ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
School of Performing Arts University of Ghana — Legon

When a nation sets out to identify itself with her cultural heritage institutions are always set up to champion the course. Inadvertently, the total growth of all countries cannot be seen through the telescopic lens of the Economists alone. Thus it had been ro1ized through the decades since independence that not until every facet of our traditions and culture are harnessed for total development, not much can he achieved in the direction of socio-cultural development. The identity of Ghanaians with a common destiny must first be seen in a common context of the African way of life. This projection in cultural exchange programmes with other cultures epitomizes international co-operation and dialogue for peace on earth. When therefore conscious efforts are made to research into and preserve traditional artistic performances, a nation opens a new chapter for her peoples to understand, appreciate and give expression to their 1on cherished dreams. To just research and document are not enough, a platform for refinement of materials obtained, their dissemination and transfer to the younger generations must be the panacea for the dearth in African cultural identity. A school purposely designed for this mission becomes a vital missing link.

Source: KNUST
Sciamachy solar occultation: ozone and No2 profiles 2002-2006

The spectrometer SCIAMACHY (SCanning Imaging Absorption spectroMeter for Atmospheric CHartographY) on-board ENVISAT is measuring solar irradiances and Earthshine radiances from the UV to the NIR spectral region in nadir, limb and lunar/solar occultation geometry. Solar occultation measurement are performed during sunrise at northern latitudes (49N to 69N, depending on season). Using an optimal estimation approach with the radiative transfer and retrieval code SCIATRAN 2.1, these measurements are used to derive vertical profiles of ozone and NO2. Precise tangent height information is derived from the scanning over the solar disk. Here we present an almost complete dataset from August 2002 to December 2006, including validation results with independent measurements from other satellites.

Source: KNUST
Sciamachy solar and lunar occultation: validation of ozone, No2 and No3 profiles

Using a global spectra fitting method by the differential optical depth within the radiative transfer and retrieval code SCIATRAN 2.1, vertical profiles of stratospheric traces gases are derived from SCIAMACHY solar and lunar occultation transmission spectra. From solar occultation observations ozone and NO2 profiles have been retrieved, from lunar occultation measurements ozone, NO2, and NO3 profiles have been derived. To access the quality of the SCIAMACHY occultation retrieved products a validation study was carried out, by comparing the retrieved ozone and NO2 profiles to correlative observations of other satellite instruments. These instruments are the Halogen Occultation Experiment (HALOE), the second Stratospheric Aerosol and Gas Experiment (SAGE II), and The third Polar Ozone and Aerosol Measurement (POAM III) . The NO3 profiles are compared with results from a photochemical model scheme. The validation show good results for SCIAMACHY occultation products. In solar occultion, the deviation of ozone is mostly within 0 % to +10 % for ozone and within 20 % for NO2 over a wide altitude range. In lunar occultation, the agreement is +10% to +20 % for ozone and within 20 % ˙ for NO2 in the main part of the profiles. The NO3 results show good agreement with the model outputs within the accuracy of 35 %.

Source: KNUST
Screening and Molecular Characterisation Of Near- Isogenic Lines for Resistance to Rice Yellow Mottle Virus

