ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Influence of age of transplant and planting season on Corchorus Olitorius (L)

Two separate experiments, each in a split-plot design were set up in the Kumasi area of the forest zone to study the influence of age at transplanting and planting seasons on the growth and yield of Corchorus olitorius. The seasons of the year and the age of transplants had varying effects on the growth and yield attributes studied. Plants grown in the major and minor rainy seasons had more leaves at planting out than plants grown in the dry season. Seedlings transplanted 22 days after pricking out gave the best establishment. The highest percentage of surviving transplants was recorded in the major and minor rainy seasons. Earliness to, as well as heavier yields at, first harvest, was recorded f or seedlings grown in the two rainy seasons. The oldest transplants (22-day old) were the earliest to reach first harvest and the youngest transplants produced the heaviest yield at first harvest. The dry season plants flowered Earlier and were the first to set fruits. The 22-day old transplants flowered and set fruits earlier than the younger transplants (10 and 14-day old). The total number of side shoots, total marketable, edible, non-edible, total shoot, leaf and stem dry matter yields were higher in the rainy seasons than in the dry season. In most cases, the major season plants gate higher values than plants grown in the minor, season. The age at which seedlings were transplanted did not cause significant differences in these parameters. Fruit dry matter and leaf/stem ratio were higher in the dry season. Whilst the older transplants had higher dry matter, the younger transplants were rather higher in leaf/stem ratio. It was in both rainy seasons that higher net assimilation rates, leaf area indices, and crop growth rates were obtained. The older ages at transplanting at the initial stages of growth, had higher values than the younger transplants in these growth attributes but at the later stages of growth, the younger transplants, because of their higher growth rate were at par with the older transplants.

Source: KNUST
Influence of condition of road transport infrastructure on rural agricultural development in the Jaman South District

This study was designed to assess the influence of road transportation infrastructure on rural agricultural development in the Jaman South District of the Republic of Ghana. The cross-section survey research design was adopted in this research work. Purposive sampling was used to select 30 rural communities while questionnaires and structured interview schedule were used to collect data from 387 farmer households and 84 drivers by means of simple probability sampling technique. Data collection was based on both primary and secondary sources. Descriptive statistics technique such as percentages, frequencies, means and chi square was used to highlight the socio-economic characteristics of the farmers in the study area. The SPSS package was used to analyse data. The study established that less than 45% of the road network in the district was properly engineered and classified to be good. It was found out that, the average farm distance from the community to the main road or nearest market was approximately 2500m out of which approximately 1,375m was in bad shape. Most of the road networks linking the various communities to the main market were unpaved and immotorable during the rainy season. Farming in the district was characterised by farmers who owned small portions of farm size and used rudimentary methods of agriculture. This accounted for the reason why about 76% of the farmers earned less than two thousand (2000) cedis a year from their farm produce. The study revealed that, the type of road connecting the communities to the market had a significant relationship with the estimated travel time to Drobo, cost of transportation, where farmers sold their farm produce, choice of crops, the use of fertilizers, willingness of the farmers to diversify their farms and accessibility of labour. It did not however find a statistically significant influence of road transport infrastructure on farm size of the farmers in Jaman South District. The study recommended the development and expansion of road infrastructure in Jaman South District making use of local resources and technology to boost agricultural development which will further augment farmers’ income and general well-being.

Source: KNUST
Influence of conflict restriction (curfew) on maternal health among women in their reproductive age in Bimbila Nanumba North District of the Northern Region

BACKGROUND: Maternal deaths continuous to be a public health problem in Ghana and conditions that prevent women from seeking health care must be critically investigated. Populations affected by armed conflict experienced severe public health problems due to population displacement, food scarcity, and the collapse of basic health services resulting into poor maternal and child health care. This study aimed to determine the extent to which the conflict restriction has affected health indicators such as maternal health and challenges in accessing health care during restricted hours in Bimbilla. METHOD: The study was a descriptive cross-sectional study. Quantitative technique was used to collect primary data for the study using a multistage sampling technique with structured questionnaire to collect data at household level. RESULTS: The study agrees with other researches that curfew pose a threat against accessibility of heath care services among women. CONCLUSION: The study concludes that, unlike other studies, the study showed that the presence of curfew hours has not pose an increase in the rate of pregnancies among the women of Bimbilla. However, the study agrees with other researches that curfew pose a threat against accessibility of heath care services among women.

