ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Composition, diversity and food habits of the fish community of a Coastal wetland in Ghana

This study aims at stimulating the scientific community towards a better understanding of fish community ecology in relation to physico-chemical determinants in unmanaged coastal wetlands relevant for informed decision-making on ecosystem functioning and management in the tropical context. We investigated the diversity, size distribution and food habits of the fish community and the abiotic environmental conditions of the Kakum Estuary wetland in Ghana (5o6'N; 1 O 18 'W) from July 2009 to February 2010. Eighteen species belonging to 18 genera and 12 families of marine, brackishwater and freshwater fishes were sampled. The poecilid Aplocheilichthys spilauchen (43.31%), the cichlid Sarotherodon melanotheron (18.12%) and the freshwater shrimp Macrobrachium macrobrachion (12.37%) were dominant. Fish communities in pools in the wetland were quite close in diversity (H' ranged from 2.2 to 2.7) and highly similar (Cs > 0.6) possibly as a result of the prevailing similar environmental conditions. Smaller individuals of the cichlids Tilapia zillii, Hemichromis fasciatus and S. melanotheron measuring 2.0-3.9 cm TL, and marine species such as Elops lacerta and Liza falcipinnis measuring 6.0-7.9 cm TL constituted between 60% and 80% of the populations, suggesting the wetland as nursery and feeding grounds for the fishes. Examination of stomach contents showed that the communities included detritivorous, planktivorous, insectivorous, omnivorous and piscivorous species. It is strongly recommended to restrict fishing in the wetland during the wet season to avoid exploitation of juvenile fishes which use the wetland as nursery and feeding grounds during that period

Source: UCC
Compound Astragalus and Salvia miltiorrhiza Extract Suppresses Rabbits’ Hypertrophic Scar by Modulating the TGF-β/Smad Signal

Background: Hypertrophic scar is a fibro-proliferative dis- ease. Our previous studies demonstrate that compound Astragalus and Salvia miltiorrhiza extract (CASE) inhibits pro- liferation and invasion in keloid fibroblasts. Objective: To in- vestigate the effects of CASE on hypertrophic scar. Methods: Rabbits were divided into the control, model and three dos- age groups of CASE (0.94, 1.88, 3.76%). An animal model of hypertrophic scar was established and treated with CASE ointment or ointment base. The histopathological detection by hematoxylin & eosin and Masson’s trichrome staining and protein expression of scars by Western blot were performed. Results: The hydroxyproline content was decreased under CASE treatment. Transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1) protein expression increased in the model group while it de- creased under CASE treatment. The elevated expression of Smad4 protein was decreased under CASE treatment. Addi- tionally, CASE promoted Smad7 protein expression. Conclusion: CASE could inhibit formation of hypertrophic scar by modulating TGF-β/Smad signal and may be useful for the treatment of hyperplastic scars.

Source: UCC
Comprehensive analysis of retroreflection in Papilio crino Fabricius, 1792 wings

Multilayer thin-film structures in the wings of a butterfly; Papilio crino produce a colourful iridescence from reflected light. In this investigation, scanning electron microscope images show both the concave cover scales and pigmented air chamber ground scales. The microstructures with the concavities retroreflect incident light, thus causing the double reflection. This gives rise to both the colour mixing and polarisation conversion clearly depicted in the optical images. The result of the numerical and theoretical analysis via the CIELAB, and optical reflection and transmission of light through the multilayer stacks with the use of transfer method show that the emerging colouration on the Papilio crino is structural and is due to the combination of colours caused by multiple bounces within the concavities. The butterfly wing structure can be used as the template for designing the photonic device

Source: UCC
Comprehensive optical study of the dragonfly Aeshna cyanea transparent wing