Rice yellow mottle virus is a serious disease affecting rice production in the lowland and irrigated ecologies. This study was conducted at the Africa Rice Center, Cotonou, Benin. An Augmented design with 2 replicates and control was used. Several near isogenic lines with rymv1-2 resistant allele were developed by the Biotechnology Unit of Africa Rice Center and evaluated in the field for their resistance to RYMV in the Republics of Mali and Guinea. the study examined 100 near isogenic lines from BC2 F7 population, 7 parental lines and 3 checks were screened for RYMV resistance. The cross combinations were derived from Gigante x IR64, Gigante x FK28 and Gigante x IR47. Results from phenotypic screening identified 20 NILs to be resistance to RYMV B27 isolate. Enzyme Linked-immunosorbent assay (ELISA) test revealed 36 to be resistance to RYMV with low virus content. Polymorphism test revealed an average of 71% of the SSR markers used across the rice chromosomes showed polymorphism among couple of parental lines. Foreground selection using the gene marker RM252 revealed 22 of the lines showed introgression of rymv1-2 allele and the rest do not show the resistant gene. The proportion of each parent was examined using the polymorphic makers between parental lines. The proportion of recurrent parent allele IR64 was 57% whereas the proportion of the donor parent allele Gigante was 34% and non-parental allele was 9%. The individual from Gigante x FK28, has 19% of the recurrent parent, 70% of donor parent, 9% of non-parental allele and 2% heterozygote. The individual from Gigante x IR47, has 17% of the recurrent parent, 71% of the donor parent, 10% of non-parental allele and 2% heterozygote. Comparing the genomic proportion among individuals, the individual from Gigante x Fk28 has the highest percentage of the donor parent whereas the individual from Gigante x IR64 has the lowest percentage of the donor parent but showed the highest genomic proportion of the recurrent parent. Since the management of rice yellow mottle virus using cultural practices help to reduce the impact of RYMV, the use of resistant varieties gives sustainable way. The integration of of screen house experiments together with marker-assisted selection would be more efficient and durable for the poor resource farmer.

Source: KNUST
Screening and selection of some tomato germplasm collections for high yielding varieties with desirable post-harvest qualities

Twenty tomato varieties selected from forty-two varieties after a preliminary trial were screened at the Department of Horticulture UST, Kumasi from April 1997 to August 1997 (wet season trial) and then from October 1997 to February 1998 (dry season trial) for their suitability for processing and fresh market. Data collected on vegetative characteristics were growth habit and plant height at flowering. Reproductive and yield characters which were evaluated were number of days to 50% flowering, number of days from flowering to first harvest, number of days from sowing to first harvest, number of flowers at first truss, number of fruits set at first truss, mean fruit weight, yield per plant, and yield/ha. Fruit quality was also determined by assessing fruit shape, shelf-life, total soluble solids, pH, titratable acidity, percent cracked fruits, fruit firmness, colour of firm ripe fruits, fruit diameter, pericarp thickness, and number of locules per fruit. Other characters studied were seed yield, that is, in the number of seeds per fruit, the 1000 seed weight for the size of the seeds, and percent disease incidence. Results showed significant differences (P<0.05) between the varieties in all the parameters evaluated in both the dry and wet seasons with the exception of pH of the fruits, % disease incidence of plants and 1000 seed weight. Varieties NR 46, NR 45 and NR 44 out-yielded the other varieties in both seasons. The quality results showed that the other varieties NR 1, NR 2, NR 3 etc. had lower pH, lower titratable acidity, fewer seeds, fewer locules, thicker pericarp and were firmer and stored longer than NR 46, NR 45 and NR 44. However, these varieties (NR 46, NR 45 and NR 44) had many seeds, more locules and higher titratable acidity and were therefore not suitable for processing. They also had some adaptive qualities in terms of disease resistance, which the others lacked. NR 1 and NR 2 were very promising during the dry season and were recommended for processing. The rest of the varieties lacked the qualities which would make them suitable for processing. They were therefore recommended for the Ghanaian fresh market. An improvement package in the form of further breeding to improve disease tolerance was recommended.

Source: KNUST
Screening for candidate Bacillus Spp. for the control of cultcine larvae

