ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
An evaluation of the water quality, sanitation and the incidence of water-related diseases in Tali, Northern Region

A study was conducted to evaluate the Water Quality, Sanitation and the Incidence of Water-Related Diseases in Tali, a village in the Tolon- Kumbungu District in the Northern Region of Ghana with the view of getting an insight into the trend of some water- related diseases in the district and make appropriate recommendations to stakeholders in the Water and Sanitation sector. Ten wells, comprising four (4) deep cemented hand-dug wells and six shallow hand-dug wells, and the new Tali dam were selected as sample points. Water samples were collected from these points for analysis using portable field-testing kits (Delagua) for bacteriological and chemical water analysis. Samples were also taken from households for fecal coliform tests. Sanitary survey of the community and inspection of toilet facilities were also conducted. The incidence of some water related disease cases (malaria, diarrhoea, skin diseases, intestinal worms, typhoid fever, bilharzia and guinea worm) from 1995-1999 in Tall, Tolon clinic and the district have been assessed. Results of the bacteriological analysis revealed significant high values of fecal coliforms in all the samples taken from the sample points. An average value of 9.4 x 103 FC/l00ml was recorded for household drinking water. The turbidity values of wells 1, 7,9,10, which are the main wells, used for drinking purposes have values less than 5TU. The pH of all the wells apart from well no. 4 and well no. 5 fall within the WHO guideline value of between 6.5 - 8.5. The level of iron in wells within Tali fall within the WHO guideline value of 0.3mg/l. Wells at the outskirts of Tall excluding well no.10, have levels of iron greater than the WHO guideline value. An extremely high level of iron about 3.Omg/l in well no.8 has led to the abandoning of the well. The study revealed that the community has only one toilet which is full and therefore about 98% of the population resort to field defecation. Most of the water sources are not adequately protected against fecal pollution. The study also revealed that water related diseases accounted for 72.86% and 73.90% of all the cases reported to the Clinic by residents of Tali in 1998 and 1999 respectively. Malaria and diarrhoeal diseases are most prevalent whereas typhoid fever, skin diseases, intestinal worms and bilharzia are very low. Guinea worm cases have seen a reduction from 77 in 1990 to 5 cases in 1999. To reduce significantly the incidence of water related diseases in Tali, a much improved water supply system of sanitary quality, effective sanitation and sustained hygiene education must be put in place.

Source: KNUST
Evaluation of tigernut (cyperus esculentus l., brown variety) flour in the production of wheat-tigernut composite biscuit

Tigernut is underutilized crop tuber despite its acclaimed nutrients composition. Biscuits were produced by compositing tigernut flour with wheat flour to explore the effect of tigernut in the product. Brown tigernuts were properly cleaned, dried and milled to obtain the flour. Wheat flour (WF) in the biscuit formulation was replaced at five levels, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40% and 50% with tigernut flour (TF). On a scale of 1 – 9; where 1 = dislike extremely and 9 = like extremely, the sensory attributes (appearance, taste, chewiness, mouthfeel, aroma and aftertaste) of wheat-tigernut biscuits were compared to 100% wheat biscuit (control). Proximate, minerals (Mg, Fe, K, Ca and P), colour and texture were conducted on the most preferred and control biscuit. Generally the biscuits had good consumer preference with the 30% tigernut flour blend being the most preferred with average scale score of 8.02. Incorporation of tigernut flour for the production of 30% wheat-tigernut biscuit resulted in an increase in fibre (1.50-6.20 g), ash (1.04-2.14 g) and (energy 419.90-464.97 kcal) but a decrease in protein content (12.21-9.14 g) as compared to the 100% wheat biscuit. Mineral content (Ca, K and P) for the most preferred formulation increased to (30.01-80.52, 91.50-105.50 and 187.87-198.11 (mg /100 g) as compared to the control biscuit. The tigernut-containing biscuit exhibited dark brown colour as compared to the control biscuit. This can be attributed to the brown colour of tigernut flour in the blend. Measurement of baked biscuits texture showed that hardness and fracturability values decreased as tigernut flour content in the biscuit formulation increased. Differences in hardness and fracturability of the biscuits due to various levels of tigernut flour incorporation might be as a result of differences in protein and carbohydrate contents of the products. Wheat flour contains high amount of gluten and starch which may have contributed to the firmness of the control biscuit as compared to the tigernut flour substituted biscuits since the tigernut flour contains no gluten but high in fibre which may have interfered with the texture of wheat-tigernut biscuits. The Promotion and adoption of wheat-tigernut based biscuits would increase the tigernuts nut utilisation and may drive the chain of production of the tigernuts.

