ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Assessment Of Pesticide Residue Level In Okra (Abelmoshus Esculentus L. (Moench)), Eggplant (Solanum Melongena L.) And Pepper (Capsicum Spp L.) In Brong Ahafo Region Of Ghana

An assessment was carried out with the aim of determining pesticide residues level in okro, pepper and eggplant. The study also sought to examine farmers and agrochemical dealers knowledge in dispensing pesticides in Atebubu-Amantin and Kintampo South Districts of the Brong Ahafo region of Ghana. A total of 24 vegetable samples were randomly collected from 8 communities in AtebubuAmantin and Kintampo South and sent to Ghana Standard Authority for residues analysis. Out of 50 pesticides residues analysed, 42% of them were detected and identified as organophosphates (57%) and synthetic pyrethroids (43%). The most predominant organophosphate pesticide residue identified was Chlorpyrifos (92%) found in eggplant and pepper whereas the most predominant synthetic pyrethroid was Lambda Cyhalothrin (44%) found in okro and pepper. The synthetic pyrethroids, Fenvalerate and Bifenthrin found in samples of eggplant and okra respectively exceeded the European Union maximum residue limit (EU MRL). Most of the Farmers who applied synthetic pesticides did not use appropriate protective clothing. As high as 26.2% of pesticide applicators used their normal house/farm wear during spraying and most (59%) of the applicators left the cans on the field. The number of years in farming had a negative correlation with farmers knowledge level on safe agrochemical concentration. Majority (70.0%) of the chemical dealers gained knowledge in safe chemical handling through the Ministry of food and Agriculture (MoFA), Ghana. The existence of synthetic pyrethriods exceeding the EU MRL is a cause for concern for vegetable consumers. There is still the need to intensify sensitization on the need to be fully protected before spraying synthetic pesticides to reduce their harmful effects on the applicators. More non-governmental organisations should be engaged, as a corporate social responsibility, in training chemical dealers to help them handle synthetic chemicals safely

Source: KNUST
An Assessment of Perception and Satisfaction of Foreign Students on the Quality of Education in KNUST: A Case Study of Nigerian Undergraduate Students in Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology.

The study observes an assessment of perception and satisfaction of foreign students on the quality of education in KNUST. The research was necessitated because of the problem of very little research being done to know whether foreign students have a good perception about the quality of education they are experiencing in Ghana and whether they are satisfied. 300 structured questionnaires were conveniently distributed to Nigerian Students located at Brunei, Sun City, Crystal Rose and Gaza hall. Respondents were selected due to their willingness to participate in the survey. 240 responses (representing 80% response rate) were retrieved and analyzed quantitatively using SPSS. The Multiple Linear Regression (MLR) was the main analytical technique used in deriving the findings from the research. Findings from the research indicated that the socio-politico conditions, recommendations and referrals and academic grounds were the main reasons why Nigerians students would choose to study at KNUST. Their main challenges were language barrier, stereotype and prejudice and unfair charges in rent, food and non-food items. On the dimensions of the quality of education, the perception on the quality of lecturers and student engagement with learning were found to be moderate. Quality of lecturers and student engagement with learning positively and significantly influence the level of students’ satisfaction. Thus, it was recommended that quality of lecturers should be improved and the academic environment should be open with manageable class sizes to improve students’ engagement with learning at the lecture hall. The student council should also organise programs that will help integrate both the local and foreign students.

Source: KNUST
Assessment of physico- chemical properties of processed and unprocessed tomato (Lycopersco esculentum) vars manica and power

