ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Occupational stress and its effects on job performance: A case of Koforidua Polytechnic

The study investigated and evaluated occupational stress and its effects on job performance among members of staff at Koforidua Polytechnic. The study sought to find out how work-related stress could affect the productivity of staff of Koforidua Polytechnic in the dispensation of quality tertiary education. In addition, it identified certain factors which contribute to occupational stress among staff of the Polytechnic. The systematic sampling technique was used to select 150 participants for the study. The results of this study revealed that workload was the major cause of occupational stress among staff of Koforidua Polytechnic It was further observed that respondents, in order to relieve stress often walk around and visit other colleagues in their offices to discuss matters unrelated to work thereby affecting productivity at the Polytechnic. Health-wise, some members of staff of the Polytechnic had developed chronic back pain, an effect of long sitting hours at work. Management commitment to employee-related issues such as paying attention to workload conflict, supervisors recognition of outstanding output of staff and the introduction of proper stress management training programmes were perceived as significant steps which if embraced, were identified as major contributory factors that could contribute to improve productivity of staff and boost output of staff.

Source: KNUST
Occurrence and control of seedborne pathogenic fungi of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) seeds from five agro-ecological zones of Ghana using plant extracts

Laboratory and Plant House experiments were carried out to determine the presence and significance of pathogenic fungi on tomato seeds collected from five different Agro- Ecological Zones of Ghana and their possible control using aqueous plant extracts. Out of the 80 seed samples tested for seedborne fungal pathogens, a total of 10 genera of 15 species of fungi were recorded. Fusarium moniliforme was the most prevalent seedborne fungal specie with a mean percentage incidence of 4.24. Members of Aspergillus spp (storage fungi) group represented half of all identified species. The Blotter test revealed infection percentages of 3.0-85.5%, 5.0 -56. 0%, 13.0 – 76.0%, 7.0-33.0%, and 11.5 – 58. 0% in respect of all 80 seed samples tested from Transitional, Forest, Coastal Savannah, Guinea and Sudan Savannah Zones of Ghana respectively. The highest infected seed sample according to the Blotter test method was soaked in sterile water extracts (50, 40 and 30% w/v) of Azadirachta indica seed, Zingiber officinale rhizomes and Cassia alata leaves for 1, 6 and 12 hours. Apart from seedling mortality, there were no significant differences in respect of the 3-way interactive effects between plant extracts, concentration and soaking period for all other parameters studied. There were however, significant differences for the 2-way interactive effects between plant extracts and concentration and between plant extracts and soaking period in the other parameters studied. All the plant extracts had significant inhibitory effects on growth of the important seedborne fungal pathogens. Results further revealed that plant extracts did not reduce seed germination and seedlings population. However, the highest percentage seedling mortality 4.67 was recorded with Cassia extract (30% w/v) soaked for 1 hour. Zingiber officinale extracts at all concentration levels (50,40 and 30% w/v) were more effective than other plant extracts and also compared favourably with mancozeb (a standard fungicide) in respect of control of the most important seedborne fungal pathogen, percent seed germination, seedlings population and reduction in seedling mortality.

Source: KNUST
Occurrence and risk assessment of antibiotics in water and lettuce in Ghana

