ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Solid waste management practices in the Cape Coast metropolis

This work examines solid waste management practices and the underlying factors responsible for the state of environmental sanitation in the Cape Coast Metropolis. In all, 240 respondents were targeted for the study. These included opinion leaders, as well as other residents of the metropolis. Multi-stage sampling procedures were applied to generate the sample for the study. The main tools employed in gathering the data were well structured questionnaires and personal observation. The outcome of the study revealed that increasing solid waste generation in the Cape Coast metropolis has not been accompanied with adequate sanitation facilities and management programmes. Notable among the waste management problems is inadequate operational funding from the assembly’s budget allocation for the collection and disposal processes. As a result, most residents disposed of garbage indiscriminately. The study recommended that to help improve the solid waste management situation; the Cape Coast Metropolitan Assembly should provide enough transfer stations in the various communities to minimize indiscriminate dumping of garbage.

Source: UCC
Solid waste management within the central business district of Accra

Generally, this research sought to explore the need for proper management of solid waste in its collection, disposal and challenges associated with solid waste Management and find out other processes of waste collected goes through within the CBD and ascertain the effectiveness of the control measures put in place to minimize hazards to make waste management more efficient and sustainable. A sample of 60 respondents including market traders, Kaya Borla operators, junkies, store and shop owners and keepers, community residents, Assembly workers, and private accredited and non-accredited waste collection companies. The structured questionnaire used includes a combination of open and close ended questions and Likert type scale with five options and observation were used to gather information. Results of the study revealed that organic waste, plastic; cardboard or paper are the common types of solid waste generated in the Central Business District of Accra. The study therefore recommend that AMA need to regularize their contractual processes for a reliable waste management company that can provide the required services to the people with the private companies improving their services for efficient waste collection services in the CBD while traders and people in the community be made to register for efficient solid waste collection services.

Source: UCC
Solid waste management: A case study of Cape Coast Metropolis.

Over the years, solid waste disposal in Ghana has become a major challenge to Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs). As a result of urbanisation and increasing densities, Metropolitan Assemblies finds it difficult to deal with the large quantities of solid waste generated in their area of jurisdiction. This study investigated the nature of the urban solid waste situation in Cape Coast Metropolis, and the causes of the problem from the perspective of key stakeholders in the waste management sector. The main aim of the study was to examine the factors affecting effective waste management in Ghana’s urban areas with regards to solid waste management in Cape Coast Metropolis (CCM) and how social justice can be applied in the waste management sector, and thereby advance possible solutions to address the problem. The researcher gathered data from secondary and primary sources. The main technique employed in gathering the primary data was structured interview schedule. The sampling technique that was employed to select the 110 respondents for the study was proportionate sampling, purposive and simple random sampling. Factors such as inadequate skip supply for storing waste, lack of routine collection of waste, poor methods of waste management, inadequate resources for waste management institutions to effectively collect the waste generated and human resources challenges were identified as main challenges. Some of the major recommendations were that CCM should employ more human resources, equipments such as skips and vehicles to enhance their waste management work.

Source: UCC
Solid-liquid equilibria of mandelic acid enantiomers in two chiral solvents: experimental determination and model correlation

A study of the ternary solubility phase diagrams of enantiomeric mandelic acid species in the chiral solvents (S)-ethyl lactate and (2R,3R)-diethyl tartrate has been carried out. The solubility measurements were conducted for enantiomeric compositions between the racemic compound and the single enantiomer for temperatures between (273 and 333) K. Experimental results showed no evidence of differences in the solubility of both enantiomers in both chiral solvents. The ideal solubility curves of the mandelic acid species as well as of the racemic compound revealed large deviations from experimental data. The nonrandom two-liquid (NRTL) model was applied to quantify and parameterize the solid-liquid equilibria (SLE) by means of activity coefficients. Hereby, pronounced solute-solute interactions were found, while solvent-solute interactions were interpreted as being nonchiral specific

Source: UCC
Solid-phase and oscillating solution crystallization behavior of (þ)- and ()-n-methylephedrine

