ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Two-stage drying of paddy and the effects on milled rice quality

Two-stage drying of jasmine rice (Oryza sativa L.) cv Khao Dawk Mali 105 and the effects on milling quality was studied. A laboratory fluidised bed dryer was used in the first stage to quickly reduce the initial moisture content of 22.44% wb to ≤19% wb. A second stage of drying using a static bed dryer and sun drying was further carried out until the final moisture content of ≤14% wb was achieved. The experimental drying temperatures at the fluidised bed drying stage were 60°C, 80°C and 100°C. The static bed dryer was adjusted to a tempering temperature of 45°C. The air flow rate at the first stage was set at 2.8 m/s and that of the second stage was 1.3 m/s. The bed depth of the samples at the fluidised dryer was 7cm while the initial mass of each sample was 370g. The experimental data were fitted to the Page’s and Single Exponential drying models to determine which would better describe the data. The Page’s model gave a better description of the data (R2 values as high as 0.966). Drying air temperature had the greatest effect on the rate of drying. Activation energy was calculated as 12.388 × 10-3 kJ/mol and 8.231 × 10-3 kJ/mol for fluidised and fixed bed and fluidised and sun drying respectively. Head rice yield (HRY) of milled rice were 64.22%, 62.11% and 60.36% for fluidised bed drying at 60ºC (first stage drying) static bed drying at 45ºC (second stage drying) and subsequent storage for one, three and six months respectively. The samples dried at 80ºC and 45°C and subsequent storage for same months were 60.22%, 62.20% and 60.51%. Those dried at 100ºC and 45ºC were 59.54%, 62.37% and 57.35%. Complete sun drying had HRY of 62.27%, 63.55% and 61.91%. Those samples which were dried with the fluidised bed dryer and subsequently sun dried and stored for only one month had HRY of 63.29%, 60.06%, 58.37% and 64.25% for drying at 60ºC, 80ºC 100ºC and complete sun drying respectively. It was concluded that drying at 60ºC and storing for one month gave the best HRY for the laboratory dryers whilst complete sun drying had the best HRY at one month storage, though it took an extended time. Head rice yields for the mean drying temperatures and duration of storage were compared; there was no significant difference (p> 0.05) between the mean temperatures and months of storage of dried paddy.

Source: KNUST
Type 2 diabetes mellitus management among Ghanaian migrants resident in three European countries and their compatriots in rural and urban Ghana – The RODAM study

Aims: To compare Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) awareness, treatment and control between Ghanaians resident in Ghana and Europe. Methods: Comparisons were made for the 530 participants of the Research on Obesity and Diabetes among African Migrants (RODAM) study with T2DM (25–70 years) living in

Source: KNUST
Types of solid waste generated, their storage and disposal in Pobaga, Bolgatanga Municipality in the Upper East Region, Ghana

Uncontrolled urbanization in Ghana has resulted in poor environmental conditions in urban settlements in the country. Solid waste disposal, in particular, has become a daunting task for the municipal authorities who seem to lack the capacity to tackle the mounting waste situation. The study investigated the nature of solid waste problem in Pobaga, a suburb of Bolgatanga in the Upper East Region, Ghana. It described the waste situation in the study area and identified the causes of the problem from the perspective of key stakeholders in the waste sector. The delivery of solid waste collection services across different socio-economic groups of the urban population. A mixed method approach including questionnaires, interviews, field observation, documentary analysis from stakeholders in the waste sector was adopted. The key issues identified by the study were: that Pobaga is experiencing worsening solid waste situations but the municipal authorities lack the capacity to cope with the situation; that while several causes of the urban waste crisis can be identified, data gathered showed that the major waste item generated in Pobaga is organic waste and the least waste item generated is metals. The increase in organic waste could be attributed to the fact that Bolgatanga’s economy is agro-based. As population increases, it is projected that there would be an increased in solid waste output in the near future. This means that the average per capita waste of 0.5 kg generated in urban areas will be exceeded and therefore the need for a more pragmatic ways of dealing with the solid waste collection and disposal. Based on these findings, it is suggested that the solution to the worsening environmental conditions in Pobaga and in Ghana lies in recycling by converting the waste (biodegradable) into a useful resources, the appropriate technology and resources have to be employed.

