ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Establishing long-term biological monitoring protocols: comparing three arthropod sampling techniques in the Amurum forest reserve, Nigeria

Amurum Forest Reserve (AFR), the area around the AP Leventis Ornithological Research Institute is not currently systematically monitored in terms of arthropods, which is fundamental to the bird species of the reserve that has been extensively monitored. Research opportunities to relate the bird data to this biotic factor (food resource) are being lost, particularly as Amurum has been protected for over 14 years and is undergoing regeneration in terms of gallery forest and savanna. This project was to determine the best sampling design and effort to efficiently and accurately determine arthropods abundance and diversity at Amurum forest reserve. In view of this, characteristics such as abundance, richness, average body length, effort and statistical power required for collecting arthropods were compared with sweep net, pitfall trap and sticky trap. Proportions of major taxa and size distribution of arthropods differed significantly between all three methods. Family richness showed no significant difference between sweep net and sticky traps. Sticky traps significantly recorded the highest abundant arthropods and required the least effort in time (236. 63 ±108/sec) to complete sampling. Monitoring arthropods with sweep net had the least statistical power and requires as much as thrice the sampling units required for pitfall trap and sticky trap combined. A combination of pitfall and sticky traps sampled a wider variety of prey taxa and may provide a more accurate estimate of arthropods community in the AFR for avian studies.

Source: UCC
Establishing the First Geriatric Medicine Fellowship Program in Ghana

As life expectancy in Ghana improves, a large and growing population of older adults require healthcare. Despite governmental support for the care of older adults, there have been no geriatricians and no in-country educational path for those desiring to become specialists in this field. In fact, 23 of 54 countries in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) lack even a single geriatrician. We describe a novel and collaborative approach used to develop the first geriatric training fellowship in Ghana. Faculty from the Ghana College of Physicians and Surgeons and the University of Michigan worked together to develop a rigorous and evidence-based geriatrics curriculum, based on US standards but adapted to be appropriate for the cultural, economic, educational, and social norms in Ghana. This approach led to a strong training model for care of older adults while also strengthening the ongoing collaboration between the two partner universities in Ghana and the United States. The fellowship has been inaugurated in Ghana and can serve as a concrete educational model for other countries in SSA.

Source: UCC
Establishment of Laboratory Colony of Black Soldier Fly (Bsf), Hermetia Illucens L. (Diptera: Stratiomyidae)

ABSTRACT Black soldier fly larvae are converters of organic waste into edible biomass and organic residue. This study investigated the feasibility of establishing indigenous black soldier fly, Hermetia illucens colony on different diets. Weighed oviposition traps were placed on five microhabitats to collect wild egg clutches which were separately incubated in the laboratory on layer meal diet. Thereafter, larvae were reared on layer meal-wheat bran mixtures and on market waste fractions. Five- day old larvae were reared in 80 litre barrels at different larval densities; 3,600, 4,800, 6,000 and 7,200 per 30kg dry weight of formulated organic market waste to study the effect of density on larval growth and biomass accumulation. Larvae of different ages; 4, 8 and 12 days old were exposed to different temperatures; 35, 40, 45 and 50°C and reared on layer meal diet to investigate the effects of temperature and age on larval growth and development. H. illucens colony was successfully established from 57 wild egg clutches collected. Market waste fractions as larval diet had significant effect on larval biomass and fecundity. Larval density of 4,800 produced significantly the highest growth in length and specific growth rate of larvae. Age and temperature significantly influenced larval development and fecundity. It was observed that larvae can withstand at least 4 hours of sustained high temperatures up to 45oC and develop to adult. Wheat bran, layer meal-reduced diet mixtures, vegetable waste, fruit waste, uncooked food waste and their combinations were able to produce larval biomass and growth rates that were similar to layer meal and therefore could be substitutes for the standard layer meal diet, thus reducing cost of diet for mass rearing of black soldier fly.

