ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Procurement reform in the Ghana health sector

In most countries procurement is undervalued compared to the attention paid to other key areas of Public Sector Reforms. Ghana represents a case in point. Under the health reforms in Ghana, the Ministry of Health and its partners (donors, financing institutions and the private sector) recognized the importance of procurement in its Medium-Term Health Sector Strategy for Ghana 1997 to 2001. With the aid of an external consultant, using a highly participatory approach in the development, training, and the implementation of new structures and procedures, good results have been achieved. Although work is ongoing and important challenges still need to be addressed, the authors argue that the new procurement structures now in place can serve as an example of a standardized support system for health reforms

Source: UCC
Production and Vendor Practices that Compromise the Quality of “Sachet” Water in the Central Region, Ghana

Over the years, deteriorating quality of pipe borne water has urged most Ghanaians to patronize sachet water as a safer and cheaper source of drinking water. The study investigated production and vendor practices that compromise quality of sachet water in the Central Region of Ghana. Quasi experimental design - Single Group Interrupted Time Series (SGITS) was used. Six sachet water producing companies and 6 vendors who sell products from these companies were purposively selected. Three sachets (500ml) were sampled from each company and vendor totaling 36 sachets. Membrane Filtration (MF) and Multiple Tube Fermentation (MTF) were used to isolate Total coliform (TC), Fecal coliform (FC), E. coli (EC) and Total heterotrophic bacteria (TH). Borehole water ‘B’ had very low pH (5.3). TC was positive (141 cfu/100ml) in one water sample while all 18 water samples were positive for TH when MF was used probably as a result of the use of inefficient filters. Samples taken from vendors’ sachet packages were more contaminated than those from companies using both MF and MTF. This indicates that production and vendor practices can further contaminate sachet water as was shown by the lack of good manufacturing practices such as observing personal hygiene among company staff. A more proactive approach that identifies risks and puts in place measures at critical points in sachet water production to promote and enhance overall quality will be important. The introduction of membrane filters as a more sensitive way of detecting these parameters as well as the Presence/Absence test as an inexpensive, reliable and easy test in the analysis of sachet water hopefully will help improve and maintain quality. It is recommended that the Ghana Health Services partner with the metropolis to develop a bacteriological water quality monitoring training program to help train producers of sachet water to meet standards.

Source: UCC
Production of Biodiesel from Parkia Biglobosa Oil Using Heterogeneous Bi-Functional Clay Catalyst

The aim of this study was to produce biodiesel from non-edible Parkia biglobosa oil using heterogeneous bi-functional Na2CO3-clay catalyst. Soxhlet extraction method was used to extract the oil from Parkia biglobosa seeds and the percentage yield of oil determined to be 16.5 %. The oil contained 0.61% w/w free fatty acid (FFA) and 191.65 (mgKOH/g) saponification value, determine the suitable catalyst used for producing biodiesel. Subsequently the oil was subjected to transesterification to biodiesel using the H2SO4 and bi-functional clay mineral or catalyst. The properties of the biodiesel were analysed using gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Catalyst synthesized from clay was slightly acidic with the PH of 4.88. The prepared catalyst was characterised by means of FTIR, SEM, UV Spectrum, EDS, and XRD. The efficiency of the catalyst for production of biodiesel was proven by the results of the transesterification study. The percentage weight of yield of biodiesel produced were 93.4 % and 94.7 % at optimal parameter of 6:1 and 12:1 methanol to oil molar ratio, 3 wt % and 2 wt % catalyst concentrations, 65℃ and 60℃ reaction temperature, 1.5 hrs reaction time for H2SO4 and bi-functional Na2CO3-clay catalyst transesterification. The biodiesel produced were within the limits of specification given by the American standard, test method (ASTM D6751), European Standard (EN 14241) and Ghana Standard Authority. Among the recommendation, the study suggest further research on ways of reducing iodine value and water content which were the only properties beyond accepted limit.

