ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Characteristics of women presenting with abortion at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Kumasi, Ghana

To accelerate progress towards achieving the Millenium Development Goal 5 there must be a substantial reduction in abortions, particularly self-induced abortions alongside increased contraceptive uptake. This study describes the characteristics of women presenting with abortion at KATH in Kumasi, Ghana. A better understanding of the relationship between abortion particularly, induced abortion and women's background characteristics can improve our ability to identify subgroups in a population who are in the greatest need of effective contraceptive and post-abortion care services. Such information is valuable to program planners and policymakers in their efforts to facilitate women's ability to plan pregnancies. Systematic random sampling was used to select 420 participants aged 15-49 years presenting with abortion at KATH in a cross-sectional study. The data collected at two points: using a questionnaire from June to August, 2011 while on admission and a telephone conversation (follow-up interview from September to November, 2011) after discharge from KATH were analysed with SPSS version 16 using logistic regression. Majority, 252 (60%) of women who had self-induced abortion were younger than 30, single, unemployed with low education and of low socio-economic status as compared with those with spontaneous abortion who were 30 years or with at least three children, married and had high socio-economic status. It was revealed that, 253 (60.2%) of the respondents did not plan for the index pregnancy and about 64.9% terminated the pregnancy in pursuit of a career and for economic reasons. Also, 280(66.7%) did not use any modern contraceptive prior to the index pregnancy. Reasons gathered from the respondents showed that the fear of side effects contributed to a high rate of 55% post-abortion contraceptive non-use. Of the 420 respondents, only 58 (13.8%) used contraceptives: three months after their discharge from the hospital even though they had been counselled on contraceptive use and had wanted to prevent unintended pregnancies, postpone or delay childbearing. Out of these 58 respondents, 54(93.1%) presented with induced abortion while 4(6.9%) had spontaneous abortion. The study recommemded the sensitisation of all women of reproductive age particularly the youth to use post-abortion contraceptives to help prevent unplanned pregnancies, repeat abortions and maternal mortality. Also, they are to secure safe abortion services in a medical hospital or seek procedure for terminating an unintended pregnancy either by individuals with the necessary skills or in an environment that conforms to minimum medical standards, or both.

Source: KNUST
Characterization and Composting of Solid Waste Generated in the Aburi Township

The composition of solid waste generated by 34 households was analysed over four weeks and the waste was sorted into the following fractions; Organic waste, Glass waste, Paper and cardboard, Metals and cans, Rubber and plastic. The data gathered showed that organic waste (70%) was the most abundant waste type generated daily per household followed by Rubber and plastic (16%) then Paper and cardboard (6%), Glass waste (5%) and Metals and cans (3%). The per capita generation of waste showed organic waste in the lead with 0.072 kg/week per person followed by plastic waste with 0.016 kg/week per person then paper waste with 0.006 kg/week per person followed by glass waste with 0.005 kg/week per person and metal waste trailing with 0.004 kg/week per person. A compost pile was prepared using food waste collected from the participating households with an initial C/N ratio of 37.24±0.66; the compost was ready in 35 days. The composting process was closely monitored daily by measuring the temperature and its volume. The analysis performed on the compost after composting showed that the compost had a final C/N ratio of 83.70, pH of 8.67 and contained 0.07% potassium and 0.08% of phosphorus. The levels of potassium and phosphorus were within the recommended values of 0.5-1.8 and 0.3-3.5 respectively. The C/N ratio exceeded the acceptable level of 22. Heavy metal analysis showed the level of mercury (82.14 ±3.01 ppm) to be high above the recommended level of 82.14 ppm. But the levels of copper (2.670 ±0.537 ppm), lead (40.560 ±1.245 ppm) and zinc (0.75±0.212 ppm) were within the required limits of 80, 150 and 300 respectively. The microbiological analysis of the finished compost showed that the levels of E. coli (4.3×101) and faecal coliforms (2.4×103) were higher than recommended levels of < 3 and < 1000 respectively. The waste management plan revealed that the organic fraction of the waste was the most abundant of the five kinds of waste that were characterised. This waste type would pose a big challenge to the town in the long term (25 years) if management of the waste is not taken seriously, which would destroy the tourism potential of the town.

