ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Preliminary investigatings into coconut juice from Ghanaian species as a potential replacement therapy

The biochemical composition of fresh coconut juice has been investigated for its amino acid, sugar and mineral ion contents. The coconut samples analysed, obtained from four different varieties of Cocos uncifera were of three different age groups; the young, intermediate and mature nuts, having approximate ages of six, nine and twelve months respectively. The young coconuts had the highest concentrations of glucose (1.966 — 2.233g/l00ml), fructose (2.041 3.225g/l00ml), potassium (63.2 - 78.8mmol/L), calcium (4.4 - 6.9mmol/L) and chloride ion (58.0 — 78.5mmol/L) whilst the mature coconuts had the highest concentrations of amino acids (0.349 — 0.570g/l00ml), sucrose (1.269 — 1.977g/l00ml) and sodium (6.5 — 21.8mmol/L). In comparison to the WHO-ORS solution, the juice is generally low in sodium and chloride but relatively rich in sugars, amino acids, potassium and calcium. Bicarbonates and citrates were absent in the juice. The fresh juice is acidic. Theoretically, coconut juice may not be suitable for use in Oral Rehydration Therapy due to its low sodium and high potassium contents. However, a controlled clinical trial is recommended to assess its therapeutic efficacy.

Source: KNUST
A preliminary morphometric study of Ghanaian foetal parameters for size and age estimation

Ultrasonographic foetal biometry has proven to be a reliable tool in the correct estimation of gestational age and assessment of foetal growth. The choice of a reference chart is critical to the proper assessment of foetal biometry due to observed racial differences. Therefore this study was designed to establish foetal biometric standards in Ghanaians. A prospective, cross-sectional study was conducted using a total of 374 pregnant women with known last menstrual period from the Sunyani Municipal Hospital and the Suntreso Government Hospital from October 2015 to March 2016. Measurements of crown-rump length, biparietal diameter, head circumference, abdominal circumference and femur length were obtained via transabdominal sonography. Results of the present study provide for the first time detailed baseline data on foetal biometry in Ghana and show that there is significant disparity between gestational age estimated by the last menstrual period and ultrasound. Head circumference was the best parameter in estimating gestational age in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy with coefficient of determination (R2) of 96.6% and 84.1% respectively. Combinations of head circumference or biparietal diameter, abdominal circumference and femur length in the third trimester increased the R2 to 90 or 90.5%. Biparietal diameter was a good predictor of gestational age in the third trimester than previously reported in the literature suggesting normal cephalic indices in the present population. Statistically significant differences in foetal biometry exist between the present population and the American, British and Chinese populations in the literature. This study provides preliminary baseline data for the estimation of gestational age and assessment of foetal growth by sonographers and obstetricians.

Source: KNUST
Preliminary studies on rooting pattern and dry matter accumulation and distribution in Leucana Leucocephala, Gliricidia Sepium and Cassia Simea in the humid lowland of Ghana

Germination and seedling growth characteristics, dry matter accumulation between above and below-ground portions, and root growth and distribution patterns in one year old seedlings of Leucaena leucocephala, Cliricidia sepium and Cassia siamea were studied on the Institute of Renewable Natural Resources’ Research Farm in Kumasi. Germination percentage was highest in Leucaena (93%), followed by Gliricidia (91%) and then Cassia (74%). Seedling component and total dry weight growth ranked in the order Gliricidia > Leucaena > Cassia. Relative growth rates of shoots, roots and whole plants differed significantly (P < 0.05) between species. Within each species root growth was proportionately greater than shoot growth. Shoot/root ratios decreased with increasing seedling dry weight. Field excavations showed that the bulk of total root biomass (63-96%) occurred in the 0-15cm soil depth. Total root excavations at 53 weeks after planting (WAP) showed that Leuceana, Gliricidia and Cassia had root systems reaching depths of 46.7, 53.5 and 50cm, and maximum leteral spreads of 98.2, 93.0 and 104.7cm, respectively. Thus even though competition between tree and crop roots should be expected in later years, roots of these species can act as “safety nets” for leached nutrients underneath shallow roots of annual crops, thereby improving nutrient use efficiency. The proportion of total dry weight in foliage decreased with age while the proportion in sterns and branches increased with age in all the species. Root nodules occurred on Leucaena and Gliricidia roots but not Cassia. While active nodules were observed on Gliricidia roots throughout the study period, no active nodules were found on Leucaena roots after 31 WAP. All the three species appear to be good for alley cropping and other agroforestry interventions. Thus other factors such as resistance to termite attack, provision of useful products (fodder, wood and stakes other than green manure) will determine the farmers’ choice of species for agroforestry systems in Ghana.

