ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Quality of farmer-saved tomato (Lycopersicum esculentum Mill.) seeds and its effect on fruit yield in Ghana

A field survey was conducted in 2008/2009 cropping season in five agro-ecological zones comprising twenty-nine communities to assess the quality of farmer-saved tomato seeds and its effect on the fruit yield levels in Ghana. Laboratory and field experiment were carried out at the Seed and Pathology laboratories of CSIR-Crops Research Institute, (Fumesua) and Department of Horticulture, KNUST, Kumasi, from 2nd May 2009 to 2nd February 2010. Majority of smallholder farmers in Ghana (52%) saved their own seed for planting. None of the farmers followed proper storage practices for the seeds which were stored under ambient conditions in plastic bins, black polyethylene bags, clay pots, paper bags and pieces of cloth, which were not treated against insect-pests. Except for seed from the forest zone, however, the storage practices had little or no influence on the quality of seeds assessed. The percent pure seed component, vigour and germination were high, ranging from 68.5 to 98%. The study also revealed that none of the seed samples was free from seed-borne pathogenic and saprophytic fungi. The seeds were mainly were infected with eight fungi comprising five pathogenic and three saprophytes, which varied significantly depending on location. The most prevalent seed-borne pathogenic fungi were Fusarium moniliforme, Fusarium oxysporum and Curvularia lunata. Saved seeds from the Transition zone had the highest incidence of pathogenic fungi (56%) while the Guinea savanna zone had the least (20.4%), a situation attributable to the storage structures and practices employed in the different zones. Field studies on performance also revealed a positive but not significant correlation (r = 0.64) between percent seed vigor and fruit yield.

Source: KNUST
Quality of maternity services: a comparative study of two urban health centres in the Kumasi Metropolis

The high maternal mortality of 214 per 100,000 live births in Ghana is a source of worry • to managers of health services, health providers and the whole nation. One way of • reducing this is through the provision of quality maternity services in the health centres, which form the bulk of the health institutions in Ghana. A study was undertaken between August and November 1999 to assess and compare the care given and the managerial practices being implemented to promote quality maternity care delivery at Manhyia and Suntreso Urban Health Centres in the Kumasi Metropolis. Primary data were collected using structured questionnaires administered to health providers and management and interview guide administered to patients. Secondary data were also collected. Providers’ understanding of quality maternity care was significantly related to communication of quality standards to them by management and in-service training they had received. Quality maternity standards were communicated to more of the providers at Manhyia Urban Health Centre (MUHC) (7) than SUHC (3). Also, MUHC had more in- service training and better understanding of quality maternity care than providers did at Suntreso Urban Health Centre (SUHC). In-service training was also significantly related to total score obtained by providers in their knowledge in components of maternity care. Ninety-one percent of providers at MUHC had good scores (between 8-13 points out of 15) compared to 75% of providers at SUHC who had similar scores. The majority of providers (MUHC=73%; SUHC=83%) and clients (MUHC=85%; SUHC=95%) perceived the quality of maternity care being provided to be good, very good or excellent. Waiting time, interpersonal relationships and staff punctuality to work were of particular importance to clients at both centres. Waiting time and interpersonal relationships were well perceived by providers at both centres as clients’ expectations. Punctuality to work was however weakly perceived by staff at MUHC while SUHC did not perceive it at all. Allocation of most of the essential supplies to both health centres was inadequate although the level of adequacy of supplies at SUHC (67%) was relatively higher than MUHC (59%) for most of the supplies. Frequency of supervision at both health centres was dependent on staff’s competence and experience. The level of supervision was higher, well integrated and involved staff at all levels at MUHC than SUHC. Monitoring at both institutions by management was weak and was not done as a team.

