ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
A comparative study of the antimicrobial activity of the leaf essential oils of chemo-varieties of Clausena anisata (Willd.) Hook. F. Benth.

The emergence of multiple drug resistance to human pathogenic organisms has necessitated a search for new antimicrobial substances from various sources including plants. The present study was carried out as part of this search using the essential oils of the leaves of three chemo-varieties of Clausena anisata (Willd.) Hook. f. ex Benth. namely, estragole, trans-anethole and feniculin-containing chemo-varieties. The oils were screened against six bacteria (Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella typhi, Shigella sp., Proteus sp. and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) and three fungi (Candida albicans, Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus parasiticus) isolated from clinical specimen using the disc sensitivity test. Microbes which showed significant sensitivity were further assayed with various concentrations of the active extracts in a dilution sensitivity test. The microorganisms were also assayed against seven broad spectrum antibiotics: penicillin G, amoxycillin, ampicillin, tetracycline, ceftizoxime, fosfomycin and urotractin. Results from the disc sensitivity test showed that the estragole-rich oil exhibited significant antimicrobial activity against E. coli (16.3±0.3mm) and Shigella sp. (17.2±0.4 mm). The trans-anethole-rich oil exhibited less significant activity (11.4±0.7mm and 12.1±0.3mm respectively) whereas the feniculin-rich oil, acting alone and in combination with the trans-anethole-rich oil did not show any significant activity against the all microbes tested. Only the neat oils and their 1:2 dilutions showed visible inhibition of microbial growth in the dilution sensitivity test. The estragole-rich oil gave minimum inhibitory concentrations of 3.7, 6.7 and 13.2 mg/ml against C. albicans, S. aureus and E. coli respectively with corresponding ED50 values of 1.3, 2.1 and 1.2 mg/ml. The trans-anethole-rich oil gave a minimum inhibitory concentration of 1.8 mg/ml against C. albicans with an ED50 of 0.2 mg/ml. The findings suggest a significant antimicrobial activity of these plant essential oils though of lower efficacy compared to ampicillin. The results further suggest that such plant essential oils could potentially be exploited in the development of novel antibiotics.

Source: UG
A comparative study of the efficacy of intravenous benzylpenicillin and intravenous augmentin in the empirical management of Ludwig's angina

Background: Ludwig's angina is a potentially life-threatening condition characterized by bilateral cellulitis of the submandibular, submental, and sublingual spaces. Intravenous (I.V) penicillin G or amoxicillin-clavulanate (Augmentin) has been recommended for use as empirical management before obtaining culture and sensitivity results. Aim: The aim of this study was to compare the therapeutic efficacies and clinical outcomes of I.V benzylpenicillin with I.V Augmentin in the empirical management of Ludwig's angina. Methods: This was a prospective randomized clinical study carried out to measure the rate of swelling reduction (using the lobar rate, Adam's rate, and interincisal distance) and other clinical parameters among the two drug groups (I.V penicillin G and Augmentin). Descriptive summaries of variables were generated, and Student's t-test was used to compare the mean outcomes of the two groups. Results: A total of 26 individuals participated in the study, consisting of 46% (12) males and 54% (14) females. The participants ranged from 13 to 61 years with mean and median of 34.4 (±12.7) and 35 years, respectively. Only 8% of the cases of Ludwig's angina were not attributable to odontogenic factors, compared to 92% resulting from odontogenic causes. There was no significant difference in the efficacy of the two antibiotics used in this study. Conclusion: The efficacies and the clinical outcomes of the two antibiotics were similar. Benzylpenicillin is probably a suitable empirical alternative where Augmentin cannot be afforded, to reduce the mortality associated with the condition.

