ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Optimisation of enzymatic hydrolysis of cassava peel to produce fermentable sugars

Enzymatic hydrolysis of cassava peels was evaluated using cellulase and beta-glucanase enzymes and their mixtures at three different enzyme loadings with time. The pH of the medium used for hydrolysis was 5 and the temperature was 50 °C. The efficiency of the hydrolysis using beta-glucanase was better than cellulase and glucose recovery of 69 % was realised when beta-glucanase dosage was increased to 10 % (v/w) at 48 h which rose to 73 % at 120 h, releasing 11.19 g/l and 12.17 g/l of glucose respectively. Less than 20 % of glucose was hydrolysed at 10 % (v/w) cellulase at 120 h releasing 2.6 g/l glucose. The optimum experimental condition for hydrolysis of cassava peel was established at 120 h when glucose recovery increased to 88 % for enzyme mixture of 5 % (v/w) cellulase + 10 % (v/w) beta-glucanase producing 14.67 g/l glucose in the hydrolysate.

Source: UG
Optimisation of processing conditions and rheological properties using stephan mixer as conche in small-scale chocolate processing

This study investigated the suitability of Stephan mixer for use as conche during small-scale chocolate production in an attempt to reduce cost and processing time. Molten chocolate was processed using the Stephan mixer under different temperature and time combinations and Buhler Elk'Olino conche (as reference), and the flow properties (Casson plastic viscosity, Casson yield stress and thixotropy) were studied using a shear-rate-controlled rheometer. Optimum settings of 65 °C for 10 min at 443 g dry conching followed by 50 °C for 15 min at 443 g wet conching in the Stephan mixer resulted in similar flow properties as the reference sample. Increasing the blade rotary speed for both dry and wet conching resulted in a decrease in flow properties. The Stephan mixer proved to be suitable for conching small-scale (approximately 1 kg) chocolate productions and could be explored as a fast and cost-effective method for small-scale chocolate conching processes. © 2013 Institute of Food Science and Technology.

Source: UG
Optimisation of the synthesis of second generation 1,2,4,5 tetraoxane antimalarials

An efficient route to the synthesis of potent antimalarial aryloxy 1,2,4,5-tetraoxanes is described that permits parallel synthesis for Structure–Activity Relationship (SAR) investigations. Brief details of the in vitro and in vivo antimalarial evaluation are included which enables identification of antimalarial leads for further development. Also described is an improved approach to the synthesis of a selected late-lead compound in just four or five synthetic steps from commercially available starting materials. © 2016

Source: UG
Optimising the use of molecular tools for the diagnosis of yaws

The Bacteriology Department aims to improve the quality of life first for Ghanaians and the world at large by conducting research into bacterial diseases of public health importance to Ghana and globally. In addition to working on enteric pathogens and sexually transmitted diseases, the department’s current main focus is on the two most important mycobacterial diseases of public health importance to Ghana, namely Buruli ulcer (BU) and tuberculosis (TB).

Source: UG
Optimism for the UN Proclamation of the Decade of Action on Nutrition: An African Perspective

On Friday, April 1, 2016, the United Nations (UN) General Assembly proclaimed 2016 to 2025 as a decade of action on nutrition.1 Writing as an African living and working in sub-Saharan Africa, where up to 11% of gross domestic product (GDP) is lost to malnutrition2 and where malnutrition is declining rather too slowly for anyone’s liking, this proclamation captured my attention. Another reason this is significant for me and, I reckon, for many others is that this year also marks the beginning of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),3 which articulate achieving zero hunger and the even more aspirational dream of ending all forms of malnutrition by the year 2030. Later this year in August in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, the Nutrition for Growth Summit will also bring more attention to efforts to eliminate malnutrition around the world. Considering these and other events con aggregating around such a short duration, it would appear to an outside observer that the world is set for a momentous delivery of something really big for nutrition.

Source: UG
Optimism/pessimism and health-related quality of life during pregnancy across three continents: A matched cohort study in china, Ghana, and the united states.

Background Little is known about how optimism/pessimism and health-related quality of life compare across cultures. Methods Three samples of pregnant women in their final trimester were recruited from China, Ghana, and the United States (U.S.). Participants completed a survey that included the Life Orientation Test - Revised (LOT-R, an optimism/pessimism measure), the Short Form 12 (SF-12, a quality of life measure), and questions addressing health and demographic factors. A three-country set was created for analysis by matching women on age, gestational age at enrollment, and number of previous pregnancies. Anovas with post-hoc pairwise comparisons were used to compare results across the cohorts. Multivariate regression analysis was used to create a model to identify those variables most strongly associated with optimism/pessimism. Results LOT-R scores varied significantly across cultures in these samples, with Ghanaian pregnant women being the most optimistic and least pessimistic and Chinese pregnant women being the least optimistic overall and the least pessimistic in subscale analysis. Four key variables predicted approximately 20% of the variance in overall optimism scores: country of origin (p = .006), working for money (p = .05); level of education (p = .002), and ever being treated for emotional issues with medication (p < .001). Quality of life scores also varied by country in these samples, with the most pronounced difference occurring in the vitality measure. U.S. pregnant women reported far lower vitality scores than both Chinese and Ghanaian pregnant women in our sample. Conclusion This research raises important questions regarding what it is about country of origin that so strongly influences optimism/pessimism among pregnant women. Further research is warranted exploring underlying conceptualization of optimism/pessimism and health related quality of life across countries.