The optical properties of the transparent wings of the Dragonfly Aeshna cyanea were studied using a comprehensive set of optical measurements, experimental analysis and theoretical modeling which involves the use of a high level programming language to simulate the optical effects seen. With these, the relative refractive index of the Odonatan wing, the pruinosity associated with the microstructure and the chemical composition of the wings were studied. The Nystrom matrix techniques were applied to solve the surface currents JZ and HZ of the scattered fields for different incident angles from grazing and used to explain the pruinosity associated with the wings microstructure. The wing was found to be an Electro-Optic Material (EOM) associated with a number of Nonlinear Optical (NLO) responses having high frequency absorption for extreme UV and also, leaky multi-channeling wave guide

Source: UCC
Compressive Properties of Cocoa Beans Considering the Effect of Moisture Content Variations

The compressive properties of premium quality cocoa beans from Ghana considering the effect of moisture content in the moisture range of 7% to 22 % (w.b) were studied. The results of the study demonstrated that the displacement at maximum load or the deformation and the crushing energy had more positive linear function with moisture content and increased significantly from 0.80 mm to 1.87 mm and from 13.0 mJ to 200 mJ respectively. The compressive strain and Young’s Modulus decreased significantly in linear relationship with very high correlation coefficient within the confines of the moisture content, which increased from 0.009 to 0.0045 mm/mm, and 1300 MPa to 205 MPa respectively. The compressive stress however decreased exponentially with increasing moisture content from 1.5 MPa to 0.3 MPa. The increase in deformation and subsequent decrease in compressive stress and strain of the cocoa bean, as the moisture content increased, shows that the energy absorption capability of wet cocoa bean is higher than the dry ones leading to higher mechanical strength to rupture during the lateral compressive loading. These findings provide useful information for food and agricultural engineers in the design of suitable cocoa beans crackers

Source: UCC
Compulsory land acquisition and livelihood adaptation along the western corridor gas infrastructure development project in Ghana

The study investigated compulsory land acquisition for the Western Corridor Gas Infrastructure Project and livelihood adaptation within Nzema East Municipality and Ellembelle District in Ghana. A mixed methods research approach was adopted. Data was collected using interview schedule and interview guide. Analysis of data involved the application of descriptive statistics, chi-square test, Mann-Whitney U test and thematic analysis. The study found that displaced persons largely used the cash compensation in consumption of basic needs; farm was the main livelihood strategy for displaced persons, and fifty one percent of displaced persons could not submit their land compensation claims. The major challenges facing compulsory land acquisition were: multiple claims to parcel(s) of land, inadequate knowledge about the acquisition before the work began, non-completion of the legal processes, delay in the payment of compensation, and delay in the adjudication of land disputes. The study concludes that both the project affected persons and acquiring agency encountered challenges. It is, therefore, recommended that the Lands Commission should improve upon the decision-making processes on the expropriation order, enhance the sensitization of project affected persons on the acquisition processes, and also educate the displaced persons on the channels for reporting challenges.

Source: UCC
Computation Of Partial Correlation Coefficient: Variance-Covariance Matrix Approach

This thesis examined variance-covariance matrix approach of computing orders of partial correlation coefficients. The main objective of this thesis is to explore further if the partial correlation coefficients beyond the first order can be computed using the method of variance-covariance matrix approach. Statistical tests were performed on the datasets used for the fundamental partial correlation assumptions, namely linearity, normality, and the lack of outliers. In order to account for the effects of one or more extra random variables, the thesis provided a logical investigation into the linear connection between two random variables. To achieve this, the study determines the appropriate dataset structure and partitioning, as well as the key matrices that allow us to acquire the theoretical conclusion. Practical examples and R syntax were used to clearly illustrate the computation of higher order partial correlation coefficients. It was found that the orders of partial correlation coefficient may be achieved by normalizing the conditional variance-covariance matrix results. The study demonstrates that, if the partial correlation assumptions are met, the variancecovariance matrix technique may compute partial correlation coefficients of any order. Finally, the study recommends that future researchers adopt the method of variance-covariance matrix technique to generate higher orders of partial correlation coefficients since the method is trustworthy, and comprehensible.

