ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Some factors contributing to the paucity of yellow fever in the Ashanti Region of Ghana

Mosquitoes occurring in an urban and two rural areas of Ashanti were identified in a study to find out why the Ashanti Region of Ghana has nearly always escaped Yellow Fever epidemics that have swept through the country since 1900. Several species of the Yellow Fever mosquitoes were encountered, namely Aedes (Stegomyia) aegypti Linnaeus, Aedes (Stegomyia) africanus Theobald, Aedes (Stegomyia) luteocephalus Newstead, Aedes (Stegoiuyia) vittatus Bigot. Other mosquitoes were Culex (Culex) decens Theobald, Culex (Culex) thalassius Theobald, Culex (Lutzia) trigripes Granpre, Anopheles gambiae S.I. and Toxorhynchites brevipalpis Theobald. The mean Aedes mosquito indices throughout the research work were as follows: Biting rate 0.53; House Index 8.85; Container Index 3.67 and Breteau Index 11.45. Although the values are considered capable of promoting the transmission of Yellow Fever, they are remarkably lower than the International Threshold values of Biting rate 2; House Index 35; Container index 20; Breteau Index 50 and therefore unlikely to promote Yellow fever transmission by Aedes aegypti in the urban cycle. Rainfall and Relative Humidity (%) at 1500 hours GMT were remarkably correlated with larval and Biting indices. The low larval indices which may have reflected on the low man—vector contact rates were probably influenced by the vast distribution, resi1nce and predatory propensity of Toxorhynchites brevipalpis. Other minor predators found on the Aedes mosquito were Culex fLutzia) tigripes, Notonecta, Nepa sp. (Water scorpion), Hydrometra (Water Stick), Belostoma (giant water bug) and Lispa (anthomyid fly). Toxorhynchites preferred feeding on Aedes aegypti to other mosquito species such as Culex decens and Anopheles gambiae. No Toxorhynchites were found in other regions bordering Ashanti where Yellow Fever epidemics have been recorded.

Source: KNUST
Some Heavy Metal Levels in Drinking Water and Social Characteristics in Buruli Ulcer Endemic and Non-Endemic Communities in the Amansie West District

Buruli ulcer (BU) is a skin disease caused by Mycobacterium ulcerans (MU), It is often associated with slow-flowing or stagnant water and increase in incidence of the disease is also associated with ecological transformation. Several risk factors have been identified, and a number of transmission mechanisms suggested. However, the exact mechanism of transmission and development of Buruli ulcer through water-related human activities is unknown. A study was carried out to compare concentrations of cadmium, lead and aluminum in drinking water samples and some social characteristics from endemic and non-endemic communities in the Amansie West District in Ghana. Ninety-six drinking water sources were sampled from boreholes and hand-dug wells in the study area. The analysis of the samples showed that the average concentration of cadmium was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in endemic communities than in non-endemic communities even though all the values were below the WHO guideline values of 0.003mg/L. The average concentrations of Lead and Aluminum were lower in endemic communities than in non-endemic communities, but the differences between the average concentrations were not statistically significant (p > 0.95 for Lead, p > 0.30 for Aluminum). Aluminum concentrations in all the samples were however lower than the WHO recommended guideline value of O.lmg/L, whilst the concentration of Lead was higher than the recommended guideline value in several communities. It was therefore concluded that cadmium, Lead and Aluminum may not contribute to the occurrence and transmission of BU. In relation to the social characteristics, the educational level was generally poorer in endemic areas than in the non-endemic areas. The endemic communities used poorer source of water which include streams and hand-dug wells, unlike non-endemic communities which had better sources of water - boreholes and pipe-borne water only. Field observation showed that people in the endemic communities walked barefooted, whilst those in the non-endemic communities had footwear. In this District therefore, attitudinal behaviour/social characteristics may play a role in the occurrence of the disease. Other heavy metals like arsenic should be investigated into, as well as the water usage patterns of the people in the community (to determine whether the disease is water-washed, water-borne or water-based). The organism may be present in the water and/or soil, and it is recommended that more research be carried out to isolate it in the environment.