Tomato is an important vegetable that is consumed in various forms by most households across Africa. However, tomatoes are seasonal and very perishable. Consequently, these and other factors have increase the industrial processing of tomatoes into various forms, such as, tomato sauce, ketchup and powder. This study thus was carried out to assess the processing quality of two tomato varieties (power and manica) in Ghana. Fruits of the two varieties were stored under ambient condition and physico-chemical characteristics such as total soluble solids, total titratable acid, vitamin C, pH, moisture content, firmness, mesocarp thickness, colour, and diameter analyzed at the six stages of ripening (matured green, breaker, turning, pink, light red and red-ripe stages). Daily weight loss was also taken for twenty three days and the average weight loss determined. Fully ripe tomatoes of the two varieties were processed into ketchup and stored for three months and biological studies and chemical characteristics such as the pH, Total Soluble Solids, Total Titratable Acidity were determined. A completely Randomized Design was used as experimental design for the study. All treatments were replicated three times. From the results, there was no significant variation (p>0.01) among power and manica for physical characteristics of unprocessed tomato, firmness, mesocarp thickness, diameter and colour. Power had 5.40, 3.32, 54.31, while Manica tomato variety had 6.26, 4.13, 49.70 and respectively. For chemical characteristics, PH,,moisture content, vitamin C content, weight loss and total soluble solids did not differ significantly (p>0.01) between the two varieties. Power recorded 4.00, 93.29, 38.90 and 5.94 while manica variety had 4.00, 95.21, 42.95 and 3.88 respectively. However, Power variety recorded significantly (p>0.01) higher (0.44) total titratable acidity than Manica variety which had the least value (0.29). Results from the processed tomato showed there was no significant difference (p>0.01) between the two tomato varieties for pH and total titratable acidity. Both Power and Manica varieties had pH of 4.00 and TTA of 0.57 and 0.49 respectively. However, total soluble solids of Power variety varied significantly (p>0.01) from Manica variety. Power variety recorded appreciable amount of TSS (24.40) than manica variety (18.58). Microbial analysis showed that growth of total viable count of ketchup from the two tomato varieties did not vary significantly (p>0.01) for the three months of storage. Comparing the two varieties, it was revealed that although both varieties could be processed into ketchup, using the power variety could produce sweeter ketchup than manica variety.

Source: KNUST
Assessment of physicochemical properties and heavy metals in water, sediment and fish (oreochromis niloticus) from the Upper Volta basin (stratum vii), Ghana

This study was carried out at the Upper Volta Basin (Stratum VII) to assess the levels of six (6) heavy metals, Arsenic, Lead, Copper, Cadmium, Zinc and Mercury in the water, sediments and fish as well as nutrients in the water (nitrates and phosphates) and sediments (nitrogen and phosphorus) from January to March, 2012. Three sampling locations, namely Korpedike (Upstream), Makango (Midstream) and Yeji (Downstream) were chosen to give adequate spatial coverage and obtain a comprehensive and representative assessment of the heavy metal as well as the nutrient levels of the study area. Physicochemical data gathered during the study at the three sampling locations were fairly similar over the sampling period with no significant spatial variations (p>0.05) in the assayed parameters. The nutrient levels were however variable with significant spatial variations in nitrate concentrations in the water with the highest concentration of 0.065 mgL -1 recorded at the Korpedike sampling location. The nutrients concentrations in the water were generally below the WHO (2011) Drinking Water Quality Standard for nitrate and phosphate. Nitrate values at some of the sampling stations however exceeded the guideline value for the protection of aquatic life of 0.05 mgL -1 . Concentration of metals in the water sediment and fish of the Basin were generally lower than their regulatory standards for their presence in the basin. Compared to the WHO (2002) Safety Reference Standards for Human Consumption, the fish samples from the three locations on the Volta Basin were considered wholesome for human consumption and are unlikely to cause harm to human consumers in these areas. Heavy metals in the water, sediment and fish from the Upper Volta Basin ranked in the order of; Upstream>Midstream>Downstream, indicating an influence of the artisanal mining on the Volta Basin.