Hospital wastewater and effluents from waste stabilization ponds in Kumasi, Ghana, are directly discharged as low quality water into nearby streams which are eventually used to irrigate vegetables. The presence of 12 com monly used antibiotics in Ghana (metronidazole, ciprofloxacin, erythromycin, trimethoprim, ampicillin, cefuroxime, sulfamethoxazole, amoxicillin, tetracycline, oxytetracycline, chlortetracycline and doxycycline) were investigated in water and lettuce samples collected in three different areas in Kumasi, Ghana. The water samples were from hospital wastewater, wastewater stabilization ponds, rivers and irrigation water, while the lettuce samples were from vegetable farms and market vendors. Antibiotics in water samples were extracted using SPE while antibiotics in lettuce samples were extracted using accelerated solvent extraction followed by SPE. All extracted antibiotics samples were analyzed by HPLC-MS/MS. All studied compounds were detected in concentrations significantly higher (p = 0.01) in hospital wastewater than in the other water sources. The highest concentration found in the present study was 15 μg/L for ciprofloxacin in hospital wastewater. Irrigation water samples analyzed had consent but effective means of removing antibiotics with removal efficiency up to 95% recorded in this study. However, some chemicals are still found in levels indicating medium to high risk of antibiotics resistance devel opment in the environment. The total concentrations of antibiotics detected in edible lettuce tissues from vege table farms and vegetable sellers at the markets were in the range of 12.0–104 and 11.0–41.4 ng/kg (fresh weight) respectively. The antibiotics found with high concentrations in all the samples were sulfamethoxazole, erythromycin, ciprofloxacin, cefuroxime and trimethoprim. Furthermore, our study confirms the presence of seven antibiotics in lettuce from irrigation farms and markets, suggesting an indirect exposure of humans t

Source: KNUST
Occurrence of protozoans and other pathogens in some selected swimming pools in the Kumasi Metropolis

The beneficial role of the use of recreational water to health and well-being has long been recognized, yet, there may also be adverse health effects associated with recreational use, if the water is polluted or unsafe. This study was aimed at determining the physico-chemical properties of water in the pools and the presence of protozoans, total coliforms and other pathogenic microorganisms in the water; in some selected swimming pools in the Kumasi Metropolis.  Water samples before and after swimming were collected from three different sections in each specific swimming pool during the study period (December 2012 to May 2013) for physiochemical and microbial analysis using standards methods. The results of the physicochemical, microbial and parasitological quality of the various sampled swimming pools in Kumasi revealed varying levels of contamination. The pH of the pool waters varied between a range of 5.95-8.83 over the sampling period. Pool water temperatures varied over a narrow range of 26.90 to 29.49 °C. The mean DO levels, colour and turbidity for before and after swimming samples of the various pools pointed to a trend of increased concentrations after use. Salinity levels of all the pool waters were generally similar for both before and after swimming samples and varied over a narrow freshwater range for all the sampled pools. With regards to microbial and parasitological (protozoa) contamination, coliform counts were generally elevated in the pool waters after use relative to their respective levels before use. Cryptosporidium oocysts were detected in five (56 %) out of the nine swimming pools while Giardia cysts were detected in all the swimming pools Giardia cysts (100 %). Prior to the physicochemical and microbial monitoring, questionnaires were administered to the swimmers which revealed that there was a level of dissatisfaction among the swimmers, some others had body itch after swimming while some others complained of foul odour. The results in this study indicated that most of the swimming pools did not meet the WHO (2011) standard for drinking water and therefore constitute a serious hazard to public health. In recommendationHealth authorities should regularly monitor the pools for compliance with regulations and also swimmers must be encouraged to shower and disinfect their foot before swimming. Swimmers should be cautioned about swimming in pools if they are suffering from gastroenteritis or other diseases.

Source: KNUST
Ochratoxin A levels in cocoa nibs from western north, western south, Ashanti and Brong Ahafo, cocoa growing regions of Ghana