Source: KNUST
Preliminary Studies on the Use of Sawdust and Peanut Shell Powder as Adsorbents for Phosphorus Removal from Water

Phosphorus is one of the key nutrients that contribute to eutrophication and excess algal growth in rivers and lakes and other surface water bodies. Such algal blooms affect the life of aquatic organisms, especially fishes, and block sunlight from reaching bottom dwelling plants thus inhibiting photosynthesis and stunting growth. In this study, sawdust and peanut shell powder were explored as adsorbents for the removal of phosphorus from aqueous solutions. A series of batch experiments were conducted to determine the effects of adsorbent dosage, initial phosphorus concentration and contact time on the rate of phosphorus removal. The results showed that 78% and 39% of phosphorus was removed by sawdust and peanut shell powder respectively at adsorbate concentrations of 10 mg/l (total P) for a period of 180 min at an adsorbent dosage of 0.4 g. It was also found that the highest phosphorus removal occurred at adsorbent mass of 0.4 g of sawdust and 0.6 for peanut shell powder. Adsorption data were fitted to the linearised forms of the Freundlich and Langmuir isotherm models to determine the water - adsorbent partitioning coefficient. Sawdust proved to be a better adsorbent than peanut shell powder.

Source: KNUST
Preliminary investigations into coconut juice from Ghanaian species as a potential replacement therapy

The biochemical composition of fresh coconut juice has been investigated for its amino acid, sugar and mineral ion contents. The coconut samples analysed, obtained from four different varieties of Cocos nucifra were of three different age groups; the young, intermediate and mature nuts, having approximate ages of six, nine and twelve months respectively. The young coconuts had the highest concentrations of glucose (1.966 - 2.233g1100ml), fructose (2.041 - 3.225g/l00ml), potassium (63.2 - 78.8mmol/L), calcium (4.4 - 6.9mmol/L) and chloride ion (58.0 - 78.5mmol/L) whilst the mature coconuts had the highest concentrations of amino acids (0.349 - 0.570g/l00ml), sucrose (1.269 - 1.977g/l00ml) and sodium (6.5 - 21.8mmol/L). In comparison to the WHO-ORS solution, the juice is generally low in sodium and chloride but relatively rich in sugars, amino acids, potassium and calcium. Bicarbonates and citrates were absent in the juice. The fresh juice is acidic. Theoretically, coconut juice may not be suitable for use in Oral Rehydration Therapy due to its low sodium and high potassium contents. However, a controlled clinical trial is recommended to assess its therapeutic efficacy.

Source: KNUST
Preliminary Study on the Use of Reverse Osmosis Brine and Mine Tailings as Cement Paste Mixtures for Mine Backfilling Application

The processing of low-grade gold ores generates a significant volume of tailings and wastewater that impacts the environment. The treatment of wastewater using reverse osmosis (RO) produces brine as a by-product with high salinity levels. Improper disposal of mine wastes can significantly pollute water bodies and soils. A novel and sustainable method for managing, disposing, and handling these wastes is vital. The use of RO brine and mine tailings to produce cement paste mixtures for backfilling applications has been investigated. Sulfide gold mine tailings and RO brine were characterized, and cement paste backfill (CPB) mixtures were prepared by mixing varying proportions of cement and RO brine. The CPB cubes were cured for a specified number of days, and their physical and mechanical properties were determined. The results indicate a decrease in slump value with increasing cement content, whilst the slump increased with RO brine content. The compressive strength at 28 days increased with binder content reaching a maximum of 1.83 MPa using 50% RO brine. The CPB cubes produced with 50% RO brine and 12 wt.% cement possessed the required combination of fluidity and strength for mine backfilling applications.

