ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Isolation and serotyping of salmonella from slaughtered food animals in the Kumasi Metropolis

Diarrhoeal diseases are a major cause of morbidity and mortality in Ghana (Health Information Unit, M.O.H, Ghana 2003). Malaria, especially in children, the HIV/AIDS pandemic and the increasing multiple antibiotic resistance in the nontyphoidal Salmonella have come to worsen the already high fatality of salmonellosis. A high degree of ignorance, in the country, of the epidemiology of diarrhoeal diseases in general and salmonellosis in particular, especially in the food supply chain has also been observed (Mensah et al 1999). The lack of a national Salmonella control policy, and above all, failure to link human salmonellosis in the country to animal sources, despite evidence of human and animal carriers in our communities (Hughes 1958, Veros et al 1976), have sharply focused my attention on the epidemiological surveillance of salmonellosis. This exercise was conducted to determine the Salmonella types and carrier status of healthy domestic food animals in the Kumasi Metropolis, in line with an earlier recommendation for such organised surveys on community basis (Hughes 1958, Collard 1959). Mesenteric samples and caecal contents were examined from healthy slaughtered fifty (50) each of cattle, sheep, goats, pigs from the Kumasi Abattoir, and fowls from the KNUST Poultry Farm for Salmonella species using standard bacteriological culture, isolation, biochemical identification and Salmonella “0” antigenic typing techniques (Anon 1971, US Dept. of Air Force and the Army 1977, Mast Diagnostic Ltd 1995). Out of the 250 animals examined, Salmonella was isolated from 15 (6%) of them. The Salmonella “0” Groups and their prevalence in the animals studied are as follows: Fowls 7(2.8%): Group B 3(1.2%); Group G 1(0.4%) and Group H 3(1.2%); Pigs 6(2.4%): Group B 2(0.8%),Group E 2(1.2%) and Group H 1(0.4%); Sheep 2(0.8%): Group G 2(0.8%); Cattle (0); Goats (0), with Group B being the predominant group and fowls the most infected animal species followed by pigs. “H” antigens were not determined due to unavailability of antisera. Age rather than sex is an important factor in Salmonella infection in domestic animals. Mesenteric lymph nodes are important sources of Salmonella especially from healthy animals. Shigella was isolated from one sheep indicating that these animals are carriers of other important human pathogens. Multi- drug resistance was a common feature. All the isolates were resistant to tetracyclin, ampicillin, cotrimoxazole. chloramphenicol resistance was encountered in some group E and G from pigs and poultry, suggesting a possible abuse on the farm. All groups were however sensitive to amikacin and ciprofloxacin, which are more expensive than the above conventional drugs. Proper animal husbandry practices, good personal hygiene and environmental sanitation, and above all, regular Public health education are paramount in preventing Salmonella from reaching the vulnerable, such as children, the elderly and the sick in the society.

Source: KNUST
Isolation and utilization of cellulolytic microorganisms for cellulase production through solid state fermentation of corncobs

This research was conducted to investigate production of cellulase enzymes from a cellulolytic soil microorganism cultured on corncobs under solid state conditions. The cellulolytic fungi isolated from soil samples were Aspergillus niger, Neurospora crassa, Penicillium sp., Rhizopus sp., Trichoderma sp. The bacteria isolated from the same soil samples were Streptomyces sp., Clostridium sp and Klebsiella pneumonia. Out of these microorganisms, A. niger had the highest clearing zone to mycelium diameter ratio of 0.26 when cultured on carboxymethylcellulose agar and so was selected for the solid state fermentation experiments. The fermentation was carried out under different temperatures (27, 37, 47 and 57 °C) and initial spore concentrations of the fungi (1.3x106, 2.3x106 and 4.5x106) in order to investigate how these parameters affect the production of cellulase enzymes. Undiluted spore inoculum (containing about 4.5x106 spores) gave the best fermentation results in terms of the amounts of glucose released (1.38 mg ml-1) from the substrate and the concentration of enzymes produced by the fungi throughout the 15-day period. Although 47 °C was best for the lag phase of A. niger growth on corncobs, 37 °C is most suitable for exponential growth and enzyme production under solid state conditions. At 37 °C, enzyme activities of the fermentation filtrates were 0.35, 0.44 and 0.45 CMC units respectively for 5, 10 and 15 days of fermentation. These values were the highest obtained as compared with values obtained when the other temperatures were used. Thus the strain of A. niger used can be described as a highly cellulolytic mesophile.