Source: KNUST
Assessment of pollution potential of old tailings dam; a case study of the Idaupriem Gold Mine in Ghana

Tailings Dams are found in many mining areas in Ghana. Various toxic substances are found in these tailings dams. This study was carried out to ascertain the pollution potential of these tailings dams. Augur drilled samples were taken from the old tailings dam at the Iduapriem Gold Mine and extensive laboratory investigation such as particle size analysis, XRD analysis, microscopic examination, AAS analysis of the solid phase and the mobile phase, physico-chemical analysis and micro biological analysis were conducted. It was found that the tailings material was silty sand having less than 10% fine materials and would therefore be permeable to liquids. There were sulphide materials present and most of these sulphides have been altered through weathering. The presence of these suiphides suggests that this dam has the potential of producing some level of ARD. The solid phase of the tailings material contained relatively high level of iron while Mn, Zn, Cu, and Pb were low. The liquid phase also contained these ions which concentration increases with increase in depth. The prevailing pH after pulping to 1:1 solid/liquid was between 6 and 8 while Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) and Electrical Conductivity (EC) values of the mobile phase were also found to be increasing with depth. (NB The insitu values would be much higher than the values reported due to dilution) The potential therefore exist of mobilizing these ions into the environment if the OTD is not lined. The laboratory investigation further revealed the presence of the following ions in the tailings: CN-, NH4+, HCO3 -, SO42-, NO3- and CO32- It was confirmed by the studies that cyanide has been extensively attenuated (i.e. from about 250ppm to less than 0.2ppm) producing NH4+ and CO3- and that these ions have also been transformed to NO3- and HCO3- respectively through microbial activity and chemical reaction. Consequently, the long term environmental impact of this tailings dam will be the production of bicarbonates and nitrates and decommissioning of this tailings dam may therefore concentrate on the mitigation of nitrates in particular as they are likely to cause infant Metamoglobinamia ( i.e. The blue baby disease).

Source: KNUST
Assessment of pictorial materials in Ghanaian pre-school education (a case study in Kumasi metropolis)

This project, Assessment of Pictorial Materials in Ghanaian Pre-School Education, (A Case Study in Kumasi Metropolis), identifies and describes the Pictorial Materials in selected Pre-Schools/ Institutions in the Kumasi Metropolis. It also assesses the suitability of the materials for Pre-School Education. An Illustrated Report on the study is presented for further research and improvement of the Pre-School Education in Ghana. It was observed that many Pictorial Materials in use in some Ghanaian Pre-Schools are not suitable for that level. They look poorly illustrated, full of abstract or adult ideas, un-sequential or the illustrations are painted with dull colours. Some of them are too small for children sitting far from them to see, full of spelling and/or grammatical errors, labeled with inappropriate letters of the Alphabet. The rest are combination of any of the above. Both qualitative and quantitative research methods were used; for qualitative the Pictorial Materials were described by the use of words. The relationship of each described item and the position of the children were shown. For quantitative, questionnaire and observation guide were used to collect data. These data were described by the use of figures, tables and charts. The recommendations and suggestions offer ways of meeting the challenges and difficulties in Pre-School Education section of the Ghana Education service. It is recommended that the Government of Ghana considers the following points. Three-dimensional objects should be made available at cheaper prices for the Pre-Schools to access. Simple materials such as crayons, pencils, paper, cards and erasers should be subsidized to make them accessible for all users. In-service training should be organized frequently for the Pre-School teachers to enable them update their knowledge and skills. Potential illustrators should be identified and trained so that they can provide appropriate services to the education sector. In conclusion, it is hoped that the provision of training and in-service training to artists and teachers would go a long way in providing Pre-Schools with good Pictorial Materials. It is certain that such a move can give them a firm foundation in Art—the foundation for nation building.

Source: KNUST
Assessment of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Honey

The aim of the study was to determine the actual content of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in honey sold in Kumasi. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons are group of different compounds released from burning oils, trash, wood and other organic substances. Samples were collected from hawkers and retailers along the railways and market center of Kumasi Central Market. The content of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in honey samples were determined using high-performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detector. Concentration of individual polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons ranged from 9 × 10-4 µg/kg (Pyrene) to 1956960 × 10-4 µg/kg (naphthalene). Naphthalene recorded the highest mean value (150535 × 10-4 µg/kg) which exceeded the limit set for both children and adults. The limit of Benzo (a) pyrene for infant formula (10000 × 10-4 µg/kg) was not exceeded. Compositional pattern of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons showed greater percentage of low molecular weight PAH. Pollution emission in honey reported polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons contamination from burning of wood, grass and coal.