Source: KNUST
Influence of Baking Time on Sensory Properties and Shelf Life of Bread from Composite Cassava Wheat Flour (CCWF)

The effect of variation in baking time on the sensory characteristics and shelf life of composite cassava wheat flour bread has been studied. A 12% substitution of wheat flour using high quality cassava flour (Manihot esculenta) made from the “Bankye Hema” variety was used in the study. A complete randomised design was used for the study and three treatments namely baking time of 20 min, 25 min and 30 min were applied. Four sensory parameters were analysed by 25 panellist using a 9-point hedonic scale. The parameters accessed were taste, texture, aroma and overall preference. The results of the analysis showed that the control sample (100% wheat bread) was most preferred followed by the composite cassava wheat bread baked for 25 min. However, the taste results of the composite cassava wheat bread baked for 20 min was not significantly different (p> 0.05) from the control (100% wheat bread) The results from the shelf life study showed that the composite cassava wheat flour bread had less counts as compared to 100% wheat flour bread after 120 h of storage. Thus, bread made from composite cassava wheat flour bread could stay longer than regular wheat flour bread. It can be concluded from the study that variation of baking time on composite cassava wheat flour bread (12:88) (w/w) influenced the sensory attributes of the bread. The 100% wheat flour bread baked at 179℃ for 25 min was the most preferred by consumers, whiles the composite cassava wheat flour bread (12:88) (w/w) had a longer shelf life compared to 100% wheat flour bread. The findings from the study highlights the impact of varying baking time on the sensory properties of composite cassava wheat flour bread.

Source: KNUST
The influence of culture on conflict management in the Ghanaian construction industry: the project managers perspective

Globalization has led to an increased emphasis on cultural diversity and its influence on personal, social, and organizational practices. As the world becomes a smaller place, the potential for conflict in our daily interactions is increasing. Therefore, the study was aimed at assessing the influence of Culture on Conflict Management in the Ghanaian Construction Industry from the perspective of the project manager. To achieve this aim, the following objectives aided in the realisation of the aim; to explore the cultural characteristics on construction projects in Ghana, to identify the conflict management styles on construction sites in Ghana and to identify the key effect of culture on the management of conflict in the Ghanaian Construction Industry. Using a purposive sampling, project managers were identified to aid in the collection of data for the research. The study used analytical tools such as relative importance index, one sample t-test and mean score ranking. After analysing the data, it was revealed that, I want to have all issues openly discussed was the only cultural characteristics that was not familiar to Ghanaian project managers. It meant that all the other cultural characteristics one way or the other was familiar to them. Again, emotional expression, avoiding and compromising were somehow not a good conflict management style used by project managers in Ghana. Notwithstanding, the relative importance proved that they were important as conflict management styles as they ranked from fourth to sixth on the table. The study also identified five challenging effects which are predicting the outcome of the conflict, communication problems, concern for self, prejudice in solving cases and decrease in productivity. The study recommended that; project managers treat every worker right devoid of the cultural background of the person. a recommendation also goes to project managers who dominate and neglect conflicts to desist from it as it does not bring any good results.

Source: KNUST
Influence of different modes of transportation systems on the postharvest quality characteristics of watermelon (citrullus lanatus) in the Tamale Metropolitan area in the Northern region of Ghana

The high perishability of fruits and vegetables in the agricultural sector is a major concern to scientists and the various stakeholders along the value chain. Postharvest handling practices and transportation systems among others are some of the factors leading to an appreciable amount of postharvest losses. This study therefore sought to determine the influence of different modes of transportation systems on the postharvest quality characteristics of watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) in the Tamale metropolitan, in the Northern region of Ghana. The study was conducted in two phases. Phase 1 assessed the handling and management of watermelon and Phase 2 assessed the chemical and physical qualities of the watermelon varieties (Crimson Sweet, Charleston and Sweet Baby) after using different modes of transportation. Combination of purposive and convenient sampling strategies was used to select 50 respondents for questionnaire administration. From the field survey, it was observed that majority (60%) of the water melon traders sourced their watermelon at the farm gate while twenty-four (24%) and sixteen percent (16%) respectively obtained their watermelon from wholesalers and retailers. The two major problems faced by the watermelon traders were storage facility (25.70%) and mechanical damages (74.30%). Cracks (26.90%) and bruises (73.10%) were the major contributing factors to the mechanical damage. After different modes of transportation, the moisture ranged between 91.00% - 96%, TSS ranged between 6.96% - 8.56% and pH from 5.07% - 5.30%. The bruises on the fruits increased from between 2.00% - 4.33% to 15.66% - 25.66% while the cracks increased from between 1.00% -2.33% to 3.66% -8.00%. Water melon fruits were affected by mode of transportation, especially, the Crimson Sweet variety transported in the tricycle (motor king). The tricycle can, however, be roofed to prevent the dropping off of the fruits and also lined to prevent mechanical injuries inflicted on the fruits during transportation.