Source: KNUST
Typologies and drivers of the adoption of climate smart agricultural practices by smallholder farmers in rural Ghana

This study examined the factors that determine the adoption of CSA practices in dryland farming systems. The study answers the following questions: (i) what are the typologies of CSA practices available to smallholder farmers in rural Ghana?, (ii) what is the adoption rate of CSA practices among smallholder farmers? and, (iii) what are the socioeconomic predictors of the adoption of CSA practices in rural Ghana? This paper employed mixed-method participatory approaches including surveys of 1061 households, and 15 key informant interviews supplemented with 2 regional stakeholder workshops. The study used a Principal Component Analysis (PCA) to examine the climate smart agriculture typologies adopted among the smallholder farmers. To investigate the drivers of adoption, the multinomial ordered probit model was applied. The PCA results suggested that, there were seven (7) uncorrelated dimensions involving 23 CSA practices that were generally employed – water smart practices, energy smart practices, nutrient smart practices, carbon smart practices, weather smart practices, planting smart practices, and knowledge smart practices. These 7 typologies explained 63.91% of the total variance. The PCA results indicated that smallholder farmers do not necessarily rely on a single CSA practice to cope with climate change; but utilise a combination of practices. The results of the ordered probit model suggested that the factors driving the adoption of CSA practices are mixed nuanced on the adoption typology and farmers' location and institutional factors. The paper contributes to an understanding of the different typologies for CSA practices and highlights the various socioeconomic factors driving the adoption rates of CSA practices by smallholders' farmers. This

Source: KNUST
Typologies and drivers of the adoption of climate smart agricultural practices by smallholder farmers in rural Ghana

This study examined the factors that determine the adoption of CSA practices in dryland farming systems. The study answers the following questions: (i) what are the typologies of CSA practices available to smallholder farmers in rural Ghana?, (ii) what is the adoption rate of CSA practices among smallholder farmers? and, (iii) what are the socioeconomic predictors of the adoption of CSA practices in rural Ghana? This paper employed mixed-method participatory approaches including surveys of 1061 households, and 15 key informant interviews supplemented with 2 regional stakeholder workshops. The study used a Principal Component Analysis (PCA) to examine the climate smart agriculture typologies adopted among the smallholder farmers. To investigate the drivers of adoption, the multinomial ordered probit model was applied. The PCA results suggested that, there were seven (7) uncorrelated dimensions involving 23 CSA practices that were generally employed – water smart practices, energy smart practices, nutrient smart practices, carbon smart practices, weather smart practices, planting smart practices, and knowledge smart practices. These 7 typologies explained 63.91% of the total variance. The PCA results indicated that smallholder farmers do not necessarily rely on a single CSA practice to cope with climate change; but utilise a combination of practices. The results of the ordered probit model suggested that the factors driving the adoption of CSA practices are mixed nuanced on the adoption typology and farmers' location and institutional factors. The paper contributes to an understanding of the different typologies for CSA practices and highlights the various socioeconomic factors driving the adoption rates of CSA practices by smallholders' farmers. This is crucial for the upscale of CSA practices in the face of climate change in Ghana and West Africa more widely.

Source: KNUST
Type-1 diabetes onset age and sex differences between Ghanaian and German urban populations

Type 1 diabetes onset age in Kumasi/Ghana has a peak at around 17 to 20 years, whereas the peak is at 11 to 12 years in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. Higher proportions of females were found in the type 1 diabetes cohort from Ghana, and males were more frequent in the German cohort.

Source: KNUST
A ultra-violet/visible spectrophotometric method of assay of nifedipine

Three ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometric methods are described for the determination of nifedipine in its pure state and in encapsulated and tableted dosage forms. The drug was reduced and the resulting amino derivative was treated variously with reagents and determined spectrophotometricallv at 245nm and 435nm. The results obtained by these methods were compared with those obtained with the official USP method on the same sample batches. The methods were accurate and precise. The detection limit obtained for nifedipine with the proposed methods was in the region of 20 μg/ml. Some commercial brands of nifedipine available on the Ghanaian market were analysed by the proposed methods and found to contain levels of nifedipine within the USP specification range of 90- 110%.

Source: KNUST
Un Aperçu De La Fidelite De La Traduction Anglaise De La Greve Des Battu D’aminata Sow Fall Par Dorothy Blair

Translated into a rich and free flowing English by Dorothy Blair, the novel The Beggar’s Strike, originally written in French by Aminata Sow Fall under the name, la Grève des battu, has been largely read and admired in West Africa and the world over. But many, no doubt, are the readers who have not realised that this book has zones of unfaithful or weak translations like most translated literature of francophone origin. And many more, probably, do not even know that the book was originally written in French. From our research, though several translations of francophone literature into English, such as The African Child, The old man and the medal, The poor Christ of Bomba, and several poems of Senghor and Birago Diop, have been studied and examined in the light of translation criticism, it seems to us that this very important translated literature of francophone origin, The Beggar's Strike is still begging to be examined in the light of translation criticism, hence this study. The present study therefore, pinpoints some of these weak translations and suggests more acceptable versions to complement the effort of the translator. Labeled under headings such as, des superbes traductions, des omissions, des sur-traductions et des sous-traductions, this study examines each of the weak translations carefully and impartially, giving constructive criticism and alternatives where necessary.

