ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
The Effects of Brexit on Africa: A Case Study on Ghana

Britain's initial consideration to become a member of the European Community began on 1 August 1961, but officially became a member of the EU on June 7, 1975. The UK in contemporary times has been the second greatest contributor after Germany, to financing the budget of the EU. However, the decision by the UK on June 23, 2016, to leave the European Union (which has been termed ‘Brexit’) has generated much global concerns on both the short-term and long-term implications this move is going to have in the international system. The repercussions of the decision by the UK to leave the EU will also be felt in other parts of the world such as Africa, particularly Ghana. Therefore, this study focuses on analyzing the effects of Brexit on Africa, with special focus on Ghana. The study utilizes Neo-Functionalism as the main theory for its analysis. The study is purely qualitative and relies primarily on literature review and interviews for data collection and analyses. Findings from the study reveals that Brexit will alter the global political economy in the short-term and these effects will not only be limited to the UK and the EU but will also be felt in other parts of the world such as Africa, particularly Ghana. Findings also reveal that the effects of Brexit on Ghana may be felt economically, politically, socially or diplomatically, environmentally and security wise. Following from the findings, the study concludes that the decision by the UK to leave EU (Brexit) will have significant short-term effects on Africa, especially Ghana. Towards this end, the study recommends that though Brexit may come with several negative implications, Ghana should take advantage of the situations to establish fairer and favourable bilateral trade relations with European countries including the UK, which she had stronger ties with since colonial times. It is recommended that Ghana should take full advantage of Brexit to play a lead role towards encouraging, promoting and strengthening the integration process in the West African sub-region and the African continent at large. This will help to better withstand sudden shocks and setbacks that characterize or accompany circumstances which alter the global political economy as witnessed during the 2008 Global Economic Crisis which had significant impacts on African states including Ghana.

Source: UG
Effects of Broussonetia papyrifera invasion and land use on vegetation characteristics in a tropical forest of Ghana

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of Broussonetia papyrifera (paper mulberry) invasion and land use on the floristic composition of a dry semi-deciduous forest in Ghana. Forty-five plots (25 m × 25 m each), distributed among three land uses—selectively logged (SL); abandoned farmlands (AF); and an undisturbed reference (RF)—were surveyed. Results showed lower tree species richness (S), diversity (H′), evenness (S) and basal area (BA) in the SL (46, 0.78, 0.32 and 269.12 m2 ha−1, respectively) and AF (40, 0.53, 0.45, and 131.16 m2 ha−1) sites compared to the RF site (79, 2.66, 0.87, 963.72 m2 ha−1). Similar patterns were found at the shrub layer, but no differences were observed at the herb layer. Non-metric multidimensional scaling ordination revealed distinct species composition among the land uses. The two disturbed habitats, SL and AF, were associated with increased B. papyrifera invasion particularly in the overstory, with importance value index and mean relative density of 45 and 65.03%, and 42 and 53.29%, correspondingly. However, the species was only sparsely represented in the RF site. Tree density of B. papyrifera correlated negatively with H′, S, E, BA, and native tree density and richness. These findings highlight the strong link between human land use (i.e., logging and slash-and-burn farming), invasion, and vegetation characteristics, and suggest the need to limit these disturbances to conserve biodiversity within tropical forest ecosystems. © 2018 Northeast Forestry University and Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature

Source: UG
Effects of capitation grant on education outcomes in Ghana

This study provides an assessment of how capitation grant is impacting on key education outcomes in Ghana. In particular it provides an empirical platform for assessing how this policy is contributing to the achievement of the MDGs, and more. The key education outcome indicators which form the basis of the study are gross enrolment rates at the Junior High school level, the pass rates for the national examinations at the Junior High school level and the gap in the examination performance of boys and girls. It employs an econometric estimation model to assess how capitation grant affects these variables. Using district level data over the period 2005- 2007 and across the country, the study finds that capitation grant have not had any significant effect on these key education outcomes. The study concludes by noting that although the results are not consistent with a priori expectations, the findings may reflect the fact that the capitation grant in Ghana only started in 2005 and so it is too early to begin to see its effects. The inability of the study to account for demand-side factors may also be contributing to the results. However the study notes that these results may be a pointer to the fact that capitation grant alone cannot deliver on important education outcomes as enshrined in the MDGs.

