ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
The protein requirement and reproductive performance of pregnant and lactating sows fed either conventional or agro-industrial by products (AIBPs) based diets

Two feeding trials were carried out; one with cereal-based diets and the other with AIBPs to determine the protein requirements and performance of pregnant and lactating sows. In experiment one, a total of eighteen large white gilts with an average liveweight of 100.39kg were allotted equally to three dietry treatment .

Source: KNUST
Protein Requirements for Growing and Laying Indigenous Guinea Fowls (Numida Meleagris) in the Humid Tropical Zone of Ghana

This study was undertaken to assess the dietary crude protein (CP) concentrations required by growing and laying indigenous guinea fowls (Numida meleagris) for optimum growth performance. A 28- week experiment was divided into two phases namely, growing phase and laying phase. One hundred and eighty (180) nine- week old pearl guinea fowl growers were randomly assigned to experimental diets with 16, 18, 20 and 22% CP, from 9 to 27 weeks of age for the growing phase. During the laying phase, 28 to 36 weeks, 120 pearl guinea fowl pullets were randomly assigned to diets containing 15, 16, 17 and 18% CP. All the eight rations in both experiments one and two were isocaloric, having ME of 12.30 MJ/ kg. Each dietary treatment was replicated 3 times, a pre-weighed amount of feed was given and water was provided ad libitum. Feed consumption was measured daily and body weight measured weekly. Mortality was recorded as and when it occurred. Other parameters measured included haematology and biochemical analysis, carcass parameters, age and weight at first lay, weight of first egg and other egg parameters. Results show that diets containing 16% crude protein for growing guinea fowls and 18% crude protein for laying guinea fowls are ideal for optimum growth performance and production.

Source: KNUST
Providing Social Protection in the form of Pension Funds to the informal sector in Ghana: A Case Study of SSNIT Informal Sector Fund

Pension reform around the world in recent decades has focused mainly on the formal sector. Consequently, many of those working in the informal sector have been left out of structured pension arrangements, particularly in developing countries – a serious problem given this group are often due to low income earners, vulnerable to economic volatility and change. However, since the turn of the millennium, efforts in a range of countries have increasingly highlighted improving pension coverage for informal sector workers. There is therefore the need to undertake a detailed review of the SSNIT Informal Sector Fund pension scheme to identify the challenges that hinder its operations and also to evaluate negative perception of the public on the scheme.This study assesses the challenges of wide coverage of workers lack of awareness), unstable cash flows and distrust of the system which threaten the operational effectiveness, viability and suitability of the scheme. For the purpose of analysis of the analysis the researcher used a combination of data for which the main sources are from the survey which was conducted (questionnaires),SSNIT publications and literature review on the subject. These constituted the primary and secondary sources of data respectively. The analytical tools used by the researcher are Statistical package for Social Scientist, Microsoft Excel 2007 and Analytical Hierarchy Process model. It is therefore commended that effective and comprehensive educational and awareness raising programmes of SSNIT Informal Sector Fund pension scheme are instituted to increase its coverage. More flexible contribution and withdrawal terms for informal sector workers will also boost the rate of contributions and enrollment of new members on to the scheme.

Source: KNUST
Provision and management of infrastructural facilities in informal settlements in Kumasi

