ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Response of pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) to preemergence application of Oxadiargyl and pendimethalin

Two field experiments were conducted in two agro-ecological zones of Ghana (Forest and Coastal Savannah) to assess the efficacy of preemergence herbicides Oxadiargyl and Pendimethalin on weed incidence, growth and yield of pepper. The experiment was factorial arranged in a randomized complete block design. The treatments were Oxadiargyl at 0.4, 0.5, 0.6 L/ha, Pendimethalin at 1.5, 2.0, 2.5 L/ha and hand weeding at intervals of 3, 6 and 9 weeks as control. Data was collected on weed type and abundance, number of days to weed emergence, type of re-emerging weeds and percentage weed cover. Data on plant height, number of branches per plant, yield and yield components of pepper plants were also collected. Results indicated that application of Pendimethalin led to a significantly (p < 0.05) longer number of days to weed emergence as compared to the application of Oxadiargyl which also delayed weed emergence significantly longer than hand weeding. Plant height was not affected by weed control method. The yield of pepper plants was significantly higher in plots where Pendime thalin (2.0 L/ha) was applied. Generally, the yield components of pepper plants have been positively affected by weed control treatments. However, application of Pendimethalin at 2.0 L/ha resulted in better weed control

Source: UG
Response of waterbird species to fluctuating water levels in tropical coastal wetlands

Recent upsurges in the incidence of dam construction over rivers for farming and hydroelectric power in the West African sub-region is a known promoter of fluctuating water levels on tropical coastal wetlands. Waterbirds, being one of the dominant fauna on wetlands, are key species that can be affected by fluctuating water levels. Waterbird census and water level monitoring at four coastal wetlands in Ghana revealed that different guilds (species assemblages) of waterbirds responded differently to fluctuating water levels. The populations density of birds in guilds 1 (ducks and cormorants), 3 (tactile surface foraging waders), 4 (pelagic foraging waders) and 5 (stalking herons and egrets) significantly (P < 0.05) increased linearly with decreasing water levels. The population density of birds in guilds 2 (visual surface foraging waders) and 7 (fishing terns) responded significantly (P < 0.05) in a second order polynomial function with optimum numbers occurring when water levels were neither too high nor too low. As far as farming and energy requirement are met from these dams, it is important that the ecological needs of waterbirds on wetlands are incorporated into the management of these dams so as to maintain appropriate water levels beneficial to waterbird populations.

Source: UG
Response ofMaize (Zeamays L.) to Different Rates of Palm Bunch Ash Application in the Semi-deciduous Forest Agro-ecological Zone of Ghana

The effects of palm bunch ash (PBA) and mineral fertilizer application on grain yield and nutrient uptake in maize and soil chemical properties were studied in both the major and minor rainy seasons in the semi-deciduous forest agro-ecological zone of Ghana. In both the major and minor rainy seasons, the response of maize to four levels (0, 2, 4, and 6 tons per hectare) of palm bunch ash and 200 kg per hectare of NPK (15-15-15) application was evaluated using randomised complete block design. Results of the study showed that application of palm bunch ash significantly (P < 0.05) increased soil pH, soil phosphorus, and exchangeable cations.Maize grain yield varied significantly (P < 0.05) among the different treatments in both the major and minor rainy seasons. The highest maize grain yield of 4530 and 6120 kg ha−1 was obtained at PBA application rate of 2 tons ha−1 for the major and minor rainy seasons, respectively.