Source: UG
The effects of circular economy initiative implementation on business performance: the moderating role of organizational culture

Purpose – The study aims to examine the micro-level implications of implementing a circular economy (CE) business model on firms’ financial performance and the effect of organizational culture in this context. Design/methodology/approach – Using a survey method to obtain 617 usable questionnaires from diverse business sectors in Ghana, a largely unexplored region and relying on institutional and legitimacy theories. Findings – The study shows that the implementation of CE policies, such as the reducing, reusing, recycling, recovery and restoration of resources used in manufacturing, distribution and consumption processes, contributes to improved financial efficiency. Furthermore, organizational culture moderates by way of strengthening the positive relationship between CE and business financial performance. Originality/value – This study contributes to the literature on circularity and the broader discourse on ecological issues by arguing that institutional and legitimacy theories, which are both from the political economy theory, suggest that firms’ economic activities will be influenced by the political, social and institutional context. Therefore, the firm’s decision to embrace a different business model such as CE should be seen from the political environment involving rules and regulations, social dynamics both within and outside the organization and the institutional structures within which the firm operates. These mechanisms establish a business case for the implementation of CE initiatives and is guided by intent and specific goals. This motivates and encourages employees to be more involved in their duties and interactions leading to high levels of employee satisfaction, which improves productivity and profitability.

Source: UG
Effects of co-composting of faecal sludge and agricultural wastes on tomato transplant and growth

Purpose: Faecal sludge (FS) has been co-composted with many organic solid wastes globally. Agricultural wastes, such as oil palm empty fruit bunches (EFB) and cocoa pod husks (CPH), have received very little research attention as far as combining with FS is concerned. This study aimed at co-composting these wastes at different ratios to produce safe compost for use as soilless medium for raising tomato transplants. Methods: Dewatered FS (DFS) was mixed with shredded EFB and CPH at five different ratios: 1DFS:1EFB, 1DFS:1CPH, and DFS:EFB:CPH in ratios of 1:1:1, 2:1:1, and 2:2:1 and composted for 3 months. Select physicochemical parameters and pathogens were monitored every fortnightly and 3 weeks, respectively. Results: Maximum temperatures obtained ranged 46.8–54.5 °C. Though these temperatures were lower than sanitizing temperatures prescribed by USEPA, no E. coli was found in any of the piles at the end of composting. The ratio 2DFS:2EFB:1CPH was found to be the safest formulation and hence was used to grow tomato under greenhouse conditions. Tomato seeds were sown in three different growing media: 100% FS-based compost, 100% rice husk biochar, and 50% FS-based compost–50% rice husk biochar mix. Conclusion: Results showed that FS-based compost was a suitable growing medium for tomato. Further studies into the optimal rate and frequency of application of compost teas on tomato are recommended. © 2017, The Author(s).

Source: UG
The effects of co-infection with human parvovirus B19 and plasmodium falciparum on type and degree of anaemia in Ghanaian children