Source: UG
A comparative study of the interaction of nickel, titanium, palladium, and gold metals with single-walled carbon nanotubes: A DFT approach

Interactions between transition metal atoms, nickel, titanium, palladium and gold and (3,3), (4,2), (6,0) and (5,1) carbon nanotubes were studied using first principles calculations. The Fermi energy levels of the carbon nanotubes studied were found to increase during interactions with the transition metal atoms. Amongst the four metals, gold atom was found to have an enhanced interaction with the nanotubes transforming from semiconducting to a conducting tube. Titanium was also found to show similar characteristics to gold only when the atom was placed in the middle of the carbon nanotubes. Nickel and palladium atoms interactions did not affect much the electronic properties of the carbon nanotubes, with some slight changes in the electronic properties at some specific sites of the nanotubes. It is proposed from this study that, the carbon nanotube-metal interactions could be used as a guide to shed light on the electronic properties of such materials which could become promising engineering materials and revolutionize the electronic industry.

Source: UG
A comparative study of the mechanical integrity of natural hydroxyapatite scaffolds prepared from two biogenic sources using a low compaction pressure method

With a view to enhancing laboratory and application-based pedagogical approaches in bioengineering, a comparison of the physical, chemical and mechanical properties of natural hydroxyapatite produced from nonseparated animal bones (NB) and catfish bones (CB) obtained by thermal treatment and a low compaction pressure method has been reported in this study. The structure, morphology and surface chemistry of the processed biomaterials were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and infrared spectroscopy, respectively. Uniaxial compaction using a pressure of 1 MPa was used on circular shaped hydroxyapatite scaffolds to measure the mechanical properties of the produced scaffolds. From XRD analysis, both samples showed prominent reflections of the hydroxyapatite phase, suggesting high crystallinity and phase stability. The morphology of the powders showed irregular shapes with large agglomerates for non-separated animal bones-derived hydroxyapatite as compared to more open pores in the catfish bones-derived hydroxyapatite. Hydroxyapatite produced from catfish bones revealed a microstructure with open pores which is useful in terms of cell adhesion. The hydroxyapatite products revealed Ca/P ratios of 1.58 and 1.63 for catfish bones (CB) and non-separated animal bones-derived hydroxyapatite, respectively. Improvements in the fracture toughness were observed for CB in comparison with NB. Calculated fracture toughness values were 5.72 MPa. m1/2 and 2.35 MPa. m1/2 for catfish bones and non-separated animal bones-derived scaffold respectively. These results are useful in terms of the production and biomedical applications of natural hydroxyapatite.

Source: UG
Comparative study of the nutritional composition of local brown rice, maize (obaatanpa), and millet—A baseline research for varietal complementary feeding

Introduction: Childhood malnutrition remains a major public health issue of concern particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, and inadequate complementary feeding is a common cause. Promoting dietary diversity is one way of tackling this problem. High dependence on maize has its limitations; modifying other local staples into complementary foods can be a feasible alternative to promote optimum nutrition. Objectives: Comparing the nutritional composition of brown rice to millet and maize to determine its beneficial value as complementary food. Methods: Experimental study was carried out at the Department of Nutrition and Food Science of University of Ghana. Samples of maize, millet, and brown rice were obtained from the Ministry of Agriculture, Accra and nutritional contents analyzed. Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 20.0 and ANOVA were used to assess differences. Results: Results showed brown rice contained the highest content of carbohydrates (77.94 ± 0.32) % and zinc (12.15 ± 0.21) mg while millet had the highest protein (10.49 ± 0E-7) mg and fat (4.99 ± 0.46) % content. Maize contained highest amount of calcium (21.24 ± 0.14) mg. Iron was only found in millet (10.72 ± 0.15) mg. The zinc content per 100 g of all three (3) cereals was above RDA. All three (3) cereals contributed significantly <10% to the RDA of calcium. Iron content of millet contributed more than 90% to RDA. Conclusions: Locally produced brown rice is rich in zinc and carbohydrates compared to millet and maize. Thus, can be used for complementary feed but, given the low protein and iron content, it may need to be fortified or diversified and used as a cereal blend.

Source: UG
A comparative study of the support verbs faire, prendre, donner in French; make, take, give in English; and wᴐ, tsᴐ, na in Ewe

This paper compares three semantically equivalent support verbs in French, English and Ewe (A Ghanaian language from the Kwa sub-group of the Niger-Congo languages). It presents data that shows that support verb constructions in the three languages share some syntactic and semantic similarities. However, the support verb tsᴐ in Ewe seems to differ syntactically and semantically from its counterparts prendre and take. We conclude that although the notion of a support verb is a universal phenomenon, their choice is based on the nature of the noun predicate and the appropriateness of that particular support verb to the noun predicate in question. Differences that arise for the same noun predicate may be due to the way the individual languages under study view the world and how they use language to express their conception of the world.

