ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Determination of Glycaemic Load of Kokonte, Tuo-Zaafi and Wordeme‘

The glycaemic load (GL) measures the number of carbohydrates in the food and the amount of each gram of carbohydrates raises the blood glucose levels of a person after consumption. For the purpose of lowering the incidence of diabetes and non-communicable diseases, understanding a food's glycaemic load is essential. In this study, the glycaemic loads of Kokonte, Tuo-zaafi, and Wordeme was determined by using ten (10) individuals of good health status who received 50 grams of normal glucose before receiving a measured reference and test food which had the same 50 g of carbohydrate. By monitoring the participants‘ capillary blood glucose levels while they were fasting, after ingesting glucose, and after eating test foods two hours window for postprandial glucose concentration, the Glycaemic Index (GI) values were estimated. Blood samples were taken from participants 30 minutes after consumption, with additional samples taken at the 60th, 90th, and 120th minutes. The incremental area under the glucose response curve for the test foods were subtracted from the incremental area under the glucose response curve for the reference food, and the result multiplied by 100 to determine the GI of the test foods. Using the GI ratings and the typical serving sizes of the test foods, the glycaemic loads were determined. Tuo zaafi and Wordeme‘ of the test foods had low glycaemic indices and Kokonte had medium glycaemic index value. Wordeme had GL of 35.98%, Tuo-zaafi had 42.10% and Kokonte had 57.64%. This was attributed to the cooking processing. All three test foods were also subjected to a proximate analysis to determine their nutritional components. According to the results of the proximate analysis, Wordeme had the least amount of carbohydrate (71.98%), followed by Tuo-zaafi (82.48%), and Kokonte (84.29%). To reduce the impact on blood glucose levels, consumers should eat smaller portions of carbohydrates-rich foods.

Source: UCC
Determination of Liver Volume Model of an Adult Ghanaian From Some Selected Health Centers for Clinical Applications and Dose Optimization

ABSTRACT This thesis considered a flexible two-stage statistical approach to multi-task modeling of multivariate physiological vital signs using GP regression, in which the joint use of nonparametric and Bayesian GP regression methods are ex- plored. In the first stage, nonparametric schemes based on expected value con- tribution statistics for fusing multiple physiological vital signs observed over common time-stamps into a composite vital sign are developed. In the second stage, an appropriate Bayesian Gaussian process regression model is developed for the fused vital sign trajectory in relation to the common observation time- stamps. The relationship existing among the multiple vital signs and available non-time-dependent covariates is modeled with the aid of OGK statistics via the covariance function of the assumed GP. Both Variational Bayes and MCMC methods are developed for parameter inference. The coupling of density-based data fusing methods and GP modeling allowed automated extreme value control within both the response and predictor spaces; response dimension reduction; data reduction in the response space and principled modeling of smoothness of the physiological trend. Using both simulation and real data application, the utility of the proposals is illustrated. In terms of fusing of multivariate vital signs, results show that the probability distribution-based features provide a rich source of appealing functional features with the natural ability to ensure that ex- treme observations are utilized with their effects controlled automatically. For the GP modeling of fused vital signs, the results show that both VB and MCMC algorithms exhibit better fitting performance in terms of MSFE, MAFE, and SMAFE. Thus, the double-stage modeling approach exhibits a great potential for handling multi-task GP regression within the single-task GP framework.

Source: UCC
Determination of Liver Volume Model of an Adult Ghanaian From Some Selected Health Centers for Clinical Applications and Dose Optimization