Source: UG
Optimization of cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) grafting technique to enhance its adoption in cassava cultivation

Grafting techniques have been successfully adopted to improve resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses, increase yields, fruit quality and study systemic signaling in plants. This technique has not been fully explored in cassava and there is currently no standardized grafting method for this species published especially in Africa. This is the first report on cassava grafting protocol in Africa with valuable advantages including utilizing a cost-effective and environmentally friendly wooden healing chamber. In this study, we describe an optimized cleft grafting protocol for cas sava utilizing a wooden healing chamber and outline the step-by-step procedure with optimum conditions to generate a high grafting success rate. Using a top wedge grafting technique with high reproducibility and success rates, we developed a straightforward and robust grafting protocol for cassava (M. esculenta) cultivars. Grafting success was recorded and this protocol produced a high grafting success of 90 % and its reproducibility makes it suitable for mass production thereby addressing the need for efficient cassava propagation. This grafting protocol requires less special ized equipment and expertise making it more accessible to farmers and researchers with limited resources to promote the use of grafting for cassava growth, yield improvement and advanced studies such as systemic long-distance signaling in plants. • Optimization of cleft grafting method obtains a high success grafting rate of cassava. • A wooden healing chamber provides a controlled environment for graft healing. • Promoting cassava grafting; a priority to produce new cultivars and explore breeding research prospects.

Source: UG
Optimization of inulin and polydextrose mixtures as sucrose replacers during sugar-free chocolate manufacture - Rheological, microstructure and physical quality characteristics

Inulin and polydextrose have in recent times form basic ingredients in the manufacture of many sugar-free products. However, the applicability and suitability of inulin and polydextrose mixtures as sucrose replacers during manufacture of sugar-free chocolate is yet to be fully understood. This work investigated optimum conditions as well as influences of inulin and polydextrose mixtures as sucrose replacers on rheological properties, microstructure and physical qualities during manufacture of sugar-free chocolate. Increasing inulin concentrations with simultaneous reduction in polydextrose resulted in consistent increases in the Casson plastic viscosity while that led to decreases in Casson yield stress. Chocolate formulated with 100% polydextrose revealed large crystals with dense smaller particles and minimal inter-particle spaces compared to large crystals with more void spaces in chocolates formulated with 100% inulin. Chocolate formulation consisting of 75.3594% polydextrose and 24.6406% inulin was found as the optimum concentrations producing the most acceptable rheological and physical quality characteristics. © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Source: UG
Optimization of patient radiation protection in pelvic X-ray examination in Ghana.

Pelvis X-ray examinations inevitably involve exposure of the gonads to ionizing radiation. In line with the principle of keeping doses as low as reasonably practicable (ALARP), accurate patient dose measurement is vital if we are to ascertain that these exposures are fully optimized. The study aimed to provide patient dose estimates for pelvis examination being undertaken at 10 separate hospitals in Ghana in order to provide an initial quantitative indication of each site's typically achievable radiation safety and quality standards. The method employed was adapted from established methods and peer reviewed literature, such as the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) publications on optimization of the radiological protection of patients undergoing radiography, fluoroscopy, and computed tomography examinations in some countries in Africa, Asia, and Eastern Europe. Dose measurements were calculated on 323 patients (137 (42%) male, 186 (58%) female, ages, 38.56yr ± 9.0; range 20-68). The entrance surface dose (ESD) was determined by an indirect method, using the patient's anatomical data and exposure parameters utilized for the specific examination. The Quality Assurance Dose Database software (QADDs) developed by Integrated Radiological Services Ltd. in Liverpool, UK was used to generate the ESD values. The study identified variations in the technique factors used compared with the recommendations in the European Commission (EC) quality criteria. Eighty percent of the hospitals recorded lower ESD values below IAEA recommended diagnostic reference levels (10 mGy) and 40% of the hospitals exceeded the UK national reference value (4 mGy). However, one hospital consistently recorded higher ESDs than the other hospitals. The variations in the data recorded demonstrate the importance of creating awareness by the radiographic staff on quality assurance and standardization of protocols to ensure satisfactory standards and optimized radiation dose to patients and staff.