Source: UCC
A computational and structural database study of the metal-carbene bond in groups IA, IIA, AND IIIA Imidazol-2-Ylidene complexes

Imidazol-2-ylidenes are important N-heterocyclic carbenes which have become universal ligands in organometallic and coordination chemistry. Generally classifed asσ-donor ligands, these compounds have been used to stabilize various metal complexes which hitherto were less stable in their catalytic processes. Herein, the number and distribution of group IA, group IIA, and group IIIA metal-imidazol2-ylidene complexes retrieved from the Cambridge Structural Database (CSD) are assessed. *e data showed that the mean M-Ccarbene bond length increases with increasing ionic size but is similar across each diagonal. Dominant factors such as Lewis acidity and electrostatic attractions were found to control the bonding modes of the respective ions. Generally, the metal ions show preference fortetrahedral coordination with larger cations forming complexes with higher coordination numbers. For their high number of entries (101), tetrahedrally coordinated boron complexes with various electron withdrawing and electron donating groups were studied computationally at the DFT/B3LYP level of theory. *e strength of the B-Ccarbene bond was found to depend on steric interactions between bulky groups on the borenium atom and substituents on the N-positions of the imidazol-2-ylidene ligand.*is observation was further confirmed by estimation of the binding energy, natural charge, and the electron distribution in the B-Ccarbene bond

Source: UCC
Computational calculation of binding energy of methane with [mn(4-picoline)2] 2+ in the gas phase: theory and experiment

Across the globe the search for ways of a more resourceful convention of the abundant, untapped reserves of over 1850.5 ppb of methane gas. The UV photofragment spectrum of the dication complex ion [Mn(4-Picoline)3] 2+ had been recorded in the gas phase for theoretical and experimental analysis using a quadrupole ion trap mass spectrometer. Using a combination of the pick-up technique and high energy electron impact the [Mn(4-Picoline)3] 2+ ions were prepared and then held in a cold ion trap where they were excited with tuneable UV radiation and effectively activated further with methane. From the DFT calculations, the optimised C1 conformer of [Mn(4-Picoline)3] 2+was confirmed. Methane activation with manganese 4 methyl dication complex ion resulted inthe formation [Mn(4 Picoline)3H2O] 2+ , [Mn(4- Picoline)3(H2O)2] 2+ , [Mn(4-Picoline)3N2] 2+ [Mn(4-Pico)3CO2] 2+ , [Mn(4-Picoline)3(CH3)2] 2+ and [Mn 4-Picoline (CH4)] + were recorded. The calculated charge on the metal centre was reduced by approximately 20% in the optimised geometry [Mn(4-Picoline)3 CH4] 2+ of as compared to the charge of +2 assumed on Mn metal in the potential energy curve, (PEC) calculation. The DFT calculated result revealed that the binding energy of methane to the metal dication complex ion was that overestimated on the PEC model by 32%

Source: UCC
Computational methods for denoising high-throughput data

T-cell diversity has a great influence on the ability of the immune system to recognise and fight the wide variety of potential pathogens in our environment. The current state of art approach to profiling T-cell diversity involves high-throughput sequencing and analysis of T-cell receptors (TCR). Although this approach produces huge amounts of data, the data has noise which might obscure the underlying biological picture. To correct these errors, two computational methods have been developed; a method of moments and a method based on Bayesian inference. Using simulated data, it is shown that Bayesian Inference is superior to the method of moments in terms of accuracy but the latter is preferable when time is a limiting factor as it is faster and adequately accurate. Furthermore, using high-throughput sequencing data, it is shown that significant differences exist between the raw and the denoised relative abundances of TCR V segments. For TCR J segments, however, the difference between raw and denoised data is minimal. This observation agrees with the fact that primers, which are used to enrich T-cell receptors before they are sequenced, and which are the main source of errors, are specific for TCR V segments.