ABSTRACT Despite refinements in surgical techniques for liver transplantation, liver size disparity remains one of the most common problems in patients. The aim of this study was to establish a relationship between patient liver volume and their body parameters such as Body Mass Index (BMI), Body Surface Area (BSA) and Body Surface Index (BSI), measure the length of the liver in the midclavicular line and also perform dose optimization. The height and weight of patients undergoing for abdominal Computed Tomography (CT) scan were measured. The BSA, BSI and BMI were calculated using their respectively formulas. Using MeVisLab software and CT abdominal images each patient‘s liver volume and the length of the liver in the midclavicular line were measured. Using the SPSS and gender variation, statistical analysis was performed using the null hypothesis to ascertain if there exists a relationship between the calculated body parameters and their respective liver volume. Dose optimization was performed by predicting the effective dose (ED) to the patients even before they are scanned. This was achieved using the peak kilo voltage (kVp) and milli amperes seconds (mAs) to predict signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and ED to the patient. The average male and female liver volumes measured were 1.356 L and 1.363 L, respectively. The length of the liver in the midclavicular line for male and female were 15.70 ± 2.31 cm and 15.90 ± 2.53 cm, respectively. A model equation, Effective Dose = 36.1 − 0.325 × kVp + 0.2522 × mAs was achieved and a C# code was written with a Graphic User Interface (GUI) for easy clinical application.

Source: UCC
Determination of Liver Volume Model of an Adult Ghanaian from Some Selected Health Centers for Clinical Applications and Dose Optimization

Despite refinements in surgical techniques for liver transplantation, liver size disparity remains one of the most common problems in patients. The aim of this study was to establish a relationship between patient liver volume and their body parameters such as Body Mass Index (BMI), Body Surface Area (BSA) and Body Surface Index (BSI), measure the length of the liver in the midclavicular line and also perform dose optimization. The height and weight of patients undergoing for abdominal Computed Tomography (CT) scan were measured. The BSA, BSI and BMI were calculated using their respectively formulas. Using MeVisLab software and CT abdominal images each patient4 s liver volume and the length of the liver in the midclavicular line were measured. Using the SPSS and gender variation, statistical analysis was performed using the null hypothesis to ascertain if there exists a relationship between the calculated body parameters and their respective liver volume. Dose optimization was performed by predicting the effective dose (ED) to the patients even before they are scanned. This was achieved using the peak kilo voltage (kVp) and milli amperes seconds (mAs) to predict signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and ED to the patient. The average male and female liver volumes measured were 1.356 L and 1.363 L, respectively. The length of the liver in the midclavicular line for male and female were 15.70 ± 2.31 cm and 15.90 ± 2.53 cm, respectively. A model equation, Effective Dose = 36.1 — 0.325 X kVp + 0.2522 X mAs was achieved, and a C# code was written with a Graphic User Interface (GUI) for easy clinical application.

Source: UCC
Determination of methanol and ethanol concentrations in local and foreign alcoholic drinks and food products (Banku, Ga kenkey, Fante kenkey and Hausa koko) in Ghana

Background: It is believed that higher methanol content may be present in some alcoholic drinks produced by traditional distilleries or some alcohol brewing companies. As a result of this, there could be a higher risk of methanol concentration in products. Therefore, this research focused on quantifying the amount of methanol in some fermented foods and alcoholic drinks by Gas Chromatography. The method was validated for limit of detection, limit of quantification, and recovery. Results:The results showed some level of methanol in some of the studied local and foreign alcoholic drinks between the ranges of 0.003-0.161% ol. Whereas no methanol was observed in any of the analyzed food products. Conclusions: The results showed that the levels of methanol observed in the analyzed drinks do not pose any health threat to the human body when consumed, contrary to the general assumptions that it does. However, the normal alcohol health risk associated with high consumption still remains a problem

Source: UCC
Determination of Mn, Cu, and Na in Sarotherodon Melanotheron (Blackchin Tilapia) From the Fosu Lagoon, Cape Coast - Ghana, using Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis (INAA)

Concentrations of Mn, Cu, and Na trace elements in Sarotherodon melanotheron (Blackchin tilapia) from the Fosu Lagoon in Cape Coast, Ghana have been determined by employing the technique of Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis (INAA) at the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission using the Ghana Research Reactor -1, (GHARR-1) operating at 15 KW at a thermal flux of 5×1011 n.cm-2.s-1. Standard reference materials used were International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) -350; Trace Elements in Tuna Fish Homogenate and National Institute of Standard and Technology (NIST), USA SRM-1566b; Trace Elements in Oyster Tissues. The Relative standardization method was used in the quantification of all the elements. The mean daily intake of the elements determined in the fish were 56Mn (22.54 mg/d), 66Cu (59.22 mg/d), and 24Na (2.24 mg/d). The determined mean daily intake of Cu and Mn exceeded their Maximum Upper Limit (UL) of the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for all life stage groups, while that of Na was far below the RDA. The mean daily intake of Na with absolute error margin of ±0.0245 was adequate for consumption. However, the mean daily intake of Cu and Mn far exceeded their RDAs and Maximum Upper Limit, (UL), making Sarotherodon melanotheron from the Fosu Lagoon unsafe to eat