Source: KNUST
Evaluation of thyroid dysfunction and thyroid autoimmunity in diabetes mellitus subjects at Effia Nkwanta Regional Hospital, Sekondi, Western Region.

Diabetes mellitus and thyroid disorders are the two most common endocrine disorders in clinical practice. Presence of thyroid dysfunction in diabetic patients makes management of the disease more difficult. The objective of this hospital based cross sectional study at the Diabetic Clinic of Effia Nkwanta Regional Hospital, Sekondi, was to investigate the prevalence of thyroid dysfunction and thyroid autoimmunity in clinically euthyroid type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus patients and also to correlate the glycated haemoglobin levels with thyroid function markers. One hundred and thirty-two (132) clinically euthyroid type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus patients and 132 age-matched and sex- matched non-diabetic control subjects were included in the study. Data on sociodemography of patients and controls such as age, sex, duration of diabetes, mode of glycaemic control were obtained using a pre-tested questionnaire. The serum levels of thyroid biomarkers (TSH, FT3, FT4, anti-TPO anti-TG) were evaluated using standard methods. The mean serum FT3 (p=0.2044) and TSH (p=0.1869) in diabetic subjects were not significantly different when compared to their control peers but the levels of FT4 was significantly higher in the diabetic mellitus subjects compared to the levels recorded among the control group (p <0.0001). The prevalence of thyroid dysfunction among the diabetic group was 11.36% (6.82% subclinical hypothyroidism and 4.54 % subclinical hyperthyroidism) with 117 (88.64 %) euthyroid. The prevalence of thyroid autoimmunity among the diabetic subjects was5.30% and 3.79 % respectively for anti-thyroid peroxidase autoantibody (anti-TPO) and anti- thyroglobulin autoantibody (anti-TG). Though not statistically different, the auto-antibody reactivity was observed to be higher among the diabetic group compared to the controls. Among the thyroid biomarkers assayed, increasing FT4 levels was significantly associated with increasing additive levels of fasting blood glucose and glycated haemoglobin after Bivariate Pearson correlations analysis. In conclusion, this study has shown that, the prevalence of thyroid dysfunction among the diabetic population seen at Effia Nkwanta Regional Hospital in Sekondi, Ghana was 11.36 % and the prevalence of thyroid autoantibody reactivity (3.79-5.30 %) in the diabetes mellitus subjects was not significantly different from non-diabetic subjects.

Source: KNUST
An evaluation of total quality management practices among manufacturing companies in Kumasi