Source: KNUST
Assessment Of Polymorphisms In The Plasmodium Falciparum Kelch 13 Propeller Gene In The Eastern Region Of Ghana

Malaria continues to be the number one childhood killer disease across the globe especially in the tropical areas of the world. With over a decade use of Artemisinin-based Combination Therapy (ACT) as the frontline for treatment of malaria, there has been several reports of reduced efficacy of these drugs which begun in South East Asia. The resistance to ACTs in some parts of SEA has been nailed to mutations in the gene of Plasmodium falciparum Kelch propeller domain on chromosome 13 (PfK13). This therefore poses a risk in control efforts as chemotherapy still remains the key treatment and prevention of malaria. With the introduction of ACTs in Ghana over 13 years ago, it is imperative to use molecular markers of resistance to monitor the emergence of artemisinin resistance. The study assessed the polymorphisms in the PfK13 gene in Ghanaian parasites from clinical cases in the New Juaben Municipality in the rainy season of 2017. A total of 161 symptomatic patients between the ages of 6 months to 12 years who visited the hospital for treatment were recruited for the study. Blood samples were taken from these patients for detection of malaria parasites by microscopy and molecular analysis, Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and Sanger sequencing. Parasite DNA was extracted from the blood samples on filter paper. A nested PCR was performed on 132 samples to detect the parasite species and the PfK13 gene. Sanger sequencing was used to detect single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the PfK13 gene. Of the 132 parasite isolates used for the detection of P. falciparum species, 128 had their PfK13 gene amplified and 123 were sequenced. Of all the samples sequenced 8.1% (10/123) were of the wildtype 3D7 genotype. A total of 252 mutations were observed in 113 isolates, of which 86.9% (219/252) were non synonymous and 13.1% (33/252) being synonymous. There were known and novel SNPs present in the parasite isolates. The known SNPs included A578S, S459S, V534L, W470*, V589V, Q468Q and G496G. Some of the novel SNPs found include T685T, F441I, N657Y, N704M and P441Y. None of the artemisinin resistant alleles C580Y, Y493H, R539T and I543T observed in SEA region were present in the Ghanaian isolates which may imply that PfK13 mutations arise independently from different geographic areas.

Source: KNUST
Assessment of post harvest handling practices of maize at Odumase in the Sunyani west district of the Brong Ahafo Region

Aflatoxin contamination levels were measured in samples collected from selected maize stores at the beginning and at the end of the storage period to examine the incidence of aflatoxin in Odumase (a major maize producing and marketing centre) and the effect of different storage practices. A mean contamination level of 61.6ppb was found in the 25 samples collected with 72% of the samples having contamination levels in the 20-100ppb range. The mean contamination level in the beginning of storage samples was 26.7ppb and increased to 56.7ppb in the end of storage samples after a period of 3 to 5 months. A survey conducted through the administration of a questionnaire to 42 farmers showed that storage of ears in traditional cribs was the predominant practice with 88.1% of respondents using this storage practice. Storage of husked maize in the traditional cribs showed no increase in aflatoxin contamination levels but storage of dehusked ears in the traditional cribs recorded a mean change of 90ppb over the storage period. The survey identified good handling and storage practices in the research area, such as the sorting out of mould infected and insect damaged ears as well as treatment of both maize and storage structures with insecticide. High increases in insect infestation in most stores at the end of the storage period suggested lack of professionalism in the use of good storage and handling practices. The research identified low patronage of certified seed (14.3%) and fertilizer (7%) among farmers and the undue delay in conveying harvested maize from the farm gate to the farmers’ store or the market (average of 11.6 days) as situations contributing to the high pre-storage aflatoxin level of 26.7ppb. Fungal evaluation in maize samples also showed the presence of Aspergillus flavus in all but two of the beginning of storage samples. Analysis of climatic data of the research area and moisture content data on maize from the Odumase market indicated the existence of unfavourable climatic conditions for maize handling during the harvesting period of July to September/October. Relative humidities of above 80% leave harvested maize with moisture contents between 26.8% and 18% and make sun drying of little effect. The survey revealed that mechanical drying was not practiced by farmers themselves but some poultry farmers and traders who buy maize from the Odumase market. The research concluded that mechanical drying would be the most effective way of dealing with the high aflatoxin contamination levels, in view of the unfavourable climatic conditions especially during the major season harvest. It was also concluded that strict observance of good agronomic and post harvest handling and storage practices could significantly reduce the aflatoxin contamination level even without mechanical drying.