Source: KNUST
Preparation and characterization of low density polyethylene/clay nanocomposites

Low Density Polyethylene/clay nanocomposite is a thermoplastic polymer matrix, (Low density polyethylene), that has nanometer scale clay fillers dispersed in it. The characteristic structure (phase separated or intercalated or exfoliated structure) of the material enhances its properties. This work reports the preparation of Low density polyethylene filled with nanometer scale Ghanaian clay particles, and determines the structure of the material formed. Commonly known clay samples from Mfensi and Aferi communities in Ashanti region were used. Clay particles were modified with octadecylamine surfactant and incorporated into the LDPE matrix by melt mixing route. The modified Mfensi and Aferi clays, as well as LDPE/ Mfensi clay nanocomposites and LDPE/ Aferi clay nanocomposites, were characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy, (FTIR) and X-ray diffractometric (XRD) techniques. Crosslinking density of the materials was determined by swelling index measurements. Complete dispersion of clay fillers were best observed at very low clay loadings. LDPE/Aferi clay nanocomposites had modified Aferi clay particles well dispersed in them compared to that of LDPE/Mfensi clay nanocomposites. Modified clay contents increased the C-H vibrational motions of the LDPE/Mfensi and LDPE/Aferi clay nanocomposites. Crosslinking density of the nanocomposites decreased with increasing clay contents. This work concludes that, the best modified clay dispersion for property enhancement of Low Density Polyethylene/ clay nanocomposites was obtained at 2wt% clay loadings for both modified Mfensi and Aferi clay loadings. The structure of the LDPE/ clay nanocomposites formed was a phase separated structure.

Source: KNUST
Preparation and Characterization of Banana Fiber –high density polyethylene (hdpe) composite.

The use of plant fiber as a reinforcing agent is a current development in polymer science to produce composite material that have higher strength and lower weight for several applications. In this research, banana fiber, which is a natural fiber has been employed as a reinforcing agent. Composites were fabricated using both treated banana, TBF and untreated banana fiber, UBF and HDPE with fiber content of 5, 7.5, 10 and 12.5% by injection moulding technique. Physico-mechanical properties such as tensile strength, impact strength, elongation at break point and young’s moduli of the various types of composites were analysed. From the research, it was found out that, values have increased to a certain percentage and started decreasing gradually. The addition of 10 % TBF provided an enhancement in mechanical properties of composites in comparison with virgin HDPE. Young’s moduli and water absorption of composites increased with increasing fiber addition. Also, weight of composites reduced with increasing fiber content. Mechanical properties of treated banana fiber TBF-HDPE composites were a little higher than untreated banana fiber UBF-HDPE composites. The FTIR analysis of the banana fiber for both TBF and UBF showed absorption peaks at 1633 cm-1, 1244 cm-1 and 1016 cm-1 suggesting the presence of cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin present in the banana fiber whereas peaks at 1367 cm-1 and 1029 cm-1 in the prepared composite, suggested a physical interaction between the HDPE and the banana fiber. Micrographical analysis of composites showed that TBF-HDPE composites had a better adhesion within the HDPE matrix as compared to UBF. It was also seen that chemical treatment of banana fiber with NaOH, increased the interfacial bond between the banana fiber and HDPE matrix, thus improving mechanical properties of TBF-HDPE composites and decreasing the absorption of fiber.

Source: KNUST
Preparation and characterization of fat particles-in-water emulsions for the encapsulation of bioactive compounds using allanblackia seed fat and tween 20 and sodium alginate as emulsifying agents