Mosquito breeding sources in and around U.S.T. campus as well other areas in Kai were identified, in addition, suitable breeding resources were set up around the Department of Biological Sciences. Blackfly breeding sites along tan (10) rivers in two onch- cerciasis-endemic areas, at Kintampo and Dunkwa-On-Offin districts, as veil as two rivers around U.S.T. campus, a non-disease-endemic area, were also identified. These sources were screened regularly for moribund and dead mosquito and blackfly larvae. The insects were processed for the isolation of Bacillus spp. Five Bacilius spp. were isolated trial pathogenicity tests of the isolates were performed on fourth instar larvae of Andes aegypti and culex quinquefasciatus. Only one of the isolates showed significant pathogenicicy towards C, quinquefasciatus larvae. This isolate was selected and its larvicidal activity was evaluated through bioasaays. The isolate was multiplied by allowing it to undergo fermentation in nutrient broth under continuous aeration by shaking using a flask shaker. The rate of increase in viable cells and spores as veil as changes in the 1vels of protein, optical density and pH were determined, at specific time intervals, during the course of fermentation, The activity level of the isolate, in terms of the LC50, was estimated to be 3.95 x 103 cfu/ml against C. quinquefaeciatus. Against A. aegypti however, the activity level was found to be extremely by, with LC50 of 4.30 x 106 cfu/ml. Based on microscopic studies, cultural, physiological or biochemical tests, the isolate was identified as a strain of Bacillus sphaericus that produced rather large parasporal inclusion bodies. When phage—typed, isolate did not pod in the same way as any of the know strains of the bacterium. This strain appeared to be a bacteriohpage group 4 strains.

Source: KNUST
Screening human cancer pathways for a role of Aflatoxin b1

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) has been shown to negatively affect the functions of major body organs such as the liver, kidney, spleen and heart, as well as decreasing cellular immunity and causing cancers, primarily hepatocellular carcinoma. Some studies have suggested that mutation in the codon 249 of p53 tumour suppressor gene is a key event in AFB1 induced carcinogenesis but the effects of AFB1 on other cancer pathways are not known. The aim of the study was to screen 45 cancer pathways for a role of AFB1 using human embryonic kidney cells (HEK 293) as a model system. Cytotoxicity was determined by treating HEK 293 cells with increasing concentrations of AFB1 for 24, 48 and 72 hours and the viability of cells was evaluated by an MTS based assay. It was established that increasing concentration of AFB1 killed cells in a dose dependent manner with 32μM being established as the working concentration. The cells were then reversed transfected with pre-coated pathway reporters in Cignal Finder 45-pathway reporter array for 24 hours and treated with or without 32μM of AFB1 for 24 hours and harvested. The influence of AFB1 on the pathways was then determined by measuring the luciferase activity of the pathway reporters using dual luciferase reporter gene assay. Validation of data from the Cignal Finder 45-pathway reporter array was achieved by measuring the influence of AFB1 on interferon (IFN) induced signal transduction pathway in an independent assay. The results of Cignal Finder 45-pathway reporter array showed that AFB1 differentially modulates multiple pathways. Key pathway reporters up-regulated included AARE, ARE, ATF-6, GRE, MTF-1, ISRE, NFκB and PAX-6 whereas p53, FoxO, NFAT, PPAR, SP-1 and STAT3 were down-regulated. Results from the validation experiment showed that AFB1 up-regulated IFN induced signal transduction which was consistent with that of Cignal Finder 45-pathway reporter arrays. These results show that AFB1 could cause cancer by deregulating multiple pathways aside the p53 pathway suggesting that further studies should be done to establish the exact point of influence of AFB1 on these pathways.

Source: KNUST
Screening for tolerance to salinity: a case study with seven rice varieties from Africa rice center and Ghana

An experiment was performed at the Soil Research Institute, Kwadaso, Kumasi- Ghana, to test the response of seven rice varieties from Ghana and Africa Rice Center to two levels of salinity in order to classify tolerant varieties. The soil used was silty-loam, classified as Feric acrisol, (FAO, 1990) from the arboretum at Soil Research Institute, Kwadaso, Kumasi, in the semi-deciduous forest agro-ecological zone of Ghana. Seeds were pre-germinated and two seedlings sown in pot filled with air-dry soil irrigated with water containing 0, 3 and 6 dsm-1 concentrations of sodium chloride respectively. Three indices were used to identify the tolerant rice varieties. They were (1) subjective index, (2) percent relative reduction and (3) salinity susceptibility index. Relative water content, shoot mass, plant height, root mass, flag leaf width and length were adversely affected by salinity. The 100-grain mass, spikelet fertility, number of filled grain, number of tillers and number of productive tillers were significantly (p < 0.01) decreased with increase in salinity levels. Salinity stress decreased yield components by 14 % to 91 % at low salinity level and 93 % to 100 % at high salinity level for all the varieties. Salinity stress also affected the mineral content of leaves with increase in both potassium and sodium uptake. The concentration of calcium and magnesium was reduced under salt stress. There were low water potentials in all the treatment pots which were evident by the reduction in plant relative water content. Among the rice varieties ITA 324, WITA 9 and BOUAKE 189 showed better performance under salinity stress and were therefore considered tolerant.

