ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Divergence regularization method for solving ill-posed Helmholtz equation

n this work, we introduce Divergence Regularization Method (DRM) for regularizing the Cauchy problem of the Helmholtz equation where the boundary deflection is not equal to zero in Hilbert space H. The DRM incorporates a positive integer scaler which homogenizes inhomogeneous boundary deflection in Cauchy problem of the Helmholtz equation to ensure the existence and uniqueness of solution for the equation. The DRM employs its regualarization term (1 + α2m)em to restore the stability of the regularized Helmholtz equation, and guarantees the uniqueness of solution of Helmholtz equation when it is imposed by Neumann boundary conditions in the upper half-plane. The DRM gives better stability approximation when compared with other methods of regularization for solving Cauchy problem of the Helmholtz equation where the boundary deflection is zero. In the process, we introduce Adaptive Wavelet Spectral Finite Difference (AWSFD) method to obtain the approximated solutions of the regularized Helmholtz equation with regularized Cauchy boundary conditions, regularized Neumann boundary conditions in the upper half-plane, and finally with regularized both Dirichlet and Cauchy boundary conditions where the boundary deflection is equal to zero. The AWSFD method captures the boundary points to obtain approximated solution of Helmholtz equation. This method reduces the Helmholtz equation in two dimensions to one dimension which is then solve spectrally using a suitable wavelet basis. The solutions by AWSFD method confirms the analytic solutions of regularized Helmholtz equation by DRM. The norm of relative error between the analytic solution by DRM and the approximated solution by AWSFD method is minimal. Moreover, we introduce interpolation scheme in the AWSFD method to obtain the approximated solutions of the regularized Helmholtz equation with above boundary conditions.

Source: KNUST
Diversifying the usages of Asanka Bowls

In Ghana pottery basically comprises cooler, akatekyewa, asanka bowls and flower pots. Traditionally, cooler is used for storing water, akatekyewa for storing medicine and cooking, asanka bowl for grinding and as an eating bowl, and flower pots for growing flowers. Research proves that for the past four decades the use of these products have fallen drastically, resulting to the collapse of most local pottery centers. The fall of their usages are due to the fact that, technological products have been substituted for pottery products. For instance refrigerator has replaced cooler, blender and plastic bowls for asanka bowls, plastic flower vases for flower pots etc. This alarming situation if not curbed will lead to the loss of our prestigious pottery forms. Therefore, using the asanka bowl as a case study in the pursuit of addressing this challenge. The research aims at establishing the possibility of using asanka bowl as an art medium to diversify its conventional usages. This will serve as alternative choice for local potters, sellers and users to envision asanka bowls beyond their customary form and uses. Hence breaking the conventional perception for it. With devised objectives mainly to study the conventional asanka bowl, design and develop a modified asanka bowl for the production of wall mural and fountain. The diversification however, is not a means to utterly distort the asanka bowl beyond recognition since it is a traditional artefact with prestige but it is a preservative technique that will aid to explore other forms and usages of asanka bowls the contemporary art approach. Inversely, this is an attempt to enlighten our local potters to explore intensively the possibility of producing beyond conventional purposes of the other pottery wares and salvage our dying pottery.

Source: KNUST
Diversifying the usages of Asanka Bowls

In Ghana pottery basically comprises cooler, akatekyewa, asanka bowls and flower pots. Traditionally, cooler is used for storing water, akatekyewa for storing medicine and cooking, asanka bowl for grinding and as an eating bowl, and flower pots for growing flowers. Research proves that for the past four decades the use of these products have fallen drastically, resulting to the collapse of most local pottery centers. The fall of their usages are due to the fact that, technological products have been substituted for pottery products. For instance refrigerator has replaced cooler, blender and plastic bowls for asanka bowls, plastic flower vases for flower pots etc. This alarming situation if not curbed will lead to the loss of our prestigious pottery forms. Therefore, using the asanka bowl as a case study in the pursuit of addressing this challenge. The research aims at establishing the possibility of using asanka bowl as an art medium to diversify its conventional usages. This will serve as alternative choice for local potters, sellers and users to envision asanka bowls beyond their customary form and uses. Hence breaking the conventional perception for it. With devised objectives mainly to study the conventional asanka bowl, design and develop a modified asanka bowl for the production of wall mural and fountain. The diversification however, is not a means to utterly distort the asanka bowl beyond recognition since it is a traditional artefact with prestige but it is a preservative technique that will aid to explore other forms and usages of asanka bowls the contemporary art approach. Inversely, this is an attempt to enlighten our local potters to explore intensively the possibility of producing beyond conventional purposes of the other pottery wares and salvage our dying pottery

Source: KNUST
Diversity and domestication of mushroom species in the Atewa forest reserve and Bia Biosphere, Ghana