Effective delivery of poorly water-soluble bioactive ingredients has been considered a great challenge in the pharmaceutical, food and cosmetic industries. The compartmentalized hydrophobic and hydrophilic regions of emulsion systems give them the advantage to encapsulate polar and non-polar compounds for effective delivery. However, the challenge associated with emulsions is their thermodynamic instability. This study investigated the stabilisation process of fully crystallised fat globules as a dispersed phase in an oil-in-water emulsion system prepared from a naturally occurring vegetable fat, a nonionic surfactant and a polysaccharide biopolymer. The crystallisation profiles of the fats from Allanblackia seed and shea nuts were determined. Based on the results Allanblackia seed fat was selected and used as the dispersed phase in the oil-in-water emulsion system. The emulsion was formulated in the presence of Tween 20 and sodium alginate. The mixed emulsifier system gave stability against aggregation of the fat particles hence preventing coalescing, creaming and flocculation and this was more significant at 2 % to 4 % sodium alginate content. The emulsion particle size and microstructure were dependent on the fat/water ratio and a viscoelastic system with G′ > G′′ at the lower frequencies and G′′ > G′ at higher frequencies (where G and G are….). The dispersed fat particles emulsion system was used to encapsulate sudan orange dye (a water insoluble dye) and the efficiency of the encapsulation was characterized by an increase in particle size (ranging from 246 to 250 nm) and varying size distribution. UV-Vis spectrophotometric analysis of the dye loading capacity, release rate and leaching capacity showed a successful entrapment of the dye in the fat matrix. This confirms Allanblackia seed fat as a potential solid fat for its application in the formulation of oil-in-water emulsions.

Source: KNUST
Preparation and characterization of wood plastic composites using recycled (lldpe) plastic and sawdust.

There has been a growing interest in Wood-Plastic Composite (WPC) products and their use in various applications over the past years. Increase in environmental awareness and the cheaper cost of raw materials are the main force driving the use of recycled plastics in making WPCs. Wood-plastic composites (WPCs) were fabricated using recycled LLDPE plastics and sawdust from Wawa and Mahogany (were fabricated). Part of the sawdust was treated with 5 % NaOH solution before being used for the composite and the remaining was used without treatment. The FTIR of the treated as well as the untreated sawdust and the plastic were taken. The samples were made using extrusion and injection molding methods. The density and water absorption capacity of the products were determined. 50 % loading, the treated mahogany-plastic composite absorbed (4.74 %) the least amount of water compared to all the other formulations. The ultimate tensile strength and the modulus of elasticity (MOE) of the samples were also determined. At 10 % loading, the treated mahogany-plastic composite had an ultimate tensile strength 35.54 MPa and modulus of elasticity of 3.25 MPa which are the highest among all. The results obtained showed that these properties are wood species dependent as the Mahogany- plastic composites gave the best properties compared to the Wawa and the mixture. This suggests a better adhesion between the hardwood filler and the LLDPE matrix compared to the softwood. The influence of the chemical treatment of sawdust on the physical and mechanical properties of sawdust-LLDPE composite was investigated at various loading levels from 10 % up to 50 %. Results indicate that the mechanical properties of the chemically treated sawdust-LLDPE composites were found to be higher than those of the untreated. This indicates that better dispersion of the filler with the LLDPE matrix has occurred upon chemical treatment of the filler. The water absorption test showed that composite prepared from the chemically treated sawdust absorbed lower amount of water compared to the untreated sawdust composite. This suggests that hydrophilic nature of the cellulose in the sawdust has significantly decreased upon chemical treatment. The results clearly show that the properties of WPC depend on the wood species used and also the treatment given to the wood.

Source: KNUST
Preparation of a handbook on tie and dye for Ghanaian Schools

The current Educational Reform Programme stresses the importance of the training of the cognitive, affective arid psychomotor values of the modern school child. This implies that the pupil must be trained to admire or appreciate, to reason effectively and employ his hands to express his thoughts. Visual art is one of the subjects which can help to develop all these faculties in the student. The potential of Tie and Dye as a means of developing the creative abilities of students is what this essay is about. In this regard chapter two and three with topic with some background information. Chapter 4 deals with the development of the cloth for the fibre stage, before being finally woven into cloth. This raw cloth is then cleaned to obtain the calico. Chapter 5 deals with different classes of dyes arid their peculiar characteristics. Chapter 6 then follows to discuss the uses of these dyes and their methods of application. Chapter 7 makes a brief survey of materials and tools used for Tie and Dye production. Chapter 8 deals with the different processes and techniques for creat2ng designs in Tie and Dye, supported by very simple diagrams. Chapter nine highlights the main points discussed in this study in a short summary.