Source: UG
Response surface methodology for studying the effect of processing conditions on some nutritional and textural properties of bambara groundnuts (Voandzei subterranea) during canning

Response surface methodology and central composite rotatable design for K=3 was used to study the combined effect of blanching, soaking and sodium hexametaphosphate salt concentration on moisture, ash, leached solids, phytates, tannins and hardness of bambara groundnut during canning. Regression models were developed to predict the effects of the processing parameters on the studied indices. Significant interactions were observed between all the factors with high regression coefficients (64.4_82.6%). Blanching and soaking of the seeds prior to canning led to increases in moisture content and leached solids, while significant decreases were observed for phytates, tannins and hardness of the canned bambara groundnuts. Increasing the concentration of sodium salt added during soaking caused significant (P5/0.05) decreases in phytates, tannins and the hardness of the seeds, suggesting that pre-canning treatments of blanching, soaking and sodium hexametaphosphate salt addition can be used to effectively reduce the phytates, tannin levels with minimal mineral (ash) loss and enhanced textural integrity of the canned bambara groundnuts.

Source: UG
Response Surface Methodology for Studying the Effects of Feed Moisture and Ingredient Variations on the Chemical Composition and Appearance of Extruded Sorghum-Groundnut-Cowpea Blends

Studies were conducted to evaluate the effects of feed moisture and ingredient variations on the chemical composition and appearance of extruded sorghum-groundnut-cowpea blends using response surface methodology. Central composite rotatable design for k = 3 was used to study the combined effect of feed moisture (12 to 44 percent), groundnut concentration (zero to 10 percent) and cowpea level (zero to 20 percent) on the chemical composition and appearance of extruded ready-to-eat sorghum-legume blends in a single screw extruder. Product moisture, crude protein, crude fat, ash (minerals), crude fibre, carbohydrate and colour (L, a and b-values) were determined on the products using standard analytical methods. The results showed that irrespective of the feed moisture level, the extrusion process could reduce the product moisture to levels between six to 10 percent and low enough to extend the shelf life of the derived products. Increasing additions of cowpea and groundnut resulted in significant increases in protein, fat and ash (minerals - calcium, iron, and phosphorus) contents of the sorghum-legume extrudates. Increasing addition of cowpea decreased the redness of the sorghum extrudates, while no changes were noted with groundnut additions. Contrary, increasing groundnut addition generally increased the yellowness at all cowpea concentrations, while only minimal changes were noted with cowpea additions. The lightness of the sorghum extrudates decreased with increasing cowpea and groundnut concentrations, and this was more pronounced at higher cowpea concentrations and with increasing groundnut levels. The level of feed moisture showed no effect. Models developed for the indices gave R2-values ranging from 67.04 percent (for a-value) to 87.83 percent (for fat content), with insignificant lack of fits indicating the adequacy of the model in explaining the data. The optimal conditions likely to produce ready-to-eat puffed snack with enhanced nutritive value and appearance from sorghum-groundnut-cowpea blend extrudates was at low feed moisture (10 to 14 percent), cowpea level (18 to 20 percent) and groundnut level (six to eight percent).

Source: UG
Response Surface Methodology for Studying the Quality Characteristics of Cowpea (Vigna Unguiculata)-Based Tempeh

Response surface methodology was used to optimize the processing conditions in the preparation of cowpea tempeh. The independent factors studied were boiling time (varying from 5 to 30 min), incubation time (varying from 12 to 48 h) and incubation temperatures (varying from 25 to 50C), whereas the dependent factors were protein content, protein solubility, pH, titratable acidity and total color difference (using L, a* and b*). Regression models were generated and adequacy was tested with regression coefficients (R2) and the lack-of-fit tests. Optimum processing conditions were determined by method of superimposition. There was a strong and significant influence (P < 0.01) of the quadratic effect of the incubation time on the protein content of the cowpea tempeh, with similar significance (P < 0.01) noted in protein solubility with increasing boiling time. The optimum processing conditions observed for the preparation of cowpea tempeh were boiling time of about 20 min, incubation time of about 28 h and incubation temperature of about 37C.

