ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Characteristics of water and droplet size distribution from fluidic sprinklers

A new prototype of fluidic sprinkler (PXH) is proposed and its working theory is reported. The hydraulic performance of four different types of sprinkler head (PXH, PY, Toro S 800 and RainBird S 3504) was compared at the same operating pressure. Meanwhile, PXHs with nozzle diameters of 4, 6 and 8 mm were tested to establish a mathematical model of water distribution and droplet diameter. The results show that the PXH produces the longest wetted radius, potentially due to its unique working principles. The PXH exhibits optimal water distribution performance because the air in the nozzle destroys the fluid structure of the water jet. The PXH results in the smallest droplet diameter, which transfers less kinetic energy to the soil. The results from the empirical equations of a distribution model from the PXH were plotted against actual values to obtain regressions, with coefficients of determination ranging from 95.1 to 98.8%. The droplet size model was determined by fitting the experimental results obtained using different operating pressures and nozzle diameters. The model was verified using the experimental results of six cases with different droplet diameters. The average relative error between the predicted and measured droplet diameters was 4.6%.

Source: UCC
Characterization and distribution of drug resistance associated β-lactamase, membrane porin and efflux pump genes in MDR A. baumannii isolated from Zhenjiang, China

Background: Acinetobacter baumannii (A. baumannii), especially the multidrug resistant A. baumannii (MDR-AB) is becoming a common opportunistic pathogen in hospital, and constitutes significant public health threats. This study aimed at investigating the relationship between drug resistances with expression of class A-D β-lactamase genes, mutation in membrane porin and over-expression of effux pump genes among A. baumannii isolated from Zhengjiang, China. Methods: Antibiotic susceptibility assays were performed using Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method. PCR was used to detect β-lactamase genes and carO, oprD, adeR, adeS. Real-time PCR was used to assess the mRNA expression level of efflux pump gene adeB. The software of DNAMAN was applied to assemble oprD and carO sequences, and the sequences were compared with those retrieved from GenBank (http://www. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/). Results: 27 isolates (61.4%) in this study were MDR-AB, in which fve β-lactamases including TEM, CTX-M-2, ADC, OXA-23 and OXA-51 were found, and the positive rate was 96.3% (26), 14.8% (4), 92.6% (25), 88.9% (24) and 92.6% (25), respectively. In addition, the expression level of adeB mRNA was signifcantly increased in MDR-AB, it might due to adeR mutation. Some mutations were also found in carO and oprD. Conclusion: MDR-AB showed high relationship with β-lactamase, mutation in membrane porin and overexpression of adeB, which may directly relates to the mutation in regulating gene adeR

Source: UCC
Characterization and Quantification of Litter on Selected Beaches in the Central Region of Ghana: Towards the Management and Proper Disposal of Solid Waste

Ghana faces challenges with managing solid waste especially plastics, these waste moves through drains, blown by the wind or are directly deposited onto beaches which end in the seas. Litter in the seas causes harm to organisms living in there which may result in deaths. This study was carried out to characterize litter on the beach, litter landed by selected fishermen and selected household litter of some household directly adjacent some beaches in the central region of Ghana, namely Anomabo, Bakano and Moree for eight months. (October 2018 to June 2018). To achieve these objectives, a 10 x 100 m belt transect was surveyed along the three beaches to assess the volume, composition, diversity and sources of the litter. Litter was also collected from landings of selected beach seiners also to assess the volume, composition, diversity and source of litter. Household litter was also collected from 20 selected households for four weeks. Households were educated on segregation of waste and were each given 2 bins, one for organic waste and another for any other waste. 32,557 litter items were collected for the beach litter, of which plastics was found to be the most dominant forming 55% of the total litter load. 5,987 floating litter items was counted from selected fishermen, similar to findings from beach litter, plastics were found to be dominant with sachets water wrappers forming greater part of the plastics forming 86% of the total litter load. Bakano beach was found to have the highest litter load for beach litter whiles Moree was found to have the highest floating litter load. For household waste, it was realized that organic waste formed a majority of the litter collected. A social survey was also conducted within the same period to ascertain the perception of beach users on the beaches for the study. Majority of people interviewed believed that Ghana‟s beaches were dirty and litter load continues to increase. Respondents agreed to provide bins, education and punishments as means to mitigate the current situation.