Source: KNUST
Some heavy metal pollutants in the water bodies of the northern parts of the Ashanti Gold Belt

The quality of water bodies in the Northern part of the Ashanti Gold Belt was investigated, with particular reference to pH, conductivity and heavy metal content. Boreholes, wells and streams were sampled and analysed. The results show that, the pH in some of the Boreholes in both mining and non-mining areas were lower than 6 and was found to be predominant in the Tarkwaian system. This could be a result of the natural geochemical and biochemical oxidation of pyrites and carbonaceous matter in the aquifer. The levels of some of the metals such as, Hg, Pb, Mn, Cr, and Cd in some areas exceeded the WHO standard for drinking water. Mercury pollution, especially in the boreholes, seemed to be widespread in the study area, which may be due to the geology of the aquifer as well as widespread small-scale mining activity, which applies mercury for gold extraction, Pb, Mn, Cr and Cd pollution is not as severe as in the case of Hg, even though thier presence especially of Pb, Cr and Cd could constitute a health hazard. Generally, pollution levels in the Boreholes are relatively higher than in wells, and surface water bodies seemed to be the least polluted during the period of investigation.

Source: KNUST
Some methods of solutions of linear non-singular Fredholm’s and Volterra’s integral equations

This thesis is designed to give some of the methods of solving Fredholm’s and Volterra’s Integral Equations. The aim of the study is to understand some of the important methods of solving integral equations with emphasis on Fredholm’s and Volterra’s equations and also be able to teach or help other students when the need be. Under this work, almost all the methods discussed have gotten worked problems under them so to clarify the method being discussed so that anyone who picks this work to read would understand it with ease.

Source: KNUST
Some methods of soil improvement in the growth and yield of plantain (Musa AAB Group)

A completely randomised block design experiment was carried out at Asamankese (5O 52’N, 0 °43’W ) to study the influence of inorganic fertilizer, chicken manure, sawdust and plant remains on the vegetative growth and how the vegetative growth affected fruit filling of two cultivars of Ghanaian plantains, namely, Apantu’ and Apem. Yields were found generally related to vegetative growth, in plants treated with inorganic fertilizer and chicken manure were significantly taller and thicker in girth, and produced the highest number of leaves as compared to the other treatments. These plants also produced the highest bunch yields in both cultivars. Mulching with chicken manure or plant remains enhanced the production of more foliage leaves and suckers, but the sawdust treatment caused a slower development of the plants. In assessing bunch characteristics In terms of peduncle, pulp and peel dry weights it was found that in both cultivars, bunch weight was influenced more by pulp weight than peduncle and peel weights. A combination of presumably adequate supply of plant nutrients, timely and sufficient rains, and a high or increasing solar radiation income led to improved fruit filling and higher bunch yields.

Source: KNUST
Some New Variants of Hermite–Hadamard and Fej´er-Type Inequalities for Godunova–Levin Preinvex Class of Interval- Valued Functions

The theory of inequalities is greatly in2uenced by interval-valued concepts, and this contribution is explored from several perspectives and domains. ,e aim of this note is to develop several mathematical inequalities such as Hermite–Hadamard, Fej´er, and the product version based on center radius (CR)-order relations. Furthermore, we develop several nontrivial examples and remarks to support the main 9ndings.

Source: KNUST
Some Physical and Mechanical Properties of Asanfona (Aningeria Robusta)

By the methods of testing small clear specimen, the main physical and mechanical properties of Asanfona (Arzingeria robusta) were determined to assess the within and between trees variation. It was found that at the 5% probability level, there were no significant (p>5%) differences in the mean values of the properties determined for the three selected trees from the Bobiri Forest Reserve. The height of sampling from the trees, was insignificant (p>0.05) in determining the properties of the timber, except for the mean values of Toughness for the sections, which indicated variation in Arzingeria robusta. At the 12% moisture content, the properties determined were higher than those reported for the African and White Mahogany species (Khaya ivorensis and Khaya anthotheca), except for the maximum compressive strengths parallel to the grain, which were approximately the same. Therefore, taking other properties into consideration, the timber was considered a suitable substitute for these species in certain applications.