Source: UG
Comparative study on spatial variability of topsoil moisture content and carbon stocks as influenced by land use and soil and water conservation structures in the semi-arid Ethiopian highlands

Land uses and soil and water conservation (SWC) structures affect topsoil moisture and carbon stocks, particularly in the water deficit semi-arid environment of the northern Ethiopian highlands. This study was undertaken to assess the effects of land use and SWC structures on topsoil moisture, biomass, and soil carbon. Soil moisture was measured manually using gravimetric methods and theta probes with data loggers. Vegetation was inventoried and soil samples collected to assess carbon stocks of biomass and soils of different land uses. Merebmiti catchment had higher average gravimetric soil moisture content (GSMC; 24%) in wetlands, with the lowest (13%) in exclosures, whereas Mayleba catchment had relatively higher GSMC (14%) in exclosures and the lowest (8%) in rangelands. In both catchments, GSMC was higher at sampling locations closer to SWC structures than farther away. Merebmiti had significantly more biomass carbon (28.9 Mg ha−1) than Mayleba (6.32 Mg C ha−1). Higher soil organic carbon stocks were found in exclosures (46.1 ± 2.20 Mg ha−1) and wetlands (62.1 ± 2.9 Mg ha−1) than in frequently cultivated croplands (24.3 ± 1.4 Mg ha−1). Effective management of land use and implementation of SWC structures remarkably improves topsoil moisture content and carbon stocks in these catchments.

Source: UG
Comparative study on the application of ethanol-bentonite slurry and salt-bentonite slurry as effective injection materials for barrier sealing

A deep geological repository for high level radioactive waste disposal is a multi-barrier system whose overall performance depends on the effective sealing of the barriers. Effective barrier sealing can be achieved by the use of good grouting materials. A good grouting or injection material is one that is capable of penetrating very narrow voids of injection medium and effectively sealing them. The effects of both organic and inorganic solvents (ethanol and aqueous salt) on the rheological and injection characteristics of bentonite (Bent) slurry were investigated experimentally, with the aim of choosing between the two, a better injection material for effective sealing. Wyoming Bent, used as the injection material, was mixed with various concentrations of ethanol and 4% salt solution to form two separate slurries: Ethanol-bentonite (Eth-Bent) slurry and Salt-bentonite (Salt-Bent) slurry respectively. Prepared slurries were injected into a synthetic fracture of apertures 100, 80 and 60. μm under dynamic injection to determine the penetrability of the slurries into the apertures. The viscosities of the slurries were also determined. The results revealed that, both salt and ethanol are capable of suppressing the swelling property of Bent to form better injectable slurry than the slurry formed when fresh water is mixed with Bent. This was inferred from the successful injection behavior of the slurries through micro-fractures of aperture sizes 60-100. μm. Though ethanol and salt have the capability of suppressing the swelling behavior of Bent, the effect was more pronounced with salt as the viscosities were lower for salt than ethanol. Salt-Bent slurry can conclusively be considered as a more effective grouting material than Eth-Bent slurry for effective sealing. © 2013 Elsevier B.V.

Source: UG
Comparative susceptibility of Adult Africa Invader fly, Bactrocera invadens (Diptera: Tephritidae) to some selected insecticides

