ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Groundwater Quality and Septic Tank Interaction: an Assessment of Health Implication in Amamoma, Cape Coas

Groundwater is the globe's largest and greatest vital source of potable fresh water. It provides drinking water to billions of people and is used to irrigate the majority of the global food supply. In spite of its importance and availability, groundwater is mostly polluted globally. Despite the fact that water from boreholes can be contaminated through different means, the most widely recognized reason for contamination is owing to its closeness of septic tanks. The central purpose main for this research is to assess groundwater interaction with septic tank and its health implications on residents of Amamoma community who is a resident of the community understudy. Structured questionnaire, laboratory test and in-depth interview guide were used to obtain data from residents and assembly man for the community. Forty-two water samples (42) were collected from seven selected groundwater sites in Amamoma. Sample of water was tested six-times period to examine quality using standard analytical procedure. Questionnaires were also administered to residents of Amamoma who use groundwater. The Assemblyman of the community was interviewed his views on the groundwater quality and water related diseases. The results showed that all the seven well contained high levels of total coliform, faecal coliform and E-coli, beyond the WHO recommended levels. It was further revealed that the shorter the distance between septic tank and groundwater sources, the higher the microbial load. As a result, the two most prevalent sanitation-related diseases in the community are diarrhoea and typhoid fever, with children being more vulnerable to suffer from such diseases. It is recommended that Community Water and Sanitation Agency should periodically track and offer remediation to improve the quality of water sources

Source: UCC
Groundwater quality assessment: A physicochemical properties of drinking water in a rural setting of developing countries

This study determined and characterized the quality of underground water in Twifo Hemang Lower Denkyira District (THLDD) of the central region of Ghana. The research involved the determinations of levels of copper (Cu), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn) (using mixed acid microwave digestion with Varian AA-240FS Atomic Absorption Spectrometer) and other physico-chemical properties of well water samples. About 40% of the pH values were below the WHO recommended minimum allowable value of 6.5 whiles most of the physical parameters fell within the recommended guideline values of WHO. Elevated concentrations of Fe, Zn and Mn were found in all the water samples. In general, the water quality of the studied wells can be said to be fairly good with respect to the monitored elements and physicochemical characteristics except for iron which needs some form of treatment before use. Therefore, most of the water from these wells is suitable for domestic use and it is unlikely to pose a major health risk to consumers. This research may serve as a reference data for future studies on the assessment of well water quality in the study Canadian Journal on Scientific & Industrial Research Vol. 2, No. 3, March 2011 area which depends heavily on these groundwater sources as a means of their portable water supply

Source: UCC
Group behaviour and organisational performance in the Ghana Rail Way company limited-Takoradi

Group behaviour has both positive and negative effect on the overall performance of an organisation. These effects have not been considered by various consultants who were engaged to come out with remedies to the challenges confronting Ghana Railway Company Limited. It is in view of this that, this descriptive investigation into the effects of group behaviour on the overall performance of the Ghana Railway Company Limited was conducted using Takoradi (i.e the headquarters) as a case study. Out of a total population of thousand and three staff at the headquarters two hundred and Seventy five were sampled from six departments using both purposive and random sampling technique. The study results indicate that behaviours such as lateness, punctuality, loafing, poor supervision, conformity, rumour mongering are some negative behaviours which when controlled can add to the performance of the organisation even though they have been overlooked. The study recommends user supervisors should ensure that their subordinates come on time and sign correct time. Movement registers should be introduced and individual performance within the group measured to prevent loafers from riding on.

Source: UCC
Growing up in slums: Experiences of adolescents in Elmina, Ghana.

Adolescence is a transitional phase from childhood to adulthood, and it is often observed as a phase with heightened risk for future positive development. Adolescents‘ behaviours and socio-economic status are influenced by their social environment. This study assessed the experiences of adolescents growing up in slums in Elmina, Ghana. Bronfenbrenner‘s Bioecological System Theory (Bronfenbrenner, 2005) was adopted and modified to help understand the experiences of adolescents in slums. The conceptual framework suggested how the adolescents developed some coping strategies to cope with their environment which it helped in developmental outcomes. The study adopted exploratory sequential mixed method research design approach. Questionnaire and focus group discussion guides were used to collect data from adolescents through the simple random and purposive samplings respectively. Interview guides were used to collect data from the key informants through purposive sampling. A total of 313 questionnaires were retrieved from the respondents representing a response rate of 100%. The findings of the study revealed that adolescents were influenced by their socioeconomic environment and so they developed some coping strategies to cope with their environment. Though there were a few helps given by the district assembly and non-governmental agencies, the adolescents requested for more interventions from the government and social supports systems. The study recommended the establishment of community-based youth facilities to alleviate some of the issues adolescents go through and constant monitoring by NGO‘s and Komenda Edina Eguafo Abrem Assembly on the entrepreneurial training given to adolescents and their parents.