Source: UG
Optimization of the Griddling Process of Kpejigaou (a Traditional Low Fat Nutritious Cowpea Food) Using esponse Surface Methodology

Kpejigaou is a griddled cowpea paste product eaten mainly in West Africa. As its processing does not involve the use of fat, it has the potential of meeting consumers’ demand for healthy, low fat nutritious foods. Product texture is considered an important quality index by kpejigaou consumers. The objective of this study was to determine the optimum processing conditions of kpejigaou with respect to its textural properties. The study followed a 2_3 design with two processing variables each at three levels as follows: griddling temperature (130, 200, and 270 _C) and time (5, 7.5 and 10 min). Texture Profile Analysis (TPA) was done on freshly processed samples. The data were fitted into multiple regression models from which the optimum griddling conditions for kpejigaou were determined. Kpejigaou processed at the optimum conditions was evaluated by untrained consumers for acceptability. Traditionally processed kpejigaou served as the control. The TPA results showed that hardness, chewiness and modulus of deformability were significantly affected by griddling conditions. Adjusted R2 for the models for hardness, chewiness and modulus of deformability were 96%, 97% and 78%, respectively. Using response surface methodology, the optimum griddling conditions for kpejigaou (for acceptable textural properties) were determined to be 170 _C for 5_6 min. The texture of optimized kpejigaou was very much liked for its higher degree of sponginess as compared to the control. It also had acceptable sensory attributes of color, taste and flavor. These findings provide the basis for the development of a process for mass production and quality assurance of kpejigaou.

Source: UG
Optimization of the nutrient content and protein quality of cereal-legume blends for use as complementary foods in Ghana

Background. Nutritionally adequate complementary foods made from locally available ingredients are of high priority in developing countries, including Ghana. The majority of complementary foods in these countries are cereal-based and are unable to meet the nutrient intakes recommended by the World Health Organization. Objective. To evaluate the nutrient content and protein quality of local cereal-legume blends for complementary foods against recommendations and to determine the quantities of additional ingredients required to meet needs by using linear programming. Methods. Nine cereal-legume combinations (maize, sorghum, or millet combined with cowpea, peanut, or soybean) and koko (a traditional Ghanaian maizebased complementary food) were evaluated based on the macronutrient targets for a daily ration of complementary food for the age group 12 to 24 months: 264 kcal, 6.5 g of protein, and 8.2 to 11.7 g of fat. Protein quality was assessed by the Protein Digestibility Corrected Amino Acid Score (PDCAAS). Linear programming was then used to determine the amounts of additional oil, sugar, and lysine needed to meet macronutrient requirements. Results. No traditional cereal-legume food met all complementary food macronutrient requirements on its own. Cereal-legume blends made with peanut or cowpeas were low in quality protein, while those with soybean were low in fat. Lysine was the limiting amino acid (PDCAAS 0.50 to 0.82) in all blends. Adding lysine increased utilizable protein by 1% to 10% in soybean blends, 35% to 40% in peanut blends, and 14% to 24% in cowpea blends. Peanut-maize, peanut-millet, and all soybean-cereal blends were able to meet macronutrient targets; most micronutrients remained below recommended levels. Conclusions. Traditional cereal-legume blends made from locally available ingredients do not meet energy, quality protein, and fat recommendations for complementary foods; however, such complementary food blends may be optimized to meet nutrient requirements by using linear programming as a tool to determine the exact levels of fortificants to be added (including, but not limited to, added fat, amino acids, and micronutrients). © 2014, The Nevin Scrimshaw International Nutrition Foundation.

Source: UG
Optimization of the sorghum malting process for pito production in Ghana

Pito is an alcoholic beverage obtained through a yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) fermentation of wort extracted from sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) malt. The malting conditions of sorghum are thought to influence the quality characteristics of the malt, and subsequently the quality of the pito obtained from it. Studies were carried out on a local sorghum cultivar grown in Ghana - chireh, to optimize the conditions for malting conditions for pito production in Ghana. A 33 full factorial experimental design was replicated with steeping times of 12, 16 and 22h, germination times of 3, 4 and 5days, and malt drying temperatures of 30, 40 and 50°C as factors. Diastatic power, extract yield, attenuation limit and free amino nitrogen were determined. Germination duration significantly affected diastatic power and free amino nitrogen (p&lt;0.001). Extract yield was also significantly influenced by germination duration (p=0.001). The germination time, steeping time and drying temperature had no significant effect on the attenuation limit. The optimal conditions for malting this specific cultivar grown in Ghana to obtain critical malt quality indices are 12.0-12.5h steeping, 5days of germination at 30°C and drying at 40°C. Free amino nitrogen levels in all treatments were higher than the minimum requirement for good yeast nutrition and fermentation. © 2015 The Institute of Brewing & Distilling.

