ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Susceptibility Pattern Of Some Bacterial Isolates From Chronic Wounds To Selected Local Brands Of Antibiotics

Chronic wounds continue to be a challenging problem causing morbidity and mortality to mankind and represent a considerable healthcare burden globally. Despite the fact that antibiotics are not the first choice of treatment for chronic wounds, they remain widely used and abused. Also, because of the high demand of antibiotics, substandard and counterfeit antibiotics are getting into the global supply chain and fuelling resistance. Antibiotic resistance impact negatively on chronic wounds by increasing the hospital cost, economic cost and the hospitalization period needed for treatment. The aim of this study was to identify the susceptibility pattern of some bacteria isolates from chronic wounds to selected local brands of antibiotics commonly used in the treatment of these wounds.A total of 260 wound swab samples were collected from chronic wound patients attending SPH and NGH and inoculated into appropriate media. Bacteria pathogens were isolated, identified and characterized using standard microbiological techniques. Seven local brands of commonly used antibiotics identified were bought and tested against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas spp. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing of the clinical isolates was done according to CLSI guidelines. Identification of MRSA and ESBL was also done. A total of 211 (81.2%) wound swab samples produced bacterial growth and 237 isolates were recovered. Staphylococcus aureus (30.8%) was the predominate organism isolated, followed by Pseudomonas spp. (24.9%). Majority of the patients (87.31%) with chronic wounds received antibiotics, metronidazole and cefuroxime are the most common (21.74%) antibiotics prescribed. 30.47% and 25.76% of the patients investigated from NGH and SPH respectively had used herbs on their wounds. The results identified 21 (28.8%) out of 73 Staphylococcus aureus isolates as MRSA and 35% of the Pseudomonas spp. to be ESBL. Five out of the seven local brands of antibiotics tested showed biological activity similar to the standard commercial controls. In this study, the observed susceptibility percentages and mean zones of inhibition of most local brands of antibiotics tested were statistically comparable (p> 0.05) to the standard controls used.

Source: KNUST
Susceptibility of some maize varieties to the maize weevil sitophilus zeamais (Motschulsky), (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) and effect of some local botanical materials for the suppression of weevil populations.

The commonest method of traditional storage pests management among small scale maize farmers in Ghana is the use of botanicals. Earlier studies on the use of plant extract and resistant varieties showed that they minimized insect pest damage to acceptable levels. The objectives of this study were to determine the resistance status of thirteen elite maize varieties (Mamaba (Control), EVDTW99STRQPMCo, Dodzi, FU2090DYFP, TZEEY-PopSTRC4, DORKE SR, DMLSRYQPM, GH90DYFP, FU2080DWF/DPop, TZE-Y-PopDTSTRC4, 2000SYNEEWQPMCo, GH90DWOP and FU2090DWDpop) to Sitophilus zeamais, to identify the potency of some local botanical materials: Piper nigrum L.(black pepper seed powder), Cymbopogon nardus (citronella shoot powder), Carica papaya (pawpaw seed powder), Allium sativum (garlic bulbs paste) and Cymbopogon citrates (lemon grass shoot powder) for the treatment of stored maize and determine their minimum effective dosage for application. In a completely randomized design, ten females of S. zeamais were allowed to oviposit in whole shelled maize varieties for three days and were removed. The resultant emerging weevils that emerged were removed and counted daily without replacement. The mean numbers of weevils that emerged from the 13 maize lines were significantly different among them at (P< 0.05). The varieties exhibited varying degrees of susceptibility and weight loss to the weevil attack with 2000SYNEEWQPMCo producing the least mean number of weevils whilst FU2090DYFP recorded the largest number. Six varieties were resistant and seven were moderately resistant. In olfactometer and potency test of the botanical materials, black pepper, lemon grass, pawpaw seed powder, citronella and garlic showed varying degrees of repellency decreasing in that order as well as their potency. Fifty grammes of black pepper powder in a bag (100kg) of maize was determined as the minimum effective concentration.

Source: KNUST
Suspending stability, texture and colour of tiger nut (Cyperus esculentus) beverage

Improvement studies for the preparation of Tiger nut beverage was undertaken by investigating specific processing methods used by the local producers. Parameters monitored were pH viscosity, total solids, particle size and colour. The research revealed that pretreating the tiger nut by blanching did not improve the colour of the tiger nut beverage as reported for soybean milk by Rubico et al., (1989). Tiger nut beverage heated to 65°C, 75°C and boiling temperatures as well as the unheated beverage were all unstable when stored undisturbed in a refrigerator for 5 days with the unheated beverage being the most unstable. However, stability of the beverage was improved with the addition of gum arabic at 2 % and 3 % (w/w) levels. Sensory analysis involving the overall acceptability of the beverage showed that consumers preferred the natural colour of the beverage compared to beverages which were artificially coloured. They also preferred vanilla flavoured beverage to the original flavour of the beverage.