Recent reports have discussed the rapid rate of urbanisation in developing countries, the extent to which far exceeds the capacity of urban managers to deal with. One key area of concern is the rate at which rural-urban migration and dislocation of city dwellers relative to the supply of formal housing, leads to majority of city dwellers resorting to informal settlements. Regardless of the relevance of these settlements in accommodating most of the urban citizens in developing countries, they often receive the least of public expenditure. Hence, informal settlements lack the right and access to basic infrastructure and services such as water supply, sewage and drainage, paved roads, lighting and electricity supply, public transport and garbage disposal. However, the basic forms of these infrastructural facilities and services are inevitable for human sustenance. The study was undertaken to examine how infrastructural facilities are provided and managed in informal settlements in Kumasi. It employed the use of household and physical surveys, institutional interviews as well as review of documents and reports. Four settlements representing the categories of informal settlements in the Kumasi Metropolis were selected for detailed study. The study revealed a mixed level of infrastructural facilities in the settlements, with reasonably appreciable levels of access to potable water, while access to improved sanitation and access roads remained poor. Interestingly, there is high access to improved sanitation in Ohwim, the unauthorised subdivision, emphasising its relatively improved socio-economic conditions compared to the other categories. It also showed interplay of modes in providing infrastructure in the settlements including public provision, individuals, community initiatives and public-private partnerships. Regardless of the relative poor conditions of infrastructural facilities in the informal settlements, the study identified willingness to pay and multi-household housing environment as potentials for improving infrastructural levels. The main challenges identified in infrastructure provision are insecure tenure, haphazard development and high infrastructural standards requirements. In order to improve the conditions of infrastructure in informal settlements, the study recommends the adoption of a revolving fund, as a flexible financing scheme, to utilise the resources of residents in providing in-built toilet facilities. In addition, it recommends the recognition and empowerment of residents in controlling physical development in their settlements as well as a revision of policy regulations to promote affordable forms of infrastructural facilities.

Source: KNUST
Providing insight into the incubation period of Mycobacterium ulcerans disease: two case reports

Background: Buruli ulcer caused by Mycobacterium ulcerans is endemic in parts of West Africa and is most prevalent among the 5–15 years age group; Buruli ulcer is uncommon among neonates. The mode of transmission and incubation period of Buruli ulcer are unknown. We report two cases of confirmed Buruli ulcer in human immunodeficiency virus-unexposed, vaginally delivered term neonates in Ghana. Case presentation: Patient 1: Two weeks after hospital delivery, a baby born to natives of the Ashanti ethnic group of Ghana was noticed by her mother to have a papule with associated edema on the right anterior chest wall and neck that later ulcerated. There was no restriction of neck movements. The diagnosis of Buruli ulcer was confirmed on the basis of a swab sample that had a positive polymerase chain reaction result for the IS2404 repeat sequence of M. ulcerans. Patient 2: This patient, from the Ashanti ethnic group in Ghana, had the mother noticing a swelling in the baby’s left gluteal region 4 days after birth. The lesion progressively increased in size to involve almost the entire left gluteal region. Around the same time, the mother noticed a second, smaller lesion on the forehead and left side of neck. The diagnosis of Buruli ulcer was confirmed by polymerase chain reaction when the child was aged 4 weeks. Both patients 1 and 2 were treated with oral rifampicin and clarithromycin at recommended doses for 8 weeks in addition to appropriate daily wound dressing, leading to complete healing. Our report details two cases of polymerase chain reaction-confirmed Buruli ulcer in children whose lesions appeared at ages 14 and 4 days, respectively. The mode of transmission of M. ulcerans infection is unknown, so the incubation period is difficult to estimate and is probably dependent on the infective dose and the age of exposure. In our study, lesions appeared 4 days after birth in patient 2. Unless the infection was acquired in utero, this would be the shortest incubation period ever recorded. Conclusions: Buruli ulcer should be included in the differential diagnosis of neonates who present with characteristic lesions. The incubation period of Buruli ulcer in neonates is probably shorter than is reported for adults.

Source: KNUST
Provision of residential accommodation for decentralized departments and public organisations at the district level: (a case study of Daboase: capital of Mpohor Wassa East District)

This study looked at the provision of residential accommodation for officers of decentralized departments and public organisations at the district level. The objectives of the study were to identify the nature and condition of the houses, assesses housing needs of officers of decentralized departments and public organisationa, and the capacity of the community and the District Assembly to provide housing, assess the problems associated with the provision of housing and, finally designing a strategy to address this problem. The relevant data were assembled and analysed. Findings revealed that housing problems were basically with the quality and the lack of basic facilities. It was found out that it was not financially possible for the community and the District Assembly to provide accommodation for these officers without government intervention. It was, therefore, recommended that the solution to this problem should be a joint effort between the District Assembly, interested individuals and the Central Government.