Source: UCC
Characterization and source assessment of heavy metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (pahs) in sediments of the Fosu Lagoon, Ghana

The first results ever obtained on polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAHs) concentrations in the Fosu lagoon surface sediments are presented together with corresponding heavy metal (Fe, Mn, Cd, Zn and Ni) concentrations. Samples collected on a monthly basis from November 2003–April 2004 (Heavy metals) and December 2003–January 2004 (PAHs) at 8 locations, representing different anthropogenic sources of contamination to the lagoon, were analyzed. Concentrations of Cd and Ni in the lagoon sediment suggest greater contamination to the lagoon from industrial activities in the vicinity of the lagoon; 50% of the sediment samples exceeded some established sediment Cd guidelines for the protection of aquatic lives. Then, 15 PAHs were detected among the sediments from the different locations and the compositional pattern in decreasing order was 3-ring >5-ring >4-ring >6-ring >2-ring PAH compounds. PAH concentrations in the sediment samples ranged from 254 to 558 mg/kg, with a mean of 359.4 mg/kg. Two distinct areas were identifed to be a major source of anthropogenic load of both heavy metals and PAH; the mechanical shop in the northeastern sector of the lagoon is the main location for the input of Cd and it’s associated PAH compounds (e.g., acenapthylene, acenaphthene, naphthalene and benzo[a]fuoranthene) and to a lesser extent Ni. Both combustion and petroleum sources may account for PAH loads from this area. The residential area in the northern sector is responsible for high loads of Mn and its associated PAH compounds (e.g., phenanthrene, benzo[a]pyrene and anthracene). These chemicals seem to enter the lagoon mainly by the combustion of especially wood or coal

Source: UCC
Characterization of Cassava Germplasm and Screening for Differences in Starch Production and Resistance to Cassava Mosaic Virus Disease

Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) is a staple in sub-Saharan Africa. It is an important source of starch. Production is, however, constrained by many factors. Forty-three accessions were assessed for morphological and genetic diversity using morphological descriptors and Simple Sequence Repeat (SSR) markers. The accessions were scored for their tolerance/resistance to the cassava mosaic disease. The properties of mixtures of cassava and sweet potato starch were also investigated. Morphological descriptors revealed 4 clusters of accessions while Simple Sequence Repeat (SSR) markers revealed 9 distinct clusters of accessions, indicating a wider genetic diversity. Capevars was highly resistant to cassava mosaic virus disease, while most of the accessions were susceptible. Starch content was moderate, swelling volume, percentage solubility and swelling power were 14.5-35.3 ml g-1, 8.3-27.5 % and 16.0-41.6 g g'1 respectively. Maximum viscosity, breakdown and setback viscosity were 643.7 BU, 443.1 BU, and 141.9 BU. The pasting and peak temperatures of cassava starch increased with increase in the proportion of sweet potato starch. Set back viscosity was low for all accessions at a ratio of 20:80 cassava to sweet potato starch (C2Sps). SSR markers are recommended for the efficient management of germplasm and for effective utilisation of materials in breeding programmes to produce more resistant cultivars. Field screening for mosaic resistance should always be complemented with PCR or inoculation test. Genotype with good quality starch could be employed in the production of industrial starch.

