ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Estimated dietary exposure to veterinary residues in chicken and eggs

Background: Chicken tissues and eggs were analyzed for residues of eight veterinary drugs including albendazole, piperazine, tiamulin, chloramphenicol, levamisole, sulphathiazole, sulphamethoxazole and oxytetracycline oxytetracycline. Results: Mean residue concentrations of all drugs varied by tissue and ranged from 0.004 μg/kg for tiamulin in eggs to 8.6 μg/kg for chloramphenicol in liver. Total residues of all drugs in the liver generally exceeded that of the kidney, muscles and eggs by at least a two-fold difference. The general order of decreasing total drug residue levels is liver > kidney > muscle > eggs. The exposure due to albendazole and sulphamethoxazole in liver were 2- and 7-folds higher than their recommended average daily intake. Exposure due to piperazine, sulphamethoxazole, levamisole and tiamulin were, however, lower than their respective recommended limits. Conclusion: Dietary exposure assessments of all drugs based on quantitated residue levels are within the Joint FAO/ WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives safe regulatory exposure limits. This study informs the public about veterinary drug residues in poultry and helps address policy and regulatory changes in the use of veterinary drugs in poultry.

Source: KNUST
Estimating actuarial present value factors for annuity business using a non-parametric graduation approach

Abstract Ensuring income security after retirement has been an issue troubling many countries. Over the years, several attempts have been made to improve upon pensions of retirees. A typical example is the introduction of the new pension scheme in Ghana. Yet, pensioners are still faced with the problem of nding an investment with a guaranteed payout for their pensions. To this end, the use of life annuities is proposed as a solution since life annuities have been touted to ensure a guaranteed payout. However, it is unfortunate to note that not only does Ghana lack a ready annuity market, the country also does not have a standard mortality table to undertake such annuity operations. Hence, in this study, the modi ed actuarial exposure method was applied to a pension scheme data in Ghana to estimate the crude mortality rates. The Whittaker-Henderson and the modi ed Whittaker-Henderson graduation methods were then applied to the estimated crude mortality rates to achieve a smooth and increasing progression of mortality rates with age. The Generalized Cross-Validation (GCV) method was then applied to obtain a suitable smoothing parameter, h at each order of di erencing, z that minimized the GCV score. The optimal set of graduated mortality rates with desirable features was produced by the Whittaker-Henderson method at z = 3 and h = 100. The selected graduated mortality rates were further used to compute life expectancy. Finally, annuity tables were developed from the estimated Actuarial Present Value (APV) factors to be used in pricing the annuity products.

Source: KNUST
Establishment of an effective in vitro regeneration protocol for quality protein maize in Ghana

This study was aimed at establishing a consistent in vitro regeneration system for Quality Protein Maize (QPM) using mature embryos and root explants using two QPM genotypes from Ghana ‘Obatanpa GH’ and ‘Etubi’. The effect of MS and N6 basal media supplemented with 2,4-D, 6-BA and CPPU on callus and embryogenic callus induction as well as plant regeneration were investigated. For primary callus induction, 4mg/L 2,4-D gave the highest frequency of 70.8% to 91.7% from mature embryo on both MS and N6 while in root explant, 3mg/L 2,4-D induced maximum frequency of 50.0% to 68.8% on both MS and N6. Increasing 2,4-D concentration from 0mg/L to 4mg/L on mature embryo and 0mg/L to 3mg/L on root explant resulted in increase in frequency of callus induction, respectively. Primary calli varied from white to creamy and opaque with compact or friable texture. For embryogenic callus induction using matured embryo, a combination of 1.0mg/L 2,4-D and 0.2mg/L 6-BA was required to achieve highest frequency of 62.5% to 91.7% whereas 2mg/L 2,4-D and 0.4μM CPPU produced maximum frequency of 62.5% to 70.8% whiles embryogenic calli development from matured embryo was high and dependent on concentration of the growth regulators, development of embryogenic calli from root explants was low and inconsistent. A low and inconsistent frequency of embryogenic callus in root explant was obtained. Either 1mg/L or 2mg/L 2,4-D in combination with 0.2mg/L 6-BA produced 16.7% to 33.3% whereas at 3mg/L 2,4-D with 4 μM CPPU gave 29.1% to 37.5%. For shoot formation, 1mg/L 6-BA with 3mg/L IAA or 1mg/L 6-BA with 1.5mg/L IAA gave highest frequency of 53.3% to 73.3% and 40.0% to 66.7%, respectively, on mature embryo-derived embryogenic calli. Root-derived embryogenic calli produced lower shoot regeneration frequency of 40.0% to 46.7% at 2mg/L 6-BA and 0.5mg/L IAA. For root development, 0.4mg/L 2,4-D with 2mg/L NAA gave highest frequency of 33.3% to 58.3% from mature embryo-derived embryogenic calli. Highest root frequency of 25.0% to 62.5% from root-derived embryogenic calli were achieved at 0.2mg/L 2,4-D with 1mg/L NAA. Mature embryo explants developed comparatively higher plantlets than root explants. The two genotypes used as well as the basal media MS and N6 were not different with respect to primary callus induction, embryogenic callus induction, shoot and root regeneration.