This work involves the study of the solid-phase and solution crystallization behavior of the N-methyl ephedrine enantiomers. A systematic investigation of the melt phase diagram of the enantiomeric N-methylephedrine system was performed considering polymorphism. Two monotropically related modifcations of the enantiomer were found. Solubilities and the ternary solubility phase diagrams of N-methylephedrine enantiomers in 2 solvents [isopropanol:water, 1:3 (Vol) and (2R, 3R)-diethyl tartrate] were determined in the temperature ranges between 15C and 25C, and 25C and 40C, respectively. Preferential nucleation and crystallization experiments at higher supersaturation leading to an unusual oscillatory crystallization behavior as well as a successful preferential crystallization experiment at lower supersaturation are presented and discussed

Source: UCC
Solid−liquid equilibria of n‑methylephedrine enantiomers and their mixtures in two chiral ionic liquids

Solubility equilibria of the chiral N-methyl ephedrine species in two chiral ionic liquids, (S)-2- (methoxycarbonyl) pyrrolidinium is- (trifuoromethylsulfonyl) amide ([(S)-2-Pro-Me][NTF2]) and (1R , 2 S )-(−)-dimethylephedrinium is- (trifuoromethylsulfonyl) amide, have been systematically studied. Solubility measurements ere performed for [(S)-2- Pro-Me][NTF2] at temperatures between 278 and 308 K and ( 1R , 2 S )-(− )-dimethylephedrinium is- (trifuoromethylsulfonyl) amide at 308 K, both ith diferentinitial enantiomeric compositions of N-methylephedrine. Methanol as a co-solvent as used to decrease the iscosity of [(S)-2-Pro-Me][NTF2]. The solubilities in [(S)-2-Pro-Me][NTF2] increased with temperature increments. Considerable asymmetry as observed in the ternary solubility phase diagram of the chiral N-methylephedrine and (1R,2S)- (−)-dimethylephedrinium is(trifuoromethylsulfonyl) amide system. The accuracy of the solubility data for N methylephedrine in (1R,2S)-(−)-dimethylephedrinium is(trifuoromethylsulfonyl) amide at 308 K as asc ertained by evaluating the mean absolute error

Source: UCC
Soliton excitation in superlattice

Excitation of soliton in superlattice has been investigated theoretically. It is noted that the soliton velocity u and the length L depend on the amplitude Eo and that an increase in the amplitude causes soliton width L to approach zero and the velocity u to that of light V in homogeneous medium. The characteristic parameters of soliton u, L and Eo are related by expression j^r = |^ which is constant depending only on the SL period d. It is observed also that the soliton has both energy E — 8V2 (1 — -^J and momentum P = ^ E which makes it behave as relativistic free particle with rest energy 2. Its interaction with electrons can cause the soliton electric effect in SL

Source: UCC
Solubility of mandelic acid enantiomers and their mixtures in three chiral solvents

A systematic study of the ternary solubility phase diagrams of chiral mandelic acid species in the chiral solvents (S)-methyl lactate, (S)-propyl lactate, and (S)-butyl lactate has been carried out. Solubility measurements were performed for different enantiomeric compositions in a temperature range between (273 and 318) K. Experimental results indicated no proof of solubility differences of the enantiomers in all three chiral solvents used. Hence, increasing chain length of the chiral solvents has no infuence on chiral recognition. Besides, the eutectic composition in the chiral system in the presence of the solvent as a significant parameter for enantioseparation was determined for all the chiral solvents investigated. Also, the activity coefficients were derived for all three chiral solvents applied

Source: UCC
Solution of Inverse Eigenvalue Problem for Singular Symmetric and Hermitian Matrices of Ranks Five and Six

In this work, the inverse eigenvalue problem is studied in the context of singular symmetric and Hermitian matrices, with a particular emphasis on ranks five and six. We looked into ways to solve singular symmetric and Hermitian matrices’ Inverse Eigenvalue Problem (IEP). We devised a method to reconstruct such matrices from their eigenvalues, based on a solvability lemma. Through innovative methodologies, we aim to provide effective solutions for determining the original matrices from their eigenvalues, shedding light on challenges posed by singularity and higher rank. In the case of n × n matrix, the number of independent matrix elements would reduced

