ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Analysis of Levels of Heavy Metals, Essential Elements and Persistent Organic Pollutants (Pops) in Human Breast Milk: A Study at the Ho Teaching Hospital

Human breast milk is, by far, the richest source of nutrition. However, breast milk is not pristine. The study aimed to analyse breast milk at lactational stages for persistent organic pollutants (OCPs, PCBs and PFAS), five heavy metals and essential elements. Participants for the study were healthy lactating mothers (aged 18 – 42 years) from first to third week postpartum. Forty-seven participants were recruited for the study. Forty millilitres (40 mL) of colostrum, transitional milk and mature milk were collected from each participant, making a total of 150 samples. Besides, each participant completed a comprehensive questionnaire to elicit information on biodata, place of residence and dietary pattern. Ten millilitres (10 mL) aliquot of each breast milk sample was prepared, extracted and analysed for PFAS using UPLC–MS/MS. Another 10 mL aliquot sample was extracted using QUECHERS and cleaned up and analysed for OCPs and PCBs using GC – ECD and GC–MS respectively A further 10 mL aliquots sample were acid digested employing EPA Method 3010A and analysed using ICP-OES. Statistical analyses were performed using IBM SPSS (Version 24), Excel Tool Pak and XLSTAT 2022.4.1.1377 and the results summarised in tables and figures. The mean Levels and ranges of PFAS detected in breast milk ranged from 2.65 ± 3.31 ng/L (PFHxA) – 83.14 ± 38.61 ng/L (PFOS). Both OCPs and PCBs analyzed were all below limits of detection. Mean levels of heavy metals in colostrum, transitional milk and mature milk respectively ranged from 0.002 (Cd) – 0.872 (Al) μg/L; 0.002 (Cd) – 0.997 (Pb) μg/L and 0.002 (Cd) – 0.564 (Al). The mean levels of essential elements ranged from 0.07 (Se) – 815.00 (K); 0.07 (Se) – 1008,00 (Na) and 0.07 (Se) – 596.00 (K) respectively during the stages of lactation.

Source: UCC
Analysis of Levels of Thinking Required in West African Senior Secondary School Certificate in Core Mathematics Multiple Choice Items

This study analyzed levels of thinking required by West African Senior School Certificate in core Mathematics Multiple Choice Items (MCI). The purpose of this study to investigate whether this claim by the students is correct. Survey design was adopted for the study and 2013 and 2014 WAEC Mathematics MCI were adopted. Purposive sampling technique was used to select the 2013 and 2014 test items. Data analysis was carried out using frequency and percentage and chi-square test. Findings revealed that the level of thinking required in 2014 Mathematics WAEC multiple choice items from the students were different from one level to another. However, the items that required higher level of thinking were 34 (68%) which is higher than the items requiring lower level of thinking, 16 (32%). Thinking required by 2013 Mathematics WAEC multiple choice items varied, and the items required students to demonstrate both lower and higher level of thinking skills. Thus, the items that required students to think at lower and higher levels of thinking were equal. Also, no significant difference was found in the thinking level required in 2013 and 2014 Mathematics WAEC Multiple Choice Items. It was recommended that WAEC Mathematics items should be adequately distributed across the cognitive domain of Bloom’s Taxonomy of educational objectives to improve students’ performance in Mathematics.

Source: UCC
Analysis of livelihood activity amongst itinerant West African migrant traders in the Accra metropolitan area

In West Africa, studies on migration and livelihoods are mostly limited to internal migrants. This study analyzed the livelihood activities of itinerant West African migrant traders in the Accra Metropolitan Area, using mixed methods approach. The study which was guided by the framework for migration and itinerant migrant trade surveyed 779 itinerant immigrant traders and interviewed 12 key informants. Descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression were the main analytical techniques used. The results showed that most of the immigrant traders were young, unmarried males with no formal education and their main trading activity was itinerant retailing of foot wears/leather belts/bags and herbal medicines. As regards their livelihood status, female immigrant traders and those who were younger (< 20 years) were less likely to have improved livelihood status. Moreover, while immigrant traders of food products were more likely to have a deteriorated livelihood status, those engaged in the sale of durable products (electronics and accessories) were most likely to achieve improved livelihood status. The study recommends that itinerant West African migrant traders should invest more of their resources in the sale of electronics and accessories as it has the highest potential of guaranteeing secured and improved livelihoods. Any form of business support aim at improving the livelihood status of itinerant immigrant traders should be focused on young and female itinerant traders and those engaged in the sale of food-related items because they were less likely to maintain improved livelihood status

Source: UCC
Analysis of Malaria Model with Two Infectious Classes and Seasonal Mosquito Birth Rate