Source: KNUST
Isolation of Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans from sulphur treatment plant, mine water and tailings of Anglogold Ashanti concessional area and their biooxidation potential of refractory ores

The objective of the study was to find a candidate biomining organism Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans in bioreactor tanks, mine water and tailings within the AngloGold Ashanti mining concession area with the aim of contributing to the development of biomining in Ghana as a sustainable mining practice. Samples from the Sulphur Treatment Plant (STP) bioreactor tanks, mine water, and soil tailings from the four geographical areas (North, South, East and West) of the Sansu dam were collected and assayed using 9K enrichment medium. Isolates were used for biooxidation over a 672 hour period and their oxidation potential assessed. A bacterium, which was acidophilic, chemolithotrophic with ferrous oxidizing potential, was isolated in ten out of twelve sample points. Isolates were also recovered from samples that were high in heavy metal (As, Fe, Cu, Pb, and Zn) concentration. The bacterial loads were higher in the bioreactor tanks (1.86 ×104- 4.24×105) compared to mine water and tailings (6.33×103 -1.40×104) although these differences were statistically not significant (P=0.05). The isolates grew best at pH 2 and a temperature of 35oC. Isolates could utilize sulphur and ferrous as energy sources. Biooxidation potential of the refractory ore was highest in isolates from the bioreactor tanks followed by mine water isolates and the tailings. Isolates from the bioreactor tank 146 showed the best biooxidation results. The presence of a candidate A. ferrooxidans isolate from the AngloGold Ashanti concessional area is an indication of the possibility of finding active indigenous strains of the bacterium which could serve as the basis for encouraging the massive use of the technology in Ghana’s mining companies.

Source: KNUST
Isolation, identification and some chemical and biological studies on the compound funiferine from Tiliacora Funifera (Menispermaceae) and isolation, characterization and some chemical studies of the constituents of the plant Warbugia Salutaris (Canellaceae)

A review of tumors and antitumor agents have been included in the work. Bisbenzylisoquinolines as a whole have been reviewed and special emphasis have been placed on the bisbenzylisoquinolines from Tiliacora and Triclisia species. A detail review have also been presented on funiferine. Physico-chemical analysis have been carried out on funiferine and this included partition coefficient, pKa and rate of quaternization determinations. Two derivatives of funiferine, 0-methyl and 0-Isopropyl derivatives, were synthesized. The Brine shrimp lethality Bioassay has been carried out on funiferine, 0-methylfuniferine and 0-isopropylfuniferine as a preliminary cytotoxicity test. The structure-activity relationship of these related compounds have been established and in the order. 0—isopropylfuniferine > 0—methylfuniferine > funiferine.

Source: KNUST
Isolation, identification and some chemical biological studies on compound funifenne from Tillacora Funifera (Menispermaceae) and Isolation, characterization and some chemical studies of the constituents of the plant Warbugia Salutaris (Canellaceae)

A review of tumours and antitumour agents have been included in the work. Bisbenzylisoquinolines as a whole have been reviewed and special emphasis has been placed on the bisbenzylisoquinolines from Tiliacora and Triclisia species. A detail review has also been presented on funiferine. Physico-chemical analysis has been carried out on funiferine and this included partition coefficient, pKa and rate of quaternization determinations. Two derivatives of funiferine, 0-methyl and 0-Isopropyl derivatives were synthesized. The Brine shrimp lethality Bioassay has been carried out on funiferine, 00methylfuniferine and 0-isopropylfuniferine as a preliminary cytotoxicity test. The structure-activity relationship of these related compounds have been established and in the order. 0-isopropylfuniferine > 0-methylfuniferine > funiferine.

