ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Effects of Action Aid, Ghana land reclamation programme on food production in the Ga West Municipality of the Greater Accra Region, Ghana

The Ga West Municipality was formally serving as a food basket of Accra but now, has become a net importer of all kinds of food. This issue has surfaced due to the high rate of sand winning and estate development activities. The study assessed the effects of the Action Aid Ghana land reclamation programme on food security and the livelihood of the people in the Ga West Municipality in the Greater Accra Region, Ghana. Interview schedule was used for collecting data from a sample of one hundred clients of Action Aid Ghana in Ga West Municipality. The study revealed that residents believe farming creates a sustainable income and therefore more lucrative than sand winning which only brings bulk amount of money for a short period. It was also found that farming can help solve food related issues and ensure food security rather than sand winning activities. It may be concluded that sand winning activities has made Ga West Municipality to become a net importer of all kinds of food. It can also be concluded that the reclamation exercise by Action Aid Ghana resulted in increase in food production and a better livelihood of the people. It is recommended that Action Aid Ghana and other NGOs should carry out the exercise in other communities and regions where sand winning is on the rampant. Also, Sand contractors as well as land owners should be given proper education by the EPA on the reclamation of land and its effects on food security.

Source: UCC
Effects of Adulteration on Diesel Oil with Kerosene Fuel in Ghana

This research was carried out to estimate the proportional mixtures of diesel and kerosene that easily shows the incidence of fuel adulteration. Two samples (kerosene and diesel) were obtained from a base stock at Tema Oil Refinery and the purity for both the kerosene and diesel were ensured by testing their density, kinematic viscosity, distillation and flash point. The values obtained for these parameters after the analyses carried out are density at 15°C falls within 816-850 kgm 3 ; the flashpoint was found to be within 48-73°C;distillation at 360 °C were in the range of 96-98°C and kinematic viscosity at 37.8 °C were also in the range 1.5-3.5 mm 2 /s. The parameters analyzed are good indicators in the assessment of the extent to which diesel fuel can be adulterated by kerosene. The above parameters were analyzed using both standard American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) methods and Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23 statistical tools. The values obtained from the experiments conform to respective standards of United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) regulations at 40CFR 79, 2017 and other literature values. The correlation coefficient (R 2) obtained after statistical analyses are 0.9984 for flash point, 0.9985 for density, 0.9405 for distillation and 0.9962 for kinematic viscosity. Also, analyses of variance (ANOVA) was Pr > F <0.0001for all the parameters. However, the F calculated for various parameters are 669.3500 for flash point, 693.7294 for density, 16.6000 for distillation and 272.3459 for kinematic viscosity. This shows that the various parameters play a significant role in the adulteration of diesel fuel

Source: UCC
Effects of Age on Marital Satisfaction of Married People in Sunyani Municipality

The study was carried out in order to find whether age was a determinant in the marital satisfaction level of married people in the Sunyani Municipality of the Brong-Ahafo Region of Ghana. A descriptive survey design was used as the research frame for the study. Purposive sampling techniques were used to sample 320 respondents for the study. One research question and one hypothesis were formulated to keep the study in focus. Data from respondents were gathered by the use of the Marital Satisfaction Inventory (MSI). The results of the findings revealed that both young and old married people in the municipality were dissatisfied with their marriages. The younger ones were significantly more dissatisfied than the older ones. It is there recommended to the young foes to consult counsellors and other people who are well versed in marriages as to what marriage is about and how to achieve satisfactory marriages. To the older people, it was recommended that knowledge is not worth keeping when it does not benefit society so they should educate the young people on issues in marriage.

Source: UCC
Effects of Agroindustrial firms’ characteristics on strategic banking relationship formations

