ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Ankasa conservation area conflict management: voices from collaborative strategies

Traditional conservation strategies which rely on coercive methods have proven to be unsustainable over time. The institutionalization of a protected area brings with the demand of management, strategies that regard not only natural resources but the horizontalitites of the territory in which they are situated. Minimization of conflicts and integrated development of protected areas considers socio economic practices of fringe communities and their spatial implications. Hence, collaborative strategies have been the way forward for the limitations faced by park managers, bringing with it a sense of ownership and responsibility. These strategies are related to the devolution of authority of natural resources management to organized communities, multilateral panels such as multistakeholders advisory boards and sustainable implementation of alternative livelihoods schemes. The CREMA initiative in Ankasa Conservation Area brings the framework of contemporary Ghana's approach towards effective natural resources management. When voices from the various stakeholders are heard the nature of conflicts and best practices to circumvent them can be achieved. It also allows a realistic picture of the programme development to be drawn and the implementation of alternative livelihoods schemes. The text is divided into four categories of thought and organization, consisted of: Chapter One as an introduction to the research problem and its background as well as definition of research design and procedures; Chapter Two covers the literature and documental review so as to investigate on the research problem; Chapter Three consists of the data analysis and discussion and is divided into two: i.) presentation of the stakeholders, and ii.) presentation of original data in the form of discourses, or voices, according to topic of discussion; and Chapter Four covers the summary.

Source: KNUST
Anglicisme dans les productions ecrites chez les apprenants de Français de Dompoase Senior High School

Cross-linguistic transfer is a major difficulty which learners from English speaking countries encounter in the process of French language learning. Addressing this transfer and its negative impact on students is both a challenge and target for the teacher. This study aims at analyzing the frequent errors made by Dompoase Senior High School learners of French. The errors were collected from the written production test answer papers. They were analyzed in terms of source and cause with a view to developing remedy for them as part of our desire to promote Teaching/ Learning of French Language in Ghana. Keywords: positive and negative transfer (interference), error, mistake, mother tongue, foreign language, contrastive analysis and error analysis.

Source: KNUST
Analyzing the effects of change orders on the delivery of electricity infrastructure projects in Ghana

The causes of change orders and their effects on project cost and schedule are complex and influenced by numerous interrelated factors. The risk and uncertainties associated with project changes make predictions and planning for changes a difficult task. The objective of this research study was to identify major causes of changes, their effects on projects, and control procedures adopted in large infrastructure projects in ECG. An exploratory design was effectively utilized for this research. Primary data were collected through the use of structured questionnaires, data gathered were analyzed and findings discussed. A sample of 84 respondents were gathered from ECG project office. The result revealed that the most five common causes of change orders can be identified as: change of plans by owner, change of project scope by owner (additional-enhancement), problems on site, errors and omission in design (main element), poor design and poor working drawing details (secondary element). The five most common effects of change order are increasing the project’s cost, increasing the duration of individual activities, delaying in completion schedule, additional money for contractor, and delaying in payment. Finally, the six most common control measures are: checking and reviewing the contract documents, reviewing design before change approval, the change order must be negotiated by knowledgeable persons, the scope of change orders must be clearly made, appropriate approval in writing must be handed, and the good tools to control the occurrence of change including the areas of concern in monthly reports and meetings. It is recommended that owners make adequate financial planning during planning stage to avoid changing plans later or during construction.

Source: KNUST
Anthill as a Resource for Ceramics

The unavailability of ceramic raw materials and equipment for the firing of ceramic wares coupled with the lack of technical knowhow for the construction of kilns in Junior and Senior high schools have prompted this enquiry into, “Anthill as a resource for Ceramics.”The study has been undertaken to point out the usefulness of anthills in the teaching of ceramics in the Junior High and Senior High Schools. It is to assist the teachers and students to turn to the anthills in their own backyard to source for solutions to the problem of raw material and firing equipment. A comparative study of anthill materials and soils, have been made to find out the extent to which ants have modified the soils around them. Various tests were conducted to find out how useful anthill materials are so far as ceramic production is concerned. Exploratory study of the anthill structure was also conducted to find out to what extent it could serve as firing chambers and fire ports, flue holes, chimneys and other parts of the kiln. The results of the tests conducted indicated that many clay fabrication methods can be used to shape the soil from anthill. Different forms and wares were fabricated with the clay materials from the anthill. It also unveiled anthill as an insulative structure that retains heat in the semblance of an insulation brick kiln. Three types of anthills were modified to form three kinds of kilns and they were all fired successfully. It was also seen as a stable structure that can withstand a very high temperature without crumbling. Again it was revealed that the fuel consumption rate was comparatively low as only seventeen bundles of firewood were used for a batch whilst about thirty were used for a brick kiln of a similar volume. It was however recommended that further scientific investigations be carried out to find out the physical and chemical properties of the anthill. The method of construction of the anthill and the thermal regulation strategies used by the ants could also be studied and possibly adopted in the field of architecture.