Source: UCC
Computational/in silico methods in drug target and lead prediction

Drug-like compounds are most of the time denied approval and use owing to the unexpected clinical side effects and cross-reactivity observed during clinical trials. These unexpected outcomes resulting in significant increase in attrition rate centralizes on the selected drug targets. These targets may be disease candidate proteins or genes, biological pathways, disease-associated microRNAs, disease-related biomarkers, abnormal molecular phenotypes, crucial nodes of biological network or molecular functions. This is generally linked to several factors, including incomplete knowledge on the drug targets and unpredicted pharmacokinetic expressions upon target interaction or off-target effects. A method used to identify targets, especially for polygenic diseases, is essential and constitutes a major bottleneck in drug development with the fundamental stage being the identification and validation of drug targets of interest for further downstream processes. Thus, various computational methods have been developed to complement experimental approaches in drug discovery. Here, we present an overview of various computational methods and tools applied in predicting or validating drug targets and drug-like molecules. We provide an overview on their advantages and compare these methods to identify effective methods which likely lead to optimal results. We also explore major sources of drug failure considering the challenges and opportunities involved. This review might guide researchers on selecting the most efficient approach or technique during the computational drug discovery process.

Source: UCC
Computed tomography estimation of the prevalence of neuro-ophthalmic injuries in head trauma patients seen in a tertiary health facility in Ghana

Introduction: Prevalence of traumatic brain injury (TBI) is extremely high and potentially associated with severe incapacitating consequences. Literature reports that 90% of road traffic deaths and injuries including TBI occur in low and middle-income countries including Ghana. Computed Tomography (CT) scan is the imaging modality of choice for the initial assessment of the extent of head injury. Some Neuro-ophthalmic injuries (NOI) may sometimes be ambiguous and indistinct although a serious injury with potential damaging consequences. Data on the prevalence of NOI post trauma is non-existent in Ghana to inform policy. The onus therefore lies on the Radiologist who will review the head CT scan to be very meticulous not to miss any NOI if present. We therefore decided to diligently review a large cross-sectional retrospective post trauma head CT scans for occurrence of NOI. Objective: To determine the incidence of NOI secondary to head trauma and the possible loss of vision thereof in a retrospective study using patients' head CT scan data from a tertiary hospital's CT centre in Cape Coast, Ghana. Method: All head CT scans secondary to trauma for the period January 2016 to December 2018, were retrieved and carefully analysed. A total number of 1043 of head CT scan images were analyzed by Consultant Radiologists. Results: Results showed out of 1043 CT scans reviewed, 742 (71,1%) were males and 301 (28.9%) were females. A total of 609 (58.4%) out of the 1043 patients sustained NOIs of various anatomical types. More Males 398 (65.4%) sustained NOI than females 211 (34.6%). The incidence of NOI was more among the youth as majority 167 (27.4%) of the patients were within the 18–29 years followed by 30–39 years bracket of 148 (24.3%). Fourteen anatomical types of NOI were elicited and further analysis revealed, intra-ocular foreign body to be the highest 107 (17.6%) cases, orbital floor fractures injury was 92 (15.1%) cases, with globe rupture injury and intraocular hemorrhage recording 79 (13.0%) cases each. Optic nerve injury was the least revealing 7 (1.1%) cases. There was a relationship between the gender of patient and the propensity to sustain NOI as males were more disposed to NOI than females. Road traffic accident (RTA) was the main pervasive cause of TBI and this accounted for 71.9% of all cases, followed by fall from height 24%, and the least cause of TBI was ascribed to gunshot injury of 0.33%. Conclusion: Prevalence of NOI is high. Urgent measures must therefore be implemented to reduce the RTA menace in general and to mitigate the associated NOI and possible loss of vision thereof.

Source: UCC
Computer Assisted Instruction (CAI) Usage in Teaching Indigenous Ghanaian Languages in Selected Senior High Schools in the Akuapem North Municipality