The empirical literature employing information-centric financial intermediation theories of firm-bank relationships (Aristei & Gallo, 2017; Berger et al., 2008) predict firms’ adoption of strategic banking choices in response to financial services supply constraints. However, whether and which agro-allied businesses adopt which relationship strategies remain an empirical question in the developing world. This cross-sectional (correlational) study examines, with the aid of firm-level data, the firm-specific determinants of four major dimensions of strategic banking relationship choices of agro-industrial firms in Ghana: (a) “polygamous” banking relations, (b) state-owned banking choices, (c) primary bank type choices, and (d) relationship intensity. Results show generally that both internal and external characteristics of agro-industrial firms motivate these banking choices. For instance, the number of banking relationships increases in firm size, age, refinancing risk exposure, food-and-beverage sector affiliation, having primary large and state-owned banking relationships and urban location. State-owned bank relationships and diversification propensities are driven, inter alia, by free zone operations, foreign trade orientation, well-connectedness, research and innovation orientation, with marked differences for sector-generic and sector-specific state-owned bank choices. Insistence on efficiency and outreach (closer relationships and quality) drives firms into primary relationships with foreign (state-owned) bank, regardless of their health and size. Finally, inter-industry diversification, firm leverage, corporate governance quality and relationship, trust and commitment and competitive banking markets correlate significantly with relationship intensity. The results motivate the recommendation for the creation of an agro-industrial development bank.

Source: UCC
Effects of Agronomic Practices on Soil Co2 Emission In Upland Rice Production

ABSTRACT To explore effective ways to decrease soil CO2 emission and increase soil carbon storage and grain yield, field experiments were conducted on two upland rice soils (Lixisol and Gleyic Luvisol) in northern Benin. The treatments comprised two tillage systems (no-tillage, and manual tillage), two rice straw managements (no rice straw, and rice straw mulch at 3 Mg ha-1) and three nitrogen fertilizer levels (no nitrogen, 60 kg ha-1, and 120 kg ha-1). Soil CO2 emissions were higher in tilled treatments than in no-tilled treatments, and higher in fertilized treatments compared with non-fertilized treatments. Under the current management practices (manual tillage, with no residue and no nitrogen fertilization) in upland rice fields in northern Benin, the carbon added as aboveground and root biomass was not enough to compensate for the loss of carbon from organic matter decomposition, rendering the upland rice fields as net sources of atmospheric CO2. With no-tillage, 3 Mg ha-1 of rice straw mulch and 60 kg N ha-1, the soil carbon budget was zero on the Lixisol and 0.6 Mg C ha-1 on the Gleyic Luvisol. The highest response of rice yield to nitrogen fertilizer addition was obtained for 60 kg N ha-1 with 3 Mg ha-1 of rice straw mulch for the two tillage systems. Soil CO2 emission per unit grain yield was lower under no-tillage, rice straw mulch and nitrogen fertilizer treatments. No-tillage combined with application of 3 Mg ha-1 of rice straw mulch and 60 kg N ha-1 reduced soil CO2 emission, increased soil carbon budget and upland rice yield in northern Benin

Source: UCC
Effects of Agronomic Practices on Soil Co2 Emission in Upland Rice Production

To explore effective ways to decrease soil CO2 emission and increase soil carbon storage and grain yield, field experiments were conducted on two upland rice soils (Lixisol and Gleyic Luvisol) in northern Benin. The treatments comprised two tillage systems (no-tillage, and manual tillage), two rice straw managements (no rice straw, and rice straw mulch at 3 Mg ha'1) and three nitrogen fertilizer levels (no nitrogen, 60 kg ha"1, and 120 kg ha-1). Soil CO2 emissions were higher in tilled treatments than in no-tilled treatments, and higher in fertilized treatments compared with non-fertilized treatments. Under the current management practices (manual tillage, with no residue and no nitrogen fertilization) in upland rice fields in northern Benin, the carbon added as aboveground and root biomass was not enough to compensate for the loss of carbon from organic matter decomposition, rendering the upland rice fields as net sources of atmospheric CO2. With no-tillage, 3 Mg ha’1 of rice straw mulch and 60 kg N ha’1, the soil carbon budget was zero on the Lixisol and 0.6 Mg C ha’1 on the Gleyic Luvisol. The highest response of rice yield to nitrogen fertilizer addition was obtained for 60 kg N ha’1 with 3 Mg ha’1 of rice straw mulch for the two tillage systems. Soil CO2 emission per unit grain yield was lower under no-tillage, rice straw mulch and nitrogen fertilizer treatments. No-tillage combined with application of 3 Mg ha’1 of rice straw mulch and 60 kg N ha’1 reduced soil CO2 emission, increased soil carbon budget and upland rice yield in northern Benin.