Source: KNUST
‘Preparation of acetylated and carboxylated starches and their applications in salad cream preparation’

Cassava cultivar, Abasafltaa and Afisiafi and sweet potato cultivar, Sauti and Faara starch acetates and carboxylates were produced. The Crop Research Institute, Ghana released these cultivars. Starch acetates and carboxylates of varying solubilities, swelling powers, retrogradation, % acetyl, % carboxyl groups and viscosities were obtained. Modified starches obtained from 20% v/w acetic acid anhydride which gave % acetyl group of 1.71, solubility of 83.1%, swelling power of 4.70g/g and least retrogradation was used to prepare salad creams. The products were analysed on their sensory properties; aroma, colour and taste. The results indicated that the cream with 2.4% modified starch and 0.002% bixin per 100-mi coloured vegetable oil compared favourably (P>0.05) with the control salad cream obtained from the market. However, long storage period and freeze — thaw tests revealed that the control salad cream was more stable (P>0.05) than the cream prepared from the selected cassava starch acetate in terms of colour and emulsion respectively. The sweet potato starches modified below 50°C, as well as all the carboxylated starches and the native starches retrograded over a 24hour period so they were not used to prepare the creams.

Source: KNUST
The preparation of low-temperature fusion enamel coatings for corrosion control using local raw materials

An attempt has been made in this study to formulate materials for low-temperature fusion enamel coating from local raw materials and borax that can be applied directly onto steel substrate for corrosion control. Mfensi and Afari clays, and the Mouri feldspar were mixed in various proportions with borax to form various batches. The batches were mixed with water to form slips which were used to coat already prepared steel surfaces and were allowed to dry in the open. The coated steel plates were again dried in the oven and fired at temperatures of 800oC, 850oC and 900oC to mature. The coatings were observed and also physico-chemical tests were conducted to evaluate some properties of the coatings. The coatings matured and adhered very well to the substrate at 850oC and 900oC and showed good hardness and thermal shock resistance as well as good corrosion resistance in brine and 10% nitric acid. The coatings hardness at the above temperatures were between 7 and 8 on the Mohs scale and 70-90 on the BHN(1/60). The coatings thickness at these temperatures was between 0.42mm and 0.5mm. They were able to resist fifteen cycles of heating and quenching from 400oC. The coatings prepared with the Afari clay with its higher content of iron oxide showed better results in terms of hardness and thermal shock resistance than those prepared with the Mfensi clay. However the coatings fired at 800oC did not fuse properly and hence did not show good adhesion to the substrate. They showed a hardness of 4-6 on the Mohs scale and failed on the Brinnel Hardness Tester.

Source: KNUST
Preparing Compost for the Operation of a Compost Facility Using Newmont Ghana Gold Limited Ahafo Mines as a Case Study

The objective of the study was to prepare compost from food waste, dewatered sewage sludge, wood shavings and waste papers mixed at different ratios for the operation of Newmont Ghana Gold Limited (NGGL) compost facility. These materials were mixed at three different ratios with three replicates each. The study was undertaking at the compost shed located within the Integrated Waste Management Facility and on the trial plot of the mines between September 2010 and April 2011. For each combination of materials, three different turning rates of 3, 7 and 14 days were assigned, and some physical and chemical as well as some biological parameters were monitored and measured for a period of three months. There was no significant difference in the quality of the final compost produced from the various formulations in terms of most of the parameters measured. The turning frequency also showed no significant difference between the various formulations. Analysis of heavy metals in the final composts showed metal levels that were far less than the US EPA standards. Helminth eggs, total and faecal coliforms decreased appreciably at the end of the composting process. The different composts applied on a trial plot produced tomato yield that was lower than that of a chemical fertilizer but higher than that of a soil without any amendment. The yield from the soil amended with the compost from the ratio 4:4:0:1 gave the highest yield among the different formulations. Even though the compost gave a slightly lower yield than a chemical fertilizer, co-composting offers a good alternative to the use of chemical fertilizers.

Source: KNUST