Objective To determin the extent to which parvovirus B19 (B19V) and co-infection of B19V and malaria contribute to risk of anaemia in children. Methods B19V DNA and malaria parasites were screened for 234 children at the PML Children's Hospital in Accra. The role of B19V and co-infection with B19V and malaria in anaemia was evaluated by analysing full blood cell counts, malaria and B19V DNA results from these children. Results The prevalence of B19V, malaria and co-infection with B19V and malaria was 4.7%, 41.9% and 2.6%, respectively. Malaria posed a greater risk in the development of mild anaemia compared to severe anaemia (OR=5.28 vrs 3.15) whereas B19V posed a higher risk in the development of severe anaemia compared to mild anaemia (OR=4.07 vrs 1.00) from a non-anaemic child. Persons with co-infection with B19V and malaria had 2.23 times the risk (95% CI=0.40-12.54) of developing severe anaemia should they already have a mild anaemia. The degree of anaemia was about three times affected by co-infection (Pillai's trace=0.551, P=0.001) as was affected by malaria alone (Pillai's trace=0.185, P=0.001). B19V alone did not significantly affect the development of anaemia in a non-anaemic child. Microcytic anaemia was associated with B19V and co-infection with B19V and malaria more than normocytic normochromic anaemia. Conclusions B19V was associated with malaria in cases of severe anaemia. The association posed a significant risk for exacerbation of anaemia in mild anaemic children. B19V and co-infection with B19V and malaria may be associated with microcytic anaemia rather than normocytic normochromic anaemia as seen in cases of B19V infection among persons with red cell abnormalities.

Source: UG
Effects of Coir Fibber Loading on the Physio-mechanical and Morphological Properties of Coconut Shell Powder Filled Low Density Polyethylene Composites

Coconut shell filled composites were prepared from recycled low density polyethylene polymer matrix containing up to 15% weight of coconut shell powder as filler. The effect of coir fibre loading on the properties of the composites was then investigated. It was shown that the value of tensile strength, flexural strength and hardness value increased up to 7.1MN/m2,18.0 GPa and 92.7 respectively. Impact energy decreased with increase in fibre length. With the introduction of fiber length from zero to 10 mm, a decrease in density and increase in water absorption was observed. © 2016 The Authors

Source: UG
Effects of COVID-19 on sub-Saharan African library associations

Professional associations serve as a backbone for their members in Africa and globally. They promote the welfare of their members and have standards and principles that guide their activities. This is a quantitative study of 10 national library associations in sub-Saharan Africa. The study looks at some of the activities of the national library associations and how they were impacted by the outbreak of COVID-19. The findings show that the majority of the associations had to postpone their annual conferences and continuous professional education programmes. The study recommends that national library associations from sub-Saharan Africa take advantage of technological platforms to reach out to their members in the organization of conferences and training programmes. Also, national library associations should have a policy that can drive their activities in the future in the event of the occurrence of another pandemic.

Source: UG
Effects of cowpea fortification and the level of ripeness of plantain on the nutritive value of plantain based snack foods

To investigate effects of cowpea addition and level of ripeness of plantain on the nutritional and sensory characteristics of Kaklo and Ofam in Ghana, A 2X4 factorial experiment with firm and soft ripe plantain and cowpea fortification of 0, 10, 20 and 30% was designed. The proximate composition and acceptability of products using a 7-point hedonic scale were evaluated. With the addition of 30% cowpea, the protein content of the Kaklo from the firm ripe and soft ripe plantain increased from 2.92% to 7.32% and 3.65% to 8.05% respectively, whilst the protein of the Ofam from the firm and soft ripe plantain also increased from 3.80% to 8.45% and 3.75% to 8.15% respectively. The 10% fortified Kaklo and Ofam were the most acceptable. The cowpea addition significantly affected the nutritional value of the Kaklo and Ofam. To obtain an acceptable cowpea fortified plantain-based snack, the fortification should be done at 10%.

Source: UG
Effects of crop rotation and fallow residue management on maize growth, yield and soil carbon in a savannah-forest transition zone of Ghana