Customers and consumers have often criticized firms in Kumasi, and Ghana as whole for not meeting quality standards. Both the manufacturing and the service companies are no exception. The need for quality assurance from both the local and international perspective cannot be overemphasized, as there have been massive attempts by authorities of Ghana to curb the proliferation of fake and non-standardized products onto the Ghanaian market. This study was conducted to evaluate Total Quality Management (TQM) practices in the manufacturing firms in Kumasi. Three (3) objectives were outlined to help in achieving the aim of this study thus: to identify TQM practices implemented in manufacturing companies in Kumasi, to identify the key obstacles to the implementation of TQM in manufacturing companies in Kumasi and to identify strategies to avert the difficulties encountered in the implementation of TQM practices among manufacturing companies in Kumasi. By using the quantitative research method thus through a questionnaire survey, the study adopted the positivist approach in making an objective analysis. A total of onehundred and forty-four (144) questionnaires were administered and one hundred (100) were retrieved from purchasing officers, maintenance technicians, operators, production managers, leading hands, factory hands and supervisors in the manufacturing firms visited. The analysis of the data gathered was done using descriptive statistics (percentages, frequencies), relative importance index (RII) and mean score ranking. Findings from the study indicated that exactly 12 respondents representing 12% were much aware or had adequate knowledge of the existence of total quality management (TQM) practices whiles 31 respondents had a fairly adequate knowledge of TQM practices in the manufacturing industry. The study revealed that the widely known TQM Practice among respondents was Customer Focus (CF) which had the highest RII of 0.602. A major challenge in the effective implementation of TQM practices was lack of training with a mean value of 4.59 and RII of 0.918. Other equally critical barriers were ineffective internal communication between management and employees, employee resistance as well as lack of strong leadership. Adequate training and experience of managers was therefore seen as the better of all the strategies needed for the successful implementation of TQM practices. It was recommended that firms restructure their organization to include a Quality Department manned by Quality Professionals for proper Quality Management to be practiced and benefits derived

Source: KNUST
Evaluation of training and development practices in the Ghana Police Service: A Case Study of Akropong Division in the Eastern Region

This study evaluates the training and development practices of the Ghana Police Service. The study was carried out at the Akropong Division in the Eastern Region. The purposive sampling technique was adopted for this study. A sample of eighty percent which is (200 out of 250), comprising twenty-five (25) Units Heads and one hundred and seventy-five (175) junior officers of the targeted Population (250) responded to administered questionnaire. The main HRD practices identified were save life and property, apprehension and prosecution of offenders, preservation of peace and good order, the right of the vulnerable against all forms of abuse and among others. Major training and development methods used were on-the-job-training, workshops, lectures and seminars. The expected benefits by Unit Heads from the Training Sessions are primarily Team Building and Transfer of knowledge and skills. For subordinates ‘Knowledge and Skills’ is the paramount benefit. The main challenges confronting the smooth implementation of the staff training and development programme in the Ghana Police Service identified were lack of systematic and comprehensive training and needs analysis; absence of transfer of learning; lack of funds to implement HRD policies. The study found out that pre-determined programmes mostly coming from headquarters are not too popular in the Akropong Division and for that matter the Eastern Region. The study also revealed that on-the-job-training and workshops are the two major modes of training that provides Unit Heads and their respective subordinates’ adequate period of time and contact for effective interaction during training and development sessions. It came to light that at least every four (4) months one training session is organized for the official of the Ghana Police Service, and such regular frequency of training programmes puts officers in the right frame of mind and combat ready to fight crimes. The officer performance results are most measured by the use of Employees Appraisal and the use of evaluation Technique by the respondents. It was observed that apart from the Unit Heads who initiates Training and Development in the Region, to a very large extent Training and Development have been the preserve of Headquarters. This research revealed that junior officers of the Ghana Police, particularly, those at Akropong Division were motivated to pay attention to training exercise when there are monetary rewards in the form of course allowances and per diems attached. Finally, the Akropong Division in Ghana Police Service faces some challenges such as lack of funds and not transferring what they have learnt into practice but rather causing them to die unnecessary in the line of duty and behaving unprofessionally.

Source: KNUST
EVALUATION OF WATER FROM BOKRO STREAM FOR IRRIGATION AND ITS EFFECT ON SOIL

This study focused on evaluating the water quality of the Bokro stream for its suitability for irrigation purposes. Among the water quality parameters examined were pH, total dissolved solids, conductivity, dissolved oxygen, hardness, major ions and concentration of some trace metals. The results revealed that most of the parameters examined were below the FAO limits for irrigation water. The results also indicated that nutrient concentrations (Sulphate, Nitrate-Nitrogen and Phosphate-Phosphorus) from the stream were far below the usual ranges in irrigation water. Based on values calculated for Sodium Adsorption Ratio and electrical conductivity, the water source could be described as possessing low salinity hazard and therefore no permeability problems are expected for the soils. In addition, human activities along the banks of the stream and inflow of untreated domestic sewage from communities in the catchment area of the stream were found to have great impact on the quality of water from the stream. Water from the stream will have no adverse effect on the soil when it is use for irrigation.

