ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Bioremediation of hydrocarbon contaminated soil using compost, NPK fertilizer and cattle bile as amendment materials

The study seeks to investigate the extent of degradation of petroleum hydrocarbon contaminated soil by harnessing the remedial potential of compost, NPK fertilizer and cattle bile as amendment additives. A baseline study was carried out to determine the physicochemical properties (TPH, OM, TOC, pH, TN, P, K, and Moisture content) and the microbial load (THBC) of the contaminated soil and compost using appropriate methods. Homogenized soil (1000g) each was amended with 10.53 g of NPK fertilizer, 107.48 g of compost to achieve 0.2%, whereas to establish 0.4% nitrogen 23.87 g of NPK fertilizer and 243.54 g of compost as well as 2 ml of cattle bile were employed to establish different microcosm experiments such as; A, B, C, D, A2, B2, C2 and D2 including a control (devoid of afore-listed additives). The microcosm experiments were subjected to aeration thrice a week over six weeks of incubation, during which individual microcosm experiment was periodically sampled at two weeks intervals for analysis. The data of results revealed a sharp decrease in TPH concentration after two weeks and progressively decreased further over the subsequent sampling week periods during incubation; with a corresponding increase in the rate of hydrocarbon compounds removal. Microcosm B2 and the control (Ct1) emerged as the maximum and minimum rate of TPH components removal at the end of the bioremediation process as illustrated in the order; B2(98.43%) > B(94.87%) > C(94.64%) > A(94.14%) > D2(93.65%) > A2(93.57%) > C2(92.44%) > D(91.43%) > Ct1(79.57%). Generally it was observed that microcosms established at 0.4% nitrogen concentration exhibited higher rate of nitrogen consumption as compared to those microcosms established at 0.2% nitrogen concentration. In conclusion, biostimulation through homogenization, addition of moisture, compost, NPK fertilizer and inoculation of cattle bile, is a plausible approach to effect TPH components removal from contaminated soil. Microcosm B2 (1000 g contaminated soil + 0.2% fertilizer + cattle bile) evidently emerged as the best treatment option among the other nine microcosm experiments. Cattle bile, indeed possess remedial potential and function as biosurfactant to augment the biosurfactant produced by the bacterial population to enhance hydrocarbon degradation.

Source: KNUST
Bioremediation of Landfill Leachate in a Bioreactor Usimg Microorganisms Isolated From Leachate

This study was to provide an improved alternative to leachate treatment currently practiced at Oti, an engineered landfill treatment site in Kumasi, Ghana. Landfill leachate was treated using a fixed bed bioreactor with immobilized indigenous heavy metal resistant microorganisms on bamboo support pieces. The heavy metal resistant microorganisms used were isolated from the landfill leachate. Samples from the bioreactor were monitored for levels of BOD5, COD, organic nitrogen, ammonia-nitrogen, total nitrogen and heavy metal concentrations (Zn, Pb, Cu, Cd). Temperature, conductivity and pH changes were monitored daily. There was an 82.30%, reduction in BOD5, 12.77% in COD, 87.46% in ammonia-nitrogen, 13.17% in organic nitrogen, 78.69% in total nitrogen, and 23.17% in conductivity levels. The treatment system currently in place at the Oti engineered landfill site showed higher reductions for COD (67.76%), organic nitrogen (62.04%), and electrical conductivity (71.11%) as compared to the fixed bed bioreactor. The fixed bed bioreactor did not show any significant reduction in the concentrations of zinc, lead, copper and cadmium as compared to the treatment system at the landfill site. The fixed bed bioreactor is more effective in treating the high biochemical oxygen demand, ammonia-nitrogen and total nitrogen concentrations of landfill leachate. However, the relatively high residual chemical oxygen demand and electrical conductivity observed after treatment in both systems considered necessitates the addition of a secondary treatment system to treat the recalcitrant organic and inorganic compounds in leachate.