Source: KNUST
Influence of different soil amendments and cultivar types on postharvest performance of three (3) commercial tomatoes (lycopersicon esculentum, mill)

Three (3) tomato (Lycopersicun esculentum, Mill) cultivars (Power (local), Royal (exotic) and Cal. J (exotic) were harvested from fields amended with ‘Asasewura’ cocoa fertilizer (NPK 0-22-18 +9CaO+6s+5MgO(s) at (250kg/ha), Sulphate of ammonia (125kg/ha), poultry manure (1.1kg/ m²) and Control (no amendment) after basal NPK 15-15-15 at 250kg/ha on ‘Asasewura cocoa’ fertilizer and Sulphate of ammonia amended fields. The main study was carried out in the major season (May – August, 2009) after preliminary studies from October to January 2008 at the Department of Horticulture, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology in Kumasi, Ghana. The experiment was conducted to test the influence of different soil amendments and cultivar types on postharvest performance of tomato fruits. Selected quality traits of tomato fruits harvested at the pink colour stage were evaluated after seven (7) days storage under average temperatures of 26.85°C and average relative humidity 85.75%. Significant differences among the cultivar types (P < 0.001) and soil amendments (P < 0.002) were observed in the quality traits selected. Fruits of Royal and Power on average ranked best and least respectively among the cultivar types in postharvest performance among the quality traits evaluated. Fruits harvested from soil amended with NPK plus ‘Asasewura’ cocoa fertilizer on average performed better in postharvest quality than fruits harvested from fields amended with NPK plus Sulphate of ammonia, Poultry manure and Control respectively. Significant interactions were indicated among cultivar types and soil amendment types in fruit total soluble solid (P < 0.016) and pericarp thickness (0.019) but none in other fruit quality traits evaluated. Significant correlations (P < 0.01 and P < 0.05) were observed among the quality traits evaluated. Fruit weight loss showed significantly but negative correlation between fruit firmness (-0.71) and shelf life (-0.71) but indicated significant but positive correlation between membrane ion leakage (0.63) and fruit decay (0.57) respectively. Fruit pericarp thickness showed significant but positive correlation between general appearance (0.69), pericarp weight (0.68) and total soluble solids (0.73).

Source: KNUST
The influence of European elements on Asante Textiles.

The Asante textiles have undergone several changes due to the impacts of some European elements. These impacts are greatly seen in the tools and materials, production techniques, concept of design and fashion of the Asante textiles. There are both positive and negative aspects of the influences of the European elements. It appears that the influence of these European elements on the Asante textiles have not been critically examined as to whether they are reflecting negatively or positively on the rich textile heritage of the Asantes. The study was therefore conducted to examine the impacts of the European elements so as to advise on what aspects of them need to be discontinued or promoted. The researcher gathered data from primary and secondary sources by way of personal interviews, administration of questionnaire, as well as observations. The results of the study have been presented under the following headings: Analysis of the research instruments, main findings (primary and secondary data), Interpreting the data, conclusions and recommendations. This involved investigating and examining the extent to which the Asante textiles have been impacted by these European elements: the positive influences and how they have ensured the improvement of the Asante textile industry and the negative influences and how they have adversely affected the Asante textile industry. The study revealed the beneficiary aspects of the impacts and discusses how they can be harnessed for the development of the textile industry in Ashanti. However, the study pointed out the negative aspects that would endanger the progress of the Asante textile industry which have to be discontinued. Suggestions and recommendations on how to effectively implement the positive influences from Europe to ensure the success and improvement of the Asante textiles industry have been fully dealt with in this report. It is hoped that, the Asante textile producers and the authorities concerned with the progress of the industry such as the Ghana Tourist Board, the various centres for National Culture and NGOs would find the report very useful in their quest of ensuring the development of the Asante textile industry.

Source: KNUST
Influence of ethephon on the vegetative growth, flowering, fruiting and quality of the tomato, Lucopersicon esculentum Mill.