Source: KNUST
Establishment of a works E-Procurement framework procedure for Ghana Civil Aviation Authority

The research was carried out to establish a works electronic procurement framework procedure through National Competitive Tendering Method for Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) in the light of policy level, implementation level and contractor-side critical success factors. The aim of the study was to develop a step-by-step works electronic procurement procedure for use by GCAA. The research explored the documented critical factors that ensure the success of electronic procurement. A qualitative research approach was adopted using purposive sampling techniques. Data was obtained through semi-structured interviews of selected Directors and Managers of GCAA and selected Contractors actively working with GCAA. The research findings were that majority of critical success factors existed within GCAA for initiation of e-procurement while GCAA’s contractors had in place limited critical success factors. The research conclusion was that GCAA had well enough infrastructure to realign towards e-procurement adoption/implementation, however the contractors did not have all it took to come aboard and will have to be upgraded. It was recommended that; GCAA should without delay start a policy to adopt e-procurement for works and follow up to implement same, develop the capacity of its contractors to participate in the process and adopt the proposed step-by-step framework for implementation.

Source: KNUST
Estimating appropriate sample size for research on malaria data: a case study of Afigya-Sekyere District

Sample size determination is often important steps in planning any statistical study and is usually not easy calculating. To determine appropriate sample size it is important to use detail approach than to use short cuts. This thesis work offers distinct approaches for calculating successful and meaningful sample size for different study designs. Additionally, there are also different procedures for calculating sample size for two (2) approaches of drawing statistical inference from the study results. That is, confidence interval and test of significance approach. Also discussed is the relationship between power and sample size estimation. Power and sample size estimations are critical steps in the design of clinical trials. Power characterizes the ability of a study to detect a meaningful significant effect if indeed it exists. Usually these tasks can be accomplished by a statistician by using estimates of treatment effect and variance or sample standard deviation from past trials or from pilot studies. However, when exact power computations are not possible or when there is no effect size of clinical data, then simulation base approach must be adopted. This helps to recruit as many patients as required by the study than more or less patients that are not required.

Source: KNUST
Estimating malaria transmission risk through surveillance of human–vector interactions in northern Ghana

Background Vector bionomics are important aspects of vector-borne disease control programs. Mosquito-biting risks are afected by environmental, mosquito behavior and human factors, which are important for assessing exposure risk and intervention impacts. This study estimated malaria transmission risk based on vector–human interactions in north‑ ern Ghana, where indoor residual spraying (IRS) and insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) have been deployed. Methods Indoor and outdoor human biting rates (HBRs) were measured using monthly human landing catches (HLCs) from June 2017 to April 2019. Mosquitoes collected were identifed to species level, and Anopheles gambiae sensu lato (An. gambiae s.l.) samples were examined for parity and infectivity. The HBRs were adjusted using mosquito parity and human behavioral observations. Results Anopheles gambiae was the main vector species in the IRS (81%) and control (83%) communities. Indoor and outdoor HBRs were similar in both the IRS intervention (10.6 vs. 11.3 bites per person per night [b/p/n]; z = −0.33, P=0.745) and control communities (18.8 vs. 16.4 b/p/n; z = 1.57, P=0.115). The mean proportion of parous An. gambiae s.l. was lower in IRS communities (44.6%) than in control communities (71.7%). After adjusting for human behavior observations and parity, the combined efect of IRS and ITN utilization (IRS: 37.8%; control: 57.3%) on reducing malaria transmission risk was 58% in IRS + ITN communities and 27% in control communities with ITNs alone (z = −4.07, P<0.001). However, this also revealed that about 41% and 31% of outdoor adjusted bites in IRS and control communities respectively, occurred before bed time (10:00 pm). The mean directly measured annual entomologic inoculation rates (EIRs) during the study were 6.1 infective bites per person per year (ib/p/yr) for IRS communities and 16.3 ib/p/yr for control communities. After considering vector survival and observed human behavior, the estimated EIR for IRS communities was 1.8 ib/p/yr, which represents about a 70% overestimation of risk compared to the directly measured EIR; for control communities, it was 13.6 ib/p/yr (16% overestimation). Conclusion Indoor residual spraying signifcantly impacted entomological indicators of malaria transmission. The results of this study indicate that vector bionomics alone do not provide an accurate assessment of malaria transmission exposure risk. By accounting for human behavior parameters, we found that high coverage of ITNs alone had less impact on malaria transmission indices than combining ITNs with IRS, likely due to observed low net use. Reinforcing effective communication for behavioral change in net use and IRS could further reduce malaria transmission.