Source: KNUST
Quality of keitt mango chips as affected by method of drying, packaging and storage periods

Mango (Mangifera indica) fruits i.e. Keitt variety were harvested at the green mature stage from Peterbeck farms at Dodowa in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana and transported to the laboratory of the Department of Horticulture, Faculty of Agriculture, KNUST, Kumasi, Ghana for analysis. The research was carried out on mango slices to study the effects of two drying methods using the sun and oven drying. The study has shown that different drying and packaging methods have varying effect on proximate, mineral, microbial and sensory qualities on Keitt mango pulps. The oven drying was superior in preserving potassium (1.93mg/100g), calcium (0.27mg/100g), protein (3.94%), fibre (1.55%), and pH (5.48). Oven drying therefore showed superior capacity in preserving the nutritional composition of mango pulps and it should be the method of choice. It was observed that storage period and packaging methods influenced both nutritional and proximate composition of dried mango pulps. Aluminium packs were the best packaging material for maintaining ash content (2.25%). Zip lock bags were the ideal packaging material with respect to protein (4.82%), fibre (2.01%) and vitamin C (4.36mg/100g) content retention of the mango chips samples with storage period. The results showed that PET containers were better materials for storing dried mango pulps as compared to Zip lock bags, aluminium packs and Control (unpackaged) as these packaging materials formed good moisture barrier. Packaging materials also determined the presence of particular microbes and microbial counts during storage. Mucor sp were identified in PET containers and Aluminium packs. Rhizopus sp was found in Zip lock bags and Control (unpackaged). Aspergillus niger was identified in PET containers, aluminium and zip lock bags. Penicillium sp and Aspergillus niger were identified in all the packaged material except the Control (unpackaged).oven dried mango chips stored in zip lock bags and control. The sun dried PET containers gave better appearance (7.55) whereas the oven dried PET containers had the highest score of the other parameters.

Source: KNUST
Quality of Miracle Berry Wine as Influenced by pH and Inoculum Levels

However, the fruit is underutilized in the sub region and susceptible to post harvest losses. In this study, miracle berry wine was produced and the effects of varying pH and inocula levels during fermentation (at room temperature for 7 days) on the wine parameters (soluble solids, pH, titratable acidity, acid taste index, total phenols and antioxidant activity) were investigated. During fermentation, changes in ˚brix and pH were also monitored. Total soluble solids varied between 4.8-20°Brix while total phenols and antioxidant activity (% DPPH inhibition) ranged 300-580 mg GAE/L and 52-86 %, respectively. There was a decrease in ˚Brix, pH, phenolic content and antioxidant activity for all samples fermented at varying pH after fermentation. There was, however, an increase in titratable acidity (7-14 g/L tartaric acid) and acid taste index after fermentation. Wine samples produced at pH of 3.8, 4.6 and 5.8 using 1% inoculum produced 13%, 10% and 10% (v/v) alcohol, respectively. With respect to varying inocula, there was a decrease in ˚Brix, pH, phenolic content and antioxidant activity for wine samples produced at pH of 4.6 and inocula of 1% and 2%, respectively, but increased in titratable acidity and acid taste index after fermentation. At the end of the fermentation process, wine sample with pH 4.6 and inocula of 1% and 2% had alcohol content of 10% and 12% (v/v), respectively. The study revealed that it is possible to produce red wine from miracle berry rich in antioxidant with possible health imparting benefits. Again, varying the pH and inoculum levels can affect the quality of the wine produced.

Source: KNUST
Quality of Leachate From The Oti Land And It''s Effects on Underground Water