Source: UCC
Production of bioethanol from liquid waste from cassava dough during gari processing

Starch is a polysaccharide that can be hydrolyzed by enzymes and fermented into bioethanol. It is commonly found in Ghana as the effluent during cassava-gari processing. The copious amount and its related stench in the environment as effluent have necessitated its conversion into ethanol. his present study investigated bioethanol production by enzyme catalysis using effluent from cassava dough during gari processing. he starch was converted to dextrins using a-amylase enzymes extracted from paddy rice after which glucoamylase extracted from Aspergillus niger was used to hydrolyze the dextrins to glucose. The glucose was subsequently fermented into ethanol using yeast, and the ethanol was recovered by fractional distillation. he optimum temperature and pH of the enzymes applied were investigated. Hence, the optimum pH and temperature for the a-amylase during the starch liquefaction was 4 and 60 C, respectively, while that of the glucoamylase for the starch saccharifcation was 3.5 and 60 C, respectively. he average ethanol yield was 26.5 § 0.15% v/v, and the distillate purity was determined as 65.33 § 0.58%. his suggests that bioethanol production from the starch effluent of cassava dough during gari processing by enzyme catalysis may be employed industrially in addition to the conventional acid enzyme catalysis if the process is fully optimized

Source: UCC
Production of makuea poo-ung puree for usage in meal preparation

Makuea poo-ung is a perishable vegetable which can only be transformed to prolong the usability and also get access to it during the lean season. The processing of perishable products prevents conspicuous change in the content of nutrients and sensory properties. The main objective of the study is to use an untried technique to process Makuea poo-ung into a convenience food item. An experimental research was used to assess a suitable method of producing makuea poo-ung puree for domestic and commercial use. Results revealed that the use of ascorbic acid and lemon juice for the inhibition of enzymatic browning experienced slight uniform discolouration when it was boiled so colour turned to jade green. In conclusion puree can be portioned into cubes and stored in the freezer up to six months. It is recommended that home makers should adopt the recipe for domestic production of puree for convenience use and also for easy access during the lean season

Source: UCC
Production of n-propyl cetate by reactive distillation ,Experimental and Theoretical Study

First steps of the development of a catalytic reactive distillation process for the production of n-propyl acetate based on experiments and simulations are proposed. The kinetics for homogeneously (sulphuric acid) and heterogeneously (Amberlyst 15) catalysed reaction were investigated and the constants for a pseudo-homogeneous model are presented. Pilot plant experiments were performed using a homogeneous strong acid catalyst in a packed column. top-column decanter is used to withdraw the aqueous phase and to refux the organic phase. Simulation results are in good agreement with experimental data. Thermodynamics non idealities are taken into account using VLE and LLE NRTL interaction parameters. lcohol conversion and n-propyl acetate purity may be dramatically increased ust by adding to the pilot plant a stripping section in an additional column: six different confgurations are identifed to achieve such a production. The startup is studied in order to determine the best strategy to achieve steady-state conditions. The strong infuence of the composition of the initial charging in the decanter can be seen and an initial charging of the two-phase top product leads to the fastest startup

Source: UCC
Production of natural insecticide from Neem leaves (Azadirachta indica)

Research into the insecticidal effects of azadirachtin, a limonoid from the Neem tree (Azadirachta indica) has been ongoing for some 30 years. Its strong antifeedant, insect growth regulatory and reproductive effects are now well understood and documented. Antiffedancy varies markedly between species with mosquitoes being particularly sensitive to azadirachtin. The mode of action of azadirachtin lies in (i) effects on deterrent and other chemoreceptors resulting in antifeedancy and (ii) direct effects on most other tissues studied resulting in an overall loss of fitness of the insect. The complexity of the molecular structure of azadirachtin has precluded its synthesis for pesticide use although novel synthesis of the parent molecule is now almost complete and research into simpler mimetic substances is ongoing. Applied research has concentrated on a variety of natural formulations from neem seed kernels which contain azadirachtin together with several structurally related molecules. This study brings the reader up to date with both pure and applied research in the field, and provides a detailed overview of present thinking into the mode of action of azadirachtin. Wherever possible comparative approaches have been made between species of the effects of pure azadirachtin and areas for future research are indicated

Source: UCC
The productive performance of local chickens in three ecological zones of Ghana

A survey was carried out in three Agro-ecological zones (coastal savannah, rain forest and guinea savannah) of Ghana to find out the productive performance of local chickens. A total of 180 local chicken keepers (60 each from the three zones) were randomly selected with the help of the Agricultural Extension Agents in the zones. Data were collected through the administration of pre-tested semi-structured questionnaires, direct observations and measurements of productivity indices. Data collected included clutch sizes, number of clutches per year, egg production per year with and without hatching, age at sexual maturity, flock size and composition, hatchability and chick survival rates. Egg and body weights of birds were measured. Results obtained showed an average flock size per household of 17.5, 24.3 and 11.7 for the coastal, forest and savannah zones respectively, with an estimated inbreeding coefficient of 0.04. The mean clutch number was 3.0 with a clutch size of 12.8 eggs. The local birds were found to reach sexual maturity at 5.7 and 6.4 months for cocks and hens respectively. The annual egg production with hatching was 38 eggs with an egg size of 41.3g and 84.5% hatchability rate. The birds were found to be reared under the traditional extensive system with little or no care. Diseases (Newcastle), predation and theft were found to be the main causes of loss of bird or reduction in flock size. It is advocated that extra effort in the management and improvement of local chickens in the areas of housing, breeding, feeding and health care can go a long way to improve the productive performance of local chickens in Ghana