Source: KNUST
Birth preparedness and complication readiness among pregnant women in resource-limited setting in rural Northern Ghana

Introduction: in developing countries, complications during pregnancy and childbirth are still a leading cause of maternal morbidity and mortality. Birth preparedness and complication readiness (BPCR) is a key strategy to encourage pregnant women to seek care from skilled birth attendants. Birth preparedness and complication readiness status and its associated factors are currently unknown in rural Northern Ghana. This study assessed BPCR status among pregnant women in Sissala East and Sissala West Districts of Rural Northern Ghana. Methods: we conducted a community-based descriptive cross-sectional study in two districts in rural Northern Ghana. A total of 549 participants were sampled using the multi stage sampling technique and data were analyzed both descriptively and analytically using binary logistic regression. Results: the study enrolled 549 mothers. Less than half (4.7%) of respondents had adequate knowledge of warning signs during pregnancy. With respect to BPCR, only 46.5% of the mothers were well prepared. With respect to multivariate analysis, respondents who had attended primary (aOR = 1.77, 95% CI: 1.15, 2.73), secondary (aOR = 4.43, 95% CI: 2.61, 7.52) or tertiary education (aOR = 4.78, 95% CI: 1.89, 12.11) were significantly associated with good birth preparedness and complication readiness. Pregnant Islamic women were less likely to have adequate knowledge of warning signs during pregnancy when compared with Christian women (aOR = 0.14, 95% CI: 0.02, 0.81). Conclusion: this study showed that poor knowledge of warning signs during pregnancy and inadequate BPCR among mothers. Providing adequate BPCR information and counseling, with emphasis on warning signs during pregnancy and delivery is essential.

Source: KNUST
Birthweight of Newborns in Relation to the Nutritional Status of Pregnant Women in the Atwima Nwabiagya District of Ashanti Region of Ghana.

Several studies have shown an association between gestational weight gain, maternal haemoglobin levels during pregnancy and infant birth weight. Since such an association is influenced by geographical factors, it is important that investigations be carried out in the various districts in Ghana to establish it. This research was therefore conducted to assess the nutritional status of pregnant women in the Atwima Nwabiagya district of Ashanti Region of Ghana. Specifically, gestational weight gains and haemoglobin levels of pregnant women attending antenatal clinics in the Nkawie Government Hospital were assessed to ascertain if they were appropriate as recommended as well as examine the effects of these indicators of nutritional status on infant birth weight, and the frequency of certain foods intake. The study was observational and the design was a cross sectional prospective survey involving 150 pregnant women aged 15-49 years. Structured questionnaire and records from maternal health record books including body weight and haemoglobin levels were used for the assessment. A recall of the pattern of food intake weekly and quantity of water per day were also used in collecting data from July 2010 to October 2010. A simple random sampling technique was used to select 150 pregnant women attending ANC at the Nkawie Government Hospital, while purposive sampling was used in the choice of the Hospital. The major findings from the study indicated that 91.2% of women did not gain the recommended weight during second trimester of pregnancy. Mean weight gain during second trimester was 2.2± 2.1kg. Also 95.3% did not gain the recommended weight in their third trimester. Mean weight at third trimester was 2.9± 2.2kg.The prevalence of anaemia at first, second and third trimesters were 63.2%, 80.7% and 88.7% respectively. Mean haemoglobin levels at first, second and third trimesters were 10.4± 1.8g/dl; 6.1± 1.6g/dl; and 9.9± 1g/dl respectively. An association was found between gestational haemoglobin levels at first and third trimester and infant birth weight (p value = 0.008). There were 12 babies born with LBW. Mean birth weight was 2.9± 0.5kg. Intake of fruits and green leafy vegetables per week were very low. Majority (70%) pregnant women took the recommended quantity of water per day. Generally, the nutritional status of pregnant women attending ANC at the Nkawie government hospital is poor. This notwithstanding, the effects of the poor nutritional status evidenced by inadequate gestational weight gain and high levels of anaemia on the infants birth weight was minimal, as only 8% of babies born had LBW and this is lower than the LBW rate of 12% in sub Saharan Africa.