Source: UG
Response surface methodology for studying the quality characteristics of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata)-based tempeh

Response surface methodology was used to optimize the processing conditions in the preparation of cowpea tempeh. The independent factors studied were boiling time (varying from 5 to 30 min), incubation time (varying from 12 to 48 h) and incubation temperatures (varying from 25 to 50C), whereas the dependent factors were protein content, protein solubility, pH, titratable acidity and total color difference (using L, a* and b*). Regression models were generated and adequacy was tested with regression coefficients (R2) and the lack-of-fit tests. Optimum processing conditions were determined by method of superimposition. There was a strong and significant influence (P <0.01) of the quadratic effect of the incubation time on the protein content of the cowpea tempeh, with similar significance (P <0.01) noted in protein solubility with increasing boiling time. The optimum processing conditions observed for the preparation of cowpea tempeh were boiling time of about 20 min, incubation time of about 28 h and incubation temperature of about 37C.

Source: UG
Response surface optimisation of enzymatic hydrolysis of cassava peels without chemical and hydrothermal pretreatment

Cassava peel is a feedstock of significant potential for bioprocessing into industrial products. Its economic utility has however not been explored despite its advantages over traditional first-generation biomass feedstock. We demonstrate in this study that cassava peel can be hydrolysed to produce glucose at very high efficiency without chemical or hydrothermal pretreatment. We evaluated the conversion efficiency of a one-step simultaneous hydrolysis of the peel with mixed enzymes. Response surface methodology was applied to optimise the hydrolysis condition for maximum glucose recovery. Glucose concentration was measured by HPLC-IR and polynomial regression models defining the process parameters fitted to predict the optimal setting of process variables for maximum glucose recovery. Maximum glucose recovery was predicted to occur at pH 4 and 54.75 °C with an enzyme mixture containing 10 FPU/g cellulase, 0.5 U/g β-glucosidase, 50 U/g amyloglucosidase, and 50 U/g α-amylase. Validation experiments confirmed that up to 95.48% glucose can be recovered from 0.06 g/ml of cassava peel in 43.15 h at these factor settings. Overall, the empirical models developed present an efficient tool for glucose recovery at high conversion efficiency. This model could be used for large-scale industrial production of glucose from cassava peel without the cost of pre-treatment.

Source: UG
Response to back-to-back outbreaks of circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2 in two nomadic pastoralist settlements in Oti Region, Ghana-2019

Background The global switch from trivalent oral poliovirus vaccine (OPV) to bivalent OPV in April 2016 without corresponding co-administration of inactivated poliovirus vaccine (IPV) until June 2018, created a cohort of poliovirus type 2 naïve children with risk of developing vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2 (VDPV2). In November and December 2019, two cases of circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2 (cVDPV2) were confirmed in quick succession through Acute Flaccid Paralysis (AFP) surveillance in two nomadic pastoralist settlements in Oti Region. We investigated to determine the outbreak extent, identify risk factors and implement control and preventive measures. Methods We interviewed case-patients’ families, abstracted immunization records, assessed AFP surveillance and conducted rapid OPV and IPV vaccination coverage surveys. Using AFP case definition of any child less than 15 years in the community with sudden onset of paralysis from July to November 2019 (in case-patient 1’s district) and August to December 2019 (in case-patient 2’s district), we conducted active case search. Stool samples from apparently healthy children and close contacts of the case-patients were collected and tested for poliovirus. We conducted environmental assessment of the community to identify potential risk factors. Results Case-patient 1 was an eight-year-old female who had taken two doses of OPV while case-patient 2 was an eight-month-old male who had taken three out of required four OPV doses in addition to IPV at seven months. Families of both case-patients had either travelled to or received visitors from areas with confirmed cVDPV2. Of all children surveyed, eight (29.6%) of 27 and three (18.8%) of 16 eligible children in communities of case-patient 1 and 2 respectively had received required four doses of OPV. No AFP case was found in both communities and surrounding settlements. Both communities had no source of potable water and toilet facilities. A stool sample from a contact of case-patient 1 tested positive for cVDPV2. Conclusion Outbreaks of cVDPV2 occurred in insanitary, under-vaccinated nomadic pastoralist settlements in Oti Region. Three rounds of monovalent OPV vaccination campaigns for children under 5 years of age in the districts and region as well as countrywide IPV vaccination campaign for poliovirus type 2 naïve cohort were conducted.