Source: UCC
Determination of Optimum Weed Control Timing in Maize (Zea mays L.)

In field experiments conducted in 2001 and 2002, the optimum timing for weed control in maize was investigated. Both experiments were designed according to randomized complete blocks, and Cyperus rotundus L., Amaranthus retroflexus L., Portulaca oleracea L. and Chenopodium album L. were naturally infested on experimental plots in both years. The study in 2001 was conducted to determine the critical period for weed control for maize. With this aim plots were maintained weed-free or weedy for different periods based on crop growth stage. The relationships between grain yield and different weedy or weed-free periods were determined via regression analyses in 2001. The results of this study suggested that a weed-free period between 3- and 10- leaf stages of maize was enough to provide acceptable grain yield. In the following year weed control was carried out during the critical period that was determined in 2001. Weed removal from plots was started at the 3-leaf stage of maize and plots were kept weed-free for different periods until the 5-, 7- and 10-leaf stages. Whole season weedy and weed-free plots were included in the experiment for yield comparison. The highest grain yield was obtained from plots kept weed-free between the 3- and 7-10-leaf stages. Results from both years suggest that weed control should be carried out between the 3- and 7-10-leaf stages of maize to provide maximum grain yield. Thus, it is possible to optimize the timing of weed control, which can serve to reduce the costs and side effects of intensive weed control

Source: UCC
Determination of pesticides residue content in watermelon fruit from Ghana

Though watermelon has several benefits, pesticide residues resulting from pesticide application in recent times, appear to have over shadowed the good side of watermelon. The study looked at pesticide residue levels of watermelon grown in Ghana. Materials and methods – Pesticides in watermelon from seven locations in Ghana (Nsadwir, Ayensudo, Cape Coast, Sekondi-Takoradi, Kumasi, Accra and Bolgatanga) were analyzed. A total of 200 watermelon fruits were collected. Pesticides were extracted from 10.0 g of the fruit using a multi-residue extracting method for non-fatty food crops (Essumang et al., 2013). Clean-up was done using a 10 mm chromatographic column with a 1:1 solvent mixture of cyclohexane and dichloromethane, and the samples were analyzed using Varian CP – 3800 series equipped with the 63Ni selective Electron capture detector (ECD)and a Pulsed Flame-Photometric Detector (PFPD). Results and discussion – Fifty-six percent of the samples were found to contain pesticide residue contents above the MRLs. Of these, 39% were organochlorine (OC) and 17% being organophosphate (OP). The levels of the organophosphate (OP) pesticides in the watermelon fruit ranged from 0.9 to 4,383.2 µg kg-1 whereas that of the organochlorine (OC) ranged between 0.7–34.5 µg kg-1 as well as the synthetic pyrethroids pesticides in the range of 0.1–6.4 µg kg-1. Conclusion – In general, some of the pesticides residues in the watermelon fruit had mean levels higher than the maximum residue limits (MRLs) set by the WHO/ FAO. With these high levels, it is likely that consumers may also suffer some accumulation with its attendant health effects due to some of these pesticides. In view of the high pesticides (OC and OP) levels determined, the Ghana Standards Authority and the Ministry of Food and Agriculture must collaborate to probe for other pesticide options that would boost profits of watermelon growers and as well reduce the health and environmental risks frequently associated with pesticides application. The Ghana Standards Authority must again ensure strict application of laws that regulate pesticides influx into the country

Source: UCC
Determination of Radionuclides in Underground Water Sources Within the Environments of University of Cape Coast