Ochratoxin A (OTA), a potent toxin is a secondary metabolite produced by filamentous fungi of the genera Aspergillus and Penicillium present in a wide variety of foodstuffs. Ochratoxin A can contaminate a wide variety of foods as a result of fungal infection in crops, in the field during growth, at harvest, in storage and in shipment depending on environmental conditions especially when they are not properly dried. As these toxicants can never be completely removed from the food supply, many countries have defined levels in food that are unlikely to be of health concern. Since Ghana is one of the leading exporters of cocoa worldwide, it is therefore necessary to monitor the levels of OTA in cocoa beans to determine whether the cocoa beans produced in Ghana conform to international standards. Fifty seven (57) cocoa beans samples obtained from selected districts in four regions of Ghana were analysed using HPLC with a fluorescence detector. The range of concentrations obtained were 0.06 to 2.193 μg/kg (mean- 0.698) for Ashanti; 0.261 to 1.859 μg/kg (mean- 0.933) for Brong Ahafo; 0.186 to 1.557 μg/kg (mean- 0.928) for South western and 0.393 to 4.650 μg/kg (mean- 1.802) for North Western regions. From the results of the study, 93% of the samples had OTA concentrations below the draft standard of 2 μg/kg proposed by EU for cocoa beans and 7% had concentrations above the draft standard of 2 μg/kg proposed by EU. North Western region recorded the highest OTA level of 4.650 μg/kg for samples from Sefwi Kaase from North Western region and the lowest OTA concentration of 0.063 μg/kg was recorded for samples from Forikrom from the Ashanti region. The low levels of OTA detected in this study suggest that exposure of OTA to humans through consumption of cocoa beans from the areas under study is unlikely to be of health concern.

Source: KNUST
Of Starch Characterization From Some New Cassava Accessions At Different Maturity

Cassava is a crop which has been used widely in the production of many products. This has activated interest in cassava-based products. It has been known as one most important sources of starch on a global scale. The aim of this research was to investigate the characteristics of starch from new cassava accessions at different maturity. Three cassava varieties (Agra, ampong and bankyehemma) were harvested at four different months (from April - July) after planting. Starch was extracted using the conventional method of starch extraction and the yield calculated. The amylose content was determined by means of spectrophotometry whereas pasting properties of the starches from the varieties were analyzed using Rapid Visco Analyzer. Bankyehemma, Agra and ampong had their highest starch yield in the 10th month after planting with bankyehemma the highest yield of 25.67±0.58 % and Agra having the lowest of 23.67±0.58 %. There were no significant differences in the peak viscosity, final viscosity, peak time and pasting temperature but significant differences were recorded for setback, trough and breakdown. The results showed that differences in varieties affect the starch yield and pasting properties of cassava. The amylose content of the varieties differed significantly (p=0.05). The highest amylose content was recorded by Agra (23.16 ± 0.03%) at the 7th month and the lowest recorded for bankyehemma (14.53 ± 0.12%) in that same month. Based on these results, bankyehemma can be selected and used for starch in the food industries

Source: KNUST
Odour control of a Biological Wastewater Facility

Industrial wastewater effluents are a major health concern globally. Thus many industries are encouraged to treat their wastewater before discharge into receiving waters. The efficiency of a wastewater treatment plant in a beverage industr y in Kumasi, Ghana was studied to ascertain the cause of an odour that is produced from the treatment facility especially during plant shutdown and flavour change over and also to determine the quality of the effluent discharged into receiving waters. Measured parameters include pH, Total Suspended Solids, electrical conductivity, Biological Oxygen Demand, Chemical Oxygen Demand, Total Hardness, Total Alkalinity, dissolved oxygen, colour, turbidity, phosphorus, iron, lead, copper, zinc total coliforms, faecal coliforms, Enterococci and E. coli using standard protocols set by APHA. The physicochemical quality of the effluent wastewater was significantly better than the influent wastewater except for Phosphorus which was more in the effluent (2.35 mg/L) than the influent (1.40 mg/L). Dissolved oxygen was significantly higher in the effluent than the influent. Iron and Zinc concentrations were higher in the influent (11.31 mg/L and 0.32 mg/L respectively) than in the effluent (1.42 mg/L and 0.08 mg/L respectively). However, the opposite was recorded for Lead and Copper concentrations. Differences in microbial numbers between that in the influent and effluent were not statistically significant. The plant shut down phase recorded a higher concentration in all the physicochemical parameters analysed except for B.O.D. Higher concentrations of B.O.D, C.O.D and D.O above the WHO standard were recorded, accounting for the high odour emitted from the treatment plant. The high odour released from the treatment facility can be attributed to the high concentration of C.O.D and B.O.D and the low concentration of D.O resulting in anaerobic respiration with the resultant release of ammonia and other gases which accounts for the odour.