When applied to tomato seedlings at two or three weeks after pricking out and at flowering, ethephon, at 250, 500 or 1,000 ppm resulted in retarded growth. This retardation was observed with plants grown in pots and also those planted in the open. Further observations included the occurrence of leef epinasty, end an increase in leaf production, stem thickness, anthocyanin content and the production of aerial roots at the base of the atoms. Flower bud initiation, anthesis end fruit set were delayed, except in the application was made three weeks after the seedlings had been pricked out. Harvesting was early for plants sprayed three weeks after pricking out but late for all other treatments. Total, early and marketable yield were either decreased in some treatments or were similar to that of the control plants in the field-grown plants. For plants grown in pots, there was an increase in total yield (fruit number) for those sprayed three weeks after pricking out. Marketable fruit number was also slightly increased but unmarketable fruit number was less for those sprayed with 250 ppm ethephon. Locule number was increased and seed number decreased in the Improved Zuarungu cultivar, particularly when treated with low concentrations of 250 or 500 ppm. Preharvest applications of 1,000 ppm ethephon caused early and concentrated Marketable yield. Dipping the nature green fruits in ethephon caused early ripening. No difference were oberved in pH or colour at the fruits but slight increases in titratable acidity and soluble solids of fruits were observed in all three experiments.

Source: KNUST
The influence of consumer awareness on cosmetic usage among adolescents in some selected public Senior High Schools in Kumasi

Consumers use cosmetics unaware of the potential dangers that can threaten their well-being. The ingredients, scientific terms, sensitivity of the skin towards cosmetics are not well understood by the adolescents. Adolescents are unaware of their rights and responsibilities as consumers and are easily exploited by manufacturers. The study focused on the influence of consumer awareness on cosmetic usage among adolescents in the selected public senior high schools in Kumasi. The objectives of the study are to assess the level of awareness on cosmetic usage, evaluate the frequency of cosmetic usage, analyse the dangers and safety precautions available, and to examine the extent to which consumer awareness influences cosmetic usage among the adolescents. A total of 689 respondents were considered for the study, out of which 676 responses were received representing 98% response rate. A questionnaire was used to collect data. The study adopted the purposive sampling technique in selecting respondents. Pearson correlation, linear regression, and descriptive statistics were used to analyse the data. The study used bargain hunting, consumer knowledge, product knowledge, information search, and price consciousness as dimensions for consumer awareness. The results showed a positive relationship between the variables and cosmetic usage, but only the information search made the strongest contribution to explaining cosmetic usage as far as consumer awareness is concerned. The results also revealed that the concept of consumer awareness is not well understood by adolescents. The study recommended the introduction of consumer education in the schools and periodic inspections of products by the Food and Drugs Board in ensuring product safety. Comprehensive information on products for easy usage should be provided by manufacturers, and the media should cross check information given about a product before advertising it through the various channels.

Source: KNUST
The influence of exclusive breastfeeding on the nutritional status of children under two years in the Ejisu-Juaben District

The world health organization recommends exclusive breastfeeding for four to six months, breastfeeding and complementary feeding from six months through to the second year and beyond. In Ghana, exclusive breastfeeding has been introduced since 1997 and the ministry of health of Ghana recommend the practice of EBF for the first six months, breastfeeding and complementary at six months through to the second year of life and beyond. These recommended feeding practices are supposed to have a positive influence on the nutritional status of children in Ghana and in the world as a whole. To achieve this, health care givers, health educators and policy makers are expected to institute breastfeeding educational activities that will encourage mothers to become interested and actually practice EBF. The above concern prompted this analytical study with a cross- sectional design to assess the influence of exclusive breastfeeding on the nutritional status of children under two in the Ejisu-Juaben district of Ashanti Region. The study found that, some amount of breastfeeding education takes place in health institutions in the district during ANC and PNC except for the TBA’s. A mother’s level of knowledge on EBF affects her ability to breastfeed exclusively and this in turn influences the nutritional status of her child. Recommendations made included: The District administration should use film shows, drama, talk shows and peer education as part of their educational activities to get the breastfeeding message across, to increase knowledge level, and promote EBF practice for the recommended period so that children in the district will attain better nutritional status. The health institutions in the district that qualify to be made baby friendly must be made so and managed well by the DHA to ensure adequate dissemination of breastfeeding information to ensure the proper practice of EBF which in the long run will lead to good nutritional status among children in the district.

Source: KNUST