Source: UCC
Effects of Air Pollution on the Risk of Low Birth Weight in a Cold Climate

There is accumulating evidence that prenatal exposure to air pollution disturbs fetal growth and development, but little is known about these effects in cold climates or their season-specific or joint effects. Our objective was to assess independent and joint effects of prenatal exposure to specific air pollutants on the risk of low birth weight (LBW). We utilized the 2568 children of the Espoo Cohort Study, born between 1984 and 1990 and living in the City of Espoo. We conducted stratified analyses for births during warm and cold seasons separately. We analyzed the effect estimates using multi-pollutant Poisson regression models with risk ratio (RR) as the measure of effect. The risk of LBW was related to exposure to CO (adjusted RR 1.44, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.04–2.00) and exposure to O3 in the spring–summer season (1.82, 1.11–2.96). There was also evidence of synergistic e ects between CO and O3 (relative risk due to interaction (RERI), all year 1.08, 95% CI: 0.27–4.94, spring–summer 3.97, 2.17–25.85) and between PM2.5 and O3 (all year 0.72, 0.07–3.60, spring–summer 2.80, 1.36–19.88). We present new evidence of both independent and joint effects of prenatal exposure to low levels of air pollution in a cold climate on the risk of LBW.

Source: UCC
Effects of an ethanol extract and the diterpene, xylopic acid, of Xylopia aethiopica fruits in murine models of musculoskeletal pain

Context: Fruits of Xylopia aethiopica (Dunal) A. Rich. (Annonaceae) are used traditionally to manage arth- ritis, headache and other pain disorders. Objective: The analgesic properties of the X. aethiopica ethanol fruit extract (XAE) and xylopic acid (XA) were evaluated in musculoskeletal pain models. Materials and methods: Acute muscle pain was induced in gastrocnemius muscle of Sprague–Dawley rats with 3% carrageenan (i.m.). Rats received XAE (30–300 mg/kg), XA (10–100 mg/kg) or morphine (1–10 mg/ kg) after 12 h. Effects of XAE and XA on muscle pain were assessed by measuring post-treatment grip strength of the rats. Chronic muscle pain was similarly induced, but drug treatment was on the eighth day and effects of XAE and XA assessed with Randall–Selitto test for hyperlagesia. Acute-skeletal pain was induced in knee joints of rats with 3% carrageenan-kaolin mixture and effects determined 12-h later. Similar induction protocol was used for chronic knee pain with treatment and measurement as done for chronic muscle pain. Results: XAE and XA significantly and dose-dependently ameliorated both acute muscle (ED50 mg/kg: XAE ¼ 22.9; XA ¼ 6.2) and skeletal hyperalgesia (XAE ¼ 39.9; XA ¼ 17.7) induced by 3% carrageenan. Similarly, chronic skeletal hyperalgesia was reduced by XAE and XA treatment similar to morphine (ED50: XAE ¼ 13.0; XA ¼ 4.6). This reduction was also seen in chronic muscle hyperalgesia (ED50: XAE ¼ 79.1; XA ¼ 42.7). XAE and XA significantly reduced the spread of hyperalgesia to contralateral limbs in both models of chronic hyperalgesia. Conclusion: These findings establish analgesic properties of the ethanol fruit extract of X. aethiopica and xylopic acid in musculoskeletal pain.

Source: UCC
Effects of an ethanol extract and the diterpene, xylopic acid, of Xylopia aethiopica fruits in murine models of musculoskeletal pain

