. Storing dried and milled okra in polyethylene films or other high moisture barrier materials is therefore recommended.

Source: KNUST
Studies on the recovery of gold from spent activated carbon

Changes in the thermal oxidation behaviour and other properties of spent activated carbon when milled in a vibratory mill were investigated. It was found that significant influence on the oxidation temperature of the vibration-milled sample was the result of increase in surface area and mechanochemical activation. The rnechanochemical action brought about a transformation of the, microstructure and as a result the vibration-milled sample oxidised completely at a temperature of 450°C compared with a non-- milled sample which burnt above 850°C. The gold was found to be concentrated in the ash which could be leached easily with a recovery of 99.5% from a head value of 2kg/ton.

Source: KNUST
Studies on the shielding properties of some Ghanaian hardwoods against x-rays

The linear and mass attenuation coefficients have been estimated for four selected Ghanaian hardwood species namely, Kruma (Klainedoxa gabonensis), Potrodom (Erythrophleum africanum), Dahoma (Piptadenia africana) and Odum (Milicia excelsa), using eight x-ray qualities from both high and medium filtered spectra generated by a Philips MG324 constant potential x-ray generator. For Kruma, of density 1050 kg m-3, the mass attenuation coefficients range from 0.0160 ± 0.005 to 0.0558 ± 0.005 m2 kg-1. For Potrodom of density, 900 kg m-3, the mass attenuation coefficients range from 0.0 172 ± 0.005 to 0.0457 ± 0.005 m2 kg-1. For Dahoma of density, 700 kg m3, the mass attenuation coefficients range from 0.0152 ± 0.005 to 0.0442 ± 0.005 m2 kg-1. For Odum of density, 650 kg m-3, the mass attenuation coefficients range from 0.0 138 ± 0.005 to 0.0485 ± 0.005 m2 kg-1. Experimental results show that for both high and medium filtered x-ray spectra, Kruma has the highest linear attenuation coefficient and as such, is the most efficient attenuator, followed by Potrodom, Dahoma and then Odum. Linear attenuation coefficients of Kruma and Potrodom have been found to be comparable to that of Gypsum wallboard, a material of density 700 kg m-3 used for shielding against scatter radiation in some diagnostic x-ray facilities. For instance, with 100 kV x-rays at high filtration, the average linear attenuation coefficient of gypsum wallboard reported from literature is 0.1778 x 10-2 m-1, whereas that for Kruma and Potrodom have been found to be 0.1786 ± 0.005 x 10-2 m-1 and 0.1727 ± 0.005 x 10-2 m-1 respectively. For 50 kV x-rays at medium filtration, the average linear attenuation coefficient reported from literature for gypsum wallboard is 0.5069 x 10-2 m-1, whereas that for Kruma and Potrodom have been found to be 0.4261 ± 0.005 x 10-2 m-1 and 0.3477 ± 0.005 x 10-2 m-1 respectively. From the half-value layer standpoint, for high filtered narrow x-ray beams at 100 kV, the corresponding values for Kruma, Potrodom, Dahoma and Odum are 38.81 mm, 40.13 mm, 55.45 mm and 67.16 mm respectively as compared to 39.62 mm for gypsum wallboard. For medium filtered beams the corresponding values at 100 kV are 25.75 mm, 28.06 mm, 44.95 mm and 49 mm for Kruma, Potrodom, Dahoma and Odum respectively. From this analysis, the wood species studied have the potential to be used as shielding materials against scatter radiation from x-rays in general radiography provided that one or two half-value thickness are considered depending on the attenuation factors required to comply with authorized dose rate limits.

Source: KNUST
Studies on the use of two packages on some chemical and sensory properties of ‘fresh taste’: a natural orange drink