Source: KNUST
Some physico-chemical studies on Griffonin, an anti-sickling agent

This work has defined certain aspects of preformulation that will need to be considered if griffonin an antisickling agent, is to be used as a drug. A relatively more efficient method of isolating griffonin from the dried root bark of Griffonia siuiplicifolia has been worked out. This method takes advantage of the insolubility of griffonin in ethyl acetate. This method is cheaper in terms of solvents used and offers higher yields. The amount of griffonin in the dried root bark of Griffonia simplicifolia has been quantitatively determined. An Infra—red assay method based on the concept of analysis of solids in potassium bromide [KBr] using an internal standard was used. The value obtained was found to be comparable with that given by the improved method of extraction. Partition coefficient studies have been carried out on griffonin. These have shown that griffonin is present as a common species in both water and octanol. The effect of gastric acid on breakdown rate of griffonin has been studied. In vitro kinetic studies based on the Arrhenius equation was applied. It was found that the deleterious effect of gastric acid on griffonin was not enough to prevent its use as a drug to be taken orally. A claim that the cyano group (-CN) in Griffonin can be converted to an amido group (-CONR2) by a hydrolytic process while leaving the rest of the molecule unaltered has been investigated. It involved refluxing a mixture of griffonin and potassium hydroxide (powdered) in a non aqueous medium. A crystalline product with a very high melting point (abo, 360°C) was obtained. However, enough evidence was not obtained from the work to prove the truth or otherwise

Source: KNUST
Some problems in the teaching of picture making in Schools

The teaching of art in general is a formidable task and with the coming into force of the new educational reform, more students will be entering the field of study. The objective of this programme is to train children to use their hands and brains. Art has been given a boost in this direction as one of the subjects through which this objective can be reached. The acquisition of skills in the visual arts stems from a proper understanding and application of the rudiments of picture making which forms the basis of art in general. However, the teaching of picture making in particular has teething problems which should be highlighted for redress. This essay highlights some of these problems and suggests how best they could be tackled. The research methods employed are purely descriptive and analytical. The scope covered a random sampling of secondary schools within the Kumasi metropolitan and Asante-Nampong areas. Some few lecturers at the College of Art were interviewed for their views on the performance of fresh art students. The research report is presented in five chapters as follows: Chapter One This is about the visual elements of design, emphasising line and its functions in design. Chapter Two This chapter talks about shape and mass, volume form, colour and texture. Chapter Three This deals with the principles of design, i.e. perspective, unity and variety, balance, emphasis and focal point, proportion, and rhythm. Chapter Four This chapter is devoted to the problems in the teaching of picture making. Chapter Five The chapter is for figure drawing and conclusion. It is hoped that this research will open the eyes of both teachers and students to the need for a systematic approach to the teaching and learning of picture making in schools. This will go a long way to make the study of art in general a purposeful venture.

Source: KNUST
Some processing and preservation methods for indigenous leafy vegetables (ILVs) and the effects of the methods on some nutrients and anti-nutrients