Source: KNUST
Antecedents of taxpayers’ intentions to engage in tax evasion: evidence from ghana

Tax evasion has emerged as a significant challenge for governments worldwide, as it has become progressively complex to regulate due to the introduction of innovative and constantly evolving strategies. This study seeks to assess the antecedents of taxpayers’ behaviour to engage in tax evasion in Ghana. The study employed quantitative methods and inferential analysis techniques. The research design employed in this study was cross-sectional, descriptive, and explanatory in nature. The population under consideration consisted of individual taxpayers residing in the Western Region of Ghana. The researcher utilised convenience sampling to select a sample size of 384 participants who voluntarily agreed to provide data for the study. The study hypotheses were evaluated using SPSS version 26. Descriptive statistics were employed to provide a comprehensive summary of the data. The study examined the role of individual attitudes, subjective norms, and moral obligations as key determinants of perceived behavioural control in relation to tax evasion. The research conducted revealed significant and favourable associations between these psychological attributes and the perception of behavioural control in relation to tax evasion, as determined through the utilisation of multiple regression analysis. The implications of the findings suggest that tax systems should be formulated with the intention of not only facilitating tax collection, but also incorporating ethical considerations. Tax rules and regulations may be formulated with the intention of highlighting individuals' ethical obligation to contribute towards the provision of public goods and services. It is recommended that tax authorities use effective communication tactics to emphasise the ethical relevance of tax compliance.

Source: KNUST
Anthropogenic Sources and Risk Assessment of Heavy Metals in Mine Soils: A Case Study of Bontesso in Amansie West District of Ghana

Contamination of the environmental receptors with heavy metals due to mining is a major topical environmental issue in Ghana. *is research investigates the possible ecological and human health risks of heavy metal impacts due to mining in the Amansie West District in Ghana. A total of 18 soil samples were taken from the Bontesso illegal mining site in the district and analyzed for the levels of arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), and lead (Pb) using atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS). From principal component analysis, cluster analysis, and correlation coe8cient analysis, the metals are derived from multiple sources, with substantial levels of correlations. Using geo-accumulation index (Igeo), contamination factor (CF), degree of contamination (Cd), pollution load index (PLI), ecological risk index (Er), and noncarcinogenic and carcinogenic risks, respectively, the impacts of As (12.2 mg/kg) and Cd (1.3 mg/kg) are above the WHO stipulated limit. Findings for pollution indices indicate moderate contamination, while HQ< 1 for inhalation and dermal exposure route, except for ingestion which is HQ> 1. Based on the USEPA standard, the carcinogenic risk of the pollutants for humans is higher than the range of 1 × 10−6 to 1 × 10−4. Furthermore, the ingestion route represents the highest contributor to cancer risk with arsenic posing the greatest risk. *e results so far suggest that chemical components gradually accumulate and thus emphasize the importance of implementing the necessary mitigation methods to minimize the impacts of illegal mining activities in the study area.

Source: KNUST
Antagonistic Effect of Indigenous Bacillus subtilis on Root-/Soil-borne Fungal Pathogens of Cowpea

The biopesticide ability of indigenous Bacillus subtilis as a biocontrol agent against cowpea fungal pathogens Fusarium verticilloides, F. equiseti, F. solani, F. oxysporum, and Rhizoctonia solani isolated from diseased cowpea in the northern Guinea savanna of Nigeria was evaluated in the laboratory. Primary in-vitro screening for antagonism against these phytopathogenic fungi revealed significant (P ≤ 0.05) inhibitory effects on mycelial radial growth of the pathogens. Generally, the antibiosis exhibited by B. subtilis against F. verticilloides, F. equiseti, and R. solani was highly significant. However, there were little or no inhibition effects on F. solani, and F. oxysporum. Differences in times of inoculation between the antagonist and the pathogens were not significantly (P ≤ 0.05) different in aiding effective and efficient inhibition of the pathogens by B. subtilis. The B. subtilis strain isolated, identified, and used in this present study is a promising natural biopesticide agent which can be considered as an alternative to chemical pesticides in cowpea disease management strategies and should be further studied and tested for control of other phytopathogenic fungi causing diseases and yield loss in susceptible cowpea germplasm.