Source: UG
Response to patient safety incidents in healthcare settings in Ghana: the role of teamwork, communication openness, and handoffs

Background Patient safety incidents (PSIs) in healthcare settings are a critical concern globally, and Ghana is no exception. Addressing PSIs to improve health outcomes requires various initiatives to be implemented including improving patient safety culture, teamwork and communication between healthcare providers during handoffs. It is essential to acknowledge the significance of teamwork, communication openness, and effective handoffs in preventing and managing such incidents. These factors play a pivotal role in ensuring the well-being of patients and the overall quality of healthcare services. Aim This study assessed the occurrence and types of PSIs in health facilities in Ghana. It also examined the role of teamwork, handoffs and information exchange, and communication openness in response to PSIs by health professionals. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among 1651 health workers in three regions of Ghana. Using a multi-staged sampling technique, the Survey on Patient Safety Culture Hospital Survey questionnaire and the nurse reported scale were used to collect the data and it was analysed by descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and linear multiple regression model at a significance of 0.05. Results There was a reported prevalence of PSIs including medication errors (30.4%), wound infections (23.3%), infusion reactions (24.7%), pressure sores (21.3%), and falls (18.7%) at least once a month. There was a satisfactory mean score for responses to adverse events (3.40), teamwork (4.18), handoffs and information exchange (3.88), and communication openness (3.84) among healthcare professionals. Teamwork, handoffs and information exchange and communication openness were significant predictors of response to PSIs, accounting for 28.3% of the variance. Conclusions Effective teamwork, handoffs and information exchange, and communication openness in the healthcare environment are critical strategies to enhance PSI response. Creating a culture that encourages error response through teamwork, communication and handoffs provides healthcare professionals with opportunities for learning and improving patient outcomes. Training programs should therefore target health professionals to improve patient safety and competency. Through the implementation of evidence-based practices and learning from past incidents, the healthcare system will be able to deliver safe and high-quality care to patients nationwide. Patient safety must be recognized as an ongoing process. Therefore, a meaningful improvement in patient outcomes requires all stakeholders’ commitment.

Source: UG
Responses of Tswana goats to various lengths of water deprivation

The aim of this trial was to determine the water intake of Tswana goats and investigate the effects of short term water deprivation in summer or winter (6000 ml water offered either once every 72 h, 48 h, 24 h or ad libitum) on feed intake, dry matter digestibility, growth rate and health. Goats were fed a diet comprising 60% Cenchrus ciliaris hay and 40% Medicago sativa hay. Feed intake per kg metabolic weight was inversely related to water intake. Body weight gains decreased with longer watering intervals, rectal temperatures were unaffected but respiratory rate, packed cell volume, pulse rate, haemoglogin level and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration was highest with the 72 h watering interval. Feed intake and daily weight gains were higher in winter than summer, but animals drank more water in summer than in winter, and showed more signs of dehydration in summer. Dry matter digestibilities (%) were 66.8, 66.7, 64.2 and 65.2 for water intake intervals of ad lib, 24 h, 48 h and 72 h respectively; digestibilities of organic matter, crude protein and crude fibre followed the same trend. Urine output, faecal output per kg metabolic weight and faecal moisture content decreased with increased length of water deprivation. It was concluded that Tswana goats are well adapted to semi-arid zones and can be watered once in 72 h without severe dehydration.