Source: KNUST
Characterization and HPLC Quantification of Xylopic Acid in the Dried Fruits of Xylopia Aethiopica

Xylopia aethiopica is an evergreen, aromatic tree growing up to 15cm high, bark slightly ridged, native to the West, Central and Southern Africa. Flowers appear in clusters of 2-4, fruits turn red when ripe and black when dried. The dried fruit is commonly called African pepper. The dried fruits of Xylopia aethiopica have been used in folklore medicine. The extracts of the fruit have been shown to have antibacterial and antifungal properties. Dried fruits of Xylopia aethiopica used for the project were obtained from the Kumasi Central Market and were authenticated by the Department of Pharmacognosy, KNUST. In order to obtain pure xylopic acid crystals for use as secondary reference xylopic acid was extracted from dried fruits of Xylopia aethiopica with petroleum ether (40-60oC) and recrystallised from ethanol. The melting point of the crystals was determined to be 261-262oC and the Rf value of xylopic acid using petroleum ether (40-60oC): ethylacetate (9:1) as the solvent system to be 0.53. NMR, infrared and mass spectroscopic analyses were carried out to characterise the isolated crystals. HPLC was used to quantify the xylopic acid in the dried fruits using methanol: water (9:1) as the mobile phase and a phenomenex hypersil 20 micron C 18 200 x 3.2 mm reverse column. The percentage content of xylopic acid in the whole fruit was estimated to be 1.15% ± 0.08 (n=8). The percentage content of xylopic acid in the seeds was determined to be 0.07% ± 0.02 (n=6) and the dried pericarp of the fruit was found to contain 0.87% ± 0.20 (n=6) xylopic acid. The purified xylopic acid crystals were subjected to stability studies for a period of three (3) months. The conditions employed for the stability studies were temperatures of 50oC, 60oC and 80oC. The crystals were assayed on the 20th, 50th and 70th days using the HPLC method developed for the assay of the crude fruit extract. The concentration at 50oC was 87.76%, 74.68% and 67.78% on the 20th, 50th and 70th days respectively. The concentration at 60oC was estimated to be 75.86%, 67.19% and 47.97% on the 20th, 50th and 70th days respectively. The concentration at 80oC was found to be 68.13%, 63.10% and 44.51% on the 20th, 50th and 70th days respectively.

Source: KNUST
Characterization and Potential Utilisation of Palm Oil Fuel Ash (Pofa) From a Local Oil Mill

Solid waste characterisation is fundamental to any proper planning of solid waste management in any area. The aim of the study is to characterize the palm oil fuel ash (POFA) resulting from fuelling a steam boiler for the operation of the mill and explore its potential utilization. Samples from a local mill were characterized using Atomic Absorption Spectrometry, X-ray Fluorescence, X-Ray Diffraction and Toxicity Characteristics Leaching Procedure (TCLP). Leaching tests were also conducted at various pHs. The results show that the main chemical composition of the palm oil fuel ash were SiO2 67.4 wt%, Al2O3 10.57 wt%, MgO 4.76 wt% and K2O 4.23 wt%. Leaching tests also revealed the POFA generated by the local oil mill leaches well in acidic media releasing various heavy metals into the aqueous media, though it is not likely to leach out high levels of toxic elements to the environment. An assessment of the usefulness of POFA revealed that mullite formation is accelerated upon the addition of POFA to lithomargic clay from the Awaso bauxite deposit with increasing temperature. POFA can also be used as the main additive in in a glaze recipe for glazing earthenware. Variation of the glaze components results in different finishes.

Source: KNUST
Characterization and HPLC Quantification of Piperine in Various Parts of Piper Guineense

Medicinal plants have been used since medieval times for treating ailments. The extended use have led to high market value and adulteration of their herbal products. Piper guineense, commonly known as West African Black Pepper, is a climbing plant up to 12m high by its adventitious rootlets. It has a corky lower stem and simple leaves which have five principal nerves. The fruits which are aromatic are red- brown when ripe and black when dry. Various parts of the plant have medicinal uses such as antibacterial, anticancer, etc. This project seeks to develop an HPLC method to standardize the various parts of Piper guineense using isolated piperine as a biomarker and a secondary reference. All samples of P. guineense parts were obtained and authenticated from the Physique garden of Pharmacognosy Department, KNUST. Piperine was isolated from the dried fruits of P. guineense with ethanolic KOH and recrystallized from acetone: hexane 3:2. The melting point was determined to be 128ºC - 130ºC and the crude yield was 2.07%w/w. TLC gave Rf values of 0.285 ± 0.01291 for hexane: ethylactate: glacial acetic acid 3: 1: 0.3 and 0.70 ± 0.009574 for chloroform: ethylacetate 1: 1. It was characterized by melting point as well as Ultraviolet, Nuclear Magnetic Resonance and Mass Spectroscopy. A validated reverse phase HPLC with methanol: water 80: 20 at a flow rate of 1.40ml/min on a Phenomenex Kromosil 5 C8 (250mm x 4.6mm 5 micron id) column with detection at 343nm gave a retention time of 3.78 ± 0.05656 min. Piperine was found to be 5.44 x10-3 ± 9.24 x 10-5%w/w in the dried leaves (DL), 0.0437 ± 0.000816%w/w for fresh leaves (FL), 0.115 ± 0.00228%w/w for dried stem (DS) and 3.345 ± 0.0339%w/w for dried fruits (DF).