Malaria is a complex and deadly infectious disease that puts approximately 3.3 billion people at risk in 109 countries and territories around the world. A mathematical model for malaria was analysed to better understand the transmission and spread of this disease. The goal was to use this model to estimate human malaria infection for a given data set. The model was analysed for the existence and stability of disease-free and endemic (malaria persisting in the population) equilibria. In some cases essential parameters (i.e. parameters with significant influence on the endemic equilibrium) was determined and also bifurcation parameter K was calculated. It was shown that a scaled version of the model has a unique endemic equilibrium for certain values of the ratio of mosquito to human population, which is always a global attractor. Otherwise, there is no endemic equilibrium and the disease-free equilibrium is a global attractor. When the ratio of mosquito to human population changes the endemic equilibrium changes and forms a curve Ce in the phase space parameterized by this ratio. For a certain range of the rate of human population entering the susceptible class (either by birth or migration) the original model has an equilibrium on the curve Ce. This equilibrium is a saddle with a four-dimensional stable and a one-dimensional unstable manifold. The unstable manifold is well approximated by this curve. A new version of periodicity was introduced and applied it to two malaria models. The results of the analyses of these models with the periodicity on how they estimate human malaria infection was compared with the results of the models without periodicity.

Source: UCC
Analysis of Non-Performing Loans (NPL) among Microfinance Institutions (MFIs) in Ghana: Evidence from the Kasoa Municipality

The contributions of Micro-Finance Institutions (MFIs) to the Ghanaian economy can never be overemphasised. However, most of these institutions are faced with various challenges including non-payment of loans which constantly affect their operations and subsequently survival. As such, the study hinged on determining the non-performing loan (NPL) situations of Micro-Finance Institutions (MFIs) in Ghana focusing on four firms within the Kasoa metropolis, Central Region. The principal objective of the study was to determine the non-performing loan situations of 4 MFIs. The study adopted the both quantitative and qualitative approach and obtained a sample from 10 MFIs using the convenient (haphazard) sampling technique. The respondents comprised a branch manager, an executive director and two credit managers from each MFI. The data gathered were analysed using descriptive tools such as frequency table, bar charts and pie chart. The data was also analysed using narrations. Primary data collection instruments, specifically questionnaires were employed to gather data from the respondents. The study revealed the categories of loans existing in MFIs as well as those usually applied for, the factors accounting for non-performing loans, management of non-performing loans, sources of incomes and profits, impact of NPL on firms’ operations. The study concluded that NPLs is a challenge for MFIs especially those in Kasoa metropolis. Recommendations made were that, The MFIs should make conscious efforts to pursue the implementation of the existing safeguards as it will help address the NPL situation, Clients granted loans should be monitored to ensure that loans are used for intended purposes, Training programs should be organised to adequately equip staff that engage in granting and recovery of loans, There should be good client profiling to identify the economic conditions of clients, this will aid the charging of appropriate interest rate that will enhance loan repayment.

Source: UCC
Analysis of occupational health, safety and environmental management practices at the Twifo Oil Palm Plantations

Occupational Health, Safety and Environmental Management (OHSEM) aims to foster a safe working environment, including the protection of employers, employees and nearby communities. The study sought to examine the effectiveness of OHSEM practices at Twifo Oil Palm Plantation (TOPP) in the Hemang-Lower Denkyira District. A total of 377 respondents were sampled from a population of 19,657. Both purposive and stratified random sampling procedures were used to sample respondents for the study. The study employed interview guides and schedules as instruments for gathering data. The quantitative data were processed with Statistical Product for Service Solutions version 21. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse the data. Content analysis was used to analyse the qualitative data. The study revealed that out-growers were more exposed to Occupational Health Safety and Environmental (OHSE) risks than the community residents and unionised workers. Some of the OHSE risks the out-growers and community residents were exposed to were burning of eyes, chemical pollution of water bodies, and skin diseases. Many of the out-grower farmers did not adhere to the safety standards established by TOPP in terms of protection during spraying and safe modes of storing chemicals. The unionised workers of TOPP had the capacity to identify hazards and inform management to address them. OHSEM practices adopted by TOPP were more effective within its internal operations than with the other stakeholders. It is, therefore, recommended that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) should extend its monitoring and supervision to the out-growers to ensure their compliance to OHSEM standards. This would help to reduce the health complications reported by the out-growers following the application of chemicals on their farms.