Edible mushrooms commonly found in forest reserves are important for food security but they are underutilized in Ghana. The Atewa forest reserve in the Eastern Region and Bia Biosphere in the Western Region are among the largest forest reserves in Ghana. However, human activities including illegal mining activities pose a threat to the existence of the rich mushroom diversity within these forests. The objective of this study, therefore, was to collect, characterize and domesticate mushrooms from the Atewa forest reserve and the Bia Biosphere. Wild mushroom samples were randomly photographed, collected, dried and stored. Edible and wild mushrooms were characterized morphologically and compared with literature. A total of 86 mushroom samples (comprising 45 from the Atewa forest reserve and 41 from the Bia Biosphere) were collected and identified. The two forest reserves contained a rich diversity of wild mushrooms namely: Cookeina speciosa, Marasmiellua inoderma, Auricularia cornea, Daldina concentrica, Pleu rotus sp. Polypores. Cultivated Auricularia auricula strain AUAT recorded the highest ash content (16.70%) while cultivated Ganoderma sp. strain GLB recorded the lowest ash content (5.12%). On the other hand, cultivated Pleurotus ostreatus strain POB recorded the highest fat content of 19.88% and cultivated Pleurotus saju-caju strain PSCAT gave the least value of 12.02%. Cultivated Auricularia auricula strain AUAT again recorded the highest protein value of 33.38% while wild Ganoderma sp. Strain GLB had the least protein value. A total carbohydrate level of 64.22% was observed in cultivated Ganderma sp. strain GLB. The highest oxalate content of 30.93 mg/100 g was recorded in cultivated Pleurotus ostreatus strain EM1 with cultivated Auricularia auricula strain AUAT being the least value of 4.73 mg. A high phytate value of 149.35 mg was observed in cultivated Auricularia auricula strain AUAT and cultivated Pleurotus saju-caju strain PLAT showed the lowest value of 31.60 mg/100 g. The present findings provide considerable data on fungal diversification, conservation and domestication as well as a reference point for future studies.

Source: KNUST
Diversity and Style: Production of Multi-Sectional Decorative Ceramic Pots Using Geometrical Forms

This project adapted basic studio forming techniques in producing large ceramic decorative pots using slabs and hollow coils. The project demonstrated how to make a multi-walled vase using slabs and described how effective physical water in clay can affect alteration. It is evident in this work, that the environment can provide enormous inspiration into developing stupendous concepts as decorative pots. It encompasses the use of geometry in coming up with forms to alternate the existence of nature in abstraction. Three works were produced titled 16th Chapter Pot, Scribbled Branch pot and Cave Ants Container. The researcher’s reflections show that the aesthetic appeals of the pots produced coupled with the concepts all promote meaningful responses to them. It also showcases multi-sectional arrangements of decorative pots using simple mechanisms and firing in smaller kilns as opposed to the size of the art work. The diversity in the development of conceptual forms in the production of decorative ceramic pots eludes the monotony surrounding its existence and provides enormous interests from viewers. Although it is significant to adapt the open air firing technique for larger items, there is huge energy loss, hence products tend not well vitrified. The multi-sectional approach however, proves efficient in maintaining higher quality standards and in providing diversity in decorative ceramic pots production.

Source: KNUST
Diversity in breeding sites and distribution of Anopheles mosquitoes in selected urban areas of southern Ghana

Background: Anopheles vectors of malaria are supposedly less common in urban areas as a result of pollution, but there is increasing evidence of their adaptation to organically polluted water bodies. This study characterized the breeding habitats of Anopheles mosquitoes in the two major urban areas in southern Ghana; Accra (AMA) and Sekondi-Takoradi (STMA) Metropolitan Areas, during dry and wet seasons. Methods: Anopheles mosquito larvae were sampled using standard dipping methods to determine larval densities. The origin, nature and stability of 21 randomly selected sites were observed and recorded. Mosquito larvae were reared to adults and Anopheles species identified by both morphological and molecular means. Results: Sixty-six percent of Anopheles habitats were permanent and 34% temporal, and 74.5% man-made while 25. 5% were natural. Puddles and urban farm sites accounted for over 51% of all Anopheles mosquitoes sampled. The mean larval densities among the habitat types was highest of 13.7/dip for puddles and lowest of 2.3/dip for stream/river, and the variation between densities were significant (P = 0.002). The mean larval densities were significantly higher in the wet season than in the dry season for the two study areas combined (P = 0.0191) and AMA (P = 0.0228). Over 99% of the 5,802 morphologically identified Anopheles species were An. gambiae (s.l.) of which more than 99% of the studied 898 were An. coluzzii (62%) and An. gambiae (s.s.) (34%). Urban farms, puddles, swamps and ditches/ dugouts accounted for approximately 70% of all An. coluzzii identified. Conversely, drains, construction sites, streams/rivers and “others” contributed 80% of all An. gambiae (s.s.) sampled. The wet season had significantly higher proportion of Anopheles larvae compared to the dry season (Z = 8.3683, P < 0.0001). Also, the proportion of Anopheles mosquitoes produced by permanent breeding sites was 61.3% and that of temporary sites was 38.7%. Conclusion: Taken together, the data suggest that man-made and/ or permanent habitats were the main contributors to Anopheles larval populations in the cities and that regulation of the anthropogenic processes that lead to development of breeding places and proper environmental management can drastically reduce mosquito breeding sites in urban areas of Ghana.