Seven species of indigenous leafs’ vegetables (ILVs) namely Solanurn macrocarpon, Talinuni iriangulare, Hibiscus sahdarffjà, Corchorus olitoris, Colocasia esculenta, Xanthosonia sagil4,fhliuni and Arnaranthus cruenius were processed (by sun-drying, solar-drying, steam blanching followed by solar drying and hot water blanching followed by solar drying), packaged (in different colours of polyethylene; black, brown and colourless) and stored (for 20 weeks) and the effects of processing, packaging and storage on some nutrients, anti-nuthents and sensory characteristics were studied. The methods of processing had no significant effect on the levels of ash and calcium. The effect of processing on the provitamin A carotenoid (J3 -carotene and a — carotene) levels of the ILVs was species-dependent. In some of the ILVs (Solanuin inacrocarpon, Thhnzirn iriangulare, Corchorzt.c ohtorzus and Xanthosoma sagii,fhliuni), processing resulted in an increase in the levels of provitamin A carotenoids (by 7 — 342 %) but in others (Hibiscus sahdari/j, Colocasia esculenia and Mnaranlhus cruenlus) the provitamin A carotenoid levels were reduced (by 8 — 99 %) as a result of processing. Methods of processing however reduced the levels of iron (by 3.3 — 64.9 %) and vitamin C (by 87 — 100 %). Processing methods significantly reduced the levels of total phenol (by 0.0 —74.3 %) but did not significantly affect the levels of oxalate. Generally, processing methods did not eliminate alkaloids and they did not change the overall palatability of Solanuin sp, Co/ocasia sp, Xanlhosorna sp, Amaranthus sp and sun-dried and solar-dried Corchorus sp. Some methods of processing (sun drying and solar drying) increased the green colour of the ILVs, but others (blanching and drying methods) reduced greenness. in storage however the colour of the ILVs was best retained by the hot water blanched and dried samples. Black, high-density polyethylene packaging material best retained the green colour of the ILVs. Storage did not generally affect the levels of moisture and total phenol but it reduced the levels of vitamin C (by 19 — 100 %). The nutritional values of the seven ILVs were found to be high. Amaranthus cruentus leaves had the highest levels of most nutrients; ash, calcium, iron, s-carotene, lutein and vitamin A activity. The selected leaves were free from cyanogenic glucosides.

Source: KNUST
Some safety measures for artistic at work

The making of art work like all other occupation has its peculiar hazard to contend with. These hazards come from the tools and materials used the studio conditions under which the art works are produce and finally to work culture of the artists involved. It is therefore evident that the maintenance of safe studio conditions in terms of adequate ventilation, the use of proper work layout and good housekeeping must be a prime concern for all artists. This project takes a look at the conditions existing in the studios of the collage of Art, the work culture of both students and technicians and how they expose themselves to various hazards during work. It also suggests way to protection from such hazards. It is hope that the recommendations given in this project as to some of the safe studio practices would go a long way to enlighten all artists on safety issues concerning their areas of specialization

Source: KNUST
Some translation and exegetical problems in the pastoral epistles of the kronkron (Akuapem-Twi Bible)

The present 2012 Akuapem-Twi Bible had been the labour of several revision exercises from its existence as fragments of Bible books till the New Testament was completed and later the first full version published in 1871. Over the years the task of revision work had aimed at eliminating ambiguous phrases and words in the Akuapem-Twi Bible that are not translated in accordance with the thought pattern and worldview of the Akuapem people. However after the 2012 publication of the Akuapem-Twi Bible, there still exist a number of translation and exegetical problems in the translated text; clear examples are 1 Timothy 6:10a, 2 Timothy 1: 10b, 2:20b, Titus 1: 7, 11b which are in focus for this study. The research draws from the field of Biblical exegesis to analyze the Greek source texts and also do background study of the PE with the aid of critical and exegetical commentaries along with some relevant literatures on the subject. We focused on ascertaining the very message the author of the PE sought to deliver to his audience, in order to make it relevant to contemporary audience today. A discussion was delineated on several possible translations in the Akuapem-Twi dialect including the 2012 Akuapem-Twi Bible translation of the selected texts to ascertain which of these possible alternatives had adequately represented the worldview and dialect of the Akuapem people and had also exhibited a close nuance of the Greek source text. A comparative discussion of the various Akuapem-Twi and Asante-Twi Bibles along with some English versions on the selected texts revealed which of the alternative translations suggested in the Akuapem-Twi dialect was the best translation; commentaries were written on the interpretations behind the translations. This is a summon to the clergy and laity in academia to take a re-look at our Akuapem-Twi Bible in the form we have it today to make the word of God more meaningful and relevant in our contemporary setting, seeing that it is the medium of God’s revelation to us.