Source: UCC
Solution of Inverse Eigenvalue Problem of Singular Hermitian Matrices of Rank Greater than or Equal to Four

This work deals with a modification of an algorithm that solves a special Structured Inverse Eigenvalue Problems (SIEP). The problem we consider is the Structured Hermitian Inverse Eigenvalue Problem (SHIEP) where the researcher’s purpose is to find the solution of inverse eigenvalue problem of singular Hermitian matrix of rank greater than or equal to four. We modified an algorithm to generate singular symmetric and Hermitian matrices for rank greater than or equal to 4 that meet both the spectral and structural constraint as a solution for the inverse eigenvalue problem. Finally, we proved that given the spectrum and the scalars ki=1,2,…,𝑛−4, the inverse eigenvalue problem for an 𝑛 ×𝑛 singular symmetric and Hermitian matrices of rank 4 are solvable.

Source: UCC
Solvent dependence of photochemical electron-transfer rates in a covalently linked porphyrin-quinone molecule

The solvent dependence of intramolecular photochemical electron-transfer rate constants in a covalently linked porphyrin-amide-quinone molecule (PAQ) has been found in nine solvents to correlate reasonably well with the semiclassical formulation of Marcus theory. In making this correlation it is necessary to take into account the solvent dependence of both AGO, the Gibbs energy of the electron-transfer reaction from the excited state of the porphyrin to the quinone, and that of A, the reorganisation energy. The former was estimated from the redox potentials of PAQ measured in each solvent, and the latter was estimated using Marcus' dielectric continuum model

Source: UCC
Solving the Teacher Shortage Problem in Ghana: Critical Perspectives for Understanding the Issues

The problem of getting sufficient numbers of qualified teachers to staff classrooms is one of the most significant public policy issues facing many countries. In Ghana, the problem of teacher shortage has been a perennial one, necessitated by educational expansion as well as adverse socio-economic and political circumstances, and exacerbated by high attrition rate. Efforts to find a solution are still ongoing. This paper aims to contribute to the search for solutions to the teacher shortage problem in Ghana. The paper takes the view that before education policy makers think about whether to recruit more teachers or retain existing teachers, it is important that they clearly understand the complex nature of the phenomenon of teacher shortage. The paper, therefore, reconceptualises the phenomenon of teacher shortage, clarifying it by disentangling and explicating its constituent variables. It also discusses various policy options for addressing teacher shortages, and indicates the implications of those options for teaching quality and teacher status. The ultimate objective is to provide a framework for analysing the problem of teacher shortage in a more critical way so that any interventions would be more focused and appropriately targeted

Source: UCC
Some aspects of pollination ecology and effect of pesticides on the flower visitors and yield of the watermelon crop citrullus lanatus (thunb.) (cucurbitales: cucurbitaceae) in the Shai-Osudoku district of Ghana

The purpose of the study was to investigate the influence of pesticide application on the abundance and diversity of watermelon flower visitors as well as its effect on the crop yield. This was to help identify the most beneficial insecticide application regime to ensure pollinator health and the control of insect pests whiles ensuring maximum yield. Insects that visited watermelon flowers were collected weekly with the use of sweep nets and pan traps from plots with pesticide application twice a week, once a week and no application. Phenologically the plants promoted male fitness by producing more male flowers than female flowers. The plot with no pesticide application had the highest diversity of flower visitors present with a value of 1.50 on the Shannon Weiner index, and the highest species richness of eight. The most abundant and most efficient pollinator of the watermelon plant according to this study was the honey bee Apis mellifera L. There was a significant difference between the number of insect flower visitors collected from the different treatments used in the study (p< 0.05). It was also established from the study that there was no significant difference (p> 0.05) in fruit yield from plots with different pesticide application regimes. In effect, the application of pesticides once a week after flowering is best to achieve protection of pollinators and still ensure maximum fruit yield.