Source: UG
Optimized DNA preparation from mycobacteria

Extraction of genomic DNA from mycobacteria requires special consideration because (i) many mycobacterial species exhibit extremely slow growth, and thus produce only small amounts of starting material, and (ii) a robust and waxy cell wall renders mycobacteria difficult to lyse. Hence, mycobacterial DNA extraction often results in low DNA yields of unsuitable quality. Published protocols for mycobacterial DNA preparations and commercially available extraction kits are mainly designed for the isolation of small amounts of genomic material suitable for polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based applications like species identification. However, such DNA quantities and qualities are usually not sufficient for contemporary genomic analyses such as whole genome sequence analysis, single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) detection, or DNA microarrays, or for investigations of bacterial evolution, virulence, or epidemiology on a world-wide population level. Moreover, most protocols that achieve a high standard in DNA recovery typically employ large reaction volumes and thus require milliliter-scale plasticware and centrifugal equipment as well as large amounts of chemicals, all of which are costly both in purchase and disposal. The DNA extraction method described here was established to address the challenges that result from the slow growth and distinct cell wall composition of mycobacteria, and to greatly enhance both yield and purity of mycobacterial DNA preparations in a small extraction volume. Designed to be performed using 1.5-mL reaction tubes and the corresponding equipment, the method is economical and practical, and reliably yields large amounts of pure genomic DNA--increases of at least 10-fold as compared to earlier protocols.

Source: UG
Optimized Recovery of DNA and Subsequent Short Tandem Repeat Profiling of Different Tissues Sampled from Embalmed Human Cadavers

Introduction: Storage of specimens sampled from human remains for pathological testing, embalming for burial purposes, and human identification often requires formalin fixation and/or paraffin embedding. Current knowledge in molecular biology techniques and forensic DNA analysis makes it possible to optimize the extraction of amplifiable DNA from formalin-fixed tissues by improving the pre-treatment, optimizing the digestion condition of proteinase K, simplifying the extraction protocol, and purifying the extracted DNA with optimized volumes of alcohol. Aim: This research sought to extract amplifiable DNA from thirteen brain, bone marrow, and cartilage samples from four formalin-embalmed human cadavers. Materials and Methods: Brain, cartilage, and bone marrow samples were taken from four different cadavers at autopsy at the Ghana Police Hospital mortuary in Accra, Ghana sixty-two days after embalming. An optimized preparation and DNA extraction protocowereas were carried out on all the samples. Brain samples were also taken from a non-formalin-treated fifth cadaver of known STR profile, and standard DNA extraction was performed to serve as a positive control. Results: Our optimized protocol yielded detectable quantities of DNA from the samples when quantified with the 7500 Real-Time PCR equipment. The extracted DNA also yielded full STR profiles with varying peak heights for forensic identification purposes. The measured degradation indexes of the DNA samples were greater than 1.0, with peak heights of generated STR profiles above the limits of detection of the 3500 genetic analyzers. Conclusion: Our current study demonstrated an optimized method of DNA extraction from tissues (brain, cartilage, and bone marrow) sampled from formalin-embalmed human cadavers. The optimized protocol reduced the concentration of formalin fixation residues in extracted DNA from formalin-fixed tissues, thereby improving the amplification efficiency for STR profiling. Brain, bone marrow, and cartilage can be a good source of DNA from embalmed and degraded human remains, though for skeletonized human remains together with teeth and long bones.

Source: UG
Optimizing Maize Yield With Hybrids Tolerant of High Plant Density in West and Central Africa.

The use of high plant density tolerant maize hybrids was one of the most successful interventions that boosted maize yield in the developed world. However, very little research has been conducted in the improvement of maize for high plant density tolerance in West and Central Africa (WCA). This study aimed to identify high plant density-tolerant maize hybrids adapted to multiple environments. Forty-eight maize hybrids were evaluated under three plant densities (low=53,333, medium=66,666, and high=88, 888 plants ha−1). The experiment was conducted in four different environments in Ghana using 8×6 alpha lat tice design with split plot arrangement. Plant density was the main plot and hybrids arranged in incomplete blocks within each plant density. The results revealed that the relative grain yield performance of the genotypes was dependent on plant density. Optimum plant density for the hybrids varied with growing environments. The highest grain yield of 9.5, 9.2, and 8.6 tha−1 were obtained from the high plant density in Legon (minor season), Fumesua, and Legon (off-season), respectively, and it was 26.7%, 22.7%, and 30% increase in comparison to the respective yield under the low density. F1 hybrids M131×CML16, CML16×TZEI1, CML16×87,036, TZEI387×CML16, and ENT11×87,036 are good candidates for high-density planting in high-yielding environments. Grain yield performance of the maize hybrids was highest under high plant density for most of the growing environments. Thus, implementing high-density planting for maize hybrids could be one of the options for increasing maize yield in West and Central Africa.

Source: UG