Source: UCC
Analysis of output price risk of cassava in the Volta region of Ghana

Output price risk has been a perennial challenge to cassava farmers due to their inability to foresee and quantify the level of risk associated with the price of their produce. It was against this background that the study analysed output price risk of cassava in the Volta region of Ghana. Primary data were collected from 500 sampled cassava farmers using structured interview schedule and analysed using descriptive statistics whilst secondary data were analysed using procedures such as historical value-at-risk, cointegration and standard regression analysis. The results indicated that Cassava price increases significantly over times with high level of volatility between each period. Additionally, cassava farmers face the risk of losing Gh¢1.35 per 91kg at 95% confidence level, representing about 31% (Gh¢179millions ) of their annual revenues Inflation and exchange rate significantly determine the price of cassava while cassava yield, inflation and exchange rate are significant determinants of cassava price volatility. Crop diversification, off-farm business, varying harvesting time, and reduce farm size were the major risk management strategies used by the farmers in the study area while lack of readily available market, poor processing facilities, land tenure system, insufficient fund, and imperfect information regarding price changes were the major constraints facing farmers' in adapting to output price risk. Based on the finding of the study, it is recommended that policies stabilizing inflation, exchange rate, establishment of price controls, designing output risk insurance, and training farmers in value addition will help address the challenge.

Source: UCC
Analysis of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in street soil dust in Kumasi Metropolis of Ghana

Concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in street soil dust from streets in Kumasi Metropolis in the Ashanti Region of the Republic of Ghana have been measured in this study. The concentrations of the various types of PAHs identified in this study are as follows: Naphthalene (m/e 128) 41,700 μg/kg, Acenaphthylene (m/e 152) 99,300 μg/kg, Acenaphthene (m/e 154) 111,200 μg/kg, Fluorene (m/e 166) 8,900 μg/kg, Carbazole (m/e 167) 3,500 μg/kg, phenanthrene (m/e 178) 12,900 μg/kg, Anthracene (m/e 178) 5,400 μg/kg, Fluoranthene (m/e 202) 16,200 μg/kg, Pyrene (m/e 202) 15,000 μg/kg, Benzo[a]anthracene (m/e 228) 13,800 μg/kg, Chrysene (m/e 228) 33,600 μg/kg, Benzo[k]fuoranthene (m/e 252) 45,700 μg/kg, Benzo[a]pyrene (m/e 252) 27,900 μg/kg, Perylene (m/e 252) 57,200 μg/kg and Benzo[g, h, i]perylene (m/e 276) 47,000 μg/kg. The results of the study shows that road users, like resident living in buildings within these areas, those engaged in commercial activities like hawking, and the general public are at risk of exposure to the toxic effects of the various types of PAHs from the exhaust of vehicles into the environment. According to these results, there is the potential for exposure to high levels of PAHs for road users and those living in urban environments or along highways

Source: UCC
Analysis of Poverty Reducing Effects of Microfinance from a Macro Perspective: Evidence from Cross-Country Data

This paper tests the hypothesis that microfinance reduces poverty at macro level using the cross-country data in 2007. The results of econometric estimation for poverty head count ratio show, taking account of the endogeneity associated with loans from microfinance institutions (MFIs), that microfinance loans significantly reduce poverty. Thus, a country with higher MFI’s gross loan portfolio tends to have lower poverty incidence after controlling the other factors influencing poverty. We also found that poverty reducing effect tends to be larger in Sub Saharan Africa (SSA) as suggested by the negative and significant coefficient estimate of the SSA dummy and gross loan portfolio. From a policy perspective, our results would justify increase in investment from development finance institutions and governments of developing countries into microfinance loans as a means of poverty reduction.

Source: UCC
Analysis of root growth from a phenotyping data set using a density-based model

Major research efforts are targeting the improved performance of root systems for more efficient use of water and nutrients by crops. However, characterizing root system architecture (RSA) is challenging, because roots are difficult objects to observe and analyse. A model-based analysis of RSA traits from phenotyping image data is presented. The model can successfully back-calculate growth parameters without the need to measure individual roots. The mathematical model uses partial differential equations to describe root system development. Methods based on kernel estimators were used to quantify root density distributions from experimental image data, and different optimization approaches to parameterize the model were tested. The model was tested on root images of a set of 89 Brassica rapa L. individuals of the same genotype grown for 14 d after sowing on blue filter paper. Optimized root growth parameters enabled the final (modelled) length of the main root axes to be matched within 1% of their mean values observed in experiments. Parameterized values for elongation rates were within ±4% of the values measured directly on images. Future work should investigate the time dependency of growth parameters using time-lapse image data. The approach is a potentially powerful quantitative technique for identifying crop genotypes with more efficient root systems, using (even incomplete) data from high-throughput phenotyping systems

Source: UCC
An analysis of selected history of Ghana approved textbooks for primary schools