Source: KNUST
Antecedents of tax compliance of small and medium-sized enterprises (smes): the perspective of tamale metropolis

It is generally recognised that tax avoidance and evasion are the primary contributors to low tax efforts in developing nations. The fact that a larger and rising proportion of economic activities are carried out in the informal sector is one of the primary contributors to tax evasion in economies that are still in the process of developing or transitioning. To reduce tax evasion and avoidance among firms, the Ghana Revenue Authority introduced the electronic tax system. It is for this reason that the current study examines the contribution of attitude toward electronic tax system, adoption of electronic tax system, and isomorphic forces to tax compliance among SMEs in Ghana. A total of 225 SMEs within the Tamale Metropolis were used for the study. First, the findings indicate a significant and positive association between tax compliance and attitude toward the computerized tax system. The adoption of a favourable perspective on electronic tax filing in the Tamale Metropolis has been shown to enhance levels of tax compliance. Second, the results also show a strong positive link between tax compliance and the use of the e-tax system. The use of the e-tax system has led to an enhancement in tax compliance within Tamale. Third, there is a positive and significant correlation between isomorphic forces and tax compliance. Taxpayers demonstrate a higher likelihood of timely tax payment when they are subject to pressure, such as via the imposition of fines, enforcement of regulations, or the penalization of non-compliance with tax obligations by the GRA. Following these, the study recommended that the GRA ought to concentrate on boosting e-tax system utilization and guarantee that there is additional awareness of taxpayers on the necessity of tax compliance. The GRA should implement and enforce tax sanctions on those who engage in tax evasion and this might potentially incentivize taxpayers to adhere to tax rules.

Source: KNUST
Anthropometric indices and their cut-off points in relation to type 2 diabetes among Ghanaian migrants and non-migrants: The RODAM study

Aims: To compare body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC) and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) as determinants of type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and determine optimal cut-offs in a sub Saharan African population. Methods: Data from the RODAM study including Ghanaians aged 25–70 living in rural Ghana, urban Ghana and Europe were used. Logistic regression was used to assess associ ations between BMI, WC, WHR and T2DM status, by sex and site. Area under the curve (AUC) were constructed to discriminate between indices and establish performance and cut-off values. Results: WHR had the strongest association with T2DM in men and women across sites, except for rural men. The highest adjusted odds ratio (aOR) and AUC were in rural women for WHR (aOR = 2.09, 95%CI = 1.47–2.99; AUC = 0.71). Among migrants, WHR had higher

Source: KNUST
Anthropometric Measurements: Options for Identifying Low Birth Weight Newborns in Kumasi, Ghana

Background: In Ghana, 32% of deliveries take place outside a health facility, and birth weight is not measured. Low birth weight (LBW) newborns who are at increased risk of death and disability, are not identified; 13%–14% of newborns in Ghana are LBW. We aimed at determining whether alternative anthropometrics could be used to identify LBW newborns when weighing scales are not available to measure birth weight. Methods: We studied 973 mother and newborn pairs at the Komfo Anokye Teaching and the Suntreso Government hospitals between November 2011 and October 2012. We used standard techniques to record anthropometric measurements of newborns within 24 hours of birth; low birth weight was defined as birth weight ,2.5kg. Pearson’s correlation coefficient and the area under the curve were used to determine the best predictors of low birth weight. The sensitivity, specificity and predictive values were reported with 95% confidence intervals at generated cut-off values. Results: One-fifth (21.7%) of newborns weighed less than 2.5 kg. Among LBW newborns, the following measurements had the highest correlations with birth weight: chest circumference (r = 0.69), mid-upper arm circumference (r = 0.68) and calf circumference (r = 0.66); the areas under the curves of these three measurements demonstrated the highest accuracy in determining LBW newborns. Chest, mid-upper arm and calf circumferences at cut-off values of 29.8 cm, 9.4 cm and 9.5 cm respectively, had the best combination of maximum sensitivity, specificity and predictive values for identifying newborns with LBW. Conclusions: Anthropometric measurements, such as the chest circumference, mid-upper arm circumference and calf circumference, offer an opportunity for the identification of and subsequent support for LBW newborns in settings in Ghana, where birth weights are not measured by standardized weighing scales.

Source: KNUST
Anti-Filarial T-cell Responses in Onchocerciasis: Protective responses to recombinant Onchocerca volvulus antigens and regulatory mechanism