Preliminary studies on groundwater samples from selected wells in University of Cape Coast and its surroundings in the Central region of Ghana have been carried out to determine the annual effective dose from intake of naturally occurring radionuclides. Measurements were carried out using gamma spectrometry. The average annual effective doses obtained in this study were 0.15±0.04 mSv for Apewosika, 0.17±0.03 mSv for Amamoma, 0.14±0.01 mSv for Kokoado and 0.17±0.03 mSv for Kwaprow respectively. The values calculated were about 1.7 times higher than WHO guidance levels of 0.1 mSv/y from intake of radionuclides in water. 232 Th and 40K levels are lower than the world average values whilst 238U levels are slightly higher. The total annual effective dose in the study area is lower than the ICRP recommended public dose limit of 1 mSv

Source: UCC
Determination of Selectivity Coefficients of Ion Electrodes by Continuous Variation Method

A new method for the determination of the selectivity coefficient of an ion selective electrode is proposed. In the proposed method, a series of mixed solutions of the primary ion i and interfering ion j is prepared in which the sum of the logarithm of i concentration and logarithm of j concentration is kept constant. The potential of the electrode, E, is measured for the series of the mixed solutions. The result is plotted with the activity of i, a;, as abscissa against E on semi-logarithmic graph paper. The activity at the intersection of two extrapolated linear parts of the log a;-E curve is determined. From the activity at the intersection of the primary ion, the selectivity co-efficient is calculated. The proposed method was applied to the determination of selectivity coefficients of fluoride, chloride, bromide and potassium selective electrodes. The selectivity coefficients determined by the proposed method, named 'continuous variation method'', agreed with those obtained with the conventional mixed solution method

Source: UCC
Determination of shallow groundwater aquifer geometry using geo-electrical techniques in the Atankwidi Sub-Basin of the White Volta Basin, Ghana

This paper presents the research findings on the delineation of shallow groundwater aquifer geometry in Atankwidi sub-basin of the White Volta Basin. The potential use of shallow groundwater for small-scale dry season irrigation is a key issue for irrigation development in the arid zone of Ghana. Farmers within the Atankwidi sub-basin of the White Volta Basin are increasingly adopting groundwater as a source of irrigation water due to the unavailability of surface water during the dry season. There is therefore the need to determine the shallow groundwater aquifer geometry in order to ensure sustainability in the application and possible expansion of groundwater irrigation in the area. The geometry of aquifer system in the Atankwidi sub-basin has therefore been delineated using geophysical (VES and EM) techniques. The depth to water table in the sub-basin ranged from 0.4 - 7.8 m with a mean of 1.7 m whiles the depth to bedrock varied from 2 - 38.3 m with a mean depth of 8.4 m. The mean saturation thickness of the aquifer system is 6.3 m with a minimum and maximum thickness of 0.1 m and 35.0 m respectively. The estimated potential volume of groundwater storage of the aquifer system in the sub-basin is 370,777,191.2 m 3

Source: UCC
Determination of standard reference body indices for clinical application in Ghana

The study is tailored to measure body height and weight in order to estimate local base standard reference body surface area, body surface index and body mass index (BSA, BSI and BMI) in Ghana for clinical application. The data were collected based on age and gender variation of patients and compare the established standard reference body indices with international established estimates. The weight and BMI measuring machine together with tape measure were the measuring tools used. The procedure involve using BMI calculator with DuBois formula to estimate local standard reference values of BMI, BSI and BSA in Ghana. The height and weight of male were 178.6cm and 80.8kg, while female height and weight were 167.1cm and 61.9kg respectively. The determined Ghanaian standard reference estimated BMI, BSI and BSA were: 25.19kg/m 239.81 kg/m2and 2.02m 2for male and 21.91kg/m236.58kg/m2and 1.69m2for female respectively. Model relationship between these parameters has been designed to enableprediction of any unknown parameters if at least one is known. The reference height, weight, BMI, BSI and BSA are recommended to be used in Ghana for clinical application