In this study, the characterization and the effect of leachate from an open dump site at Oti, Kumasi, on underground water is investigated. A total of 42 water samples, 12 untreated leachate samples and 6 treated leachate samples were collected for studies. All the samples were analysed for various microbial, physicochemical parameters including heavy metal (Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Pb, and Zn) according to standard methods. The results of physicochemical analyses of the leachate showed that its characteristics were highly variable with severe contamination of organic matter, salts and heavy metals. Parameters such as NH3, Fe, Pb and Cd had their mean concentrations in all the well water samples above the recommended maximum admissible limits approved by World Health Organization for drinking water. In addition, Cr levels at W1 sampling points were above the maximum limits. In all the borehole water samples, NH3 and Fe had their mean concentrations above the permitted level. In addition, the levels of Pb at site BH3 and Cd at sites BH1 and BH2 were also above the maximum limits. However, the water samples were mostly acidic, recording pH of 5.06 to 6.93. Total coliforms, faecal coliforms and E. coli counts per 100 mL of well water samples ranged from 1.22 x 106 ± 0.67 x 106 to 2.90 x 107 ± 1.98 x 107, 1.44 x 106 ± 3.17 x 105 to 4.65 x 106 ± 2.58 x 106 and NIL to 4.30 x 105 ± 0 N/100, respectively. In the borehole, a range of 3.20 x 106 ± 1.56 x 106 to 7.97 x 107 ± 9.95 x 106, 2.38 x 106 ± 1.16 x 106 to 8.96 x 107 ± 1.40 x 107 and NIL to 2.15 x 107 ± 1.03 x 107 N/100 were recorded for total coliforms, faecal coliforms and E. coli counts, respectively. The presence of these microbiological indicators in the water samples indicates contamination from leachate sources, and may pose a health risk to consumers. Water quality index showed that BH1 and BH2 samples falls under poor category. Principal component analysis extracted three and two factors for the well and borehole water samples, respectively. The degree of contamination and heavy metal evaluation index indicate contamination, while hazard index values at sites BH1 and W4 were >1, suggesting adverse health effects. However, the heavy metal pollution index values were below the critical limit of 100 for drinking water and the hazard quotients indicated no adverse health effects (HQ < 1) for all the well and borehole water samples.

Source: KNUST
Quality of Miracle Berry Wine as Influenced by pH and Inoculum Levels

Synsepalum dulificum (also known as miracle berry) fruit is rich in nutrients, flavour and antioxidant compounds. However, the fruit is underutilized in the sub region and susceptible to post harvest losses. In this study, miracle berry wine was produced and the effects of varying pH and inocula levels during fermentation (at room temperature for 7 days) on the wine parameters (soluble solids, pH, titratable acidity, acid taste index, total phenols and antioxidant activity) were investigated. During fermentation, changes in ˚brix and pH were also monitored. Total soluble solids varied between 4.8-20°Brix while total phenols and antioxidant activity (% DPPH inhibition) ranged 300-580 mg GAE/L and 52-86 %, respectively. There was a decrease in ˚Brix, pH, phenolic content and antioxidant activity for all samples fermented at varying pH after fermentation. There was, however, an increase in titratable acidity (7-14 g/L tartaric acid) and acid taste index after fermentation. Wine samples produced at pH of 3.8, 4.6 and 5.8 using 1% inoculum produced 13%, 10% and 10% (v/v) alcohol, respectively. With respect to varying inocula, there was a decrease in ˚Brix, pH, phenolic content and antioxidant activity for wine samples produced at pH of 4.6 and inocula of 1% and 2%, respectively, but increased in titratable acidity and acid taste index after fermentation. At the end of the fermentation process, wine sample with pH 4.6 and inocula of 1% and 2% had alcohol content of 10% and 12% (v/v), respectively. The study revealed that it is possible to produce red wine from miracle berry rich in antioxidant with possible health imparting benefits. Again, varying the pH and inoculum levels can affect the quality of the wine produced.

Source: KNUST
Quality of Ocimum Gratissimum treated soyabean seeds under different storage conditions