Source: KNUST
Evaluation of Volta resettlement scheme: (A Comparative study of Akosombo and Kpong resettlement scheme)

Ghana has undertaken many resettlement schemes as a result of development projects; for example Weija, Asuofuah, Tema Manhean, Akosombo and Kpong resettlement schemes. The Akosombo resettlement was built in 1962 by the VRA as a result of the Akosombo dam which displaced about 80,000 people living along the river. The objective of the resettlement was to enhance the social, economic and physical conditions of the people by providing the people with improved housing condition and improved agricultural system. The government took the resettlement scheme as an opportunity to train people in new techniques of farming and other jobs to enable them contribute to the development of the nation as a whole. Unfortunately, the exercise was not successful as expected. Lack of time, finance, personnel and equipment affected the whole programme. Social and physical infrastructure could not be provided and the agricultural programme could not take off. Many settlers left the townships end lived somewhere. The same VRA had the opportunity to build the Kpong dam and to resettle the displaced people. It was therefore expected that the authorities would learn from their mistakes in the Akosombo scheme and take measures to make the settlers contribute to development. The objective of the study was to compare the Akosombo and Kpong resettlement schemes, find out the extent of the improvements in the pong scheme and to make suggestions to how best future resettlements can be undertaken and propose solutions to the problems identified in the Kpong resettlement scheme. The study limits itself to AKosombo and Kpong resettlement schemes. Information on Akosombo was basically from documentary sources while information on Kpong was both documentary sources and field surveys. From the study it was found t hat there was a marked improvement in the Kpong resettlement scheme as a whole. There were enough services and facilities and some attempt made at providing land for farming. Recommendation are made as a guide for future resettlement schemes and specifically for solving the problems identified in the Kpong resettlement scheme. some of the recommendations are that resettlement programmes should be gradual and should take place before the dam construction to enable the evacuees to undertake farming and other activities at the new sites, There should be little interference in the lifestyles of the people in order not to ma them feel alienated at the new site. Houses should be in the local materials so that the people can build upon that and services should be provided even if they were not found in the old communities. Enough land should be provided for the people to continue their farming activities agricultural facilities and services should also be provided.

Source: KNUST
Evaluation of White yam (Dioscorea rotundata) genotypes for arbuscular mycorrhizal colonization, leaf nutrient concentrations and tuber yield under NPK fertilizer application

Yield decline in yam may not only be due to soil nutrient depletion but also to the activity of soil microflora. Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) symbiosis helps in plant nutrition but may be affected by the application of fertilizer. The effects of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) fertilizer rates on the AM colonization, leaf nutrient concentrations, and tuber yields of eleven genotypes of Dioscorea rotundata were investigated at Ibadan, Nigeria. The soil was ferric luvisol. Eleven genotypes were selected from the previously conducted screening of 75 genotypes of D. rotundata for fertilizer response. Four application rates: 0, 200, 400, and 600 kg ha−1 of NPK 15-15-15 were applied in a split plot design with four replications. Fertilizer rate was the main plot and variety was the sub plot. Percentage AM colonization was significantly reduced at 600 kg ha−1 but not at lower rates when compared to zero rate and it was negatively correlated with leaf N, P, and zinc (Zn) concentrations. Leaf N concentrations were significantly increased at 200 kg ha−1 in five genotypes and at 600 kg ha−1 in two genotypes compared to zero application. Leaf P and K concentrations were decreased with the application of fertilizer in most of the genotypes. The NPK fertilizer of 15- 15-15 at the rate of 200–400 kg ha−1 gave yield response in eight genotypes of D. rotundata, with minimal or no effect on their AM colonization when compared to zero application. Long term study on the effect of fertilizer application on AM symbiosis in yam is recommended.

Source: KNUST
Evaluation of yam varietal response to vine multiplication technique under three growth media.