A comparative study on the effects of High Density Polyethylene bottle and High Density Polyethylene sachet on some quality attributes of a natural orange drink product (Fresh Taste) was conducted upon storage of samples of the products under refrigeration, room and outdoor conditions over a 7-week period. Microbial load (Yeast and Coliform), Total Titratable Acidity (TTA%) and Organoleptic perceptions of trained sensory panelists were used as the measurable indicators. No significant differences were observed between the effectiveness of the protection provided by the High Density Polyethylene bottle and the High Density Polyethylene sachet at 95% confidence level. The effect of the alternative package (labeled High Density Polyethylene bottle) on communicativeness or marketability (communication function) was also evaluated using 100 panelists. The alternative package was unanimously preferred by all the panelists. A significant difference was detected between the effectiveness of the communication function of the alternative package (labeled HDPE bottle) and the existing package (HDPE sachet) of Fresh Taste. A survey was conducted to ascertain the veracity of the assertion that ‘the quality or standard of packaging of most food and beverage products made in Ghana is poor’ using structured questionnaires. The stakeholders interviewed namely consumers of food and beverage products, converters, users and some selected corporate respondents asserted that, the quality of packaging of most food and beverage products made in Ghana was not poor at 95% confidence limit.

Source: KNUST
Studies on traditional cheese (woagashie) processing in the Ashanti Region

Woagashie is a traditional cheese prepared from cow milk. A study was carried out to obtain information on the processing and nutritional quality of Woagashie in the Ashanti Region. The result showed that Woaghashie was used as food substitute Quality indicators for Woagashie were established to be taste and flavour as indicated in the survey and sensory evaluation. Laboratory trials were carried out on Woagashie from different sources to ascertain the extent of variation in moisture, protein, fat and ash content. Woagashie produced at UST using whole milk powder (UST 1) had the highest moisture level (67.33%) with that produced at UST using fresh milk (UST II) having the least. However, it was the inverse for fat with UST II having the highest (36.80%) and UST I (17.49%) the least. For protein, the trend was as for the fat with UST II having the highest protein content (18.32 %). Ejura II had the highest ash content (1 .80%) with Yeji having, the lowest (1.39%). The study also showed that Woagashie is a highly nutritious product in terms of its protein content. Moisture, protein, fat and weight of Woagashie samples declined during storage while titratable acidity, curd finnness, rancidity levels increased. The coloured samples did not show any significant difference from the uncoloured samples at P<0.05 in all the parameters measured. Salting Woagashie samples in 10% NaCI solution retarded the rate of change in all parameters (protein, fat, titratable acidity, oxidative rancidity and microbial load) measured. Raw Woagashie samples had a shelf life of 3 days. I.epeated boiling in water and in 10% NaC1 solution extended the shelf life to 7 and 20 days respectively. Sensory results showed liking for Woagashie samples salted in l0% NaCl solution followed by samples salted in 5% NaCl solution, Market sample and raw (untreated) sample in decreasing order of liking. Colouring Woagashie in millet dye solution did not have any significant effect on the overall acceptability of the samples.

Source: KNUST
Studies on vegetative propagation of black pepper (Piper Nigrum Linn.) using vine cuttings

Five different experiments were conducted to find the influence of type of cutting, climatic and edaphic factors, the use of fungicides and growth regulators and wounding on sprouting, rooting and development of black pepper seedlings. Nodal positions, especially the hardwood cuttings and presence of leaves on the cuttings encouraged sprouting and rooting. Early sprouting and rooting were obtained from using one or two-node cuttings instead of using eight-node cuttings. The use of top soil, sand and their mixture in the ratio of 1:1 (v/v) as propagation media did not significantly influence sprouting but top soil, because of its high nutrient content, was found to promote seedling development. Covering the cuttings with transparent polythene sheet or bag and also treating the cuttings with fungicides (‘Bavistin’ and ‘Kocide 101’) enhanced the early development of cuttings into seedlings. Wounding vines prior to making cuttings out of them also hastened the development of cuttings into seedlings. A combination of nodal positions (semi-hard and hardwood) and any of the factors such as polythene covering, leaf retention and fungicide application hastened the development of cuttings into seedlings. The various concentrations of the growth regulators used bad no significant influence on sprouting and rooting. Recommendations are made on techniques to be adopted for intensified production of black pepper seedlings.