Source: UCC
Some chemical and biological measurements of two contrasting cultivars of Gliricidia sepium (Jacq) Kunth ex Walp

Some chemical and biological measurements of two contrasting cultivars of Gliricidia sepium, one grown in Cuba (22°, 55' N and 82°, 01' W) and one in Ghana (5°, 05' N and 1°, 13' W), were determined. Leaves of the Cuban cultivar had higher crude protein content; both browses showed similar essential amino acid content. The Ghana cultivar contained more polyphenols than cv. Cuba. The contents of phytates and haemagglutinating activity were higher in the Cuba cultivar. Levels of protease inhibitors were low and no µ- amylase inhibitory activity was detected. Rumen degradation of dry matter and crude protein was high and similar in both browses. In general, the cumulative gas production in both cultivars was high (more than 30 ml at 48 h incubation) and was not affected by action of polyphenols. More research work is needed to establish how environment and plant interactions can influence the nutritive value of Gliricidia sepium foliage

Source: UCC
Some chemical characteristics of the river Pra estuary in the Western Region of Ghana

This paper discusses the nutrients budget and transfers of mineral nutrients from land to the sea that influence significantly the biogeochemical process operating in the coastal ecosystem. Water samples were collected fortnightly from six sites in the estuary and analysed using standard methods of analyses. It was observed that the estuary is alkaline in nature and the alkalinity increases, in the lower reach of the river as it flowed into the sea. The estuary could be classified as a well-mixed estuary due to the vertical homogenous distribution of salinity. The inorganic nitrogen in the water body exists predominately in the form of nitrate (NO3 - ), as compared to concentrations of ammonium (NH4 ) and nitrite (NO2 - ). The ranges of NO3 - , NH4 + and NO2 - concentrations are (4.98-8.27), (0.11-0.46) and (0.005-10.95) x 10-3 mg/L. The concentrations of nitrate, nitrite, ammonium and phosphate were found to be within WHO specification. The calculated residual flow (VR) for both November and December are -2.7 x 10 7 m 3 day-1 and -1.01 x 10 7 m 3 day-1, respectively. The negative value of V R implies that water flows from the system. The corresponding residence and flush times are 324 and 109 seconds and 828 and 595.2 seconds for November and December, respectively

Source: UCC
Songs As Narrative Devices In Two Selected Ghanaian-Authored Plays

This thesis examines the use of songs as narrative devices in Efua Sutherland‘s Edufa (1967) and The Marriage of Anansewa (1975). This study comes at the backdrop of the fact that reading and interpretation of literary texts generally places emphasis on the conventional elements that make up a typical drama and often disregards the narrative importance of the oral genres such as songs contained in the texts. The study is based on a qualitative research design and uses a text-analytical approach to analyse the songs as sub-texts contained in the plays selected for the study. It is argued that songs are an integral part of the narrative structure of the selected plays. The main findings of this study revealed that songs in both plays serve five main functions as narrative devices: foreshadowing, flashback facilitation, exposition, interior monologue, and didactic tools. In addition, the study highlights how the songs serve to establish the mood of the plays, convey and reinforce the underlying themes of the narratives and provide context. They also serve to highlight character development, express the thoughts and feelings of the characters and immerse the audience in the cultural contexts of the plays.

Source: UCC
Sonic culture in Ghana and its public health implications

The sonic culture of any place is always locally specific. Yet, beyond cultural differences, there are more general health implications of sound production and exposure, particularly where high sound levels with potentially damaging effects to the inner ear are concerned. The purpose of this study was to investigate further into the socio-cultural, psychological, and physiological dimensions of sound production, exposure and perception in a Ghanaian context. Specifically, we aimed to examine how people who regularly deal with electronic sound equipment evaluate sound stimuli in different contexts. We used three different instruments: first, we measured ambient noise levels at live music events and during band rehearsals; we then conducted air conduction threshold tests to assess participants’ status of hearing; and, as a complementary instrument, we used a structured questionnaire to assess levels of sound exposure as well as participants’ evaluation of environmental noise. Our results revealed that amateur and professional musicians are indeed a high risk group with regard to potential hearing damage. We therefore concluded that awareness campaigns and counter-measures with regard to sound/noise pollution need to be designed more specifically for different target groups to address their respective needs