The main purpose of the study was to assess the use and effects of Computer Assisted Instruction (CAI) on the teaching of indigenous Ghanaian Languages in the Akuapem North District in the Eastern Region of Ghana. The study adopted descriptive survey design. Questionnaire was the main survey instrument used. The researcher used simple random sampling. A representative sample of 100 students and 29 teachers from six (6) Senior High Schools in the Akuapem North Municipality were involved in the study. It was revealed that most of the respondents had had some form of training in ICT. Furthermore, majority of the respondents have a positive opinion about the use and effect of Computer Assisted Instruction in the teaching and learning of Ghanaian Language. However, the major barriers/obstacles were unavailability of ICT tools and software for CAI in the teaching and learning, and lack of financial support and professional training in the use of CAI in teaching and learning Ghanaian Language. Based on the findings, some recommendations were made. That relevant CAI packages in Ghanaian Language education should be developed; Educational curriculum planners should integrate a practical computer application courses in their curriculum design for pre-service teachers.. Stakeholders should transform the Ghanaian Language curriculum into a multi-media and CAI approaches. Education authorities should frequently.

Source: UCC
Computer Skills and the Training of Medical Students in a Ghanaian Medical School

Abstract The relevance of the inclusion of medical informatics into the curriculum of medical education cannot be overemphasised. The effects of medical and health informatics on health professional education are as profound and demanding of change as those on health consumers and clients. The effects reach far beyond the occasional use of computers in technology-assisted learning for health professionals. The study was conducted to ascertain the computer literacy level of medical students. A computing skills survey was administered to forty (40) second year students at the University of Cape Coast School of Medical Sciences, Ghana. The survey was conducted on the computer use, skills, and attitudes of second-year medical students. The results indicated that 89.9% of respondents had some average to advance knowledge and use of the basic computer software (windows, word, excel, PowerPoint, database, internet and email). The knowledge and use of database (62.5%) was however low as compared to the other basic software programs. Male students had a higher percentage (95.8%) as compared to female students (84.6%) with respect to knowledge and use of basic computer software. Female students, on the other hand, had a higher percentage (100%) of internet use as compared to the males with 93.4%.

Source: UCC
Computer Skills and the Training of Medical Students in a Ghanaian Medical School

The relevance of the inclusion of medical informatics into the curriculum of medical education cannot be overemphasised. The effects of medical and health informatics on health professional education are as profound and demanding of change as those on health consumers and clients. The effects reach far beyond the occasional use of computers in technology-assisted learning for health professionals. The study was conducted to ascertain the computer literacy level of medical students. A computing skills survey was administered to forty (40) second year students at the University of Cape Coast School of Medical Sciences, Ghana. The survey was conducted on the computer use, skills, and attitudes of second-year medical students. The results indicated that 89.9% of respondents had some average to advance knowledge and use of the basic computer software (windows, word, excel, PowerPoint, database, internet and email). The knowledge and use of database (62.5%) was however low as compared to the other basic software programs. Male students had a higher percentage (95.8%) as compared to female students (84.6%) with respect to knowledge and use of basic computer software. Female students, on the other hand, had a higher percentage (100%) of internet use as compared to the males with 93.4%.

Source: UCC
Concentration of copper and zinc in black chin tilapia (Sarotherodon melenotheron) in Fosu lagoon, Cape Coast, Ghana

The concentrations of copper and zinc in Sarotherodonmelenotheronfrom the Fosu Lagoon were measured to assess the extent of contamination with these metals. The lagoon is a closed lagoon situated within the Cape Coast Municipality of Ghana. Atomic Absorption Spectrometry was employed to estimate the mean concentrations of copper and zinc within a three (3) month period from 16th September, 2005 to 2ndDecember, 2005. The concentration of copper was found to be in the range of 10.647mg kg -1 to 26.146mg kg -1 and that of zinc ranged from 4.138mg kg -1to 96.236mg kg -1 .The mean concentrations of copper and zinc were 19.665 mg kg-1 and 38.615mg kg-1 respectively. The mean concentration for copper was within the acceptable limit for human consumption whilst that for zinc exceeded the FAO’s acceptable limit of 30mg kg -1 . The hazard index for Copper exceeded 1. There is therefore, a very high probability of severe adverse health effect on the consumption of this fish species harvested from the Fosu Lagoon especially for children of 0 – 1 year. It was moreover, observed that no correlation existed between the values obtained for copper and zinc. This is a sharp contrast to literature

Source: UCC