Context: Fruits of Xylopia aethiopica (Dunal) A. Rich. (Annonaceae) are used traditionally to manage arthritis, headache and other pain disorders. Objective: The analgesic properties of the X. aethiopica ethanol fruit extract (XAE) and xylopic acid (XA) were evaluated in musculoskeletal pain models. Materials and methods: Acute muscle pain was induced in gastrocnemius muscle of Sprague–Dawley rats with 3% carrageenan (i.m.). Rats received XAE (30–300 mg/kg), XA (10–100 mg/kg) or morphine (1–10 mg/ kg) after 12 h. Effects of XAE and XA on muscle pain were assessed by measuring post-treatment grip strength of the rats. Chronic muscle pain was similarly induced, but drug treatment was on the eighth day and effects of XAE and XA assessed with Randall–Selitto test for hyperlagesia. Acute-skeletal pain was induced in knee joints of rats with 3% carrageenan-kaolin mixture and effects determined 12-h later. Similar induction protocol was used for chronic knee pain with treatment and measurement as done for chronic muscle pain. Results: XAE and XA significantly and dose-dependently ameliorated both acute muscle (ED50 mg/kg: XAE¼ 22.9; XA ¼ 6.2) and skeletal hyperalgesia (XAE ¼ 39.9; XA ¼ 17.7) induced by 3% carrageenan. Similarly, chronic skeletal hyperalgesia was reduced by XAE and XA treatment similar to morphine (ED50: XAE¼ 13.0; XA ¼ 4.6). This reduction was also seen in chronic muscle hyperalgesia (ED50: XAE ¼ 79.1; XA ¼ 42.7). XAE and XA significantly reduced the spread of hyperalgesia to contralateral limbs in both models of chronic hyperalgesia. Conclusion: These findings establish analgesic properties of the ethanol fruit extract of X. aethiopica and xylopic acid in musculoskeletal pain.

Source: UCC
Effects of anthropogenic activities on land-use dynamics in an upland tropical evergreen forest in Ghana

The Atewa Range Forest Reserve (ARFR) in Ghanais threatened by anthropogenic activities. This study used geospatial techniques to assess the effects of human activities on land use and land cover (LULC) dynamics in ARFR using Landsat satellite images of 1986, 1991, 2006 and 2016. Estimated Normalized Differential Vegetation Index showed a continuous decline in LULC, signifying increasing stress on vegetation in ARFR. Between 1986 and 2016, the rainforest reduced from 345.83km2 to 183.48km2; logged land declined from 324.52km2 to 186.21km2; farmland increased from 328.43km2 to 384.68km2; and settlement expanded from 110.48km2 to 354.91km2, respectively

Source: UCC
Effects of Anthropogenic Stressors on Vegetation, Soi and Water QualityiIn the Upland Evergreen Tropical Forest of Atewa, Ghana

Although tropical rain forests are rich in biodiversity and play major roles in vegetation, soil and water quality and socio-economic needs, people have imposed stress on them. The study examined vegetation, soil and water characteristics linked to anthropogenic activities— logging, mining and farming in the Atewa Range Forest Reserve (ARFR) in Ghana. The study sites were categorized into highly stressed vegetation (HSV), moderately stressed vegetation (MSV) and non-stressed vegetation (NSV). Attributes of plant species composition and structure were determined using 50 m x 50 m plots. Tree biomass and carbon stock were determined from allometric equations using tree diameter measurements. Plant diversity was estimated using Shannon Wiener and Simpson diversity indice. The intensity of anthropogenic influence between 1986 and 2016 was analysed using Normalized Differential Vegetation Index techniques. Soil organic carbon was determined using Walkley-Black method. River Birim was sampled and tested for physical, chemical and biological characteristics, as well as heavy metals. The total mean woody plant density was similar and higher for MSV and lower in HSV. Above-ground carbon stock was not significantly different among the three stress levels but below-ground carbon stocks were significantly different at the three stress levels. The forest decreased at the rate of 2 km2 per annum between 1986 and 2016. Soil pH, bulk density, moisture, organic carbon and nutrients (NPK) differed significantly. Physicochemical properties and heavy metals of the water showed significant variation at the various stress levels. Anthropogenic stressors have negatively impacted the vegetation, soil and water quality of the ARFR, therefore, there is a need for stringent management policies to control human activities.

Source: UCC
Effects of Anthropogenic Stressors on Vegetation, Soil and Water Quality in the Upland Evergreen Tropical Forest of Atewa, Ghana