Source: UCC
The growing use of herbal medicines: issues relating to adverse reactions and challenges in monitoring safety

The use of herbal medicinal products and supplements has increased tremendously over the past three decades with not less than 80% of people worldwide relying on them for some part of primary healthcare. Although therapies involving these agents have shown promising potential with the efficacy of a good number of herbal products clearly established, many of them remain untested and their use are either poorly monitored or not even monitored at all. The consequence of this is an inadequate knowledge of their mode of action, potential adverse reactions, contraindications, and interactions with existing orthodox pharmaceuticals and functional foods to promote both safe and rational use of these agents. Since safety continues to be a major issue with the use of herbal remedies, it becomes imperative, therefore, that relevant regulatory authorities put in place appropriate measures to protect public health by ensuring that all herbal medicines are safe and of suitable quality. This review discusses toxicity-related issues and major safety concerns arising from the use of herbal medicinal products and also highlights some important challenges associated with effective monitoring of their safety.

Source: UCC
The growth and reproductive performance of different breeds of rabbits kept under warm and humid environments in Ghana

The potential of rabbit production in solving the problem of inadequate animal protein supply cannot be overemphasized. A study was therefore conducted to assess the growth and reproductive performances on 488 bunnies and 87 does of Blue Vienna and 474 bunnies and 80 does of Chinchilla rabbits reared under hot and humid environment in Ghana. The reproductive performance of the two breeds, in terms of litter size at birth and weaning, litter weight at birth and weaning, kindling interval, age at first kindling and gestation length as influenced by season of kindling (rainy and dry), year of kindling (2005-2012) and parity (first to sixth and over) were determined. The overall least square means for litter size at birth, bunny weight at birth, litter size at weaning, bunny weight at weaning, gestation length, kindling interval, age at first kindling, preweaning growth rate and post-weaning growth rate of Blue Vienna were 5.6±0.1, 51.3±0.3 g, 4.4±0.1, 601.5±0.9 g, 30.0±0.1 days, 94.7±0.4 days, 159.7±0.4 days, 13.1±0.1 g/day and 15.4±0.1 g/day respectively. Those of Chinchilla were 5.9±0.1, 54.2±0.3 g, 4.8±0.1, 601.9±0.9 g, 30.1±0.1 days, 94.6±0.3 days, 159.8±0.2 days, 13.0±0.1 g/day and 15.3±0.2 g/day respectively. Year of kindling had significant (P<0.05) effect on litter size at weaning, litter weight at kindling, gestation length, age at first kindling, post weaning growth rate, body weight at 14 weeks and mortality in both breeds. Season of birth on the other hand had significant effect (P<0.05) on litter weight at birth, gestation length and mortality in both breeds. The number of times the doe has kindled (parity) significantly (P<0.05) influenced all the parameters apart from kindling interval, gestation length, age at first kindling and pre-weaning growth rate performance of both breeds. The growth performances of the breeds studied were indications of their potential of being developed in future into meat types

Source: UCC
Growth and reproductive performance of two rabbit breeds reared under intensive system in Ghana

A study on the growth and reproductive performance of two rabbit breeds was undertaken. Data on 588 kits and 97 does of California White and 574 kits and 90 does of New Zealand White rabbits reared under hot and humid environment in Ghana were taken. The reproductive performance of the two breeds, in terms of litter size at birth and weaning, litter weight at birth and weaning, kindling interval, age at sexual maturity, and gestation length as influenced by breed, season of kindling (rainy and dry), year of kindling (2005–2012), and parity (first to sixth and over) were determined. The performance of California White in terms of litter size at birth, at weaning, kit weight at birth, and age at first kindling was 5.9±0.2, 4.6±0.1, 54.7±0.4 g, and 159.8± 0.2 days, respectively. That of New Zealand White was 5.9± 0.1, 5.1±0.1, 55.2±1.0 g, and 159.9±0.2 days, respectively. The results obtained also showed a significant breed effects on kit weight at birth, litter weight at weaning, and mortality; whereas no significant differences (p>0.05) were observed between the two breeds regarding the other traits measured. Parity had significant effects (p<0.05) on all the growth and reproductive parameters measured with the exception of age at first kindling. Year of kindling also had significant effect on litter weight at birth, kit weight at birth, and at weaning (p<0.05) but did not have any significant effect on the age at sexual maturity and mortality. Season also had significant (p<0.05) effects on kit weight at birth, gestation length, kindling interval, and mortality with better performance experienced during the rainy season