Source: KNUST
The oedipal theme in ancient Greek, African, and American drama: a comparative study of sophocles’s king oedipus, rotimi’s the gods are not to blame, and O’neill’s desire under the elms

This thesis is about the Oedipal theme as it is portrayed in Sophocles’s King Oedipus, Rotimi’s The Gods Are Not To Blame, and O’Neill’s Desire Under the The purpose is to compare and contrast how these playwrights construct the plots of their various plays around the Oedipal theme, that is, the love relationship between a father, his wife, and his son. This thesis is also an original study because there have been several comparisons between Sophocles’s King Oedipus and Rotimi’s The Gods Are Not To Blame, but the addition of a third play, Desire Under the Elms, by Eugene O’Neill, makes this thesis different from all other studies. This thesis is of much significance because it depicts a love relationship which is of global importance because it traverses all cultures and regions of the world. For the purpose of this thesis, however, we shall limit ourselves to the ancient Greek, African, and American cultures with regard to the Oedipal theme. The comparative analysis of King Oedipus, The Gods Are Not To Blame, and Desire Under the Elms will be done using the following parameters: a discussion of the plot, action, character analysis, language, irony, and the belief in the supernatural in the various plays. We shall also discuss these plays as satirical works. In Desire Under the Elms, however, the discussion will, among other things focus on the role material possession plays in the attainment of the Oedipal theme.

Source: KNUST
Offsite building methods – the building practitioners’ perspective in real estate development

Offsite construction involves the process of preparation, scheming, manufacture, moving and assembling building elements for fast site assembly. Although the use of offsite methods of construction provides several significant advantages and it can help solve problems associated with duration of work, quality and further reduce cost when compared to ‘traditional construction’ the use of these methods are hardly practiced in the Ghanaian building industry. In an attempt to address this, the study was to help simplify the Ghanaian construction industry’s’ perception on offsite construction methods and establish how it would help improve real estate development. To achieve the aim, the objectives were to find the extent of utilization of the offsite methods of construction, find the factors that limit the use of this method of construction and find solutions to the factors that limit the use of these construction techniques. Through the snowball method of sampling 115 architects and 96 general contractors were selected as research subjects. The study adopted the survey method, data was collected through the administering structured questionnaire and site visits. The data was then statistically analysed and found that offsite methods of construction reduce material waste, improves product quality, improves safety on site, increases profits and helps reduce construction duration. The challenges that were dominant were transportation restraints, the rigid nature inhibiting changes on site and restricted design options. Recommendations such as; forums and teachings about the changing and the use of construction methods should be held periodically for building practitioners in major firms. Comparative value analysis should be done for both traditional and offsite methods of construction especially on cost for the clients’ consideration.

Source: KNUST
Office and training centre for Ghana National Association of Garages (GNAG) - Kumasi (Suame Magazine)

The Ghana National Association of Garages comprises of all Auto-Mechanics, Spare Parts dealers and other related services who have registered under the council of Indigenous Businessmen Association (CIBA) Law 1993. There are members all over the country based on Registration and contributions to the Association and the entire Nation as well. Ashanti Region has the highest number of members and this has been due to its contribution both human and metal resources Kumasi being the National/Regional Headquarters. HISTORICAL BACKGROUND: (Kumasi Branch): Suame Magazine This Association in 1935 by a Group of Mechanics at the now Suame Police Station. In 1960, it was registered as a Mechanical Association of Suame. Under the help of the then Asantehene, Nana Agyeman Prempeh (I) and the Town Planning Department allocated A Site to these “fitters” known as “Magazine” at Suame-Tafo light Industrial Area. This was a result of the growing nature of the Association and its members. In 1986 it became A member of the Ghana National Association of Garages (G.N.A.G.).

Source: KNUST
Oil discovery in Ghana and its security implications.