Although tropical rain forests are rich in biodiversity and play major roles in vegetation, soil and water quality and socio-economic needs, people have imposed stress on them. The study examined vegetation, soil and water characteristics linked to anthropogenic activities— logging, mining and farming in the Atewa Range Forest Reserve (ARFR) in Ghana. The study sites were categorized into highly stressed vegetation (HSV), moderately stressed vegetation (MSV) and non-stressed vegetation (NSV). Attributes of plant species composition and structure were determined using 50 m x 50 m plots. Tree biomass and carbon stock were determined from allometric equations using tree diameter measurements. Plant diversity was estimated using Shannon Wiener and Simpson diversity indice. The intensity of anthropogenic influence between 1986 and 2016 was analysed using Normalized Differential Vegetation Index techniques. Soil organic carbon was determined using Walkley-Black method. River Birim was sampled and tested for physical, chemical and biological characteristics, as well as heavy metals. The total mean woody plant density was similar and higher for MSV and lower in HSV. Above-ground carbon stock was not significantly different among the three stress levels but below-ground carbon stocks were significantly different at the three stress levels. The forest decreased at the rate of 2 km2 per annum between 1986 and 2016. Soil pH, bulk density, moisture, organic carbon and nutrients (NPK) differed significantly. Physicochemical properties and heavy metals of the water showed significant variation at the various stress levels. Anthropogenic stressors have negatively impacted the vegetation, soil and water quality of the ARFR, therefore, there is a need for stringent management policies to control human activities.

Source: UCC
Effects of ascorbic acid, salt, lemon juice, and honey on drying kinetics and sensory characteristic of dried mango

The effects of ascorbic acid, salt solution, lemon juice, and honey pre-treatment on the drying kinetics and sensory characteristics were studied. Pre-treatments used affected the effective moisture diffusivity and rehydration properties of the dried mangoes. The effective moisture diffusivity values were 2.22 × 10-10 m2/s for ascorbic acid, 1.80 × 10-10 m2/s for salt solution, 2.01 × 10-10 m2/s for lemon juice, 1.93 × 10-10 m2/s for honey pre-treated mangoes, and 2.31 × 10-10 m2/s for the control slices. Pre-treatments enhanced the drying rate potential of mangoes. Among the thin-layer drying models fitted to the experimental data, the Middil model gave the best fit. The ascorbic acid pre-treated samples were the best while the salt solution ones were the poorest with respect to reconstitution capacity. Consumer studies for overall preference for taste, colour, texture, flavour and chewiness of the dried products revealed that there was a higher preference for honey pre-treated dried samples followed by the ascorbic acid, control, lemon juice, and salt solution pre-treated samples. The results demonstrate that these pre-treatments can be applied to enhance the moisture transport during drying and the quality of the dried products

Source: UCC
Effects of Aspilia africana on oestrogen and testosterone concentrations in West African dwarf rams

Oestrogen and testosterone concentrations in West African Dwarf rams administered aqueous Aspilia africana extract were examined in the study using twenty-four rams. The experiment was in Completely Randomized Design with 4 treatment groups and 6 rams per treatment group. Rams in treatment 1 (control) received 10ml of distilled water, while those in T2, T3 and T4 received 1000mg/kg Body Weight (BW), 2000mg/kg BW and 3000mg/kg BW of aqueous Aspilia africana extract, respectively. The extract was administered orally using 10ml syringe for for 64 days. Rams in all the treatment groups were fed 2kg of same forages and 500g of the same concentrate diet, daily. Blood samples were collected from 4 rams per treatment group, pre, during and post-experiment and used to determine sera concentrations of testosterone and oestradiol. Result of the study revealed no significant difference (P>0.05) in oestradiol and testosterone concentrations of the rams pre-experiment, whereas significant differences (P>0.05) were observed among the various treatment groups during and post-experiment. While oestradiol level was observed to decrease from 112.50pg/ml–80.00pg/ml in T1 (control), the treated groups (T2, T3 and T4), were observed to follow a reverse trend with oestradiol increasing from 117.50–122.50, 175.00–187.50, 230.00–235.00 (pg/ml) in T2, T3 and T4, respectively. Whereas, testosterone levels (ng/ml) was observed to increase from 14.56 to 15.00 and thereafter to 15.72 (ng/ml) in the control group (T1) before, during and post-experiments, respectively. T2, T3 and T4 recorded decrease in testosterone level during and post-experiment. It was observed that administering more than 2000mg/kg BW of aqueous Aspilia africana could have significant effect on oestradiol and testosterone levels. This may have deleterious effects on libido and fertility of the rams. Therefore, Aspilia africana should not be fed to rams meant for breeding until an anti-dote which can suppress its anti-fertility effect is discovered.

Source: UCC