Source: KNUST
Estimating life tables from Leslie population models

This thesis considers the modelling of life table models for Ghana, when her population becomes stable in the future. To do this, a Leslie matrix for Ghana is first determined. The Leslie model (which is an age-structured population projection model) is used to find the stable age distribution, which forms the basis for actuarial computations. The dominant eigenvalue which represents the asymptotic growth rate of the population and the corresponding eigenvector of the Leslie matrix which represents the stable population is also determined. The stable population is used to compute life tables for Ghana, and the life tables are then compared with other life tables to see the disparities. A mortality model is estimated by fitting the survival function from the life table to other already existing mortality models. Ghana’s mortality model has thus been found to follow the Modified De Moivre distribution. Despite the lack of accurate data, the Leslie model has nevertheless been helpful in generating life tables for Ghana. It has been found that Ghana’s population would attain stability by the year 2030, and in 2030 the total population has been estimated to be 43.8 million comprising 49.6 percent males and 50.4 percent females. When Ghana attains this stable age distribution, life expectancy would be 58 years for males and 60 years for females.

Source: KNUST
Estimating the determinants of crude oil demand: evidence from Ghana

This study examines the determinants of crude oil demand in Ghana. Applying the vector error correction (VECM), the study isolates the long-run determinants of crude oil demand from the short-run using annual frequency data from 1980 to 2013. The results showed that real gross domestic product per capita, crude oil price, real effective exchange rate and time trend were the long-run drivers of oil demand in Ghana. There is the evidence of exogenous technical progress in the long-run. The study, based on the variance decomposition function (VDFs) and impulse response functions (IRFs) via the VAR estimates also found that positive shocks from real effective exchange rate had positive impacts on crude oil demand in Ghana. It is recommended that GNPC, NPA and TOR adopt a strategic oil demand security by establishing and sustaining a planned crude oil reserve system, shopping for alternative sources of energy. Bank of Ghana must also implement policies that strengthen the cedi against major currencies

Source: KNUST
Estimating the Economic Cost of HIV/Aids in Rural Ghana (A Case Study- Kassena Nankana East District of Upper East Region)

This project aims to investigate and estimate the economic cost (direct, indirect and intangible costs) of the HIV/AIDS pandemic on rural livelihoods in Navrogo district of the Upper East Region of Ghana. To estimate the cost, a household survey was conducted in Navirongo district in the upper east region of Ghana. A multi-stage sampling was used. The first stage was the choosing of the districts. The District was chosen because it encompasses one of the poorest districts in Ghana. This was done so that results reflected the economic cost of the HIV/AIDS on the livelihood of poor community in Ghana. The second part of the questionnaire looked into the cost incurred by the household as a result of a member of the household infected and sick of HIV infection. The respondents were people who have visited the hospital within the past one year. A total of 200 households were covered by the survey. To achieve a broader coverage, only one respondent was interviewed in a household. The researcher also estimated how each cost varies with patients characteristics. The current findings provide important information regarding the relationship between cost components (directs, indirect and intangible cost) and patients characteristics. Although some of the estimated coefficients of explanatory variables were not significant at 5% level, the entire regressions were significant. It was evident from the findings that the highest infected age group was 21-40 years. This is due to increasing early sexual activity, and it is even believed that HIV/AIDS prevalence in this youthful age group was more than the proportion recorded. The direct treatment cost of HIV is extremely high and this is leading many household into extreme poverty. This conclusion became evident as it was found from the study that household spent half (50.04%) of their income on treating HIV and its associated sickness. These results suggest that there is a strong relationship between direct cost of treatment and incomes of patients. The result also indicated a strong relationship between indirect cost and income of patient. Age, income and higher education influence intangible cost (in terms of suffering, social exclusion, stigmatisation and all other forms of embarrassment associated with HIV/AIDS of HIV patients). Recommendations made focused on cost reduction and distribution. These include suggestions that HIV/AIDS treatment centers be opened in rural communities in Ghana and treatments should be free of charge. This will reduced high direct cost of treatment associated with HIV. Intangible can be reduced if policymakers are to address HIV-related stigma by reviewing discriminatory laws and helping monitor their enforcement when they arise.