Soyabean seeds are often associated with problems of germination and plant establishment as a result of rapid loss of viability caused by mycoflora during storage. In this study, attempt was made to isolate and identify the mycoflora associated with stored Anidaso and Bengbie seeds and to ascertain a possible storage method aimed at arresting rapid deterioration and subsequent loss of seed viability. Ocimum gratissimum leaf and seed powders were both prepared by milling 200g each of sun-dried leaves and seeds. The leaves and seeds were sun-dried for 2 weeks before milling. The powders were used immediately after preparation. Freshly harvested hand- threshed soyabean seeds were surface disinfected with 2.5% Sodium hypochiorite and 40% ethanol and dried in forced-air oven. Anidaso and Bengbie seeds treated with both powders and Dithane M-45 were stored in heat-sealed polythene bags and paper bags under ambient conditions for 9 months. Nine (9) genera of fungi were isolated and their percentage occurrence recorded. The main genera of fungi isolated were Aspergillus, Penicillium, Fusarium and Mucor. The location of seed-borne mycoflora affected seed viability especially in seeds which had their embryo infected with fungi. Increase in seed moisture as well as storage period directly affected the rate of fungal occurrence as well as decline in seed germination. The O. gratissimum leaf powder, when used to treat seeds which were stored in polythene bags, suppressed the rapid deterioration of the seeds and maintained viability. This compared favourably with Dithane M-45 treated seeds stored in sealed polythene bag.

Source: KNUST
Quality of sachet water sold in the Techiman Municipality

The quality of sachet water sold in the Techiman Municipality was determined. Ten different brands out of twenty sachet water sold in the Techiman Municipality in the Brong Ahafo region were purposively selected for the study. These were: WA1, WA2, WA3, WA4 , WA5, WA6, WA7, WA8, WA9 and WA10. Triplicate samples were taken from both production and retail points/sources over a period of three (3) months, starting from February, 2013 to April, 2013. A total of sixty (60) samples were taken for the period of the study. Physiochemical parameters such as pH, Electrical Conductivity (EC), Alkalinity, Colour, Total Suspended Solids (TSS), Turbidity, Total Hardness (TH), Total Dissolved Solids, Phosphate, Nitrates, Fluorides, Chloride, Nitrite and Sulphate were analyzed together with heavy metals such as Iron and Copper using standard protocols. Microbial analyzes were also carried out to determine contaminations with respect to total coliform and Escherichia coli (E.coli). The samples taken from retail points and production points showed compliance with respect to physiochemical parameters excluding Nitrite. Excluding WA3 and WA7, the others recorded elevated nitrite levels with mean values of WA1 (3.68mg/l), WA2 (3.20mg/l), WA4 (3.80mg/l), WA5 (4.00mg/l), WA6 (4.00mg/l), WA8 (3.65mg/l), WA9 (3.67mg/l) and WA10 (3.34mg/l) at production points. Similar results were recorded also at the retail points where the values recorded are WA1 (4.00mg/l), WA2 (4.80mg/l), WA4 (3.90mg/l), WA5 (6.10mg/l), WA6 (6.10mg/l), WA8 (4.20mg/l), WA9 (3.80mg/l) and WA10 (4.00mg/l). The elevated nitrite levels recorded in the samples pose long term health risk to the public. Samples taken from WA10 at both points/sources recorded a mean pH value of 5.20 and 5.90 respectively. These pH values recorded are far below the recommended limit of 6.50-8.50 set by World Health Organization (WHO) and Ghana Standard Authority (GSA). The physiochemical parameters measured did not show any significant differences in the mean values between the production points/sources and retail points/sources of these samples. Samples taken from WA10, WA7 and WA5 recorded contamination with total coliform with mean colony count of 1cfu/100ml , 1cfu/100ml and 2cfu/100ml respectively. Microbial contaminations recorded in the three brands expose the public to immediate health effect.