Source: KNUST
Sustainability assessment of rainfed maize production systems in the Tano North District

Maize production in Ghana is mostly done under rainfed conditions in almost all the agro-ecological zones, predominantly by smallholder farmers. This is characterized by low yield of 1.88 t/ha as compared to the potential yields of 5.5 t/ha as reported by the Crops Research Institute (CRI), Kumasi, Ghana. In order to improve and sustain yield in the wake of climate variability and change, rainfed maize production practices and sustainability need to be assessed. However, sustainable maize production is not only a question of yields but also of protecting the environmental resource base through suitable and environmental conscious agronomic practices, inputs use and management of agro-chemicals. Data on maize production practices were obtained from smallholder farmers and MoFA officials in the Tano North District. Factors such as land preparation methods, maize variety, planting methods, weed control, disease and pest control, fertilizer type and application, yield, extension and rainfall characteristics that affect maize production were assessed. Additionally, rainfall data from 1993-2012 were obtained from the Ghana Meteorological Agency, Sunyani. The data obtained were analysed to obtain percentage response, frequency, and mean; and using simulated rainfall data to obtain onset, cessation and length of the rainy season. The results showed that the current constraints to maize production sustainability include the practice of traditional farming methods such as land preparation method (slash and burn), poor seed source (use of seeds from farmer's own farm) and selection, and planting method and tools used; pest and disease prevalence; lack of financial and input support; rainfall variation (late or early rainfall onset); poor access to extension and land acquisition. Comprehensive government policy on agriculture (particularly on maize production), yield gap analysis for maize, and further research into farmers’ accessibility of available extension are recommended to improve and sustain maize production in the study area.

Source: KNUST
Sustainability Of Annual Extractable Volume Of Firewood From Chipa Forest Reserve, Dodowa, Greater Accra Region, Ghana

Firewood is one of the main products of the forest. The bulk of energy supply in Ghana is met from charcoal produced from firewood. Firewood, therefore, accounts for the total primary energy source in Ghana. The indiscriminate collection of firewood is gradually degrading the Chipa Forest Reserve. This therefore called for this study to ensure the sustainability of the forest reserve. The study covered 140 families, 20 families each from 7 fringe communities. Questionnaire administration and actual calculation of volume of firewood were the instruments used in collecting data. The statistical tool, analysis of variance was employed in analysing the data collected. Findings from this study show that the use of firewood among rural folks is still at a dangerous level, despite the government’s attempts to discourage the use of firewood by introducing liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). The people of Ghana are so much glued to firewood usage that a change in preference for fuel source seems a near impossibility. The habitants of study area consumed 2,424.240 m3 of firewood annually. The forest reserve has a capacity of 10,443.400 m3, which will serve the study population for only 55 months. This calls for the need to ensure a sustainable use of firewood. Since the demand for this forest product is high, measures aiming at producing firewood should be considered. The Development of Forest plantations in Ghana especially in locations where firewood is a source of livelihood should be strategised to support the sustainable growth of trees used as firewood. This will ensure enough production of firewood that will meet the demand of the Ghanaian populace. Increase in production of firewood will also improve on Ghana’s vegetation (forest) cover and this will help reduce the effect of climate change in the country and in the world as a whole.

Source: KNUST
Sustainability of Bui Resettlement Scheme in Ghana

Ghana has undertaken many resettlement schemes as a result of development projects; for example Weija, Asuofuah, Tema Manhean, Akosombo and Kpong resettlement schemes. The Akosombo resettlement was built in 1962 by the VRA as a result of the Akosombo dam construction which displaced about 80,000 people living along the river. The same VRA had the opportunity to build the Kpong Dam and to resettle the displaced people around the Dam catchment area that will be inundated after the dam construction. These past resettlement experiences of the country were characterized by repeated failures and it is expected that the Bui Dam resettlement will be successful and sustainable. The research therefore seeks to find out how sustainable this particular resettlement is, given the planning process undertaken to implement this Resettlement Planning Framework and best international practices as well as the effect of the resettlement of persons in and around the Dam. To achieve these objectives, various literatures were reviewed which helped in the selection of variables such as health, education, population for sustainability assessment. Qualitative and quantitative approaches of data collection was designed and applied in conducting this study. The qualitative approach includes in depth interviews, focus group discussions and direct observation of operations, which are important to obtain unintended and unanticipated data on the subject under study. The quantitative approach helped to provide numerical results, which were reported in tables, graphs and charts stating the proportion and the trends of events and occurrences. The results of the findings indicate that, the people fully participated in the resettlement planning process but the ability to influences decision making concerning their own lives was weak. Though the resettlement initially adopted the participatory planning process, it was abandoned along the way and this posed a threat to the resettlement. For example monitoring and evaluation appears absent in the implementation of the resettlement Planning Process. The result of this has brought serious negative consequences on the resettled people. Some of these are compensation lands are of poor quality, new farmland preparation assistance insufficient, crop compensation has not been paid, host communities do not know how much of their lands have been acquired to know the compensation due them, LEP has not started, no optional ground for fishing and many more. However the resettlement appears to have learnt lessons from previous resettlement in the country such that the provision of v infrastructure and social amenities are satisfactory as compared to their old settlement. These positive effects stand the chances of been derailed because of the loss of livelihood. Some of the recommendation for sustainability of the resettlement is the immediate restoration of livelihood support programmes and well as community empowerment programs. Also effective monitoring and evaluation of the resettlement need to be undertaken by the Bui Power Authority.