With the recent introduction of B. invadens in Africa and its devastating role in crop production, especially mango, with currently no registered insecticides for use against this fly in Ghana, the susceptibility of the fly to four commercially available insecticidal products namely, Cydim Super, Pyrinex 48 EC, Diazol 50 EW and Deltapaz was evaluated in the laboratory. The bioassay was conducted using three (3) different doses of each insecticidal product, by dipping 4x4 cm hardboard panels into the respective doses. Susceptibility of the flies to insecticides were assessed on freshly treated panels, 3-day-old and 6-day-old treated panels in some ventilated transparent bottles of 1 litre capacity. Adult flies aged between 4-12 days were used for the bioassays. The bioassay results indicated that the adult flies were more susceptible to Diazol (Diazinon) (LC50 = 0.6 ml/L; LC90 = 1.3 ml/L) and Pyrinex (Chlorpyrifos) (LC50 = 0.8 ml/L; LC90 =1.0 ml/L), and hence gave the least LT50 and LT90 times. Least susceptibility was recorded with Deltapaz (Deltamethrin) (LC50 = 3.1 ml/L; LC90 = 5.2 ml/L). It could be concluded that the control of B. invadens can be achieved more effectively by the use Pyrinex (Chlorpyrifos) and Diazol (Diazinon). The use of Pyrinex appears to be more economical to the resource poor farmers as it had least LC90 of 1.0 ml/L compared to 1.3 ml/L for Diazol in 30 min.

Source: UG
Comparative synthesis of mesoporous MgO-MoO3 catalyst for potential industrial application

The elevated interest in new materials as porous catalyst supports demands alternative strategies to improve yield of these systems through simple synthesis methodologies. In this work, different porous materials of MgO-MoO3/SBA-15 were synthesised at air, oven and microwave conditions to investigate and identify the best method for producing high surface area MgO-MoO3/SBA-15 catalyst. The results showed successful synthesis of mesoporous SBA-15 with homogenous dispersion of MgO-MoO3 nanocatalyst within the SBA-15 framework. The extent of crystallisation, the pore distribution and surface area was dependent on the crystallisation conditions adopted. The channels of the porous MgO-MoO3/SBA-15 network from the oven dry module were highly ordered, distinct and parallel. The oven drying crystallisation process module also yielded catalyst with surface area about ten folds higher than that of the air dry processes indicating that a given process module can be tailored for specific industrial application. The results also suggest that longer crystallisation time at temperatures in the range of 100 °C favours the formation of uniform pore structure with high surface area. © 2016, Hanyang University. All rights reserved.

Source: UG
Comparative urbanization in Ghana and Kenya in time and space

There are few inter-African country urban analyses because of the continent's enormous size and socioeconomic diversity, language barriers, and wide variations in national and regional urban research capacity. Nevertheless, comparative urban studies are critical in understanding contemporary African urbanization. In this comparative spatial and temporal analysis of Ghana and Kenya's urbanization, we find that both countries are urbanizing rapidly and are faced with many common urban problems. Moreover, Ghana is more urbanized than Kenya and has a larger indigenous urban imprint and a more widely dispersed urban pattern. Besides their physiographic and population conditions, we trace these countries' convergent and divergent urban trends to their shared but unique experiences of colonialism, nationalism and globalization. © 2008 Springer Science+Business Media B.V.

Source: UG
Comparative whole genome analysis reveals re-emergence of human Wa-like and DS-1-like G3 rotaviruses after Rotarix vaccine introduction in Malawi

The main research focus of the Electron Microscopy and Histopathology Department in the past 20 years has been in the areas of enteric diarrhoeas with special emphasis on rotavirus. Through its diarrhoea surveillance studies, the Department has helped to firmly establish rotaviruses as a major cause of diarrhoea in children, and document the circulation of unusual rotavirus genotypes in Ghana. The Department has also recently expanded its diagnostic repertoire to include the identification and characterization of noroviruses, astroviruses, and other enteric viruses.

Source: UG
Comparing media framings of climate change in developed, rapidly growth and developing countries

This article undertakes a systematic study of press articles on climate change in the rich West (Norway), the emerging East (China) and the developing South (Ghana) to explore the cognitive basis for collective climate policy action. Newspapers depict Ghana moving out of a climate-victimhood towards a more active climate policy for development; China figures as spearheading energy efficiency and clean technologies for growth; while Norway is described as exporting its climate action. Our analysis finds little common ground for climate mitigation through binding climate emission limits and carbon pricing. A pluralistic ‘green growth’ strategy would have greater chances of success. The article also highlights differences in sources and story types: Norway features much enterprising journalism, and academics are the dominant source. In China and Ghana most articles are routinized, with politicians and public officials dominating in China, whilst the press makes heavy use of international sources in Ghana.