Source: UCC
Estimate of reference effective dose and renal dose during abdominal ct scan for dose optimization procedures in Ghana

The study is to estimate renal and effective dose during abdominal MDCT scan, using image data for dose optimization for purposes of radiation protection in Ghana. In addition dose influencing parameters including: CTDIVOL, DLP and MSAD were recorded and compared with ICRP/ICRU, AAPM, EU and IAEA dose optimization recommendations. All the measurements were done during abdominal MDCT examination. The measured parameters were part of image data on the MeVisLab (DICOM) application software platform. The total photon fluence (mAs per area) and the photon energy fluence (kVp per area) on the abdominal and renal surface were also determined. Renal and effective dose were estimated using ICRP publication 103 recommendations. The results of the measured parameters based on the average renal surface area of 29.52cm2 and 30.67cm 2 for the right and left kidney respectively, shows that: The mean dose parameters were; 6.33mGy, 7.78mGy, 936.25mGy cm, 5.76mGy, 10.99mSv and 14.09mSv for CTDIV, CTDIW, DLP, MSAD, RD and E respectively. The average values were lower than the general recommended average critical values, but this seems misleading, based on the fact that 37% of the individual dose and exposure parameters exceeded the recommended critical values. A tradeoff between patient radiation dose and image quality in abdominal CT has been established. Where at a mean SNR of 6.6 decibels an adequate images were produce to answer all the clinical questions, with an average effective dose of 14.09mSv and renal dose of 10.99mSv. Radiation dose during x-ray CT imaging is an important patient safety concern. Reducing radiation dose result in a reduction of the risk to patient; however, reducing dose also reduces the signal strength and thereby reduces the signal to noise ratio in the resulting CT image, hence, the image quality is affected. It is recommended that the established reference values be used as clinical advisory mechanism to protect patience and clinicians. It is also recommended that the studies should be carry out periodical to estimates the abdominal effective dose in all the centers

Source: UCC
Estimating Childhood Mortality in Ghana: Does Using Direct or Indirect Methods Matter?

ABSTRACT There are essentially two main methods for estimating demographic indices, namely direct and indirect methods. The direct approach for estimation works well with reliable, timely, and adequate data. The lack of dependable data as a result of the poor functioning of vital registration systems and poor reporting of events in surveys in developing countries had spawned indirect approaches. Using data from the 2014 Ghana Demographic and Health Survey (GDHS), the study sought to compare childhood mortality estimates using direct and indirect methods. The MORTPAK software version 4.3 and STATA version 14 were used to analyse the data. The direct estimations were done using STATA version 14 and the indirect estimations were carried out using the QFIVE application based on MORTPAK software version 4.3. There were variations in estimations from direct and indirect methods. The results showed that under-five and infant mortality were higher, using both indirect and direct techniques for males compared to females. Estimations from indirect methods were higher than those from direct estimations. The Palloni-Heligman version of the Brass method should be used to estimate infant and under-five mortalities in Ghana. This can help fill the gap of under-reporting of infant and under-five mortality.

Source: UCC
Estimating the effect of climatic variables and crop area on maize yield in Ghana

Climate change tends to have negative effects on crop yield through its influence on crop production. Understanding the relationship between climatic variables, crop area and crop yield will facilitate development of appropriate policies to cope with climate change. This study therefore examines the effects of climatic variables and crop area on maize yield in Ghana based on regression model using historical data (1970-2010). Linear and Non-linear regression model specifications of the production function were employed in the study. The study found that growing season temperature trend is significantly increasing by 0.03oC yearly whereas growing season rainfall trend is insignificantly increasing by 0.25mm on yearly basis. It was also observed that rainfall is becoming increasingly unpredictable with poor distributions throughout the season. Results from the linear and non-linear regression models suggest that rainfall increase and crop area expansion have a positive and significant influence on mean maize yield. However, temperature increase will adversely affect mean maize yield. In conclusion, the study found that there exists not only a linear but also a non-linear relationship between climatic variables and maize yield