Source: KNUST
Sustainability of building finishes in the Ghanaian real estate sector.

Globally, the real Estate industry utilizes 50% of all materials extracted from the earth’s crust. The measure and complexity of our requirements for natural resources have increased greatly with the rising levels of population and production. Utilization of these natural resources have adverse effects on the ecosystem, as a result there is a need to take responsibility for the effect of real estate activities on economy, society and the environment, and appropriate measures taken to address them. However, the real estate sector in Ghana uses mostly ‘wet’ applied finishes such as Paints and Tiles that are imported in most cases. Most of the imported building finishing inputs which are always used by real estate developers can easily be exchanged with local ones with same functionality and durability. This research explored critical factors considered in the selection of building finishing materials and identify barriers to sustainable considerations during the selection of building finishes in the Ghanaian real estate sector. Given the degree of accuracy of facts required and factors to be analyzed in this study, the researcher addressed how the data were collected and evaluated by using a well-structured Questionnaires. They were coded and analyzed using relative importance index. The research brought to bear the fact that, sustainability has not been fully embraced by companies in the Real Estate Sector of Ghana. Some key industry players do not even consider it at all in their quest to achieve their organizations goal of housing Ghanaians. Aesthetics, initial cost, and availability of material is a critical factor considered by key personnel in the Real Estate Sector during the selection of building finishing material. Secondly market trends, availability of green rating data, and perceive increased cost are the major barriers to making green choices and Value for money is key to every company in their endeavour. The researcher recommends that a comparative cost analysis be carried out for alternative sustainable building finishing materials and the results published to alleviate doughts of perceived increased cost. Professional bodies should organize seminars for their members on the sustainability agenda in order to bring the Ghanaian professional up to speed about global action on sustainability.

Source: KNUST
Sustainability of continuous improvement in the construction sector. A case of office complex project in the Tamale metropolis

Sustainability has become a wide-ranging term that can be applied to almost every facet of life on Earth, ranging from a local to a global scale and over various time periods. The existence of more than 70 different definitions for sustainability (Holmberg et al., 1992) highlighted its importance and illustrated the efforts made by different academic and practical disciplines to define and understand its implications to their fields. Continuous Improvement (CI) is a very critical tool in the construction industries today to enhance customer satisfaction, to become the cost leader and also to remain competitive in the global world today. The current study explored the sustainability of continuous improvement in the construction sector in the Tamale Metropolis. The study targeted thirty-nine (39) construction workers. The instrument for the data collection was developed by the researcher, preceded by a pilot study. The pilot study was initially conducted in similar construction industry with same project to ascertain its validity and reliability. The data for the study was basically from primary source in that closed-ended questionnaire was designed and distributed to stakeholders. Descriptive statistics was used to test the data. The study found that functional integration is one of the important components of sustainable continuous improvement. The study indicated that design for construction challenges is one major challenge on the project. More importantly, the study found that implementing standard operations, instructions and checklists and implementing continuous flow were the most significant mitigating strategies to the challenges of the project. The study recommended that project implementers Project implementers use Functional Integration as the main component in implementing sustainable continuous improvement by designing the project around processes, product and customers and also having Multifunctional teams to optimise processes and value streams to deliver product. Further, the study recommended strongly that Constructors especially, workers on the Office Complex Project have formal analysis of the mitigating strategies to the challenges associated with continuous improvement.