Source: UCC
Characterization of cataractous lenses of Sprague – Dawley rats using selected optical spectroscopic techniques

Current methods for discriminating cataractous lenses from healthy lenses during preclinical studies are based on either histopathological or clinical assessments which are weakened by subjectivity. In this work, four optical spectroscopic techniques: slit lamp microscopy, multispectral imaging (MSI), Laser-induced autofluorescence (LIAF) and attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy have been used to study and characterize cataractous as well as healthy lenses of Sprague Dawley rats. With the aid of slit lamp images, mean integrated optical density (IOD) of cataractous lenses were found to increase with severity. Analysis of multispectral images captured in transmission and reflection and scattering modes showed that five wavelengths markers discriminates cataractous lenses from healthy lenses with 470 nm and 625 nm in reflection mode, and 435 nm, 590 nm and 700 nm in transmission mode. The scattering spectral bands could not discriminate cataractous lenses from healthy lenses. Fisher‟s linear discriminant analysis showed more than 85 % success in classifying the lenses. LIAF results revealed that spectra peak wavelengths of cataractous lenses were red-shifted with cataractous lens tissues exhibiting high autofluorescence intensity than the healthy ones. Infrared spectra from cataractous lens tissues showed intensity difference and some wavenumber shifts in vibrational modes associated with proteins from the healthy ones. P-values obtained from independence T-test showed significant differences in absorbed intensities at 7 peak wavenumbers. Upon applying Hierarchical cluster analysis, the infrared lens spectra data were classified as cataractous or healthy. These optical techniques may be potentially applied for improved cataract diagnosis.

Source: UCC
Characterization of fatty acids in the roots of Cryptolepis sanguinolenta

The roots of Cryptolepis saguinolenta were extracted with petroleum ether (40–60C) to afford the oil in 0.7% yield to the wet mass of raw material. The fatty acid methyl esters (FAME) were separated and analyzed by GC-MS. The following fatty acids as their methyl esters in various proportions were obtained: linoleic acid (52%), palmitic acid (17%), stearic acid (5.8%), margaric acid (2.8%), oleic acid (1.8%), and arachidic acid (1.8%). The most abundant fatty acid identified was the essential dietary fatty acid linoleic acid in the proportion of 52%, which underscores the health and nutritional benefits of the plant besides its medicinal properties, which was the aim of this work

Source: UCC
Characterization of focal liver lesions with SonoVue®- enhanced sonography: International multicenter-study in comparison to CT and MRI

IM: To evaluate in a multicenter study whether the sonographic characterization of focal liver lesions can be improved using SonoVue®-enhancement; and to compare this method with computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). METHODS: One hundred and thirty four patients with ne focal liver lesion detected in baseline ultrasound (US) were examined with conventional US, contrast- enhanced US (n = 134), contrast-enhanced CT (n = 115) and/or dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI (n = 70). The lesions were classified as malignant, benign or indeterminate and the type of lesion was determined. The final diagnosis based on the combined information of all imaging examinations, clinical information and histology (n = 32) was used. Comparisons were made to see whether the addition of contrast-enhanced US led to the improvement of the characterization of doubtful focal liver lesions. RESULTS: In comparison with unenhanced US, SonoVue® markedly improves sensitivity and specificity for the characterization (malignant/benign) of focal liver lesions. In comparison with CT and/or dynamic MRI, SonoVue® -enhanced sonography applied for characterization of focal liver lesions was 30.2% more sensitive in the recognition of malignancy and 16.1% more specific in the exclusion of malignancy and overall 22.9% more accurate. In the subgroup with confirmative histology available (n = 30), sensitivity was 95.5% (CEUS), 72.2% (CT) and 81.8% (MRI), and specificity was 75.0% (CEUS), 37.5% (CT) and 42.9% (MRI). The sensitivity and specificity of CEUS for the identification of focal nodular hyperplasia (FNH) and hemangiomas was 100% and 87%, resulting in an accuracy of 94.5%. CONCLUSION: SonoVue ® -enhanced sonography emerges as the most sensitive, most specific and thus most accurate imaging modality for the characterization of focal liver lesions.