Source: UCC
Estimating the Effect of Education on Earnings in Ghana: Models for Twins

This thesis estimates the economic returns to an additional year of schooling in Ghana using data from a twins’ survey. Consequently, the relative importance of the roles of genetics and family background in determining earnings and returns to schooling in Ghana is examined. A number of models and estimation methods were utilized to illustrate the sensitivity of different estimators to model specification. The results indicate that the economic return to schooling in Ghana using Mincer’s Human Capital model is about 10%. Estimates of the economic returns to schooling using fixed effects and selection effects regression models and incorporating an instrumental variables approach to correct for measurement error in self-reported schooling levels was also assessed. The measurement error corrected return to schooling for monozygotic twins was larger than the standard ordinary least squares return to schooling estimate indicating a downward bias in the ordinary least squares return to schooling. Finally, the Restricted Maximum Likelihood approach was adopted to identify unobservable differences in the returns to schooling for twins’. The analysis revealed significant unobservable differences (p<0.05) in the REML returns to schooling for dizygotic twins’ whiles, unobservable differences in the REML returns to schooling for monozygotic twins was not significantly different from zero. The estimated “pure” rate of indicator for considering policies related to education.

Source: UCC
Estimating the effect of education on earnings in Ghana: models for twins

This thesis estimates the economic returns to an additional year of schooling in Ghana using data from a twins' survey. Consequently, the relative imp011ance of the roles of genetics and family background in determining earnings and returns to schooling in Ghana is examined. A number of models and estimation methods were utilized to illustrate the sensitivity of different estimators to model specification. The results indicate that the economic return to schooling m Ghana usmg Mincer's Human Capital model is about l 0%. Estimates of the economic returns to schooling using fixed effects and selection effects regression models and incorporating an instrumental variables approach to correct for measurement error in self-reported schooling levels was also assessed. The measurement error corrected return to schooling for monozygotic twins was larger than the standard ordinary least squares return to schooling estimate indicating a downward bias in the ordinary least squares return to schooling. Finally, the Restricted Maximum Likelihood approach was adopted to identify unobservable differences in the returns to schooling for twins'. The analysis revealed significant unobservable differences (p<0.05) in the REML returns to schooling for dizygotic twins' whiles, unobservable differences in the REML returns to schooling for monozygotic twins was not significantly different from zero. The estimated "pure" rate of return to education in Ghana could therefore be used as an indicator for considering policies related to education.

Source: UCC
Estimating the Recreational Value of Ecotourism in The Kakum National Park, Ghana

ABSTRACT This thesis estimates a value of Kakum National Park’s recreation. Economic analysis employed by this thesis can contribute to effective management of these conservation area (Kakum National Park) and is critical to influencing resource policy decisions. There is report on the degradation and destruction of some ecotourism site in Ghana. The study use Contingent Valuation method to estimate the value of this park. Statistics used in data analysis were percentage, mean, standard deviation, dominance analysis and logistic regression analysis. These respondents (Visitors) were systematically selected for the study. Results of the study shows that age (P < 0.001), gender (P< 0.001), income (P< 0.05), marital status (P< 0.05), educational level and locational (P< 0.05) are key socioeconomic variables significantly influence visitor’s willingness to pay for the entrance fees. Moreover, improvement in social amenities such as walking tracks (P < 0.05), lavatory (P < 0.001), information signs (P<0.01), accommodation (P < 0.001) and condition of the road (P < 0.00) will increase the recreational value of the park. The Kakum Park recreational value was estimated as GHS 221,050.60 (approximately US$ 38,046.57) and the Consumer Surplus as GHS 6865.00 (US$ 1181.58). The study recommends that there should be more advertisement of the park to attract more visitors, provide more facilities of the park and provide public education to the public on the importance of recreation and improve social amenities which include road network, packing space, lavatory and others. The study recommends that Park entrance fee of GH 2.00 be maintained, which should be utilized for park management