Source: KNUST
Sustainability of commercial farms in Ghana - analysis of performance and future prospects of a selected farm

Commercial food farming has become a viable and sustainable venture worldwide with the generation of adequate income and profit as the motivating factor. Sustainable farming means systems of farming which are capable of maintaining productivity, income and usefulness to society indefinitely. The study proposes that commercial farming is, and can be a viable and sustainable venture. Farming in Ghana has been predominantly small scale and at the subsistence level. Commercial farming, which developed in the 1950’s and 1960’s, had been in the area of cash crops. A few, which engaged in food crop production, were in the form of state and co-operative farms but they were not profitable and so collapsed. With encouragement from successive Ghana governments, a few commercial food crop farms were established, but the indications are that some of the farms collapsed and the sustainability of the few which remained are even in doubt. Against the background that several bottlenecks beset commercial food farming, questions which need to be investigated are: whether commercial food and livestock farming are viable and profitable, and if not the reasons; the indicators to use for measuring the viability and sustainability in the Ghanaian context; and the measures required to improve the viability and sustainability. Through literature review, the researcher has developed indicators, which were used to assess a farm as case study to ascertain its viability and sustainability. In the assessment, the following criteria were used: producing necessary quantity of farm produce; profitability to the grower, conserving non-renewable resources; and sustainability with biological, physical and social environment. Findings from the case study, in general, satisfied the above criteria. The farm could, therefore, be sustained. Since viability and sustainability of the case study has been established, when the above criteria are met other commercial food farming enterprises can be viable and sustainable. The government, farmers and other stakeholders, however, have a part to play. Their interventionist role could serve as the policy framework for the development of commercial food farming in Ghana.

Source: KNUST
Sustainability of cash transfer programs: A realist case study

Cash transfers (CTs) are increasingly high on the agenda of governments and development partners in low‐and middle‐income countries (LMICs). While CTs have shown to be one of the most potent social policies to reduce poverty and improve human capital, concerns have been raised about their sustainability. This paper examines the mechanisms of, enablers of, and barriers to CT sustain ability. Realist qualitative methods were employed to interview policymakers, development partners, and pro gram managers (N = 32), as well as program beneficiaries (N = 93) in Ghana. The data were analyzed using a thematic framework approach. The findings show that enablers of CT sustainability include program institution alization, availability of a functional exit strategy, and networking of social programs around beneficiary house holds. CTs' mechanisms of sustainability were shared vision and formalization of roles of service providers, program acceptability and buy‐in, and productive inclu sion. Key barriers to CT sustainability were political prioritization and ownership of the program, and weak intersectoral collaboration. From the analyses, we propose a conceptual framework which can be used to plan for CT sustainability.

Source: KNUST
Sustainability of the SSNIT Pension Scheme

Most developed and under developed countries face increasing challenges to the sustainability of their public pension systems, which were created in an era when the life expectancy of retirees was "much shorter than today. In Ghana, these challenges are exacerbated by additional factors: Bad Investment, high mortality rate, bad economic factors, high administrative cost and a historically generous public pension system. In this dissertation, the factors affecting future sustainability of the SSNIT pension scheme is systematically analyzed. First, the development of the contributors population, inflows and outflows over the last ten (10) years is studied. The effects of (changes in) mortality coefficients of members will be considered. The study is designed to study «and forecast the effects of specific indicators on the scheme, changes regarding the investment income, total assets, total expenditure, transfer to households number of pensioners, contribution levels, coverage and compliance.

Source: KNUST
Sustainability of water, sanitation and hygiene (wash) projects in Ghana. Case study of Sekyere East District.

Projects, including physical infrastructure, are supposed to be sustained if developmental objectives are to be achieved. A major aspect of a community’s core infrastructure is water and sanitation infrastructure. Projects that seek to ensure that the water and sanitation needs of a community are met are often collectively described as Water, Sanitation and Health (WASH) projects. Inadequate nature of sustainable practices of WASH projects has been documented in Ghana severally. This has resulted in the study. The aim of this study is to develop a criterion that can ensure that WASH facilities in the Sekyere East District are managed in a manner that will promote project sustainability. The objectives for the study were; to explore the current conditions and state of WASH facilities in the Sekyere East District, to find out the current roles of key actors in the management of WASH facilities in the Sekyere East District and to examine the sustainability of WASH projects in the Sekyere East District. Both Quantitative and Qualitative research approaches were used for the study. Out of the 100 questionnaires administered, 90 were retrieved. The variables were analyzed using mean score, descriptive statistics, content analysis and a reliability of the scale checked using Cronbach Alpha coefficient. All variables identified were ranked in order of importance and usage. The study revealed that, some of the WASH facilities in most of the communities were in good shape whereas, some communities reported that some of their WASH facilities were in bad shape. Key roles of actors were identified including some factors that could be used in examining the sustainability of WASH facilities.

Source: KNUST