Onchocerciasis or River blindness is of high prevalence in tropical Africa, however current control methods, cannot stop transmission completely. Thus complementary approaches including the role of immune mechanisms to control have been advocated. The presence of putative immune individuals and evidence from animal models suggest the existence of immunity to onchocerciasis and that a mixed Thl/Th2 may be involved. To elucidate protective human immune responses, whole blood of onchocerciasis patients were stimulated with 17 O. volvulus recombinant antigens and the cytokine profiles elicited were assessed. Stimulation with these antigens induced moderate to high levels of cell proliferation and the production of IFN-γ, IL-5, IL-13 and IL-b. Interferon-γ production was observed to be significantly higher in cultures stimulated with the recombinant antigens OvALD, RAL-2 and ASP-1. These antigens also showed enhanced production of IL-S (P< 0.05). Only ASP-1 induced significant production of IL-13 (P=0.002). Thus, OvALD, RAL-2 and ASP-i proved potent in inducing a mixed Th1 /Th2 cytokine profile, and could be further investigated for vaccine development. The phenomenon of peripheral tolerance as observed in generalized onchocerciasis, involves different mechanisms. T regulatory-1 (Tr1) cells, a subset of CD4+ T cells, are implicated in suppressor functions in vitro and in vivo. Characterized by the predominant production of IL-10 and/or TGF-3, Tr1 cells have mainly been generated experimentally in an IL- 10-rich environment and have not been characterized in infectious diseases. In this study, it is shown that in the chronic helminth infection of onchocerciasis, T cells can be obtained which bear characteristics of Tr1 cells, producing substantial amounts of IL- 10, variable amounts of IL-5, and some IFN-γ but no IL-2 or IL-4. In contrast to Thl and Th2 clones, these cells display elevated amounts of CTLA-4 after stimulation and are able to inhibit other T cells in coculture. The effect of T cells with a regulatory profile on IgG4 production was investigated using generated T cell clones (TCC) with two different cytokine profiles co-cultured with purified CD19+ B cells. The present study showed that in T-B cell co-culture, IL- 10, if induced by the TCC or added to the system, down-regulated the immune response by inducing IgG4 secretion. The correlation between IgG4 and IL-l0 (r2 = 0.352) indicates that IL-b is an important but not the only factor for IgG4 induction. This establishes a direct implication of IL-I 0 in humoral hyporesponsiveness; especially where the T-B cell interplay determines the subsequent immune response.

Source: KNUST
Anti-inflammatory and anti-anaphylactic effects of trichilia monadelpha (thonn.) j. j. de wilde. ex oliv.pp (meliaceae) extracts in Rodents

Trichilia monadelpha (Meliaceae) in Ghana and other parts of Africa, is used locally to manage various inflammatory and pain conditions.Three extracts(petroleum ather extrct,PEE, etthyll acetate extract, EthE, and ethernal extarct, EAE) obtained from this plant and evaluated pharmacologically................

Source: KNUST
Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of stem bark extracts of maerua angolensis dc (capparaceae)

Maerua angolensis DC of the family Capparaceae is a plant used traditionally for the treatment of inflammatory conditions such as arthritis, pain, gout, boils and wounds. There is however very little scientific data on the usefulness of this plant as an anti-inflammatory agent. This study therefore aims at investigating the anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of M. angolensis. The dried powdered stem bark was extracted using solvents of different polarities to obtain four extracts: 70 % v/v ethanol extract (F1), ethyl acetate extract (F2), Petroleum ether extract (F3) and petroleum ether-ethyl acetate 1:1 (F4).The carrageenan-induced paw oedema, carrageenan-induced pleurisy and acetic acid-induced vascular permeability models were used to assess the possible anti-inflammatory effects of the extracts. Histamine, serotonin, bradykinin and prostaglandin E2-induced paw oedema was also used to determine the effect of the extracts on early phase mediators in acute inflammation. F1, F2 and F3 (30-300 mg kg-1) dose dependently and significantly suppressed carrageenan induced paw oedema with the highest dose of 300 mg kg-1 giving a maximum suppression of 73.45 %, 78.4 % and 68.3 % respectively. Neutrophil infiltration and exudate volumes in carrageenan-induced pleurisy were significantly reduced by F4 (30-300 mg kg-1) with maximum inhibition of 90.9 % and 64.2 % respectively. F4 also preserved normal alveolar architecture in rat lungs in the pleurisy assay with reduced neutrophil infiltration, oedema, hyperaemia and alveolar septal thickening from histopathological assessment. Myeloperoxidase activity, an indicator of neutrophil infiltration was also significantly reduced. Vascular permeability was also attenuated by F4 with marked reduction of Evans blue dye leakage in acetic acid-induced permeability assay. F4 was able to significantly suppress inflammation induced by serotonin, bradykinin and prostaglandin E2 but not that induced by histamine. iv The in vitro antioxidant activity of F4 was evaluated with the 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl hydrate (DPPH) scavenging test. Total phenolic content and total antioxidant capacity of F4 was also determined. F4 had DPPH radical scavenging activity (IC50; 0.1088 mg ml-1), total phenol content (97.24 mg g-1 tannic acid equivalent) and total antioxidant capacity (114.2 mg g-1 ascorbic acid equivalent). F4 exhibited in vivo antioxidant activity in carrageenan induced pleurisy by increasing the levels of glutathione, superoxide dismutase and catalase activity while decreasing lipid peroxidation in lung tissues. The results indicate that Maerua angolensis is effective in ameliorating inflammation induced by carrageenan and acetic acid. It also has the potential of increasing the activity of endogenous antioxidant enzymes and also a free radical scavenger. These findings therefore justify the wide use of Maerua angolensis in traditional medicine for inflammatory disease conditions.

Source: KNUST