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effects of seven maize (Zea mays)fallow rotation and fallow residue management treatments on growth, maize yield and soil carbon within a savannah-forest farming zone of Ghana. Over a 4-year period, maize rotated with bare fallow (control) produced an average maize biomass and yield of 4.0 and 1.0 t/ha/yr, respectively. Maize rotated with elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum) with the fallow grass residue burning produced an average maize biomass and yield of 8.0 and 2.0 t/ha/yr, respectively. The removal of the fallow grass biomass (9.0 t/ha/yr) by burning resulted in a low total residue (maize stover+fallow residue) returned to the soil (7.0 t/ha/yr). The total residue returned to the soil was 14.0 t/ha/yr. Despite the larger total residue returned to the soil by the incorporation treatment, the performance of the maize was not significantly different from that of the fallow residue burning treatment. Maize rotated with cowpea (Vigna unguiculata), mucuna (Mucuna pruriens) or pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan) produced similar maize biomass of 8.0 t/ha/yr and yields of 2.0 t/ha/yr, but with higher variability for the maizecowpea rotation. Biomass produced by fallow cowpea, mucuna or pigeon pea were 4.0, 5.0 and 8.0 t/ha/yr, respectively, and total residues added to the soil were 13.0, 13.0 and 15.0 t/ha/yr, respectively. Maizegrass rotation with fertilizer application to the maize resulted in biomass and yield production of 11.0 and 3.0 t/ha/yr, respectively, and fallow grass production of 12.0 t/ha/yr. The total residue returned to the soil was 18.0 t/ha/yr. Soil organic carbon (SOC) declined under all treatments over time, with the control losing about 55% of the initial SOC by the end of the trial. The decline in SOC was 19% for the fertilized maizegrass rotation, but all other treatments lost between 33 and 44% SOC. Overall, the fertilized maizegrass and maizepigeon pea rotations were identified as those that sustained relatively high maize yields, returned large residue amounts to the soil and minimized soil carbon loss. © 2009 Copyright Cambridge University Press.

Source: UG
The effects of demographic variables on knowledge sharing

Purpose-This study aims to find the role of demographic variables in knowledge sharing among teachers in senior high schools. The relationship between demographic variables and knowledge sharing has not been clearly established in the existing literature. Design/methodology/approach-The survey research design was used as a methodology for the study. The participants of the study were senior high school teachers. These participants were selected using convenience sampling technique. Questionnaire was used as instrument for data collection. Data were anaylsed using descriptive statistics and multiple regression. Findings-The study found that male teachers share more of their knowledge than female teachers. Additionally, first degree holders were found to share their knowledge more than Higher National Diploma holders. Originality/value-This study has established the relationship between demographic variables and knowledge sharing among senior high school teachers in Ghana. © Emerald Group Publishing Limited.

Source: UG
Effects of different pesticide management options on the population dynamics of aphids, Lipaphis erysimi pseudobrassicae (Davis) and Myzus persicae (Sulzer) (Hemiptera: Aphididae), their natural enemies and the yield of cabbage

Cabbage is a popular vegetable grown in Ghana and it serves as an important source of livelihood for smallscale farmers. Aphids are major pests of cabbage in the field and as such, farmers have resorted to the indiscriminate use of insecticides which have had adverse environmental and health implications. The current study sought to investigate the effect of commonly used management options on the population of aphids, Lipaphis erysimi pseudobrassicae (Davis) and Myzus persicae (Sulzer) (Hemiptera: Aphididae), their natural enemies and the yield of cabbage. Cabbage seedlings were planted during the major and minor seasons of 2015 in 3 x 3 m plots and the treatments used included Chlorpyrifos, Lambda-cyhalothrin, hot pepper, Capsicum futescens fruit extract, neem, Azadirachta indica seed extract, solution of local soap (alata samina) with water as a control. Ten cabbage leaves per treated plot were randomly sampled weekly into 70% alcohol to obtain actual counts of aphids and their natural enemies. The least number of aphids was recorded in the neem treated plots, while Lambda-cyhalothrin treated plots recorded the highest number of aphids. The control and biopesticide treated plots recorded the highest numbers of the natural enemies (hoverflies, ladybirds and spiders). The highest yield and marketability was recorded in the neem treated plots for both seasons. The yield and marketability of cabbages obtained from plots sprayed with alata samina and pepper was also higher than that obtained from the control, Lambdacyhalothrin and Chlorpyrifos treated plots, with the insecticide treated plots recording the least number of marketable heads. It offered the most promising solution. The current findings suggest that the crude neem seed extract, and to some extent local soap, alata samina, and pepper, are effective and safe options for managing aphids on cabbage.