Source: KNUST
Diversity of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in soils of yam (Dioscorea spp.) cropping systems in four agroecologies of Nigeria

The diversity of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi in soils under a yam cropping system in four agroecologies of Nigeria was investigated. Soil samples were collected from yam fields at Onne (humid forest, high rainfall area), Ibadan (derived savanna), Abuja (Guinea savanna) and Ubiaja (humid forest, medium rainfall area). Soil characteristics, AM fungi species, spore abundance, Shannon diversity index, species richness and evenness were determined. A total of 31 AM fungi species was isolated from the four agroecologies with a range of 14–20 species found in a single location. Glomus species were the most abundant among AM fungi species with G. geosporum, G. intraradices and G. mosseae occurring in large populations in all locations. Ubiaja, which had a cassava/natural vegetation sequence before yam, had significantly higher spore abundance and species richness than the other locations, which had a yam/legumes or a maize/legume sequence before yam. However, diversity was significantly higher at Abuja, which had a maize/legume sequence with yam, than Ibadan, which had only a yam/ legume sequence. The study revealed significant diversity in AM fungal species across agroecologies in yam-growing regions. Further research on the functional consequences of changing composition of AM fungi species across the region is recommended.

Source: KNUST
Diversity studies in soybean (Glycine max (L.) merrill) and validation of shattering resistant markers for marker assisted selection

Experiments were conducted to study the genetic diversity among soybean accessions from three different countries and also to validate the usefulness of SSR shattering resistant markers for marker-assisted selection in breeding for soybean shattering resistance in Ghana. In all, 36 soybean accessions from Ghana, Nigeria and Brazil were studied. A genetic diversity study was conducted using 20 soybean SSR markers via PCR and PAGE electrophoresis. Molecular data was scored and analysed using CLUSTER procedure in SAS version 9.2 (2007). Morphological characterisation based on qualitative and quantitative traits, were analysed using hierarchical cluster analysis and principal component analysis (PCA) procedures of SAS (2007). Validation of the three novel QTL (qPDH1) soybean SSR shattering resistant markers (SRM0, SRM1 and SRM2) was done by evaluating known shattering resistant and shattering susceptible parents and their F1 progenies with the markers on agarose gel. The 20 SSR markers grouped the germplasm into six clusters based on Jaccard similarity coefficient. Three morphological traits namely: plant height, number of seeds per pod and days to maturity were the most important traits that discriminated the germplasm into three clusters based on PCA biplot, which corresponded to their country of origin. The three resistant markers were successfully validated for their usefulness for breeding shattering resistance in the germplasm studied. It is recommended that these SSR shattering resistant markers be used as integral part for breeding for soybean shattering resistance in Ghana.

Source: KNUST
Dividend policy and firms’ performance: a case of listed banks in Ghana

The study examines whether dividend policy influences banks performance in Ghana. The choice for the study stems from the pivotal role banks play in the financial development of the economy and hence if not given the critical look could lead to spiralling adverse effects on the other sectors of the economy in which case studies in this area have not received much attention in Ghana. The analysis have been performed using data derived from the financial statements of listed banks on the GSE, BoG and GSS during the most recent ten year period on which data were easily accessible. Stata version 13 was used to estimate the regression results. The results show positive relationships between return on equity and dividend policy. The results further reveal that bank size, CEO duality banks age of listing since IPO, capital adequacy and growth in sales revenue are significant determinants of banks performance in Ghana. Surprisingly, inflation and leverage proved insignificant in determining banks performance for the present study. As way of robustness check, the Tobin‘s q calculated as the ratio of market value of equity to their book values, could not also fail to provide consistent results for the study. The study thus supports previous studies. It is recommended that banks devote critical attention to the creation of an ideal and sustainable dividend policy specifically, adopting steadily increasing dividend policies whilst curtailing agency problems and other suboptimal decisions to shareholders in order to ensure enhancement in banking performance.