Source: UG
Comparing Demonstratives in Kwa

This paper is a comparative study of demonstrative forms in three Kwa languages, Akan, Ga and Ewe. It examines the syntax, morphology, semantics and pragmatics of the demonstrative systems in these languages. The existence of various categories such as demonstrative determiner, demonstrative pronoun, demonstrative adverb, demonstrative identifier and the under-described ‘particular’ demonstratives in these three languages is examined. Semantically, we observe a basic two-way deictic contrast for most of the demonstrative systems, even though there are a few variations. The most significant qualitative feature distinction observed is one of humanness. The dearth of the morphology of these forms is noted. Finally, the role of the demonstratives in the organisation of speech flow is considered. The description of the demonstrative systems of these languages could lead to an eventual re-construction of the demonstrative system in the proto-language.

Source: UG
Comparing dietary macronutrient composition and food sources between native and diasporic Ghanaian adults

Background : Dietary acculturation may contribute to the increased burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in diasporic populations of African ancestry. Objective : To assess nutritional composition and the contribution that traditional foods make to the diets of native and UK-dwelling Ghanaian adults. Design : An observational study of Ghanaian adults living in Accra ( n 26) and London ( n 57) was undertaken. Three-day food records were translated to nutrient data using culturally sensitive methods and comparisons were made for energy, macronutrients, and dietary fibre between cohorts. The contribution of traditional foods to dietary intake was measured and the foods contributing to each nutrient were identified. Results : Compared to native Ghanaians, UK-Ghanaians derived a significantly higher proportion of energy from protein (16.9 9 3.9 vs. 14.1 9 2.8%, p 0.001), fat (29.9 9 7.9 vs. 24.4 9 8.5%, p 0.005), and saturated fat (8.5 9 3.4 vs. 5.8 9 3.7%, p B 0.001) and a significantly lower energy from carbohydrate (52.2 9 7.7 vs. 61.5 9 9.3%, p B 0.001). Dietary fibre intake was significantly higher in the UK-Ghanaian diet compared to the native Ghanaian diet (8.3 9 3.1 vs. 6.7 9 2.2 g/1,000 kcal, p 0.007). There was significantly less energy, macro- nutrients, and fibre derived from traditional foods post-migration. Non-traditional foods including breakfast cereals, wholemeal bread, and processed meats made a greater contribution to nutrient intake post-migration. Conclusions : Our findings show the migrant Ghanaian diet is characterised by significantly higher intakes of fat, saturated fat, and protein and significantly lower intakes of carbohydrate; a macronutrient profile which may promote increased risk of NCDs amongst UK-Ghanaians. These differences in the nutrient profile are likely to be modulated by the consumption of ‘Western’ foods observed in migrant communities.

Source: UG
Comparing farmers’ perception of climate change and variability with historical climate data in the Upper East Region of Ghana.

Perception of climate change and variability supported by local knowledge has helped to advance understanding of climate change and its impacts on agricultural land-use systems. This study compares farmers’ perception of climate change and variability in four communities of the Upper East Region of Ghana. Using a sample of 186 households from these four communities, farmers’ perception was compared with historical climatic data from the closest weather station of the study area. Also, logistic regressions were used to estimate factors that influence the perception of climate change and variability in the area. Findings show that 71% of respondents perceived an increase in temperature which matches with the climatological evidence. On the other hand, decreasing rainfall with a shortening period was observed by 95% of respondents. From the climatological data, no real evidence of reduction in the amount of rainfall was apparent due to the high inter-annual variability. Unlike the rainfall data, there is an agreement between climatological data and farmers’ observation that the onset of the rainy season is now shifting from April to June, accompanied by an increasing dry spell. In contrast, there is a divergence concerning the length of the growing season which is explained by the strong influence of the onset rather than by the end of the rainy season. From the findings of the binary logistic analyses, the local topography and the information on weather and climate were significant in determining the likelihood of a good perception of climate change and variability. Therefore, for any policy directed at farmers to adopt adaptation measures to climate change, more attention should be given to the role of the local environment and access to climate-related information.

Source: UG