Source: KNUST
Provision of agricultural credit to shall holder farmers in Dangme West District, Ghana

The study clearly illustrates the importance of the small holder crop farmer in the economy of Dangme West District and Ghana as a whole. A number of problems affecting the productivity of farmers are mentioned but the study critically assesses the availability of production credit which was identified as one of the most important factors contributing to low agricultural productivity in the district A number of objectives were set out, with much emphasis on an understanding of the characteristics and operations of the rural financial market in the district. The informal credit market mainly the money lenders were found to dominate the credit market due inter alia, to easy accessibility and low transaction cost allied to its vast resource existing as unused financial potential. Alternatively, the rigid credit worthy assessment criteria including the possession of collateral securities applied by formal credit institutions, mainly the banks, the high rate of illiteracy, low level of organization and high default rates among farmers were identified as contributing to the status quo of • credit availability. Strategies aimed at alleviating the situation are discussed with greater emphasis on improving accessibility to farmers and the need to mobilize savings and reduce dependence on external sources of finance in a move towards attaining a more sustainable credit market. The need to organise farmers into viable working groups and application of peer monitoring and pressure were also stressed.

Source: KNUST
Proximate Composition and Functional Properties of Some New Groundnut Accessions

Ten new accessions of groundnut (Arachis hypogea) were oven dried and processed into full fat powdered forms and analysed for the proximate and functional properties using AOAC official methods. The crude protein ranged 20.7-25.3%, crude fat 31- 46%, ash 1.2-2.3%, crude fiber 1.4 -3.9%, carbohydrate 21-37% and moisture 4.9-6.8 %. Energy values of the groundnut accessions were between 525 kcal/100g and 606 kcal/100g. The ash, moisture, carbohydrate, fat and fiber values of all groundnut accessions proved to be significantly different whereas there was no significant difference amongst the protein values at p ≤ 0.05. The bulk density ranged between 0.63 g/cm3and 0.88 g/cm3 whereas water absorption capacities were between 20 % and 30 %. Swelling power ranged from 2.98 g/g to 4.18g/g and solubility index was between 26.5% and 57% with no significant difference at p ≤ 0.05. Foaming capacity ranged from 4.0-16.2 % and stability 94-100%. Samples showed a significant difference in terms of bulk density at p ≤ 0.05. The relatively high protein content of all the accessions as well as their functional properties make them a valuable protein supplement in weaning foods as well as the treatment of protein energy malnutrition cases.

Source: KNUST
Proximate composition and microbial characteristics of edible bofuro

The proximate value and microbial load of the two types of bofuro were studied and their variation with storage time in order to make a distinction if possible. Parameters studied proximately included moisture , crude fat, crude protein and ash, while microbial studies involved growth counts under aerobic and anaerobic conditions on media enriched with either of these carbohydrates; cellulose, starch, cellobiose and glucose. The results indicated that there were no significant differences (P> 0.05) in proximate parameters studied from the two sources of bofuro and also during various storage times. However significant differences (P <0.05) were observed in the bacteria count on both cellulose and starch enriched media for Grasscutter bofuro and Royal Antelope bofuro under anaerobic conditions. Storage of bofuro also gave significant difference (P<0.05) in bacteria count between Grasscutter bofuro and Royal Antelope bofuro on glucose enriched medium under aerobic conditions. Neither Grasscutter nor Royal Antelope bofuro gave growth for cellulose enriched medium under aerobic conditions. Finally Grasscutter bofuro gave no growth under both aerobic and anaerobic conditions on starch enriched medium.