Source: KNUST
Block modelling of an orebody using surpac- a Case Study at Gold Fields Ghana Limited (GFG)

The Tarkwa (Underground) Mine of the Gold Fields Ghana Limited has got a limited life span due to depleting underground reserves. This has led to an intensification of search for alternative source of ore for the underground mine This research sets out to apply the Surpac Specialist software to process borehole data from a recently completed diamond drill exploration project at the Kottraverchy area, and to produce a block model of the shallow underground deposit intercepted The research begun with the collection of drillhole data, creation of database, extraction of vertical sections, formation of solid three-dimensional model (3DM) and compositing of drillhole assay data. The main block modelling processes included, the creation of an empty block model, addition of constraints to the model, addition of attribute fields (e.g.. assay, zoning and specific gravity fields), tilling of block with attribute values, extraction of sections, and generation of grade and volume/tonnage report. Finally the grade and volume/tonnage results were manually validated to ascertain their reliability. The total resource of the deposit amounted to about 19.4 Mt at a mean grade of about 1 .5 g/t. At a cut-off of 5 g/t, however, a total of about 0.9 Mt of ore at mean grade of 6.9 g/t was reported. It also came to light that only twenty-two (22) blocks (of size 75 m x 50 m x 5 m) from the two zones of Al of the Ajopa reef and AFc3 of the Kottraverchy reef respectively can be classified as ore at a cut-off 5 g/t.

Source: KNUST
Blood collection tubes impact expression of activated CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in human whole blood assay

Background T-lymphocyte subsets CD4 and CD8 play important role in host immune responses. However, little attention has been given to the impact of time lapse and the various anticoagulant blood collection tubes on the expression frequency and activation status of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. To this end, we explore the impact of time (t<1 h and t=4 h) and collection tubes (EDTA and heparin) on the expression frequency and activation status of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells among healthy Ghanaian individuals. Methods A cohort of healthy individuals (n=9) is recruited, and blood samples obtained in Ghana for the frequency of CD4+and CD8+ T cells at various time points (<1 h and 4 h). The proportions of activation of these immune markers were profiled using immunophenotyping. Results Significant statistical differences in the activation frequency of CD69 expressing CD4+T cells (t < 1 h and t=4 h; p=0.02) and CD69 expressing CD8+ T cells from EDTA tubes at times (t < 1 h and t=4 h; p=0.05) was observed. No significant difference were observed with CD69 expressing cells in Heparin tubes. Notably, CD8+ T cell activation frequency was observed to be consistently higher than that of CD4+ T cell at the various study time points and in the collection tubes used. No marked alterations were observed witth the proportion of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in the samples collected at the time points; <1 h and at 4 h. Conclusion The study shows that activation of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in EDTA tubes differed significantly between both time points (t <1 h and t=4 h) but not in the heparin collection tubes. Therefore, it is important to take into account the elapsed time and the type of blood collection tubes when performing phenotypic characterization of activated immune markers.

Source: KNUST
Blending the traditional face-to-face learning with instructional technology.

Emerging technologies offer alternative ways to conceptualize and deliver education in pursuit of promoting learning. One of the many ways is Blended Learning (BL). This blend of conventional Face-to-Face (F2F) instruction and Web-based distance learning has a potential to create an improved learning experience for the student. In this thesis work, BL models were studied and the pertinent ones were adopted and modified for application in a case study involving the handling of two courses—Computer Literacy at Sunyani Polytechnic and Computer Networking at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) all in Ghana. In the models, students’ performance in terms of their end-of-semester examination results, were used as the output. The experimental results revealed that employing instructional technology promises great successes when adequate preparation is made. This was evident in the outcome of the application of the BLM at KNUST which showed an average improvement of 61% in the performance of students. The outcome of the case study at Sunyani Polytechnic showed that, the introduction technology in the learning process notwithstanding, if preparations are woefully inadequate, results can be worse than that of the traditional F2F approach. Here, the first semester results showed an average decline of 15% in the performance of students.