Source: UCC
Productive performance of naked neck, frizzle and dwarf laying hens under various natural climates and two nutritional treatments

The productive performance of major genes for feather reduction (naked neck and frizzle) and body size reduction (dwarf) in a dual-purpose layer strain was evaluated in the subtropical coastal region of southeast Africa (Maputo, Mozambique). The experimental material consisted of eight different genetic groups, two diets (14.4 and 16.2% crude protein) and two climatic seasons. Birds were caged individually in a laying house with natural light and ventilation. Traits measured were: temperature and relative humidity, body weight, age at first egg, egg number and weight, feed intake and mortality. The following were calculated: persistence, egg mass, feed efficiency, feed conversion, biological efficiency (EMD/BW0.75) and productivity (EN/BW0.75). The main results show that: (1) none of the feather-reducing genes significantly improved egg production or feed efficiency, although the naked neck (Na) excelled in terms of biological efficiency and productivity; (2) the dwarf gene (dw) was associated with delayed sexual maturity, production of fewer and lighter eggs, higher persistence, better feed conversion and higher survivability; (3) elevated temperatures restrained voluntary feed intake, egg number and weight, and body weight gain; (4) the lower dietary protein content resulted in decreased body weight. It was concluded that the genes were not equally responsive to the environments, which offers the opportunity for selective breeding

Source: UCC
Productivity differentials and technology gap in African agriculture: A stochastic metafrontier approach

Increased agricultural productivity is important for development and poverty reduction in Africa. However, productivity levels in African agriculture is very low and strategies for improving them have not produced the desired outcome. Successful productivity improvement strategies are contingent on identifying sources of productivity growth in African agriculture. This paper sought to examine sources of productivity in African agriculture using cross-country panel data. Specifically, a stochastic metafrontier model was employed to decompose efficiency into technical efficiency and technology gap. Generally, the results show an average efficiency of 71%, indicating about 29% shortfall in efficiency in African agriculture. The source of inefficiency is attributable to technological inefficiency rather than technical inefficiency because the empirical estimates show that almost all countries are producing close to the regional frontier. Using the bootstrap truncated regression model, factors such as expenditure on R & D, trade and literacy were determined as having efficiency increasing effects

Source: UCC
Professional accountants' perceptions of ethical issues, causes of unethical behavior and ethics education: a study of professional accountants in Kumasi

This study aimed at examining professional accountants' perceptions of ethical issues, causes of unethical behaviour and ethics education using professional accountants in Kumasi as case study. The objectives of the study were to: examine the incidence, prevalence and forms of unethical behaviors among accounting professionals, examine the extent of accountants‟ professional behavior and the cause of unethical behaviors, examine the ethical orientation of professional accountants, and examine the effectiveness of instruction in accounting ethics education. Data was collected using questionnaires which were administered to 50 professional accountants in Kumasi. These instruments were piloted and tested for validity and reliability. Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 21 was used to aid in generating a summary of results which were represented in tabular form. Findings of the study indicated that majority of professional accountants demonstrates unethical behaviors with time and there are several cases of unethical behaviours been displayed in organizations. Moral standards were found to be the basis of ethical orientation of accountants. The study recommended that accounting bodies and stake holders should investigate why Accountants‟ ethical behavior is not congruent with their professionalism

Source: UCC
Professional Nurses’ Knowledge level on Type II Diabetes Mellitus at Selected teaching and Training Hospitals in the Central Region of Ghana

Background: Diabetes Mellitus is a global public health concern for many nations in the 21st Century with approximately 246 million people worldwide living with diabetes. A large number of research studies have it that nurses’ knowledge on diabetes mellitus is poor and that there is the need to increase their knowledge level for effective management of patients with diabetes mellitus. In some cases, nurses’ knowledge was adequate but they lacked knowledge in certain aspects of diabetes mellitus care especially, diabetic complications and insulin advancements. Also, there was a general notion in Sub-Saharan Africa that health care workers were insufficiently trained in chronic disease management. Methods: With this in mind, there was the need to find out the knowledge level of nurses in the Central Region of Ghana, particularly the Central Regional Hospital, the District Hospital and the University Hospital. To arrive at that a modified version of The Michigan Diabetes Research and Training Centre’s Brief Diabetic Knowledge Test was administered. Results: Fourty- four 44 (32.4%) of the respondents’ knowledge was good.However, knowledge level in the area of diabetic complications was generally poor among majority (68.4%) of the respondents. Conclusions: It is recommended that nurses continue to upgrade their knowledge in the area of diabetes mellitus, particularly in the area of diabetes complications and insulin advancements.