Source: KNUST
Underrepresentation of Local Researchers in Geophysical Studies at the Bosumtwi Impact Crater: Insights from A Systematic Review

Impact cratering is an important aspect of planetary evolution. Geophysics plays a complementary role in identifying impact craters on Earth given the non-unique geological characteristics associated with such craters. The Bosumtwi impact crater in Ghana represents one of the world’s most well-preserved and young mid-sized impact craters, and this study aims to evaluate the current state of geophysical research conducted in this area. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) technique was employed for data collection and analysis, which involved identifying and screening relevant sources of data. Results indicated that the maximum number of publications (14) on the Bosumtwi impact crater was recorded in 2007, with 15% of these articles being affiliated with Ghanaian institutions. Furthermore, only two articles reported funding from Ghana. The major geophysical methods applied in studies of the Bosumtwi impact crater include various techniques that have confirmed the presence of shock metamorphosed rocks. Although geophysical methods cannot provide unambiguous evidence for an impact origin of the Bosumtwi crater, they did provide additional constraints in estab lishing its impact origin. This study highlights the lack of local financial support for research in Ghana and African countries in general, with the underrepresentation of Ghanaian geophysical researchers being a concerning outcome. The absence of hazard studies such as the creation of unstable cliffs and the long-term effects of the meteorite impact on inhabitants of the Bosumtwi impact crater is particularly significant. Further research is necessary to fully understand the implications of this underrepresentation. Moreover, this study highlights the importance of research at the Bosumtwi impact crater for achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Source: KNUST
Uncovering the invisible drivers of satisfied customers’ defection -a case study of First Allied Savings and Loans Limited

The establishment of branches of banks of Nigerian origin saw a number of customers hitherto seen as satisfied and loyal customers of existing banks, defecting to the new banks. One of such institutions which suffered from these defections was First Allied Savings and Loans Limited. The question then arose as to what would propel a satisfied customer of a well established bank to defect to the banks of Nigerian origin. The purpose of the study was therefore to uncover the invisible drivers of satisfied customers’ defection in First Allied Savings and Loans Limited. Questionnaire and Focus group discussions were adopted as the method of data collection. Out of the population of 123, systematic sampling technique was used to select 80 for questionnaire administration. Purposive sampling technique was then used to select 21 customers for focus group discussions. The findings were that, the customers who defected to the banks of Nigerian origin were indeed satisfied. Some of the reasons given for their defection related to curiosity, insatiable desires to access loans, adventure, speculation, deception on the part of the new banks and lack of knowledge about the new banks. It was revealed that, when approached with respect and requested to come back, defected customers would oblige. It was further revealed that, defected customers carried no feeling of guilt. The study concluded that, satisfied customers of a bank can defect to a new one for many reasons. The study thus recommended among others that, information acquired through First Allied’s market intelligence in respect of its competitors be repackaged and presented to its customers in a way that would put First Allied in a better light before its customers. First Allied is to treat all its defectors with respect and pursue them till they come back.

Source: KNUST
Understanding children’s drawings: a case study of Handmaids Preparatory School, Nsoatre, Sunyani in the Brong Ahafo Region

Many teachers turn to impose their adult ways on the children they teach. For example, a child wants to draw while standing but his teacher may insist that he/she sits down like all others. Perhaps her artistic abilities flow better when standing. In this case, the child will repress that natural creative ability. She may never become an artist, or the unique individual she was meant to be. The study brought the child into focus that a conducive atmosphere be provided for her to allow the free flow of her creative ability. This was done by adopting experimental and descriptive methods of research. In the experimental situation, two groups were formed: controlled and uncontrolled. Then in the controlled group, children were told an Ananse Story and were asked to draw any part of the story. Even in this case some of the children ignored the Ananse Story entirely and drew their own images unrelated to the story. In the uncontrolled group, children were left to draw whatever they liked. These drawings were done out of their own expressions. The main data collecting instrument was observation, The study found that, the children in the uncontrolled group expressed themselves freely with significant creativity. While some of the children in the controlled group kicked against the adult ideas imposed on them. Three of the children told the researcher straight away, what exercise they wanted the researcher to give them to do. The research revealed that in the controlled group, when adults imposed their ideas on the children, they inhibit the children’s creativity. On the other hand, in the uncontrolled group, when the children were allowed the necessary freedom during the drawing exercise, the free flow of their natural creative ability was stronger. It was recommended that: 1. Teachers in primary schools should provide a conducive atmosphere for drawing for the children. 2. The findings of this research are additional knowledge for Art Educators, Historians, Child Art Activists and other researchers. 3. Policy makers in Art Education formulate a policy to guide children to allow the free flow of their natural creative abilities when drawing. 4. Parents give enough opportunity to their children to allow them express themselves intuitively to unearth their creative abilities to make them that unique individuals they are meant to be. The adults who are in charge of children be cautious not to impose too much of their adults ideas on the children, to enable them discover their true potentials.