Source: KNUST
Sonohysterography: Time to Step up its Use in Gynaecologic Imaging in West Africa

Sonohysterography is a simple, safe and convenient technique that is easily and rapidly performed in the ultrasound room; yet the technique seems to be underutilized in West Africa. We present two cases that were successfully carried out in our centre followed by detailed description, uses and challenges of the technique, with the hope of encouraging clinicians and sonographers in the sub-region to step up its use. Two women were referred for evaluation of their endometrial cavities on account of increasingly heavy menstrual bleeding. Sonohysterography revealed intracavity uterine masses with hyper-echoic focal thickening highly suggestive of endometrial polyps; histology confirmed the diagnosis of endometrial polyps. Sonohysterography is an affordable and feasible diagnostic modality for evaluating the endometrial cavity. Where equipment and skill permit, the technique should be used more often in the West African sub-region. Sonohysterography, Tansvaginal sonography, Gnaecologic imaging, West Africa (Afr J Reprod Health 2011; 15[3]:133-139). Sonohystérographie: Temps d’augmenter son emploi dans la visualisation gynécologique en Afrique de l’Ouest : La sonohystérographie est une technique simple, non dangereuse et commode, qui est accomplie dans la salle d’ultrason ; pourtant, il semble que la technique est sous utilisée en Afrique de l’Ouest. Nous présentons deux cas qui ont été accomplis dans notre centre, suivi d’une description détaillée, l’emploi et les défis de la technique, avec l’espoir d’aider des cliniciens et des sonographes de la sous–région à augmenter son emploi. Deux femmes nous ont été envoyées pour l’évaluation de leurs cavités endométriales à cause dune hémorragie menstruelle excessive. La sonohystérographie a révélé des masses utérines d’intra cavité, ayant un épaissement focaux hyper résonnant qui indique la présence des polypes endométriales; l’histologie a confirmé le diagnostic de polypes endométriales. La sonohystérographie est une modalité diagnostique faisable et abordable pour évaluer la cavité endométriale. Là ou l’on se dispose des équipements et le savoir- faire, il faut se servir de la technique plus souvent dans la sous-région ouest africaine (Afr J Reprod Health 2011; 15[3]:133-139).

Source: KNUST
Some Translation and Exegetical Problems in the New Testament of the Asante-Twi Bible (2012)

The Bible is God’s way of communicating with His people in such a manner that would easily be understood. This has resulted in the many translations of the Bible from their original languages to specific target languages, including Asante-Twi. The first edition of the Asante-Twi Full Bible was published in 1964 as a result of the revision works on the Akuapem-Twi Bible with slight changes in orthographies. The latest revised edition of the Asante-Twi Bible is the 2012 version. Since no translation is perfect, the Asante-Twi Bible (2012) also suffers similar challenge. The researcher identified six (6) of such translation and exegetical problems in the New Testament of the Asante-Twi Bible (AsTB). These include words and phrases in Matthew 15:19 (moicei/ai ); 25:15 (ta,lanta); Galatians 5:23 (evgkra,teia); and Ephesians 4:12 (tou/ sw,matoj tou/ Cristou); 6:9 (avnie,ntej th.n avpeilh,n ); and 6:12 (pa,lh ). The research employs biblical exegesis and mothertongue biblical hermeneutics in analysing the Greek texts and that of the AsTB texts. Comparative analyses of the Asante-Twi texts with other Ghanaian mother-tongue Bibles were done to show how the various Greek texts have been rendered in these mother-tongue Bibles. The research revealed that the Asante-Twi Bible is widely and mostly used by members of the mainline Churches irrespective of the level of education. However, the translations of some of the words fail to meet the thought pattern of the contemporary Asante Christian whose sociocultural settings are changing with time. It is recommended that stakeholders of the Asante-Twi Bible continually review it to reflect the understanding of the contemporary Asante Christian taking into cognisance the changing socio-cultural values of the Asante Christian.

Source: KNUST