Source: KNUST
Proximate Composition, In vitro Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory Properties of Adansonia digitata and Belanites aegyptiaca Seed

This study evaluated the nutritional and medicinal properties of seeds from Adansonia digitata (BSF) and Balanite aegyptiaca (DDSF) plants. Proximate chemical composition, mineral elements composition, flavonoids, phenolics, antioxidant capacity, and anti-inflammatory properties were studied. Results obtained revealed that DDSF had the highest moisture, crude fat, and crude protein content of 7.66 %, 42.80 %, 20.37 %, respectively, whilst BSF gave the highest ash, crude fibre, and carbohydrate content. Elemental analysis revealed BSF had the highest Mg content (313.65 mg/100g) and DDSF gave the highest Ca content (118.62 mg/100g). Additionally, DDSF gave the highest total phenolics (18.89 mg TAE/ 100 g), total flavonoids (8.80 mg QE/ 100 g) as well as the highest total antioxidant capacity of (19.62 mg AAE/ 100 g) dry of extract. Based on results obtained in this study, seeds obtained from the Adansonia digitata and Balanite aegyptiaca could be a potential source of functional food and antioxidant agents.

Source: KNUST
Proximate Composition and Functional Properties of Some New Groundnut Accessions

In this study new accessions of groundnut (Arachis hypogea) were oven dried and processed into full fat powdered forms and analysed for proximate and functional properties. The crude protein was between 20.71 to 25.34%, crude fat 31 to 46%, ash 1.2 to 2.32%, crude fiber 1.4 to 3.9%, carbohydrate 21 and 37% and moisture 4.9 to 6.79 %. Energy values of accessions fell between 507.46 kCal/100 g and 592.97 kCal/100 g suggesting the accessions are very good energy store thst have the potential to be utilized in the development of energy-dense therapeutic foods with the ability to manage protein-energy malnutrition. In terms of functional properties, water absorption capacity, swelling power, solubility index and bulk density values ranged between (20-30) %, (2.98-4.18)g/g, (26.5-57) % and (0.625-0.877) g/cm3 respectively with no significant difference (p≤0.05) existing between them. Foaming capacity and Stability ranged from (4.0 -16.2) %, (94 -100) % respectively. The high swelling power and solubility index of the accessions indicate how readily the flour constituent would re-orient under elevated temperature conditions in flour- based food systems especially ready- to- eat instant cereals which require some form of dissolution before eating. High foamability exhibited by the accessions indicates how suitable they would be in food formulations where foaming is highly desired such as ice cream products, cakes and sponge cakes. The results show that the proximate and functional properties of these groundnut accessions may bring about improvement in some food products when they are added to the food.

Source: KNUST
Proximate composition, phenolic, and antioxidant properties of soursop fruit parts

Annona muricata L. (soursop fruit) is a seasonal plant with bio-geographical distribution in tropical and subtropical climates. This study evaluated the proximate, phenolic, and antioxidant properties of different parts of soursop fruit. The influence of oven and solar drying on phenolic and antioxidant activities of extracts (pulp, seed, and peel) were assessed. Proximate analysis on different parts of the soursop fruit showed the pulp to have high carbohydrate (32.9% ± 0.3) and moisture (19.1% ± 1.0). The seeds however contained higher crude fat (37.5% ± 1.2) and protein (25.0% ± 0.1) contents. Total phenolic content of the seeds (8.7 mgGAE g−1 ± 0.1) was higher than that of the pulp and the peel (8.6 mgGAE g ± 0.1). The solar-dried fruit parts demonstrated superior antioxidant activity to the oven-dried parts. Extracts from the solar-dried soursop fruit samples, especially the seed, can serve as useful therapeutic ingredient for diet supplementation and could also be exploited for its high oil and protein contents.

Source: KNUST
Proximate Composition, Physicochemical And Functional Properties Of Dried Okra Seed Flour

Some okra genotypes have been identified in Ghana and projects are ongoing to extract pectin from the okra pods leaving the seeds wasted. There is the need to evaluate and explore alternative uses for dreid okra seeds based on the quality attributes. The physicochemical properties of dried okra seed flour of two genotypes (Agbagoma and Balabi) were evaluated. The proximate composition, functional and physicochemical properties of okra seed flour were determined to ascertain the quality attribute of the okra seed flour samples using standard procedures. On the dry basis, the samples (Agbagoma and Balabi) had 8.90- 9.00% moisture, 16.80-17.40% protein, 47.80-48.00% fat, 7.70-7.80% ash and 18.20-18.40% carbohydrate. The mean values of functional properties revealed significant difference (p < 0.05) between okra seed flour samples. There were found as bulk density of 0.80-0.83) g/ml. Water absorption capacity and Oil absorption capacity of 511.65-504.32% and 88.38-160.67%, respectively. The solubility was 14.10% for Agbagoma and 10.97% for Balabi, whereas swelling power was 16.37% and 14.68% for Agbagoma and Balabi, respectively. All pasting properties except peak time and pasting temperature of Agbagoma seed flour were higher than those of Balabi seed flour. The study revealed that okra seed flour is rich in nutrients which could be used for baking and fortification as well.