Source: KNUST
Dividend payout and stock price volatility among financial institutions listed on the Ghana Stock Exchange

The objective of this study was to find out the effect of dividend payout on share price volatility among financial institutions listed on the Ghana Stock Exchange. Financial statements and the historic stock prices of ten financial institutions listed on the Ghana Stock Exchange for a period of six years (2008-2013) was utilized for calculating price volatility, earning per share, stock dividend, debt and profit after tax which were key variables of much relevance to the study. By using standard multiple regression analysis, the study was able to find out the predictive relationship between the dependent variable (price volatility) and independent variables (stock dividend, earning per share, profit after tax and debt). The findings of the study showed that, out of the four independent variables, only earnings per share significantly determined the stock price volatility of financial institutions listed on the Ghana Stock Exchange. The other independent variables which include stock dividend, profit after tax and debt did not significantly determine the volatility in stock prices of financial institutions listed on the Ghana Stock Exchange.

Source: KNUST
Dividend policy, earnings management and the moderating effect of corporate governance in ghana

The present study aimed to examine the moderating role of corporate governance mechanisms in the relationship between earnings management and dividend policy. Employing a correlational design and descriptive research methodology, secondary data were gathered from the annual financial reports of ten selected firms listed on the Ghana Stock Exchange from 2010 to 2021. Panel estimation techniques, including static and dynamic models, were employed to analyse the data, while diagnostic tests and robustness checks were conducted to address endogeneity concerns. The study's results indicate a notable impact of profits management practices on dividend policy decisions. Companies that engage in earnings management are more inclined to increase dividend payments, thus aligning their interests with those of their shareholders. The study also underscores the impact of corporate governance mechanisms on dividend policy. Consistent with agency theory, a larger board size, board independence, and CEO duality are positively associated with dividend policy. These mechanisms provide enhanced oversight and governance, which can lead to more favourable dividend policies. Moreover, the interaction between earnings management and larger board sizes or CEO duality magnifies the influence of these factors on dividend policy. This suggests that when combined with a larger board size or CEO duality, earnings management practices exert a stronger effect on dividend policy decisions. This study contributes to the understanding of how corporate governance mechanisms moderate the relationship between earnings management and dividend policy. It highlights the importance of implementing effective corporate governance practices to ensure sound dividend policy decisions and emphasises the need to strike a balance between earnings management activities and maintaining transparency and investor confidence. Research on investor views and reactions to earnings management and its effect on dividend policy, as well as other elements and contexts that may affect this relationship, is necessary.

Source: KNUST
DNA methylation as the link between migration and the major noncommunicable diseases: the RODAM study

Aim: We assessed epigenome-wide DNA methylation (DNAm) differences between migrant and non migrant Ghanaians. Materials & methods: We used the Illumina Infinium R HumanMethylation450 Bead Chip to profile DNAm of 712 Ghanaians in whole blood. We used linear models to detect differentially methylated positions (DMPs) associated with migration. We performed multiple post hoc analyses to vali date our findings. Results: We identified 13 DMPs associated with migration (delta-beta values: 0.2–4.5%). Seven DMPs in CPLX2, EIF4E3, MEF2D, TLX3, ST8SIA1, ANG and CHRM3 were independent of extrinsic ge nomic influences in public databases. Two DMPs in NLRC5 were associated with duration of stay in Europe among migrants. All DMPs were biologically linked to migration-related factors. Conclusion: Our findings provide the first insights into DNAm differences between migrants and non-migrants.

Source: KNUST
Documentation of accurate and comprehensive medication histories at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital

Background: Medication errors represent the most common patient safety errors. Most of these errors result in adverse drug reactions, which cause harm to patients. Essential in preventing these medication errors, is the record of a complete and accurate medication history. Aim: To evaluate the use of a formalised approach in obtaining patients‟ medication histories and also assess pharmacists‟ knowledge and perception of the medication history taking process. Methods: The study, conducted at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, involved a cross-sectional medication history interview of a purposive sample of 300 in-patients using a structured interview guide, an audit of the medication histories documented by physicians in folders of the sampled in-patients, and completion of a structured questionnaire by 55 pharmacists at the hospital. Results: With the use of an interview guide during medication history taking, the frequency of documentation of medication history information increased significantly (p = 0.000) for all the eight medication history components compared to when no interview guide was used. The depth of medication history information documented also increased significantly for four of the medication history components outlined (for prescribed, non-prescribed and social drugs, p = 0.000, and for source of medication, p = 0.025). Pharmacists at KATH had an excellent knowledge (Mean = 4.32, SD = 0.78) and a positive perception (Mean = 3.90, SD = 0.89) of the medication history taking process. An inverse association was observed between pharmacists‟ hospital pharmacy practice years and their knowledge of medication history taking. This was statistically significant (p = 0.024). iii Conclusion: The use of a formalised approach in taking the medication history of patients improves the quality of medication history information documented. Pharmacists are knowledgeable in the medication history taking process and are willing to be involved in it. However, the greater the number of hospital pharmacy practice years of pharmacists, the more likely they are to have little knowledge of medication history taking.

Source: KNUST