Source: UCC
Estimation of global solar radiation in selected synoptic stations in Ghana

The global solar radiation potential of eight Synoptic Meteorological Stations in Ghana was reported in this study. Five stations were selected from the Northern belt, mostly made up of Sudan Savanna and Guinea Savanna regions of Ghana and the other three stations were selected from the Middle belt, mainly Deciduous Forest and Coastal Savanna regions of Ghana. Angstrom-Prescott Sunshine Hour Model was employed to estimate the global solar radiation for these stations. The daily sunshine hour data and other geographical parameters were obtained from the Ghana Meteorological Agency in Accra for the period of 2000 to 2010. Monthly and yearly means of daily global solar radiation values were determined for each of the selected Synoptic Stations.The computation and the analysis were done using MatLab codes together with Microsoft excel. Standard error was determined to check the consistency of the global solar radiation values obtained. Also, the performance of the model was evaluated by using a standardized test statistics (z-statistics).The yearly mean of monthly global solar radiation values for the entire period for the Selected Synoptic Stations ranged from 19.94 MJm-2day-1 to 21.95 MJm-2day-1 using Angstrom– Prescott Sunshine Hour model. In general, maximum values of yearly mean of monthly global solar radiation for the Study Synoptic Stations were observed between March and April, while minimum values were observed in August and December. From analysis of the result, it was observed that the availability of global solar radiation throughout the period in the selected stations is very consistent and steady in pattern. Therefore, the possibility of prospects of solar energy utilisation at these locations is very bright.

Source: UCC
Estimation of heterosis and combining ability for some weaning and post-weaning traits in three different breeds of rabbits

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of breed on some weaning and post-weaning performance traits as well as estimation of heterosis and combining ability for these traits. Two bucks and five does from each of New Zealand White, Californian and Gray Giant Flander breeds were used as parents to produce 183 progeny. Significant differences were observed among different progeny genotypes for body weight, average daily gain (ADG) and relative growth rate (RGR) at weaning and post-weaning growing period. New Zealand White x Flander rabbits recorded the heaviest weaning weight (668.18 g). On the other hand, Californian x New Zealand White recorded the heaviest market weight at 12th week of age (2278.52 g) and the highest ADG at the age periods from 4- 6 weeks (45.29 g) and 10-12 weeks (24.01 g). New Zealand White x Californian recorded the highest RGR at the age period of 4-6 weeks (72.50%). Californian x New Zealand White rabbits recorded the highest positive estimates of heterosis for body weight at all ages studied (22.69, 17.60, 6.76, 4.50 and 7.60 % for weaning, 6th , 8th , 10th , and 12th week of age; respectively), also the highest positive estimates for ADG at the age period from 4-6 weeks (12.77 %), while Californian x Flander rabbits recorded the highest positive estimates at 10-12 weeks of age (42.27 %). In general, effect of general combining ability (GCA) was non-significant (p>0.05) on body weight, ADG and RGR at most of ages studied, while effect of specific combining ability (SCA) were highly significant (p<0.01) on body weights at most of ages studied, but non-significant on ADG and RGR at most of age intervals studied. In conclusion, we recommended the use of Californian as a sire breed to improve body weights and body weight gains of fryer rabbits and crossing of Californian males with New Zealand White females will improve body weights and body weight gain due to heterotic effect. Gray Giant Flander does is better mothers than Californian and New Zealand White which is reflected by higher weaning weights of progeny of Gray Giant Flander does. Moreover, Gray Giant Flander breed and specifically, crossing of New Zealand White with Californian are the best to improve body weights of fryer rabbits during weaning and post-weaning period

Source: UCC
Estimation of soil losses within plots as affected by different agricultural land management