Source: KNUST
Jankama Valley Resort , Aburi

Global economic recession has slowed down economic growth in both developed and developing countries and to correct their balance of payment deficits and excite social and economic development, many of these countries have resorted to tourism development as a remedy for everything. It is for this reason that Ghana has identified and designated tourism as a useful element in diversifying her sources of foreign exchange earnings for economic growth. With a steady increase in the number of international tourists visiting the country annually, a corresponding expansion in tourism infrastructure and receptive facilities in the area of transportation, services and accommodation to match the growing tourist traffic. This study aims at identifying and assessing Ghana’s tourism assets and potential as well as policies put in place by the government for the development of this important sector. It further looks at the availability and adequacy of quality guest receptive facilities with particular emphasis on accommodation, their general distribution vis-â-vis the location of tourist attractions. In response to finding solutions to the current problems of lack of resorts to support tourism in the country, a proposed valley resort design scheme at Aburi is seen as one of the possible solutions in establishing Ghana as a niche destination; the quality and location of which is determined by findings of the study.

Source: KNUST
Jaway Wharf Marina, Jaway Wharf (Jomoro District, Western Region)

The increase in tourism revenue as the years go by as well as the increase in tourists has made it necessary to develop the tourist industry for greater economic gains and this can be seen in the current development of potential tourist sites into leisure and holiday resorts. The growth in the tourism industry therefore requires the urgent development of potential tourist sites which abounds in the western region of Ghana as well as other areas to be able to meet the growing market which has been precipitated by the fact that Ghana’s endowment in tourism products in terms of her hospitality and sense of humour and rich culture has been noticed by the international tourism market. Besides, lack of the necessary basic infrastructure tends to hamper the patronage of most of the resorts in the hinterland. The fairly well equipped ones are found in the cities and towns of Ghana and along some of the beaches. It has therefore become necessary to tap the immense potential provided by the natural and unadulterated rural hinterland tourist sites which have been neglected to the detriment of the tourism industry. This project thus seeks to explore the great potential provided by the Tano Lagoon and Jaway Wharf and other attractions on the site to come out with development proposals for a leisure resort which would go a long way to satisfy both local and international tourism needs as well as provide leisure for people in the western region of Ghana. In pursuance of this objective, a lot of data collection was done and these were documented. These include what exists in and around the site and the analysis of some figures and facts. Their advantages and disadvantages were carefully considered and thus translated into proposals and finally into the production of this design thesis report.

Source: KNUST
Issues and challenges of export diversification in Ghana: firm level analysis

The Diversification-Led Growth Hypothesis predicts that countries can make significant gains from international trade if they diversify their economies. In the light of this, Diversification of Export was one of the explicit aims of the Structural Adjustment Programme launched in 1986 in Ghana. NTEs were to be instrumental in restoring Ghana’s BOP by increasing total exports earnings. Available statistics indicate that the performance of the sector against the traditional sector is below expectation. The study therefore examined the issues and challenges of export diversification at the firm level. SWOT analysis and descriptive statistical tools and analysis were used to examine the policy reforms and trends of export diversification respectively. The Herfindhal and Entropy Indexes were also adopted to determine the degree of specialization in the NTE sector. Finally, a survey work was carried out and using the, Best-Minus-Worst Scores, challenges confronting the NTE sector at the firm level were identified. It became evident that, in spite of many policy reforms by successive governments, the sector’s contribution to total export and GDP growth has been modest because of low supply capacity and ad hoc implementation of policy reforms. The processed and semi-processed sub-sector holds promise for the country’s export diversification drive. The NTE sector is highly specialized with agriculture and handicraft sub-sectors still underdeveloped. The sector is also constraint by access to credit, high tariffs and taxes and meeting stringent international standards. It was recommended that reforms should be multi-sectorial and involve all levels of the Ghanaian society. Also, there should be re-diversification into agriculture and handicraft sub-sectors and further diversification into products with huge prospects to increase export quantities and values such as cashew nut. Finally, there should be improvement in access to credit, reduction of tariffs and taxes and Ghanaian exporters should familiarize themselves with the standards required by their foreign partners.