Source: KNUST
Proximate Composition and Functional Properties of Some New Groundnut Accessions

Ten new accessions of groundnut (Arachis hypogea) were oven dried and processed into full fat powdered forms and analysed for the proximate and functional properties using AOAC official methods. The crude protein ranged 20.7-25.3%, crude fat 31- 46%, ash 1.2-2.3%, crude fiber 1.4 -3.9%, carbohydrate 21-37% and moisture 4.9-6.8 %. Energy values of the groundnut accessions were between 525 kcal/100g and 606 kcal/100g. The ash, moisture, carbohydrate, fat and fiber values of all groundnut accessions proved to be significantly different whereas there was no significant difference amongst the protein values at p ≤ 0.05. The bulk density ranged between 0.63 g/cm3 and 0.88 g/cm3 whereas water absorption capacities were between 20 % and 30 %. Swelling power ranged from 2.98 g/g to 4.18g/g and solubility index was between 26.5% and 57% with no significant difference at p ≤ 0.05. Foaming capacity ranged from 4.0-16.2 % and stability 94-100%. Samples showed a significant difference in terms of bulk density at p ≤ 0.05. The relatively high protein content of all the accessions as well as their functional properties make them a valuable protein supplement in weaning foods as well as the treatment of protein energy malnutrition cases.

Source: KNUST
Proximate, Aflatoxin And Pesticide Profiles Of Maize From Ghana

purposefully collected from Wa, Bolgatanga, Tamale, Techiman, Ejura, Kumasi, Mankessim, Accra-Madina and Accra-Kaneshie. The NIR Instalab 700 proximate analyser was used to determine the nutritional composition of the samples. An Envirologix QuickTox scan kit was used to run the aflatoxin analysis. Levels of organochlorine and synthetic pyrethroid residues were determined on a Varian CP-3800 GC-ECD whereas a Varian CP-3800 GC-PFPD was used to determine organaphosphate residues. All samples had moisture content less than 12% which was within the accepted limit of moisture level for maize storage. Maize produced in the southern part of the country recorded higher protein, lipids and ash contents compared to those from the northern part. All samples had aflatoxin levels above the maximum limit of 20 ppb except for those from Wa, Bolgatanga, Tamale and Kumasi. Aflatoxins were present in 89% of samples collected, of which 56% were above the accepted level. All the samples were free from all types of pesticide residues except samples from Wa and Ejura which showed the presence of organophosphorus pesticide (dimethanoate) at a concentration of 0.01 mg/kg and blow. Pesticide residues were all below the acceptable level. This indicates that the awareness being created over the use of pesticides and its effects on the health of the consumer in the country is helping the farmers to use good practices on their harvest.

Source: KNUST
A pseudo-euclidean operator norm of linear operators in finite dimensional spaces.

This thesis introduces a certain operator norm on linear operators in finite di mensional spaces which we will call pseudo-Euclidean p-norm. We show the computation of the operator norm of linear operators in one-dimensional, two dimensional and three-dimensional spaces. The study obtained in the thesis is with respect to computation of the operator norm on the linear operator of finite dimensional spaces and comparing to those of the standard operator norms. This thesis basically gives detailed definitions and some few historical remarks about a Hilbert space as well as detailed review of the mathematics involved. Detailed proofs of theorems, propositions, lemmas and corollaries leading up to the com putation of the main work are provided. Finally, the main work, computing the pseudo-Euclidean operator norm of linear operators in finite dimensional spaces is carried out and compared with the usual matrix p-norm in some instances

Source: KNUST