Source: UG
Responses to donor proliferation in Ghana’s health sector: a qualitative case study

Objective To investigate how donors and government agencies responded to a proliferation of donors providing aid to Ghana’s health sector between 1995 and 2012. Methods We interviewed 39 key informants from donor agencies, central government and nongovernmental organizations in Accra. These respondents were purposively selected to provide local and international views from the three types of institutions. Data collected from the respondents were compared with relevant documentary materials – e.g. reports and media articles – collected during interviews and through online research. Findings Ghana’s response to donor proliferation included creation of a sector-wide approach, a shift to sector budget support, the institutionalization of a Health Sector Working Group and anticipation of donor withdrawal following the country’s change from low income to lower-middle income status. Key themes included the importance of leadership and political support, the internalization of norms for harmonization, alignment and ownership, tension between the different methods used to improve aid effectiveness, and a shift to a unidirectional accountability paradigm for health-sector performance. Conclusion In 1995–2012, the country’s central government and donors responded to donor proliferation in health-sector aid by promoting harmonization and alignment. This response was motivated by Ghana’s need for foreign aid, constraints on the capacity of governmental human resources and inefficiencies created by donor proliferation. Although this decreased the government’s transaction costs, it also increased the donors’ coordination costs and reduced the government’s negotiation options. Harmonization and alignment measures may have prompted donors to return to stand-alone projects to increase accountability and identification with beneficial impacts of projects.

Source: UG
Responses to donor proliferation in Ghana’s health sector: A qualitative case study [Réponse à la prolifération des donateurs dans le secteur de la santé au Ghana: Une étude de cas qualitative] [Las respuestas a la proliferación de donantes en el sector sanitario de Ghana: Un estudio de caso cualitativo]

Objective To investigate how donors and government agencies responded to a proliferation of donors providing aid to Ghana’s health sector between 1995 and 2012. Methods We interviewed 39 key informants from donor agencies, central government and nongovernmental organizations in Accra. These respondents were purposively selected to provide local and international views from the three types of institutions. Data collected from the respondents were compared with relevant documentary materials – e.g. reports and media articles – collected during interviews and through online research. Findings Ghana’s response to donor proliferation included creation of a sector-wide approach, a shift to sector budget support, the institutionalization of a Health Sector Working Group and anticipation of donor withdrawal following the country’s change from low-income to lower-middle income status. Key themes included the importance of leadership and political support, the internalization of norms for harmonization, alignment and ownership, tension between the different methods used to improve aid effectiveness, and a shift to a unidirectional accountability paradigm for health-sector performance. Conclusion In 1995–2012, the country’s central government and donors responded to donor proliferation in health-sector aid by promoting harmonization and alignment. This response was motivated by Ghana’s need for foreign aid, constraints on the capacity of governmental human resources and inefficiencies created by donor proliferation. Although this decreased the government’s transaction costs, it also increased the donors’ coordination costs and reduced the government’s negotiation options. Harmonization and alignment measures may have prompted donors to return to stand-alone projects to increase accountability and identification with beneficial impacts of projects.

Source: UG
Responses to malarial antigens are altered in helminth-infected children

The Department of Parasitology conducts research into parasitic diseases of public health importance with the overall goal of reducing their transmission and the heavy disease burden that they impose on affected populations. The Department maintains focus on parasitic diseases in general. These include major diseases such as malaria, and others listed under the Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD) control initiative such as, lymphatic filariasis, onchocerciasis, schistosomiasis, soil-transmitted helminthiasis, trypanosomiasis and leishmaniasis.

Source: UG
Responsible Artificial Intelligencefor Business and Government in Africa

"Responsible Artificial Intelligence for Business and Government in Africa" provides a comprehensive and practical guide for businesses and policymakers operating in Africa. It equips readers with the knowledge and tools to develop and implement responsible AI policies that uphold ethical standards, foster innovation, and contribute to the sustainable growth of organizations and the continent as a whole. A highlight of the book is the exploration of best practices for implementing responsible AI policies within organizations and institutions. It underscores the importance of establishing clear guidelines for AI development and deployment, implementing ethical review processes, conducting comprehensive employee training programs, and fostering collaborations with external experts and organizations. Looking into the future and emerging trends, it also addresses AI addiction and empowering women into AI.

Source: UG