Source: UCC
Professionalism and Accounting Ethical Practices of Accountants: A Case of all District Assemblies in the Western Region of Ghana

Every profession that wants to improve its professional capabilities and create overall corporate efficiencies must adhere to certain ethical norms and principles. The main aim of the study was to examine how professionalism affect the accounting ethical practices of accountants at all the district assemblies in the Western region of Ghana. Five research objectives and hypotheses guided the study. The study employed the explanatory research design and approached the study through the quantitative research approach. The study targeted all district assemblies in the Western region of Ghana. The total number of accountants at all the fourteen district assemblies in the Western region is eight hundred and forty (840). A sample of two hundred and seventy-one (271) accountants were selected for the study and they were convinced to participate. A self-administered questionnaire solicited the accountants’ views on the stated objectives of the study. Firstly, the study's findings revealed that professional behaviour has an influence on accounting ethical practices. The study also discovered that professional competence and due care has an effect on accounting ethical practices. In addition, confidentiality also has an effect on accounting ethical practices. Furthermore, it was found that objectivity has an effect on accounting ethical practices. Finally, the study found that integrity has an effect on accounting ethical practices. It is also recommended that confidential information acquired as a result of professional and business relationships should not be used for the personal advantage of the professional accountant or third parties.

Source: UCC
Professionals without a profession? the paradox of contradiction about teaching as a profession in Ghana

Today almost every worker claims to be a professional and their occupation a profession. To teachers the question of professionalism is very important; it influences the quality of education they provide for children as well as the quality of their lives as teachers. Yet, how professionalism is defined and what constitute a profession have been sites of academic and ideological struggle between union leaders, bureaucrats and academics played out in a variety of settings. This paper reports on a study that investigated teachers’ conception of professionalism and profession. It examined teachers’ views of themselves as professionals and of teaching as a profession. The research adopted a descriptive survey approach. Evidence was gathered through administering questionnaire to teachers who had undergone pre-service professional training at bachelor’s degree level, taught for at least three years and were upgrading their professional qualification to master’s degree level. It was found that while teachers saw themselves as professionals, they did not think that teaching in Ghana qualified as a full fledged profession. This apparent ‘paradox of contradiction’ is vital knowledge for understanding individual actions by teachers and their attitude to collective actions by teacher organisations such as the Ghana National Association of Teachers and the National Association of Graduate Teachers.

Source: UCC
Profile and Antimicrobial Susceptibility Pattern of Bacterial Isolates from Infected Wounds of Patients Attending Berekum Holy Family Hospital in Ghana

Wound management and care after an infection has been known to present a major concern to healthcare professionals. Its association with increased trauma, discomfort and financial burden to patients bring to bear the need for aggressive intervention. This study sought to investigate the bacterial profile and their antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of infected wounds in patients who reported to Berekum Holy Family Municipal Hospital in Ghana. Methodology: A total of 150 consenting patients with wound infections of diverse aetiologies were recruited. Wound swabs were aseptically obtained, macroscopically analyzed, gram stained and cultured on differential media. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was performed by Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion technique. Results: The prevalence of wound infection was 84.67% with cellulitis (35.43%) accounting for the most cause. Gram-negative bacilli (84.5%) were the most isolated bacteria with Pseudomonas aeruginosa (28%) being the most predominant pathogen isolated. Polymicrobial infections were identified in 33 (19.64%) of the infected wounds with Pseudomonas aeruginosa/Proteus mirabilis being the most common association (36.4%). The isolated gram-negative organisms were absolutely susceptible (97%-100%) to amikacin. Gentamicin, Ciprofloxacin and Levofloxacin exhibited moderate to higher susceptibility. Gentamicin exhibited maximal susceptibility against the gram-positive organisms with tetracycline being the most resistant antibiotic against the isolated organisms. Conclusion: With the increased detection of bacterial pathogens causing wound infections and their susceptibility to the tested antibiotics, we recommend that patients with wound infections should immediately report cases to health facilities for early intervention.

Source: UCC