The study examined how the approved History of Ghana textbooks for primary schools reflect four key historical thinking concepts. Purposive and simple random sampling techniques were used to select 12 History of Ghana learners’ textbooks. A thematic analysis matrix adapted from historical thinking frameworks was used in collecting data from the sampled History of Ghana textbooks. The contents of the History of Ghana textbooks were analysed based on text and visuals (illustrations). The results were presented in descriptive statistics such as means, standard deviations, frequencies and percentages. The results revealed that approved History of Ghana textbooks fairly reflected historical significance, continuity and change, and contextualisation in history. It was, however, revealed that the concept of chronology was not adequately reflected in the textbooks. As a recommendation, publishers and authors of History of Ghana textbooks should maintain and improve contents to reflect historical significance, change and continuity, and contextualisation in history when new editions are considered. Publishers and authors should critically focus on including contents that will help learners understand the element of chronology in history.

Source: UCC
Analysis of shareholders’ economic value added of selected listed Banks in Ghana (2006-2010)

The study analysis shareholders’ economic value added (EVA) as a performance measure of selected listed Banks in Ghana to provide evidence about its ability as a measure compared to conventional accounting ratios: return on equity (ROE), return on assets (ROA) and earning per share (EPS).To achieve this, EVA of listed banks on the Ghana Stock Exchange was compared with traditional accounting ratios ROE, ROA and EPS in relation to share price (SP) and MVA with the aim of assessing value for shareholders.Purposive sampling technique was used in selecting eight banks listed on the Ghana Stock Exchange from 2006 to 2010. Secondary data was consulted and panel regression technique generalized least square (GLS) model was employed.The study concludes that, variation in EVA is highly significant in explaining variation in both SP and MVA than reported earnings. However, ROE performed better than EVA in explaining variation in MVA but EVA performed better in explaining variation in SP.The study therefore recommends that listed banks consider the use of EVA as a performance measure for shareholder value maximization.

Source: UCC
Analysis of socioeconomic differences in the quality of antenatal services in low and middle-income countries (LMICs)

The desired results of increasing access and availability of antenatal care (ANC) services may not be realized if the quality of care offered is not adequate. We analyzed the content/ quality of antenatal care to determine whether there are socioeconomic (education and wealth) inequalities in the services provided in 59 low and middle income countries in six WHO regions–Africa, East Asia and Pacific, Europe and Central Asia, Latin America and Caribbean, Middle East and South Asia. We aggregated the most recent (2005–2015) Demographic and Health Survey for each country. The quality of content was measured on eight recommended ANC services–(1) monitoring of blood pressure; (2) tetanus injection; (3) urine analysis for protein; (4) blood test; (5) information about danger signs (6); weight (7); height measurements and (8) provision of iron-folate supplement. Descriptive and Poisson regression techniques were applied to analyse the data. We found considerable wealth and educational differences prior to controlling for known covariates. Between wealth and education, however, the disparities in the latter are larger than the former. Whereas the socioeconomic differences remained at post adjusting for residence, place and number of antenatal care, parity and region, the magnitude of change was minimal. Higher number of ANC content was provided in “other” forms of private facilities; the Latin America and Caribbean region recorded the highest number of content compared to the other regions. The hypothesized socioeconomic status on content/number of ANC services was generally supported, although the associations are substantially constrained to other variables. Efforts are made to increase the number and timing of ANC services; due recognition is needed for the content offered

Source: UCC
Analysis of some pesticide residues in tomatoes in Ghana

Pesticide residues, both natural and synthetic, can be found in most of the things we eat, for example, fruits, vegetables, bread, meat, poultry, fish, and the processed foods made from them. Some of this pesticide contamination is legal, but does this mean it is safe? Much of it is illegal, with residues found in excess of regulatory safe levels. Identifying and determining the level of trace contaminants in our food and environment is critical in protecting and improving human health and the environment. This study evaluates the residue levels of select pesticides used on tomato crops in Ghana that are likely to have accumulated in the tomatoes during application. The results obtained confirm that pesticide residues ere indeed present in the tomatoes and further analysis quantified the amount present. analysis of some organochlorine and organophosphorus residue levels in the fruits indicated that chlorpyrifos, which is an active ingredient of pesticides registered in Ghana under the trade name dursban 4E or terminus 480 EC for use on vegetables, has the greatest residue level of 10.76 mg/kg. The lowest residue level observed as that of pirimiphos-methyl with 0.03 mg/kg. Human health risk assessment as performed on the results obtained from the analysis using Human Health Evaluation computerized software-RISC 4.02. The risk assessment showed cancer risk for adults and children due to the presence of endosulfan and chlopyrifos. Endosulfan is not registered in Ghana as a pesticide for use on vegetables, therefore the detection of endosulfan in several samples indicates misuse of agrochemicals among Ghanaian farmers

Source: UCC