Source: UCC
Growth and Yield Response of Soybean under Different Weeding Regimes

Studies were conducted during the 2011 cropping season at experimental field of the Faculty of Agriculture, University for Development studies in the Guinea Savanna agro ecological zone. The objectives of the study were to determine the effect of different weeding regimes on the growth and yield of soybean and also assess the economic feasibility of the weeding regimes. The experimental design was Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with four replications. The treatments were five different weeding regimes which were no weeding, weeding at 3, 6 WAP, weeding at 3, 6, 9 WAP, weeding at 3, 6, 9, 12 WAP and weed free. Data collected included plant height, leaf area, stem girth, pod number and grain yield. Significant differences were observed among treatments on plant height, number of leaves per plant, stem girth, leaf area, number of days to 50% flowering, number of pods per plant and grain yield (kg/ha). The mean predominant weed floras at the experimental field were broad leaves (58.62%), sedges (26.93%) and grasses (14.44%). Weeding regime at 3, 6, 9, 12 WAP produced the highest grain yield of 1411 kg/ha. The economic analysis of the treatments also shows that farmers will be better off by adopting 3, 6, 9, 12 weeks after planting weeding regimes. Weeding at 3, 6, 9, 12 WAP is therefore recommended for high soybean yield and income

Source: UCC
Growth Dynamics, Demographic Structure and Management of Vitellaria Paradoxa C.F. Gaertn Agroforestry Parklands in Atacora District, Benin

Vitellaria paradoxa plays a very important role in the economic and social life of smallholder farmers in Sub Sahara Africa. Currently, there is a renewed interest to protect and improve the shea resource as national and international demand for shea kernel and butter increases. At the same time, shea parklands are shrinking because of the need for woody resources, increasing demand for land and competition for the use of the landscape from diverse sectors. The study aimed to enhance the agronomic information of V. paradoxa to better manage the shea agroforestry parklands in Atacora district. To achieve this, forests inventories in agricultural lands helped to the understanding of the shea tree population demographic structure and diversity in different land use types. Further, the management of shea parklands was explored through a household survey. Afterwards fruit yield was monitored in order to assess shea fruit yield and identify its determining factors. Finally, the dendro-chronological analyses were applied to establish tree growth dynamics and its implication to management. Shea parklands appear stable; however diameter classes’ distribution and regeneration are influenced by land use type and management practices. Shea parklands have the potential to contribute to biodiversity conservation. Shea trees under fields conditions established on Lixisols registered the best performance in terms of fruit yield. Also, the shea average cambial increment of 3.24mm yr-1

Source: UCC
Growth Group for Single Parents in a Community in Ghana

The paper describes a counseling and psychoeducational group model designed to assist single parents of a town called Ayeldu in the Central Region of Ghana. The model was specifically designed to assist members to receive social support and, equip them with techniques and coping skills needed to deal with personal and interpersonal needs and conflicts. After screening and interviews, 10 members were selected from a total of 15 potential members to participate in the 12-week group program. At the end of the program, basic demographic information was collected along with pre and post assessment on knowledge of the topic, and finally a brief survey with questions assessing the group experience were conducted. The results of the pretest, posttest and evaluation survey indicate that members benefited from the program as evidenced by their change of behavior in terms of their life satisfaction.

Source: UCC
Growth impact of government consumption, transfer and interest payments in Ghana

The study examined the growth impact of government consumption, interest and transfer payments in Ghana. A quarterly time series data from 1984 to 2015 was utilised. The maximum likelihood estimation (MLE) technique was employed, and cointegration among the variables was established within the framework of autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL). A Pair-wise Granger-causality test was adopted to explore the direction of causality between government expenditure components (consumption, transfer and interest payments) and economic growth. The ARDL results revealed that government interest payments and consumption expenditure negatively impact economic growth in both long run and short run. However, government transfers indicated a positive significant relationship with growth of output. The results of the Granger causality test established a bi-directional causality between government interest payment and economic growth. Unidirectional causalities running from government consumption expenditure and transfer payment to economic growth were also established. Considering the findings, the following recommendations are offered: Government must ensure that loans taken are properly utilised so that returns from such use will be used to cater for the loans and the associated interest. Government should cut down its consumption. Lastly, government through the Department of Social Welfare should increase and regularize its general transfer payment in order to elevate the vulnerable groups from extreme poverty.

Source: UCC
Growth impact of government consumption, transfer and interest payments in Ghana.

The study examined the growth impact of government consumption, interest and transfer payments in Ghana. A quarterly time series data from 1984 to 2015 was utilised. The maximum likelihood estimation (MLE) technique was employed, and cointegration among the variables was established within the framework of autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL). A Pair-wise Granger-causality test was adopted to explore the direction of causality between government expenditure components (consumption, transfer and interest payments) and economic growth. The ARDL results revealed that government interest payments and consumption expenditure negatively impact economic growth in both long run and short run. However, government transfers indicated a positive significant relationship with growth of output. The results of the Granger causality test established a bi-directional causality between government interest payment and economic growth. Unidirectional causalities running from government consumption expenditure and transfer payment to economic growth were also established. Considering the findings, the following recommendations are offered: Government must ensure that loans taken are properly utilised so that returns from such use will be used to cater for the loans and the associated interest. Government should cut down its consumption. Lastly, government through the Department of Social Welfare should increase and regularize its general transfer payment in order to elevate the vulnerable groups from extreme poverty.