Source: KNUST
Job creation and improved consumer health through commercialisation of tiger nut yoghurt: a willingness to pay analysis

The study assessed consumers’ perception and willingness to pay for tiger nut yoghurt developed by Sanful (Pak J Nutr 6:755-758, 2009) in Ghana. It used cross-sectional data collected from 315 yoghurt consumers from five (5) communities in the Kumasi metropolis. Descriptive statistics, 3-point Likert scale, perception index and the tobit regression model were the analytical tools employed. The results showed that while consumers considered nutritional benefits as the most important attribute, they considered appearance as the least. The overall mean perception index was 0.67, indicating that consumers had a positive perception for tiger nut yoghurt. Even though the price of 500 ml of ‘normal’ yoghurt was Gh¢2.50 (US$0.57), consumers were willing to pay Gh¢3.50 (US$0.79) for the same volume. Finally, the results revealed that, consumers’ willingness to pay (WTP) for tiger nut yoghurt was influenced by age, sex, educational level, household size, monthly income and price of the product. The study concludes that Sanful’s tiger nut yoghurt has bright market prospects in the Kumasi metropolis and similar urban settings. Entrepreneurs, the unemployed and investors are therefore encouraged to consider a business in tiger nut yoghurt production even though there is also the need for a profitability analysis of tiger nut yoghurt production. In addition, there is the need to increase awareness and education on the nutritional and health benefits of tiger nut since education has a positive influence on consumers’ willingness to pay for the product.

Source: KNUST
Jesus Christ of Frafraland: a study of the interface of the gospel and the Frafra culture and its implications for evangelisation in the Frafra context

This thesis, Jesus Christ of Frafraland: A study of the Interface of Gospel and Culture and Its Implications for Evangelisation in the Frafra Context, is a study on the engagement of the Gospel with the Frafra of Northern Ghana. It examines the patterns of evangelisation among the Frafra with particular reference to the methods used in the proclamation of the Gospel. It also addresses the response of the Frafra to the proclamation of the Gospel as well as the impact of the Gospel in Frafraland. The researcher contends that despite the challenges, indigenous Frafra Christianity is possible through the recognition of traditional or cultural categories as significant preparation for the Gospel. In this way the Christian faith can be articulated in the Frafra cultural context with the use of its thought forms in a relevant worship of God. The major finding of the research is that the proclamation of the Gospel among the Frafra often produces different responses ranging from full embrace to partial embrace as well as conflictual or negative embrace depending on how the Gospel is proclaimed and how the people understand it. There is the need for the people to perceive and respond to the Gospel in way that are meaningful to their own understanding and experience. The significance of culture in the evangelistic task of the church is therefore very crucial.

Source: KNUST
Job Satisfaction and Staff Morale in the Telecom Industry in Ghana: A Case Study of Kasapa Telecom Limited (Expresso)