Source: UCC
Determination of standard reference renal volume model and dose optmisation procedures for clinical applications

The study is based on measurements of renal dimensions and related body indices to establish standard reference body and renal parameters, renal volume model, renal and effective dose in relation to patients’ dose optimization procedures. The materials used include: MDCT Machine, Weighing scale, BMI calculator and MVL workstation. Technical parameters were obtained from three groups of randomly selected patients undergoing abdominal CT examinations including: 175 patients of age 20-40 years, 258 patients of age 41-60 years and 227 patients of age 61-80 years. In addition, the models design were based on age and gender variations. Voxel count method was used as the measuring tools with an integrated MVL application software platform, together with Minitab 16 statistical tools. The average values of the measured parameters include: the renal volumes: 146.74 cm3, 151.76 cm3, 142.04 cm3, 148.29 cm3 for male and female, with each corresponding right and left kidneys, respectively: renal length: 103.35 cm, 105.13 cm, 101.43 cm and 102.98 cm for male and female with the corresponding right and left kidneys respectively, the estimated renal volumetric ellipsoid coefficient (K) and renal shape index for both gender were approximately 0.53±0.01 and 1.00±0.02 respectively. The mean BMI, BSI and BSA were: 25.19 kg/m2, 39.81 kg/m2 and 2.02 m2 for male and 21.91 kg/m2, 36.58 kg/m2 and 1.69 m2 for female respectively. In addition, the mean dose parameters were: 6.33 mGy, 936.25 mGy cm, 3.26 mSv and 14.09 mSv for CTDIV, DLP, RD and E respectively. Two Comprehensive Clinical Decision Support Application Software were designed to provide a user friendly platform for comfortable working process. Finally, the established reference parameters are recommended for clinical application

Source: UCC
Determination of the dry matter content of cassava (manihot esculenta, crantz) tubers using specific gravity method

The determination of the dry matter content of cassava tubers using oven dry method is a major constraint in tropical developing countries where the source of electricity is unreliable. In this study a prediction equation was developed as an alternative approach to dry matter determination with the oven dry method. The study was conducted for two years with eleven cassava accessions (using 13 and 15 month old tubers). In the first year, the specific gravity and the dry matter content (oven dry method) of the same tubers were used to derive the prediction equation that can be used for easy and faster estimation of the dry matter content of cassava tubers. The specific gravity and dry matter content based on the oven dry method ranged from 1.0966-1.1469 and 31.45-40.74%, respectively. There was a perfect correlation (R2 = 0.9979) between specific gravity and oven dry matter content of cassava tuber. The middle portion of the cassava tubers gave the true representation of the dry matter content. The prediction equation developed was Y = - 175.46 + 188.61 X where: X = specific gravity and Y = percentage dry matter content. The dry matter content based on the prediction equation for the various accessions was found to be between 31.88-41.53% with a mean of 38.39%. The chi-square test conducted at probability level of 0.05 shows that there was no significant difference between percentage dry matters estimated using the oven dry method and the prediction equation. Hence, the prediction equation could be used to estimate the percentage dry matter content of cassava tuber if the specific gravity is known.

Source: UCC
Determining the counseling needs of students of Wa Polytechnic

The study is about the counselling needs of students in the Polytechnic in the Wa Municipality. Using a descriptive survey design with a quantitative approach, the researcher used a sample of 810 students drawn from the Wa Polytechnic through the census sampling technique. A Questionnaire developed by the researcher with a composite reliability coefficient of .91 was used to collect data for the study. Descriptive and inferential statistical tools (Independent sample t-test and One-Way ANOVA) were used for the analyses. The study revealed that students in the Wa Polytechnic were challenged in terms of academic problems, vocational problems, social problems and as well as practical problems due to the unavailability of counselling programme in the school. The study also revealed that, the needs for counselling services differed based on gender, age, marital status and programme pursued. These demographic variables determine the specific needs area for guidance and counselling services in the institution. It was recommended that school authorities make effort to provide students with professional counsellors who would help them manage their academic problems, vocational problems, social problems as well as practical problems towards success in their chosen fields

Source: UCC