Oil and gas are considered among the world's most important resources. According to KPMG (2013), Most of the world’s fastest-growing economies were lifted by new oil and gas inventions, including Mozambique, Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda etc. The discovery of oil and gas in larger magnitudes in Ghana gives the country confidence that a great contract of the predominant gloomy economic adversities would be greatly dealt with. However, Ross (2008) stated that, for first hand oil and gas producers, the crucial hazard is the prospect of fortified conflict and other security problems. With regards to the numerous human security threats and conflicts that can rise from the discovery and exploration of oil and gas in Ghana as seen in other countries, this research sought to find out the security implications of the oil and gas discovery in Ghana. The researchers adopted the qualitative technique and used purposive sampling method in selecting Forty (40) respondents for the study this includes Thirty (30) energy experts and Ten (10) members from the host communities. The findings revealed that, Ghana has not had any major security challenge like, terrorist attack, conflict, illegal oil bunkering and just to mention few. However, there were few environmental challenges. The government, security services and other stakeholders are putting measures in place to ensure the security of Ghanaians. The Petroleum Revenue Management Act 2011 (Act 815) was passed 2011 to ensure transparency and the proper allocation of the oil revenue. The researcher therefore recommends to the government of Ghana to ensure that the security services in the country are well equipped with modern logistics to prevent and deal with possible security problem that may arise as seen in other oil producing countries. More so, Government should come out with a good plan to establish accountability where the public will have more knowledge on the disbursement of the petroleum revenues.

Source: KNUST
Oil price shocks, real exchange rates and real stock returns in Africa.

The study examined the impact of oil price shocks on real exchange rates and stock returns. Using a decomposition analytical framework, oil price shocks was disaggregated into three components – aggregate demand shocks, oil-specific demand shocks and oilsupply shocks. The study then proceeded to investigate the short-run transmission of these components of an oil price shock to real exchange rate and real stock market returns as well as the degree of pass-through effect for oil importing countries. Monthly data covering January 2000 to May 2017 of selected African countries was used for this work. Using several econometric models specified in basic and panel vector autoregressive forms plus the impulse response functions and variance decomposition techniques, the sensitivity of real exchange rate and stock market returns to disaggregated oil price shocks were examined. At the end of the study, it was detected that oil price movements have been mainly associated with shocks to oil demand rather than oil supply. The shortrun results revealed a partial (incomplete) pass-through of oil price shocks to stock market returns and real exchange rate through the real exchange rate channel and real stock returns channel respectively. Furthermore a positive oil price shock leads to depreciation in real exchange rate and an appreciation in real stock market returns in the short-run for oil importing African countries. The robustness tests were consistent withthe main findings (i.e. for countries which were affected by oil price shocks). Giving the findings, it was recommended that policymakers should vote for policies that will cushion the economies against oil price shocks by hedging the purchase of oil against high oil prices.

Source: KNUST
Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) pectin yield as influenced by particle size and extraction solvent

Pectin extractable from okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) is known to have various food and non-food applications. The objective of this work was to investigate the effect of particle size of milled samples on okra pectin yield using two different extraction solvents. Phosphate buffer (PB) and citric acid solution (CAS) (at pH 6, temperature of 80°C and for 1 h) were used to extract pectin from 10 g of milled okra sample with varying particle sizes (0.5, 1 and 2 mm). Ethanol was added to the aqueous extract to precipitate the pectin. The crude pectin obtained was then freeze-dried and the % pectin yield was calculated. The average okra pectin yield when PB was used for extraction were 19.6±4.0%, 15.8±1.0% and 11.9±1.5% for 0.5 mm, 1 mm and 2 mm particle sizes, whereas that of the CAS counterparts were 32.7±8.1%, 25.6±0.8% and 35.6±5.5%, respectively. However, considering purity of the pectin extracts (PB > CAS), the present findings indicated that a higher pectin yield is achievable with 0.5 mm as the optimal particle size of okra pod powder using phosphate buffer as extraction solvent.

Source: KNUST