The purpose of the study was to examine job satisfaction and staff morale, a case study of Kasapa Telecom Limited (Expresso). The study sought to achieve some objectives which include; determine the level of job satisfaction and staff morale in Expresso, to identify the effects of low staff morale and job dissatisfaction on productivity in Expresso, to find out how low staff morale and job dissatisfaction are managed in Expresso, and to examine the impact of management attitude on job satisfaction and staff morale in Expresso. The survey method was used in this study. The simple random sampling technique and purpose sampling techniques were used to sample 70 staff for the study. The findings of the study revealed that, staff were satisfied with their current job, however the general level of satisfaction is not satisfactory at all, staff morale generally has a direct influence on productivity, working environment has a very high impact on productivity, management attitude can have an influence on staff morale and job satisfaction, management help staff develop their strength by coaching and mentoring. It was established that salary and remuneration could curtail low staff morale and job dissatisfaction and also the nature of work and recognition. Finally, the following recommendations were made; management should realize the importance of job satisfaction and institute policies and other measures to address this issue to boost staff morale, management attitude towards staff should be an issue of concern, continuous service evaluations and monitoring of job satisfaction and interventions should be carried out to increase the level of job satisfaction on staff of Expresso.

Source: KNUST
JOHN 9:1-3 AND CAUSALITY OF SICKNESS AND SUFFERING: A CASE STUDY OF THREE SELECTED PRAYER CENTERS IN THE CHRIST APOSTOLIC CHURCH INTERNATIONAL

This study examines John 9:1-3 and its implications for the ministry of healing and deliverance. It attempts to ascertain the proper meaning of the text and its implications for the CACI. The study contends that a lack of proper understanding of the Scriptures often leads to misapplications with serious theological consequences. The basis of this assertion stems from the understanding of the selected text which raises issues of ambiguities in relating sickness and suffering to sin. John 9:1-3, considers the question posed by the disciples of Jesus, which sought to suggest that sickness and suffering were as a result of sin. Jesus’ response reveals otherwise, yet admissible to the disciples’ perception, the implication of which is that, people may often attribute all forms of sickness and suffering to sin or supernatural causes, leading to superstition. Using the biblical apparatus of exegesis based on the historical critical method, together with the primary method of interviews and participant observation, the study revealed that Jesus’ encounter with the blind man could be synonymous to spiritual blindness towards the knowledge of God’s truth. It also came out that God is the only one who knows the cause of human predicaments at all times as against the fixated retributive perception of humanity and has power to offer the needed healing or change. The field survey findings revealed that people often link sickness, and other forms of suffering to sin. However, it is being emphasized that not all sicknesses are associated with one’s sin. Therefore, the study recommends that, sick persons should visit appropriate health centers. With the understanding of the text, the Bible should not be studied in isolation but rather to be studied with the help of people who know much about the Bible.

Source: KNUST
Job stress and employee performance: a case study of health workers in the Ashanti Region.

The health sector contributes significantly to the social and economic development of every nation. The private health sector which the medical laboratory diagnostic service organisations are part contributes fifty-five percent of services rendered to clients and also contributes immensely to employment and general worker productivity. In spite of these significant contributions, in many Ghanaian health institutions including the medical laboratory service organisations, the level of job stress is perceived to have serious repercussions on worker health that ultimately have resulted in family breakdowns, divorce, deaths and chronic mental delusion. This study therefore explores issues relating to stress and stress management of health workers in the Ashanti region. The study reviewed literature on the concepts of stress and stress management. The study therefore employed a case study design and quantitative approach to survey 99 health workers of the Medilab Diagnostic Service in the Ashanti Region in Ghana to examine the effect of job stress on employee performance. The data for the study was collected using a structured questionnaire. The staff were sampled through a multistage sampling procedure involving purposive and stratified sampling methods. The result showed that the level of the job stress of the medical laboratory institutions is high or very high by 57.9% of the staff. The moderate or fairly agreed sources of stress for the medical laboratory staff include work overload, career development, lack of control, poor working conditions, motivational factors, motivational factors and job security. Furthermore, there was negative relationship between the level of stress and employee performance and organisational performance. The primary measures suggested to be possible means of managing job stress level include development of flexible working methods and teamwork, development of effective and transparent communication programme, development of new workingconditions, provision of flexible work schedule and many others. Based on these results, the study recommends reduced workload, better working conditions, stress management seminars and counseling, employee involvement in roundtable discussion and clear definition of employee roles.

Source: KNUST