Source: KNUST
Undergraduate business students’ perception of auditing: impact knowledge and proximity on auditors’ stereotypes

This study examines in Ghanaian context, the undergraduate business students’ perception of auditing by examining the influence of knowledge and proximity on auditors’ stereotype. A well-structured questionnaire was employed with a sample size of 374 respondents from selected public Universities in Ghana for the study. The study revealed that a number factors account for business students’ perception about auditors’ career, work and image. The result of the study concludes that Knowledge of the auditing course, acquisition of the auditing knowledge through family/friends, media, academic training and satisfaction of students about the accounting course tend to affect students’ perception about auditors’ career, work and image. The result was also analysed in terms of groups of business students who enrol on the auditing course. The result indicated students who enrolled ‘optionally’ on the auditing course tend to demonstrate a positive perception about auditors’ career, work and image. Compared to those who joined compulsorily and those who did not enrol. The results of this can be an important contribution to the international literature on students’ perception of audit profession and to accounting and auditing authorities in improving auditors’ stereotypes

Source: KNUST
Understanding the maladjusted child through his art

This research project is conducted with selected pupils of three basic schools, in the Kumasi Metropolis. It seeks to address the possibility of understanding the maladjusted child through his art. This is achieved by means of art therapy which is basically a form of psychotherapy which serves as a tool and a process of resolving conditions of psychological imbalances in human personality through art. As a tool, the art activity in this context, drawings in unique variety give the child a reflective insight into his unconscious world with its relationship with his conscious life. As a process, art therapy serves as an interactive expedition of self-detection undertaken by the child under the guidance and company, of the art therapist (researcher). The drawings are language of symbols whose meaning is determined by the artists own interpretation or the therapists knowledge of the unconscious in artistic symbolism seen through any one or combination of theoretical assumptions. • Art therapy draws, its roots from such fields as Art, Art Education, Psychology and Psychotherapy; hence these fields of discipline serving as the main source of the library research. The therapeutic sessions that were held in all the sampled schools among other things reveal that; • The maladjusted child’s spontaneous and directive art serve as a reliable means of revealing the personality of his conscious and unconscious worlds. • The therapeutic process contributes extensively towards the exposure of thoughts and feelings, which are repressed or hidden. • When the impact of innate factors on a child’s life is realised, the child’s reflective behaviour can be well understood by his teachers. • A child’s potentialities could be identified through art therapy and developed to help him fit in a given environment. • The home, which is the child’s first environment, is a major factor in contributing to’ child maladjustment. • Moreover, the attitude of significant personalities towards a child in a given environment influences the child’s self-perception. It is essential that teachers be trained to practice art therapy through orientation courses to help improve the pupil-teacher relationship in the school environment. An Association of Art Therapists in Ghana should be established to draw practitioners together. Art Therapy is applicable in both the mainstream schools and the special schools. It must therefore be encouraged Parents/guardians and the general public should be educated to provide affection and acceptance to all their children to enhance their integration into the society. It is a major requirement of teachers and social workers to devise suitable means of acquiring information in connection with the entire behaviour of their children outside their given environment. Finally it is proved beyond all reasonable doubts that the maladjusted child can be understood through his art

Source: KNUST
Understanding the Mechanism of Arsenic Mobilisation and Behaviour in Tailings Dams

This study was carried out on leaching of tailings at 30 ᵒC and 40 ᵒC. The mineralogical and chemical composition of the tailings material were determined by Quantitative X-Ray Diffractometry (QXRD) and Scanning Electron Microscopy combined with Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (SEM-EDAX). The study revealed that the tailings contain sulphides (arsenopyrite and pyrite) which can leach to produce arsenic (As) and other ions in solution. The acid released during leaching depends on the temperature of leaching. More acid was produced at higher temperature (40 ᵒC) than lower temperature (30 ᵒC). It was established that arsenic precipitation from solution was higher at higher temperature (40 ᵒC) than lower temperature (30 ᵒC). Mimicking the study in a typical tailings environment, it could be proposed that As mobilisation will be enhanced at lower temperature (30 ᵒC) than at higher temperature (40 ᵒC).

Source: KNUST