Source: KNUST
Screening of aquatic microorganisms for antimicrobial metabolite production

The search for novel therapeutic agents for use in the pharmaceutical industry is driven by the need to combat the increase in infections due to antibiotic resistant pathogens. Natural products have been the major source of numerous therapeutic agents producing more than half of the drugs in use today. In this study, microorganisms from Lake Bosomtwe, River Wiwi and the Duakor Sea shore were isolated and screened for antimicrobial metabolite production. Out of 119 isolates subjected to antimicrobial screening, activity against at least one test organism was detected for 27 isolates. Three of the strains, which had the highest inhibitory activity (zones of inhibition > 19mm), were selected for further characterization of their antimicrobial properties and optimization of physical and cultural factors for maximum antibiotic production carried out. The strains, MAI 1, MAI 2 and MAI 3 were identified as Bacillus species (MAI 1) and Pseudomonas species (MAI 2 and MAI 3). The antimicrobial metabolite produced by MAI 1 was heat stable up to 40°C only whereas MAI 2 and MAI 3 metabolites were thermally stable up to 100°C. The metabolites produced by all the three strains deteriorated gradually with time in solution. Results of the optimization procedures for MAI 1 showed that, an incubation period of 9 days, a pH of 8 and a temperature of 25°C were needed for maximum activity of the antimicrobial metabolite. Also glycerol and asparagine produced the best activity as carbon and nitrogen sources respectively for MAI 1. For MAI 2 and MAI 3, an incubation period of 9 days, a pH of 8 and a temperature of 30°C were needed for maximum antibiotic activity. Starch and asparagines were best utilized as carbon and nitrogen source respectively for MAI 2 and MAI 3. Chloroform extract of MAI 2 showed antimicrobial activities with MIC ranging from 250μg/ml to 4000μg/ml. The Thin layer chromatography bio-autography overlay assay showed seven (7) spots with antimicrobial activity, implying that MAI 2 produced more than one antimicrobial agent.

Source: KNUST
Screening of Eggplant Genotypes for resistance to anthracnose

Anthracnose is one of the major diseases of eggplant and is controlled mainly by the use of chemicals. The use of chemicals, although beneficial, possesses threat to both human and the environment. The need for healthy food and healthy human environment has necessitated the use of resistant eggplant genotypes, following the increasing world demand and consumption. In view of these, a study was conducted between August, 2012 and August, 2013 to quantify the disease incidence and severity of eggplant anthracnose and also to screen for eggplant resistant genotypes. Questionnaires were administered to eggplant farmers for their perception on anthracnose and eggplant production. It was observed from the studies that Aworoworo and Obolo were the commonly grown eggplant varieties in the surveyed areas. However, both vegetative and fruit characteristics were found to be paramount in the selection of these varieties by farmers as they directly affect pest management practices and marketing of the produce. The study further showed that diseases and insect pests were the major problems that farmers often encounter in eggplant production. The highest eggplant anthracnose disease incidence and severity occurrence were recorded in Techiman and Offinso North Districts during the field survey. Significant morphological (vegetative and fruit characteristics) variations were observed among the eggplant genotypes in the field experimentation. Solanum melongena var. Zebrina had the highest total yield of 34.0 tons/ha followed by S. aethiopicum var. Dwumo 24.0tons/ha and then Solanum melongena var. Kalenda F1 21.8tons/ha. Among the two most cultivated genotypes, however, S. aethiopicum var. Obolo had 20.9tons/ha, compared with S. aethiopicum var. Aworoworo 10.7tons/ha. The result further showed a significant (P<0.05) positive correlation between disease incidence and severity (r = 0.95), number of branches and number of fruits (r = 0.65), fruit weight and total yield (r = 0.51) and stem girth and number of branches (r = 0.60). On the contrary, disease severity significantly affected fruit weight adversely (r = -0.51). Plant height was positively correlated with all the growth and yield parameters, except fruit weight and total yield. Anthracnose disease resistance was observed in the genotypes Antropo, Zebrina and Kalenda F1, both in the laboratory and field evaluations.