A field trial was conducted at the CSIR-Crops Research Institute (CRI) experimental fields; Fumesua to identify the appropriate soil medium which best conserves soil nutrients and water for rapid growth and multiplication of seed yams. The experiment was a pot experiment, a 4 x 3 factorial design, and treatments were arranged in a Complete Randomized Design with three replications. The treatments consisted of four yam varieties; Mankrong Pona, Dente, Kukrupa and CRI Pona and three different soil media which were: blacksoil, blacksoil (5 parts): carbonized rice husk (3 parts) mixture and blacksoil (5 parts): sawdust (3 parts). This study was designed to evaluate the rooting and tuberization (mini tubers) potentials of vine cuttings of four yam varieties. Vine cuttings from 120 days old plants were collected from the yam varieties for root formation. Two nodes leafy vine cuttings were prepared and planted. The parameters measured were: percentage sprouting, percentage vine establishment, vine length, percentage root formation, mini tuber weight and number of mini tubers. Percentage sprouting in blacksoil/carbonized rice husk was significantly higher (P < 0.05) than all other soil treatments effects and Dente varietal effect was significantly higher than all other varietal effects. Percentage vine establishment was significantly higher in the blacksoil/carbonized rice husk media and higher percentage vine establishment was recorded in Dente variety. The study also revealed that the highest rooting of vines was in blacksoil/carbonized rice husk which was significantly higher than all other treatment effects and the poorest rooting was in blacksoil/sawdust mixture. Among the yam varieties, rooting in Dente was significantly higher than all the other varieties. The greatest number of tubers was in blacksoil/carbonized rice husk, and this was significantly higher than the other media effects. The Dente variety produced also the greatest number of mini tubers as well as tuber weight than all the other varieties. The weight of mini tubers in blacksoil/carbonized rice husk treatment effects was significantly greater than the others. The results indicated that the Dente variety showed the greatest response to the vine multiplication technology and the blacksoil/carbonized rice husk mixture was the most supporting medium.

Source: KNUST
Evaluation of Zenith Tropospheric Delay Derived from Ray-Traced VMF3 Product over the West African Region Using GNSS Observations

The growing demand for Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) technology has necessitated the establishment of a vast and ever-growing network of International GNSS Service (IGS) tracking stations worldwide. &e IGS provides highly accurate and highly reliable daily time-series Zenith Tropospheric Delay (ZTD) products using data from the member sites towards the use of GNSS for precise geodetic, climatological, and meteorological applications. However, if for reasons like poor internet connectivity, equipment failure, and power outages, the IGS station is inaccessible or malfunctioning, and gaps are created in the data archive resulting in degrading the quality of the ZTD and precipitable water vapour (PWV) estimation. To address this challenge as a means of providing an alternative data source to improve the continuous availability of ZTD data and as a backup data in the event that the IGS site data are missing or unavailable in West Africa, this paper compares the sitewise operational Vienna Mapping Functions 3 (VMF3) ZTD product with the IGS final ZTD product over five IGS stations in West Africa. Eight different statistical evaluation metrics, such as the mean bias (MB), mean absolute error (MAE), root mean squared error (RMSE), Pearson correlation coefficient (r), coefficient of determination (r 2 ), refined index of agreement (IAr), Nash–Sutcliffe coefficient of efficiency (NSE), and the fraction of prediction within a factor of two (FAC2), are employed to determine the degree of agreement between the VMF3 and IGS tropospheric products. &e results show that the VMF3-ZTD product performed excellently and matches very well with the IGS final ZTD product with an average MB, MAE, RMSE, r, r 2 , NSE, IAr, and FAC2 of 0.38 cm, 0.87 cm, 1.11 cm, 0.988, 0.976, 0.967, 0.992, and 1.00 (100%), respectively. &is result is an indication that the VMF3-ZTD product is accurate enough to be used as an alternative source of ZTD data to augment the IGS final ZTD product for positioning and meteorological applications in West Africa.

Source: KNUST