Source: KNUST
Black Heritage Memorial, Elmina

Over 200 years ago the people of’ West Africa were subjected to the most horrible experiences mankind has ever witnessed, Entire races of people were enslaved and transported to faraway lands where they were subjected to torturous work under extremely harsh conditions, with little or no thought for human dignity. Ghana has the dubious honour of being the site to numerous facilities, such as forts castle and other trading posts, where the transactions between the slave buyers and local merchants took places. Having originally come under the pretext of purchasing gold (which was in abundant supply), the Europeans realised soon afterwards that slave trading was a very lucrative, so all attention turned to this new venture. At the peak of the trade, it was said that most merchants undertook only one trip, as this was enough to ensure the financial security of one’s extended family for several generations. Perhaps, because of its magnitude and immediate social implications at the time, the slave trade also happens to be one of the least understood events, despite a comprehensive amount of documentation that is easily available. A lot of’ sensationalism is constantly associated with the subject, and this is why the need for a facility dedicated to educating people on the subject is called for.

Source: KNUST
Board characteristics, asset quality, and firm profitability: evidence from the ghanaian banking sector

Following the collapse of giant institutions such as Enron and worldcom, the concept of corporate governance began to exasperate the interest of scholars, academicians, and major stakeholders who have invested their hard-earned money in companies. Likewise, in the Ghanaian context, the collapse of many banks as well as the revocation of the license of many financial institutions are attributed to the issues of corporate governance. For this reason, the current study analysed board characteristics, asset quality, and profitability of banks in Ghana. Data was collected from the annual reports of 11 banks spanning from 2015 to 2020. From the results, the study found a significant positive relationship between asset quality and board size, board independence and board meetings among banks in Ghana. Furthermore, it was found that there is a strong positive relationship between asset quality and the profitability of banks in Ghana. Based on these findings, the study recommended banks should consider expanding their board of directors to include a diverse range of individuals with expertise in different areas of finance and asset management, which can contribute to better decision-making and ultimately enhance asset quality. Moreover, it was recommended that banks should establish robust monitoring mechanisms to evaluate and assess asset quality continuously. This will enable the board to identify any potential issues or areas for improvement and take appropriate actions in a timely manner. Finally, it is crucial for banks to prioritize maintaining a strong and healthy asset portfolio by effectively managing credit risk, minimizing non-performing assets, and ensuring regular audits and evaluations of asset quality.

Source: KNUST
Blood pressure patterns in rural, semi-urban and urban children in the Ashanti region of Ghana, West Africa

Background: High blood pressure, once rare, is rapidly becoming a major public health burden in sub-Saharan/Africa. It is unclear whether this is reflected in children. The main purpose of this study was to assess blood pressure patterns among rural, semi-urban, and urban children and to determine the association of blood pressure with locality and body mass index (BMI) in this sub Saharan Africa setting. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional survey among school children aged 8–16 years in the Ashanti region of Ghana (West-Africa). There were 1277 children in the study (616 boys and 661 females). Of these 214 were from rural, 296 from semi-urban and 767 from urban settings. Results: Blood pressure increased with increasing age in rural, semi-urban and urban areas, and in both boys and girls. The rural boys had a lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure than semi urban boys (104.7/62.3 vs. 109.2/66.5; p < 0.001) and lower systolic blood pressure than urban boys (104.7 vs. 107.6; p < 0.01). Girls had a higher blood pressure than boys (109.1/66.7 vs. 107.5/63.8; p < 0.01). With the exception of a lower diastolic blood pressure amongst rural girls, no differences were found between rural girls (107.4/64.4) and semi-urban girls (108.0/66.1) and urban girls (109.8/67.5). In multiple linear regression analysis, locality and BMI were independently associated with blood pressure in both boys and girls. Conclusion: These findings underscore the urgent need for public health measures to prevent increasing blood pressure and its sequelae from becoming another public health burden. More work on blood pressure in children in sub-Saharan African and other developing countries is needed to prevent high blood pressure from becoming a major burden in many of these countries.