Source: KNUST
Screening for antifertility potential and safety evaluation of five locally used medicinal plants in albino mice (Mus musculus)

This study was undertaken to evaluate the antifertility potential and toxicity of the crude ethanol extracts of Anthocleista nobilis (ARE), Macaranga heterophylla (MLE), Palisota hirsuta (PRE), Trichillia monadelpha (TBE) and Waltheria indica (WLE). Four hundred and twenty (420) albino mice were used for the study. Acute toxicity test was carried out using the Acute Toxic Class method (OECD, 2001). The LD50 of each plant extract was determined to be above 5000 mg/kg. In a preliminary fertility test, treatment of mice with ARE, MLE, PRE, TBE and WLE did not significantly alter their reproductive indices. Nevertheless, mice treated with ARE showed complete foetal resorption. Administration of TBE caused foetal resorption and abortion in treated mice. Hence ARE and TBE were selected for further testing. Repeated exposure of mice to ARE and TBE did not produce treatment related changes or toxicity. Anthocleista nobilis had no significant effect on the oestrous cycle and other reproductive parameters of treated mice. Trichilia monadelpha significantly altered phases of the oestrous cycle and exhibited antiimplatation and abortifacient effect. In vitro studies revealed that TBE possesses antispasmodic effect. It significantly inhibited the contractile response elicited by acetylcholine. The effect of Trichilia monadelpha on the uterus may be mediated by muscarinic receptors. The crude ethanol extracts of ARE, MLE, PRE and WLE did not show antifertility effects in mice at the doses tested.

Source: KNUST
Screening of groundnuts (Arachis hypogaea L.) for resistance to early and late leaf spots

Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) is an important crop both in subsistence and commercial agriculture in Ghana. Early leaf spot (Cercospora arachidicola) and late leaf spot (Phaeoisariopsis personata) are major limiting factors to groundnut productivity in Ghana. The objective of the study was to determine resistant or tolerant varieties due to combined attack of both diseases. A disease-based questionnaire was administered to 100 farmers in their local language spread across 10 villages and towns selected from Tamale, Tolon-Kunbungu and Savelugu-Nanton Districts, all in the Northern Region of Ghana. The responses of the farmers showed that Cercospora leaf spot (ELS and LLS) is one of the major constraints to groundnut production in the area to which farmers have no solution. The severity of the disease was dependent on the cropping system adopted by the farmers. The variety Chinese turned out to be the most important commercial cultivar grown by farmers but it is susceptible to both diseases. Sixteen local groundnut varieties were field-screened from 2006 to 2008 at the Crops Research Institute, Kumasi, under the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research. The experiment was laid out in randomised complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. Early and late leaf spot ratings were recorded at 40 and 60 days after planting for early leaf spot, and 70 and 90 days after planting for late leaf spot, using a five point scale. The means of the scores were recorded. Pod and grain yields were also recorded at harvest. The results indicated that Azivivi, Nkosour, Adepa, and Jenkar had lowest score of 1.0 for both early and late leaf spot diseases. Among the four groundnut cultivars, Azivivi recorded the highest pod yield of 1086.1kg/ha and grain yield of 713.9kg/ha, followed by Nkosour with pod yield of 1011.7kg/ha and grain yield of 657.2kg/ha. Adepa had a pod yield of 929kg/ha and seed yield of 603.9kg/ha. The pod yield of Jenkaa was 842.2kg/ha and seed yield of 525.6kg/ha. All of them, except Jenkaa, recorded pod yield above 880kg/ha., a national average pod yield of groundnut. From this study, Azivivi, Nkosour, Adepa, and Jenkaa are recommended for cultivation by farmers, since they are resistant to Cercospora leaf spots (ELS and LLS).

Source: KNUST