Source: UCC
The soul is willing but ...: Exploring community sanitation preferences for environmental sustainability

Sanitation has been" dentified as an essential aspect of evelopment as it affects the quality of life and roductivity of the population. But sanitation facilities are only sustainable when people make their own choices and contribution towards obtaining and maintaining them. This paper therefore examines sanitation preferences of residents of Efutu, a peri-urban settlement in the Central Region of Ghana. Using a descriptive design, data were collected from 154 randomly-selected households using questionnaires, focus group discussions and observation. It was ound out that 65% of the respondents mentioned the household water closet (Ti'C) as their most preferred toilet acility, though 58% presently use Kumasi ventilated improved pit (KVIP) public toilets. Least handling of excreta, convenience, security and avoidance of mell represent some of the very important actors that determine respondents' choice of particular sanitation acility. Additionally, 78% of the respondents wanted their toilet facility to be sited in the house, mainly due to convenience/conifort and the security associated with an in-house toilet acility. The study recommends that since the majority of the people use KVJP public toilets, it will be easier through community consultation, to introduce ecological sanitation, a more Sustainable and ecologically friendly sanitation system, in the community

Source: UCC
Source assessment and analysis of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (pah’s) in the oblogo waste disposal sites and some water bodies in and around the Accra Metropolis of Ghana

The study looked at the levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in leachates from a solid waste disposal site and an effluent from an oil refinery in some water bodies around Accra. Sixteen (PAHs) were extracted simultaneously by solid phase and analysis by gas chromatograph. The results of this study generally demonstrated that there were elevated levels of PAHs in the water sample of the Densu River, Chemu, Korle and Kpeshi Lagoons. The average concentration of PAHs in the water ranged from 0.000 of many of the PAHs to 0.552µg/L, for Acenapththene to 11.399µg/L for Benzo (ghi) perylene of the Chemu Lagoon, 0.00µg/L for Benzo (a) Pyrene to 8.800µg/L for Benzo (ghi) perylene (Korle Lagoon) and 0.052µg/L for Pyrene to 4.703ug/L for Acenaphthylene of the Kpeshi Lagoon and 0.00µg/L for pyrene to Acenaphthylene 2.926µg/L of the Weija Dam. Concentrations ranging from below detection level to 14.587µg/L were also recorded at the Oblogo solid waste dump and it’s environ. The Weija dam supply over two million gallons of portable water daily to the people of Accra and the levels of the PAH determined is worrying, as a result, the Oblogoh disposal site ought to be re-located to avert any possible epidemic

Source: UCC
Source specific quantification and characterisation of solid waste along a sandy beach in Cape Coast, Ghana

Ghana is dealing with extensive urban periphery settlements due to the massive migration of rural inhabitants to the cities, especially to the political and economic capital, Accra and other regional capitals including Cape Coast. This phenomenon has culminated in indiscriminate solid waste disposal. With no effective municipal solid waste collection system in place, heaps of refuse have become ubiquitous in Cape Coast especially along the beaches. The quantity and composition of solid waste at two locations along a sandy beach in the Cape Coast municipality was investigated in this study. Using five permanent 20 x 4 quadrats over seven weeks in each of the two locations, the amount and composition of solid waste were assessed. The results indicated that paper, bottle, wood, leather, textile, metal, plastics, organic matter and styrofoam were the main categories of solid waste found at the sandy beach. The results also indicated that the quantity of solid waste generated at Duakor and West Gate was 514 kgha-1 and 374 kgha-1 respectively. This study suggests that source specific waste quantification and characterization of solid waste at different scales should be a vital part of planning in municipal solid waste management systems

Source: UCC