Source: KNUST
Quality of protein declaration on prepackaged food products modelled in fuzzy logic

Food labelling laws aim to protect consumers from deception. This study was to determine the accuracy of food protein labelling in prepackaged food products on the Ghanaian market and to identify the need for the establishment of a national tolerance criterion. Twenty-six (26) food products from Accra and Kumasi were grouped into Dairy, Cereals, Fish, Peas and Confectionery products. Their protein contents were determined using Kjeldahl with 5.7 Jones factor for Cereals and 6.25 for other samples. Fuzzy logic and modelling (MATLAB toolbox) was used to analyze the two input variables (product category and net weight) of the products and their output variable (Confidence quotient). The term confidence quotient, which was used to describe the degree of accuracy, was defined in the study as the difference between the declared and the mean laboratory analyzed protein values. The accuracy of the declared protein was considered “low” or “high” according to the confidence interval; 90%, 95%, and 99%, used and the principal protein tolerance acceptance criterion (≥80%). The results from the distribution and fuzzy model demonstrated significant variations at which most protein contents were misrepresented in the products. It was revealed that the categories and net weight of the products appeared to have contributed to this variation. The results offer a prediction tool to understand the likelihood of inaccuracy of declared nutrient contents on prepackaged food products using protein as a test factor in establishing a national tolerance criterion.

Source: KNUST
Quality of Service-Expedited Mail Service (EMS Ghana)

This study focuses on the management of Service Organization; such as the Expedited Mail Service (EMS, Ghana) .It is the fact that the management of service organization is quite different from the management of manufacturing organization especially in the area of quality standard and control, production and customer care. This study as a pioneering research into EMS is to provide some insights into the management problems, opportunities and potential areas of growth and provide some useful ideas or strategies for the consideration of the management of Ghana Postal Services Corporation. 1.1 Aims and Objectives of the Study: The aim of this study is to provide an insight into the management of a service business organization such as the Expedited Mail Service, EMS Ghana. The Corporate goal of the EMS Ghana is to provide a safe and reliable courier service to the public profitably. In pursuance of this goal over a six year period, EMS Ghana has attracted huge capital investment in equipment, machinery, vehicles, training of personnel, marketing and other logistics from the Board and the management of the Ghana Postal Services CorPoration. However, the financial viability of the service, its management as well as customer complaints (that is quality matters) have been topical in discussions among the Board of Directors and the Management. This study is relevant to the concerns of the various decision making groups in the management of EMS as well as the public whose concern is the provision efficient courier service. The objective of this study therefore is to - provide an overview of the EMS. - find and analyse some critical, competitive and environmental issues affecting the service. - and provide recommendations and action plans for management’s consideration.

Source: KNUST
The Quality of Water Consumed in the Wassa Amenfi West District- A Case Study of Asankragwa Township

The quality of pipe borne drinking water in the Asankragwa township, with reference to their physicochemical and microbiological parameters were studied (total coliforms, feacal coliforms, E. coli, pH, electrical conductivity, Total Dissolved Solids, Total Suspended Solids, Iron, sulphate, and among others). These were compared to acceptable levels such as the World Health Organisation’s Guidelines on Drinking Water Quality. A total of 10 sampling points were determined and studied over a period of three months (March to May, 2012) with samples collected for analysis once every month. These samples comprised water from four (4) stand pipe points, the two (2) main sources where pipe borne water is obtained in the Asankragwa township, water from the tank where water is stored before treatment (1), water after treatment (1), and water from 2 wells for comparative analysis. The results of the study revealed high microbial indicator counts in all the water bodies at levels above the World Health Organisation’s Guidelines on Drinking Water Quality, thus suggesting bacterial pollution of the waters. The microbiological quality assessment of the water samples revealed that water samples from all the sampling points contained total coliforms with some containing E. coli and feacal coliforms, indicating contamination of the water by organisms of feacal origin. The result also showed that all the investigated physicochemical parameters of water samples from the sampling points were within the minimum permissible limits for drinking water as suggested by WHO except colour (60.33-850.00), turbidity(3.39-6.00 NTU) and the pH of the water collected from the wells (5.7600-5.9300). Analysis of samples for dissolved trace metals indicated that levels of the investigated metals were within WHO permissible limits except for iron (0.1500 – 3.800mg/l). Pipe borne drinking water from the Asankragwa township was therefore found to be unsuitable for drinking and for other domestic purposes. Comparatively, water from pipe borne server water was better than that from the wells in the Asankragwa township.

Source: KNUST