Source: UCC
Characterization of macro-benthic fauna for ecological health status of the Fosu and Benya lagoons in coastal Ghana

This study conducted a comparative analysis of benthic macroinvertebrate communities in the Fosu and Benya lagoons in Ghana, based on the anthropogenic effect on the two lagoons. Salinity, oxygen, temperature, conductivity, turbidity and pH were measured, invertebrate richness and species densities were determined. The AZTI Marine Biotic Index (AMBI) and multivariate statistics were used to determine the different responses of fauna to pollution. The fauna was categorized into five ecological groups based on the degree of tolerance of the different species to pollution: disturbance sensitive species; disturbance-indifferent species, disturbance-tolerant species, second-order opportunistic species; and first-order opportunistic species. The Fosu Lagoon supported more pollution tolerant species, whereas the Benya Lagoon had more species that were sensitive to organic enrichment under relatively unpolluted conditions. Chironomus sp., which is adapted to virtually anoxic conditions, was the most abundant in the Fosu Lagoon whereas Nemertea sp. Was the most abundant in the Benya Lagoon. The numerical and relative abundance (%) of all 7 taxa in the Fosu Lagoon was 1,359 and 92.35%, respectively. The numerical and relative abundance (%) of all 34 taxa in the Benya Lagoon was 2,459 and 87.52%, respectively. Expectedly, the level of dissolved oxygen in the less saline Fosu Lagoon was higher than that inthe more saline Benya Lagoon. The reduced photoperiod and photosynthetic activities of aquatic plants might account for this trend. There is a need to implement comprehensive monitoring and management initiatives for sustaining the ecological health of coastal lagoons in Ghana in order to support the many people that depend upon these ecosystems for their livelihood

Source: UCC
Characterization of potential direct recharge in the gold mining district of South-Western Ghana using the hydrus-1d computer code

The mean annual potential recharge rate to the ground water system in the Tarkwa gold mining district of South Western Ghana, has been estimated for the period 1977 to 2001 by analyzing precipitation recharge in response to rainfall pattern and distribution for the four main soil types; Huni, Tarkwa Phyllite, Banket and Kawere. Using the Hydrus-1D infiltration computer code model, simulation results of recharge-precipitation exhibited a linear relationship, and gave correlation coefficient values R2 ranging from 0.39 to 0.55 for the four soil types and 0.72 for the composite soil. Variability of annual recharge was assigned to various reasons, including the variation in the weather pattern (rainfall, temperature, evapotranspiration etc), topography and hydraulic properties of the aquifer system. The potential direct recharge rate was estimated to range from 269 mm/yr to 611 mm/yr, with an average value of 385 mm/yr. This is as a result of infiltration of about 18% to 36% (average 27%) of the mean annual precipitation. The high average value of 385 mm/yr is reasonable on the basis that it represents the potential maximum value of the actual recharge value of 299±72 mm/yr

Source: UCC
Characterization of sweet potato (ipomoea batatas lam) accessions and their resistance to viral diseases

Sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L.) production contributes significantly to food security worldwide especially in Africa; however, production is constrained by sweet potato viral diseases (SPVD). The use of resistant varieties remains the most effective and reliable method of managing the SPVD. This work sought to explore genetic diversity among 30 sweet potato accessions and to assess their resistance against SPVD in field trial. The field evaluation was based on the randomized complete block design with three replicates and the quantitative and qualitative data were subjected to analysis of variance and DNA PowerMarker. The resulting dendrogram from the morphological characterization separated the 30 accessions into 6 main clusters (A, B, C, D, E and F). Accessions such as CRI-Ogyefo, CRI-Apomuden, CRI-Ligri and CRI-Histarch were found to be closely related. The low mean gene diversity of 0.24 and PIC of 0.21 suggests narrow genetic base across the genome of the 30 sweet potato accessions. Incidence and severity of SPVD did not vary significantly (p>0.05) among the sweet potato accessions, although Faara and CRI-Histarch showed moderate symptoms of virus infection. Viral indexing following grafting unto Ipomoea setosa plant, using nitrocellulose membrane enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (NCM-ELISA) detected only three (3) viruses, namely, Sweet potato feathery mottle virus (SPFMV), Sweet potato collusive virus (SPCV) and Sweet potato chlorotic stunt virus (SPCSV). All the sweet potato accessions except Blue-blue 3 were infected by at least one of the three viruses detected. Thus, accession Blue-blue 3 is recommended for further screening for virus resistance since presence and absence of the virus may not necessarily mean it is immune to SPVD.