Source: UCC
Growth of cocoa seedlings with soil and foliar amendments at the nursery in Akim Tafo in the Eastern Region of Ghana

This study was to search for an alternative means of raising healthy cocoa seedlings at the nursery that will accelerate seedling growth. The objective of the study was evaluating the growth of cocoa seedlings treated to soil and foliar amendments at the nursery at Akim Tafo in the Eastern region of Ghana. The experiment was laid out in a Completely Randomized Design with three replicates and nine treatments. The following nine treatments were imposed on the soil in the polythene bags: T1-Inorganic liquid Fertilizer- Sildaco10:10:10: 0.42 ml. T2- Fertilizer-Sildaco10:10:10: 0.84ml. T3-NPS14- 31-0-S Inorganic Granular Fertilizer 0.6g. T4-NPS14-31-0-S Fertilizer 1.2g, T5-Green OK Organic liquid fertilizer 0.42 ml. T6-Green OK 0.84 ml. T7- Elite (Organic granular) 4.5g. T8-Elite 9.0g and T9-Control. The experiment was conducted from January 2020 to July 2020. Hybrid cocoa seedlings were transplanted and allowed to grow for seven months. The fertilizers increased significantly (P>0.05) the plant height, stem diameter, number of leaves, fresh root and shoot weights and dry root and shoot weights of cocoa seedlings especially organic solid fertilizer. The treatments also increased significantly (P>0.05) soil and leaf N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Na, soil pH relative to the control. Treatment 3 &4 NPS was high in pH content of the soil. Elite organic fertilizer double dose was recommended for cocoa seedlings at the nursery for Cocobod. In conclusion using of fertilizer will help increase growth of cocoa seedling and give a healthy strong cocoa to boost the nation economic stability especially organic fertilizers that will not affect the environment. Elite organic fertilizer double dose was recommended for cocoa seedlings at the nursery.

Source: UCC
Growth of in vitro banana (Musa spp.) shoots under photomixotrophic and photoautotrophic conditions

In vitro banana (Musa spp.) shoots were cultured under photomixotrophic (30 g l21 sucrose and 0.2 h21 number of air exchanges of culture vessels) and photoautotrophic (0 g l21 sucrose and 3.9 h21 number of air exchanges) conditions for 28 d in 370 cm3 Magenta boxes (GA7-type) containing 70 ml of half-strength Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium with 22.2mM N6 -benzyladenine (BA). The effects of varying CO2 concentration (475 or 1340 mmol mol21 ) and light intensity (photosynthetic photon flux (PPF) of 100 or 200mmol m22 s 21 ) were investigated. Fresh and dry weights of banana shoots grown photomixotrophically were significantly greater on day 28 than those grown photoautotrophically. Photoautotrophic shoots had a larger number of unfolded leaves and greater leaf area than photomixotrophic plants by days 14 and 28, regardless of CO2 concentration. The shoot fresh and dry weights on day 14 in photoautotrophic conditions were significantly greater at PPF of 200 mmol m22 s 21 than at 100 mmol m22 s 21 . The increase in net photosynthetic rate of photoautotrophic banana shoots was significant compared with photomixotrophic shoots. The multiplication ratio of in vitro banana shoots grown photoautotrophically in a 28-d culture period was the greatest at 100mmol m22 s 21 PPF and 475 mmol mol21 CO2

Source: UCC
Growth performance and carcass characteristics of cross-bred rabbits fed diets containing palm kernel oil residue

This study was conducted to explore the potential of palm kernel oil residue (PKOR), as substitute for wheat bran (WB) on growth performance and carcass characteristics of cross-bred rabbits in Ghana. Forty-eight seven-week-old rabbits (1113± 318.20 g) were randomly allotted to 4 dietary treatments in a completely randomized design. The rabbits were given diets in which WB was replaced with PKOR at 0, 25, 50 and 100% during 49 days feeding trial. At the end of the trial, the animals were slaughtered for carcass and meat evaluations. There were no significant (p > 0.05) differences in feed intake, growth rates, feed conversion ratio, carcass yield, internal organ weights and most of the primal cuts assessed. The moisture contents reduced whereas the crude protein content increased (p < 0.001) and chilling, cooking (p < 0.001) losses reduced in meat of animals fed the PKOR-based diets. The use of PKOR to 100% reduced the feed cost to about 14%. PKOR could be used to substitute up to 100% of wheat bran in rabbit rations, without adverse effects on growth performance and carcass characteristics of the meat

Source: UCC