Source: KNUST
Estimating the Impact of the Cocoa Hi-tech and Mass Spraying Programmes on Cocoa Production in Ghana: An application of Intervention Analysis

Using the intervention time series analysis of Box and Tiao, this thesis presents an estimate of the level and nature of impact of the national mass spraying and the cocoa Hi-technology Government intervention programmes, implemented in 2002 and 2003 respectively, on cocoa production in Ghana. Annual time series cocoa production data covering the period from 1948 to 2011 was obtained from the Monitoring, Research and Evaluation Department of Ghana’s COCOBOD. Results from the study indicate that the preintevention period could best be modeled with an AR(1) process. The effects of both intervention programmes were found to be abrupt and permanent. The impact of the mass spraying programme was estimated (at 95% confidence level) to have had a significant increase of 182,398.2 metric tonnes annually. It was also found that the cocoa Hi-technology programme significantly (at 95% confidence level) increased production by 266,515.1 metric tonnes per annum.

Source: KNUST
Estimating the responses of real GDP and inflation to monetary policy instruments shocks: evidence from Ghana

This study examined the responses of real GDP and inflation to monetary policy instruments shocks in Ghana using a multivariate modeling technique of the Vector Autoregression (VAR) and focusing on the reduced-form relationship between real GDP, price level, broad money supply (M2), real lending rate, real effective exchange rate and domestic credit for the period 1980-2012. The stochastic shocks of monetary policy actions and decisions on the real GDP and inflation were carried out by examining the dynamic nature of Granger Causality Test, Cholesky Ordered Impulse Response Functions and Forecast Error Variance Decomposition for the VAR model. The study found that the potency of monetary policy in influencing real GDP and inflation is limited, as important channels of monetary transmission are not fully functional. In particular, the lending rate channel, credit channel, and the exchange rate channel were found weak, even though there is evidence of money supply as the only monetary policy instrument exerting significant effects on real GDP. Surprisingly, the connection between money supply and inflation is less clear in the case of Ghana. There is also evidence of transmission to inflation of changes in the lending rate. This study has, therefore, established the lack of unequivocal evidence in support of the conventional channel of monetary policy transmission mechanism. It has revealed that money supply was the most important variable in predicting real GDP in the case of Ghana during the study period. It is recommended that a more expansionary monetary policy should accompany a set of policies geared towards improving investment efficiency and bolstering consumption. In addition, the Bank of Ghana should entice more reputable foreign banks, especially Islamic banks into the Ghanaian market with a view to importing expertise, increasing competition and efficiency of bank operations and lowering the interest rate spreads among commercial banks.

Source: KNUST
Estimating the risk premium of motor insurance in Ghana using the Empirical Bayesian Credibility Theory Model

This research explores the use of actuarial principles in estimating motor insur- ance premium for non-life insurance companies in Ghana. Unlike other countries where the business of motor insurance has developed to the level where insurance companies determine motor premiums using parameters such as the risk associ- ated with the make of the car, the distance driven within the insured period and the risk of an accident associated with the locations used by the insured, motor in- surance premiums in Ghana are determined by the regulator using a tari guide. The tari guide used by the insurance companies in Ghana is not robust and fails to consider the various risks associated with the motor insurance portfolio of the various insurance companies. The Empirical Bayesian Credibility Theory model, a non-parametric approach and the Bayesian Credibility which assumes a parametric distribution of the data were used on reported motor insurance claim amounts for 18 insurance companies in Ghana to estimate the pure premium for motor insurance. The consideration of the parametric and non-parametric cred- ibility models in estimating the risk premium of motor insurance is to establish how reliable actuarial tools can be in determining the risk premium of motor in- surance in Ghana. Using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test at 5% level of signi cance, the distribution of reported motor insurance claim was consistent with a normal distribution. The outcome of the test of a normal prior distribution resulted in the posterior distribution also being a normal distribution and this led to the use of the Bayesian Credibility model to estimate the risk premium for motor insur- ance. The estimated risk premiums using the EBCT and the Bayesian Credibility Theory model were compared and the outcome of the two set of estimates were tested using t-test and Wilcoxon signed-rank test at 5% level of signi cance and it was established that both estimates have the same mean and follow the same distributions.

Source: KNUST
Estimating The Trend And Mechanism Of Burns Patients Brought To Kath For The Past Five Years

Burn is traumatic, devastating and its economic and social implications leave much to be desired, coupled with its significant cause of fatality, morbidity and disability. Very little is known about burn injuries at KATH in Ghana and thus epidemiological study and management of burns at KATH is imperative, hence the choice for this study to assess the trend and mechanism of burns at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital –KATH, Ghana for the 5-year period from May 2009 to April 2014. This study specifically has the object of determining the trend of burns, estimating the prevalence rate of burns and measuring the degree and total body surface area (TBSA) of burn victims at KATH. Further, study sought to estimate the survival rate and the main causes of burns presented at the burns unit at KATH

Source: KNUST