Source: UCC
Characterization of the production and dissemination systems of Nile tilapia in some Coastal communities in Ghana

Aquaculture development has been identified as a key process to meeting the demand for cheap and readily available source of protein. The resultant has been the springing up of cages along the Volta Lake with most farmers producing Nile tilapia. However, the sector faces an array of challenges which needs urgent attention. A study was undertaken to ascertain the production systems and dissemination channel of Nile tilapia among farmers along selected coastal regions in Ghana. A survey of 190 farmers representing the fish farming community in the area was used -these comprised 187 males and 3 females. Pond culture and cage culture were the most common holding facilities used constituting 58.8% and 28.9% respectively. The production of all-male tilapia was popular among farmers and constituted 66.8% of production, while the production of mixed sex tilapia formed 25.8 %. The study revealed that the high prices of fish feed and lack of access to finance were the top ranking financial challenge facing fish farmers in the area corresponding to 73.2% and 51.1% of the response respectively. Other factors such as distance to hatchery and price of fingerling was a significant factor affecting the choice of source of fingerling for stocking (P<0.05) for farmers who used dugout ponds. There was no clearly laid down protocol for dissemination the tilapia. Farmers (16%) who undertook dissemination directly supplied fingerlings and broodstock to other farmers. Investment of capital into tilapia production can improve productivity and profitability

Source: UCC
Characterization, classification and spatial . Variability of soils of the university of cape coast Wamaso research station

Pedogenic information is of utmost importance in addressing food security issues and future projections of soils. The University of Cape Coast recently acquired 419 acres of land at Twifo Wamaso purposely for commercialization and research. For efficient utilization of the land, there is an urgent need to investigate the dynamism in soil physicochemical properties. This research was hypothesized that various topographic features and current , land uses potentially influence soil physical and chemical properties for producti ve use. The study was carried out in an area in Wamaso in order to map out some properties of soils and assess their variability within the area. A total of 290 composite soil samples (0 - 20 cm) were collected from the area by using five line transects which were 400 m apart. Collection of samples was done using a core cylinder. A portable global positioning system (Garmin 64st) was used to take coordinates of each sampling site. Soil properties (Ca, Mg, Na, K, Zn, Cu, Fe, clay, silt and sand) were further analysed in the laboratory. Classical statistics were used to describe the soil properties and geostatistical analysis was used to illustrate the spatial variability of the soil properties. The results indicated that within small or large scale, spatial dependencies of soil properties can be different. Maps were further generated by using the kriging tool. A topographic map of the area, was generated in the ArcGIS 10.7 environment. Five slope classes were considered with five pedons; one on each were opened, described, sampled (composite soils using the diagonal pattern) and analysed for morphological and physicochemical properties. In all, 18 composite soil samples from the individual pits. The results showed moderate to deep soils with drainage ranging from very poorly drained (PP4 and PP5) to well drained (PPI, PP2 and PP3). pH values obtained (4.8 - 5.1) revealed that the soils were strongly- moderately acidic. Organic C and exchangeable bases were low in all positions per required agriculture standards. The generated maps of soil properties that indicate soil nutrient status over the study area could be helpful for decision makers to enhance site specific nutrient management Soils will therefore require some level of amendments for optimum production.

Source: UCC
Chemical characterization of shea butter oil soap (Butyrospermum parkii G. Don)

Shea butter oil was obtained from the edible nut of the fruit from Karite (Butyrospermum parkii) tree grown in Savannah Grasslands of West Africa. It is a wild growing tree that produces tiny, almond-like fruit. Shea Butter oil was extracted from the fruit by cold process and was used to prepare medical soap. Chemical analysis showed that the obtained soap has 76.0 %, 9.0 %, 3.41 minutes, 9.0, 0.0 %, 3.7% and 0.87 as its total fatty matter, moisture, foam stability, pH, free caustic alkali, unsaponified and specific gravity respectively. Due to the phytoconstituents in shea butter oil and the favourable chemical characteristics of the soap, it can be used as medical and cosmetics toilet soap. Such soap is used to alleviate problems of the skin and scalp

Source: UCC