Source: KNUST
Assessment of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons Associated with Smoked Fish

Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAH) and their occurrence in foods has been one of the major phenomena contributing to the poor health and particularly rise in cancer cases recorded this past century. Activities involving heat and partial combustion of carbons such as smoking has been known to be implicated in the production of PAH thus this study sought to investigate the occurrence of PAH in smoked fish and the associated risks. A cross-sectional approach was adopted in conducting a survey after which five species of fish; Tuna (Thunnusspp.), Salmon (Salmosalar), Herrings (Clupeideaspp.), Mudfish (Claris glariepinus) and Mackerel were selected. A total of 30 samples were collected from markets within the central business district of the Kumasi metropolis and assayed for PAH using High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). The study focused on twelve PAH of which 10 were detected at varying concentrations; Naphthalene (3.25±0.32), 1-CH3napthalene (0.01±0.01), 2-CH3napthalene (0.13±0.01), Acenaphthene (0.11±0.01), Fluorene (0.01±0.01)), Pyrene (0.02±0.01), Anthracene (0.12±0.01), Fluoranthene (0.02±0.01), Benzo(k)fluoranthene (0.05±0.01) and Dibenz(a,h)anthracene (0.08±0.26) accounting for 80% of the total PAH spectrum under study. Benzo(b)fluoranthene and Benzo(a)pyrene were not detected as they were below the Limit Of Detection. The individual PAHs were present at varying concentrations differing significantly at P-value (0.0001) in the different fish species with Naphthalene recording the highest level of 3.25 mg/kg and Fluorene recording the least concentration of 0.002 mg/kg. The toxicity and mutagenic equivalent concentrations are 0.000085790 mg/kg and 0.000034620 mg/kg respectively, both lower than the standard 0f 0.001 mg/kg. The hazard quotient was 0.298 further buttressing the safety of the smoked fish. Herrings recorded the least PAH contamination (0.0025±0.008) with salmon following suit (0.034±0.098) whereas Mackerel recorded the highest PAH level (2.328±7.855) with Mudfish recording (0.268±0.412) and Tuna (0.108±0.192). Mackerel recorded the highest as a result of the fat deposit and the duration of smoking and vice versa for herring which recorded the least. Significant to the findings of this research is the toxicity and mutagenic equivalence were all below the safe limit and the hazard quotient was also within range thus indicating the safety of consumers upon consuming smoked fish.

Source: KNUST
Assessment of post operative pain management at Agogo Presbytarian Hospital, Asante Akyem North District.

Alleviating acute pain and providing pain relief are central to caring for surgical patients as pain can lead to many adverse medical consequences. The purpose of the study was assessing post operative pain experiences and patient’s satisfaction with post operative pain management. A prospective cross sectional survey was carried out among 200 respondents who had undergone various surgeries (hernia repair, caesarean section, laporatomy, hysterectomy/myomectomy and others) and were in the surgical and maternity wards in Agogo Presbyterian hospital. Data were collected using the revised American pain Society’s Patient outcome and satisfaction survey questionnaire. Data were analysed using “statistical package for social sciences” (SPSS) and results presented in the form of mean, frequencies and percentages. The study revealed that most surgical patients experienced moderate to severe pain within the first 24 hours after surgery and majority of surgical patients were over 60% satisfied with their post operative pain management while in the hospital. Pain still remains an issue among surgical patients, and effective pain management and health education are needed to manage pain more effectively after surgery.

Source: KNUST