Source: UG
The Effects of Digital Banking Platforms on the Profitability of a Bank: The Case of a Private Bank in Ghana

Businesses are adapting digital technologies to reach bigger markets, reduce operational costs, improve financial performance or profitability, and gain competitive advantage. The banking sector in Ghana is a very competitive one with most banks adapting one or more forms of digital banking products to facilitate their current operations, gain competitive advantage, and achieve future business goals. While many studies have accessed the impact of digital banking solutions on the profitability of financial institutions mostly in developed economies, the same cannot be said about developing economies. There is, therefore, the need to add to the body of knowledge on how digital banking solutions impact the profitability of banks in developing countries. This paper was underpinned by the updated DeLone and McLean IS success model and used a qualitative approach with purposive sampling of 28 staff and customers to assess a private bank’s digital banking platforms through thematic data analysis. The findings show that system usage and user satisfaction which results in net benefits are positively influenced by information quality, system quality, and service quality. It is therefore concluded that the deployment and use of digital banking solutions improve the profitability of banks. Other implications are also discussed.

Source: UG
Effects of dry matter intake and metabolisable energy density on the concentrations of insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) and blood metabolites in pasture-fed dairy cows

Blood metabolites including glucose, NEFA, BHB and urea could be used as indicators of nutritional or energy balance in an animal. The plasma concentrations of IGF-1 may also be a sensitive measure of dietary changes. The relationship between IGF-I and the above metabolites in the blood, and their potential in monitoring dietary effects in 32 pasture-fed Holstein-Friesian cows in early lactation were investigated in a 5-wk study. The cows were randomly assigned to four dietary sub-groups and fed one of 4 rations varying in dry matter (DM) and metabolizable energy (ME) concentration (LL: 16.6 kg DM and 174 MJ ME; HL: 17.3 kg DM and 181 MJ ME; LH: 15.4 kg DM and 183.1 MJ ME; HH: 17.9 kg DM and 213.3 MJ ME, with the first letter indicating DM and the second ME). The four rations consisted of pasture, hay and pelleted cereal grain. Plasma IGF-I concentrations were positively associated with glucose (R = 0.587; P<0.01) but negatively associated with BHB (R = - 0.588; P<0.01) and urea (R = -0.372; P<0.05) concentrations at d 35. The relationship between IGF-1 and NEFA concentration was not statistically significant (R = 0.007: P.00.05) at d 35. ME density had grater influence on the proportional changes in blood IGF-1, glucose, BHB and urea concentrations, than changes associated with DM intake. Plasma IGF-I had a higher R2 estimate in its model than any other metabolite at d 14 (R2 = 0.528) and d 35 (R2 = 0.649) of the study, except for BHB at d 35 (R2 = 0.708). The changes in IGF-1 with diet were over a greater range than with the other metabolites, and were indicative of a stronger association of IGF-I with dietary changes.

Source: UG
Effects of Dwindling Gold Prices on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Performance in Ghana’s Mining Sector.

Since the introduction of Structural Adjustment Programs (SAPs) in the 1980s, the gold mining sector has been a major contributor to the economies of many African countries including Ghana. There has been a fall in the global prices of gold in recent times resulting in budget cuts especially those not directly related to corporate prosperity, as well as job losses. This study sought to examine the level of CSR activities in five of the big mining companies operating in Ghana. Findings from the study pointed to a reduction in the profit margins of mining companies as a result of the fallen gold prices, which has invariably affected the volume and nature of CSR activities engaged in by the mining companies in the past 5 years. The study concluded that the fallen price of gold has re-defined the form and shape of CSR activities among mining companies in Ghana.

Source: UG