Source: KNUST
A study into non-payment of employer / employees’ contributions to SSNIT Pension Scheme in the Eastern and Volta Regions of Ghana

The thrust of the study was to explore the non-payment of employer and employee’s contributions into the SSNIT Pension Scheme. This was achieved by determining the causes of non-payment of contributions, examining the strategies adopted to reduce non-payment of SSNIT contributions and analyzing the trend of non-payment of the employer and employees’ contributions. The cluster sampling method was used to select respondents proportionately from the eight (8) branches of the SSNIT administration in the study area. This included Koforidua, Kade, Somanya, Akim Oda, Nkawkaw, Mampong-Akuapem, Ho and Hohoe. In order to select the respondents from each branch, the list of all employers from each branch was ascertained from each branch office by using the systematic sampling method. A sample size of 340 was drawn from a total population of 2,713 employers using the Yamane’s 1967 simplified formula corrected to proportions. Among the major findings of the study was that, the major causes of non-payment of SSNIT contributions were inadequate funds and long distance to SSNIT offices. It was also found that, the major strategy employers would want SSNIT to adopt in reducing non-payment of contributions was flexible terms of payment. The trend analysis revealed that, average employer and employees’ compliance rate decreased from the year 2006 to 2009. Among the recommendations made was that, SSNIT should establish satellite offices in most major towns and communities in the various branches to increase access to the offices for the payment of contributions.

Source: KNUST
A study into monitoring and evaluation on public projects: A case study of Central Tongu District

The study aimed at examining the challenges associated with monitoring and evaluation of public funded projects using Central Tongu District as a case study. An extensive literature review was conducted which aided in the development of a structured questionnaire to be distributed to the respondents. Using the census survey sampling technique thirty-one (31) questionnaires were collected and subsequently analyzed using descriptive statistics and the Relative Importance Index (RII). The major finding for the first objective was that, the most often used monitoring technique was financial monitoring followed by physical monitoring. With the evaluation techniques, interim evaluation was ranked as the most often used followed by terminal evaluation and expost evaluation. The major findings of the objective two (2) were that, the highest ranked benefit was “they can serve as an assessment tool”. This was followed by “helps in the provision of progress report” and “assessing stakeholder performance”. The major findings of the objective three were that, the most severe challenge as indicated by the respondents was weak institutional capacity. This was followed by weak linkage between activities and limited resources and budgetary allocation for monitoring and evaluation. With these findings, it was recommended that, project managers should establish mechanisms for monitoring and evaluation for their organizations. Also, monitoring and evaluation should not be treated as a means of fulfilling requirements of project contract. However, it should be treated as a way of measuring achievements against objectives and taking corrective actions where necessary to enhance the probability of achieving project success

Source: KNUST
Studies to investigate the presence of heavy metals and other pollutants in the owabi raw water reservoir

A study of the Owabi raw water reservoir and some tributaries in the catchment area was undertaken between March and June 1999 to investigate the presence of heavy metals and other pollutants (nutrients and faecal coliforms), to contribute to the establishing a baseline data for future studies Presence of heavy metals, nutrients and faecal coliforms pollution were studied in time and place. Six sampling sites one each from Stream Akos, Stream Esufo (both tributaries of Sukobri), Stream Sukobri, River Owabi and 2 sites on the reservoir at the intake (1m and 4m depth) and at Pipeline 2 (1m depth) were sampled 3 times for analysis. The final (drinking) water from the Owabi Water works was also sampled 3 times. Six sediment samples were also taken at these sites for heavy metal analysis. For the water samples, the streams were found to have faecal coliforms In the range of 3.0*104 to 20.0*104 cfu/l00ml. Nutrient levels were in the range of 0- 0.03mg/l for ammonium-nitrogen, 0 - 0.083mg/l for nitrite-nitrogen, 0.145mg/l 2.35mg/l for nitrate-nitrogen and 0-0.297mg/l for phosphate-phosphorus. The heavy metals, cadmium, iron, lead, manganese, aluminium and zinc were found to be present in the streams and the reservoir. No copper and chromium was detected in any of the water samples. No faecal coliforms were detected in the final (drinking) water from the Owabi Treatment Works. The levels of the heavy metals, cadmium, iron and lead - found in the final (drinking) water from the Owabi Treatment Works were above the WHO recommended Guideline values The bottom sediments of the streams feeding the reservoir were found to contain heavy metals. Stream Akos, and Stream Sukobri had the highest load of iron. Stream Esufo contained the highest load of Cadmium in the sediment. There is a build up of heavy metals in the bottom sediments a the intake (dam weir) eNmc}alhi zinc, iron., and mercury.

Source: KNUST