Proper agricultural land management strategies improve soil structural properties, thereby reducing soil loss by water erosion. This study was conducted to estimate soil losses from plots of different agricultural land management using the Water Erosion Prediction Project (WEPP) (95.7) model. The study took place in a semiarid region in Kenya. The mean annual rainfall was 694 mm. The WEPP (95.7) model was initially used to estimate total sediment loading from the catchment into a reservoir. The estimate was about 2871 t corresponding to an average sedimentation rate of 1063 t km"" year"', which was about 76% of the measured total sediment inflow into the reservoir. Soil losses were estimated within 10 plots on the catchment of different sizes and slopes with the following treatments: conventional tillage (hand hoeing) with maize and soybean intercropping (HOCOBE); conservation tillage (disc plough) with maize and soybean intercropping (COBEAN); conservation tillage with only maize cultivation (CNTCORN); and conservation tillage with only soybean cultivation (CNTBEAN). The soil loss reduction of COBEAN, CNTCORN and CNTBEAN relative to HOCOBE ranged between 27-47%, 16-29% and 12-25%, respectively, depending on the size and slope of the plot. In general, conservation tillage reduced soil loss relative to conventional tillage. However, with conservation tillage, the single cropping system resulted in greater soil loss than the intercropping system. In the case of single cropping with conservation tillage, the soil loss reduction for maize ranged between 4 and 9%, relative to soybean. Overall, the study showed that there would be a significant reduction of soil losses from plots if conservation tillage with an intercropping system (maize and soybean) were to be adopted on agricultural lands in semiarid regions

Source: UCC
An estimation of the underground economy and tax evasion Empirical analysis from an emerging economy

Purpose – This paper aims to use an econometric model to estimate tax evasion from the size of the underground economy and examined the factors that trigger it. Design/methodology/approach – The study used time series data sourced from world development indicators and Bank of Ghana covering the period 1990-2015 to estimate tax evasion from the underground economy using an autoregressive distributed lag model drawing on the currency demand approach. Findings – The results confirmed the existence of a large underground economy and a high incidence of tax evasion in Ghana. The Ghanaian situation has been aggravated by an underground economy-triggering factor of mobile money activities, which increased by 83.1 per cent in 2015. Tax evasion averaged 20.78 per cent of GDP over the period. The study, thus, concludes that the increased number of mobile money activities, high tax burden and unemployment contribute to the worsening of the tax evasion problem in Ghana. Originality/value – The study is one of the premier attempts to introduce electricity power consumption variables in the currency demand model to estimate tax evasion from the size of the underground economy. The authors hypothesize that the emergence of mobile money activities in its current form triggers underground and tax-evading activities. The study, thus, calls for the formalization and regulation of the operations of mobile money activities in emerging economies as a way of managing the underground economy, which incubates tax evasion.

Source: UCC
Estimation techniques in generalized linear mixed models with application to disease impact modelling

This study applies the theory of Generalised linear Mixed Models (GLMMs) to survey data on disease impact in Ghana. It determines the variables that are responsible for making dependent members of households feel the impact of illness and/or death for three identified types of households. It assesses four models in terms of these variables generated using the Maximum Mean Pseudo-Likelihood (MMPL) and the Residual Mean Pseudo-Likelihood (RMPL) techniques in SAS. For all four models considered, the MMPL produces more suitable models than the RMPL. The impact of illness and/or death on HIV/AIDS, Other Illness/Deaths or No Illness/Death households is felt in the areas of reallocation of dependents’ time, dependents having to work harder to substitute for lost income, dependents leaving work to care for the sick, and household reducing expenditure as a result of illness and/or death. It is found that the degree of impact depends on marital status, sex or tribe of household headship, remoteness of occurrence of mortality/morbidity, total asset value, and level of annual adult’s health expenditure. It is also found that in almost all cases examined, the HIV/AIDS household suffers a significant impact compared to No/Other disease household. The findings indicate that there should be a continued effort at reducing not only the incidence but also the impact of HIV/AIDS on households.

Source: UCC