Source: KNUST
Board gender diversity and firm performance of listed firms in Ghana

This study examines the relationship between board gender diversity and firm financial performance of firms in Ghana. The sample consists of 31 listed firms on the GSE over the period 2003-2014 which yields an unbalanced panel data of 290 firms. The objectives of the study is to determine gender composition of listed firms on Ghana Stock Exchange, to examine the effect of female presence on boards on firm performance, to investigate the impact of female presence on audit committee on firm performance and to assess the impact of female executive members of the board on firm performance. After controlling for firm size, board size, industrial dummies, ownership and other corporate governance measures using the pooled OLS and the generalized least squares estimation methods, the study finds a mixed result. Specifically, the study finds a positive and significant relationship between gender diversity as measured by proportion of women on board and firm performance measured by gross profit margin, net profit margin and return on capital employed. The study, however, reports a negative and significant relationship between gender diversity (proportion of women on board) and Tobin‟s Q but finds no significant relationship between proportion of female on board and return on equity. The study again finds no significant relationship between the diversity measure „female executive board members‟ and all five firm performance measures. The study further conclude that there exist no significant relationship between percentage of female on audit committee and performance measured by gross profit margin, Tobin‟s Q, net profit margin, return on capital employed and return on capital employed. The study also confirms assertion that a firm‟s asset size is a good predictor of firm performance. A major policy recommendation is that firms should include women on their boards since they contribute positively to the firm‟s performance.

Source: KNUST
Board gender diversity and the performance and risk of banks in Ghana

The study investigates how board gender diversity affect bank performance and risk in Ghana. The study adopts the quantitative approach to investigate the research objectives. The study employs the convenience sampling technique to select 14 banks from a population of 23 banks. Secondary data, which are annual panel data spanning the seven-year period from 2015 to 2021 are used. The panel regression analysis is employed to analyze the data. The study uses Stata statistical software for data analysis. The study discovers that a statistically significant positive relationship exit between board gender diversity and the performance of banks. Additionally, the study reveals that the relationship between gender diversity of the board and credit risk is statistically significant and negative. The study therefore concludes that gender diversity of the board is a major determinant of performance and credit risk of banks in Ghana. The study recommends an enhancement of gender inclusivity on the boards of banks in Ghana.

Source: KNUST
Board gender diversity, governance and financial performance of firms listed in Ghana

The study examines the relationship between gender issues in corporate governance and financial performance of listed firms in Ghana. Specifically, the study determines the effect of female presence on boards on firm performance, investigates the effect of female presence on audit committee on firm performance, evaluates the effect of female CEO on firm performance and finally, explores the moderating effect of female CEO on female board membership financial performance. The study first and foremost employs an explanatory research design through the application of quantitative analysis in its presentation of results. The study samples 31 listed companies from the Ghana Stoch Exchange. The period under studying is between the year 2008-2019. By the application of unbalanced panel data estimation and ordinary least regression method, the study concludes that while there is a negative insignificant effect of female directorship on stock market performance which is being represented by Tobin’s Q as a proxy, there is a negative significant effect of female board directorship on financial sustainability which is that of return on capital employed. Secondly, there is a reflection of a negative significant relationship between that of female audit committee member and financial performance of listed firms in Ghana. None of the estimation methods show any significant effect between that of female CEO and firm performance. Lastly, moderation estimation shows a negative significant relationship between female directorship and financial sustainability. The study recommends that firms should include women on their corporate boards. The study therefore recommends women should undergo relevant seminars and training. This will help them to contribute positively to the improvement of the stock performance of the firms they represent. GSE should make it a requirement for all listed firms to disclose corporate governance issues such as audit, nomination, compensation, gender composition.

Source: KNUST