Source: KNUST
Characterization and Suitability of Dioscorea Alata (Water Yam) in the Production of Couscous

Consumer utilization of Dioscorea alata could be enhanced by processing them into a more stable, acceptable and convenient food product. The aim of this study was to evaluate the suitability of Dioscorea alata for couscous production. Fifteen varieties of Dioscorea alata were used for this study. Yam couscous was prepared using both the blanched-grated-tuber and the flour methods. The yam tubers were first characterized for the chemical composition (moisture, ash and protein) and physicochemical properties (amylose content, starch granule size and pasting properties). A shelf life study was conducted over 24 week period within which the moisture content, pH, microbial load and sensorial qualities of the yam couscous were determined. The Dioscorea alata flours had relatively high gelatinization temperatures and low peak viscosities. The gelatinization temperature is positively correlated with the gelatinization time. The Dioscorea alata starches had granule sizes, ranging from 20 \im to 60 pm and very low amylose content. The blanched- grated-tuber (BGT) method was easier in terms of labour and time and gave better couscous than couscous made by the flour method in terms of sensory qualities. In decreasing order of goodness, couscous from TDa 99/00528, TDa 291 and TDa 98/001168, Matches, TDa 99/00199 and,TDa 99/00214 were judged as the most preferred. There was a general increase in bacteria count of yam couscous over storage period. However, no E. coli and Coliforms were present. The sensory quality of the yam couscous was acceptable over the storage period. It is possible to produce acceptable couscous from Dioscorea alata which will be safe for human consumption and keep for not less than 24 weeks in a cool dry place.

Source: KNUST
Characterization of Botryodiplodia Theobromae Isolates Affecting Cocoa, Mango, Banana and Yam in Ghana

Botryodiplodia theobromae is a very important pathogenic species on many food and tree crops causing significant yield losses. The fungus has been reported to have a wide host range. This study was conducted primarily to establish some of the host range characteristics of the species in Ghana. Twenty-five isolates of B. theobromae obtained from cocoa, mango, banana and yam from some agro-ecologies in Ghana were maintained on potato dextrose agar (PDA) and used to - 5 - inoculate healthy matured cocoa pods and mango fruits. Symptoms of rot characteristics of the species resulted from inoculation with mycelia of the isolates. B. theobromae isolates from cocoa, mango, banana and yam used in the inoculation experiments were not different in their infections on the two crops inoculated. Morphological characteristics of single-spore cultures of the 25 isolates were compared on PDA at 28C. All the isolates produced black pigments in culture 48 hrs after inoculation. Based on growth rates on PDA, the isolates were separated into four groups. The growth rate ranges were 0.93 to 0.94 mm/hr, 0.91 to 0.92 mm/hr, 0.82 to 0.90 mm/hr, and 0.72 to 0.76 mm/hr. The relatedness of the 25 isolates was investigated at the molecular level using SSR and RAPD primers. Two isolates, B(Kt) and B(Ef), both from banana fruits shared the highest genetic similarity of 83% with all others measured below 75%. The isolates studied were not host specific and ecologically non-specific. Molecular analysis of the isolates indicates that several strains of B. theobromae exist in Ghana.

Source: KNUST
Characterization of cassava starch for pasta

Starch forms a large portion of cassava roots and provides useful source of calories in human food as well as animal feed. The physico-chemical properties of starch from fresh tubers of four cassava (Manihot esculenta crantz) varieties; Akosua Tuntum, Adwoa Smart, Ankra, and Abosome Nsiah were studied to verify the effects varietal differences have on physico-chemical properties and to select the varieties suitable for pasta preparation. Parameters studied included pH, solubility, water binding capacity, amylose content, pasting characteristics, granule size and shape, viscosity swelling power, swelling volume, ash content, moisture content, dry matter, colour starch yield and phosphorus. The results showed WBC in the range 62.0 — 70.10%, wel1ing power ranged from 27.48 - 36.06%, swelling volume from 24.17 — 30.20%, 4nylose content 26.6—27.75%, ash content 0.07—0.23% and starch yield ranging from 2fr .13 — 26.27%. Pasting temperature was in the range of 63.95 —67.10°C and the peak temperature ranging from 72.15 — 80.85°C for the four varieties. There were significant diffeences (P<0.05) in water binding capacity (WBC), solubility, pasting characteristics and pH of starches from these varieties. However there were no significant differences (P<0.05) in the amylose content. Differences also existed between the pasting characteristics of the starch and flour from these four varieties .The data obtained showed that welling volume, swelling power and water binding capacity contributed to the making of good pasta. Sensory analysis of pasta samples made from the four varieties showed high preference for Ankra. Of the pasta made from composite flours, the 70% Ankra to 30% Wheat was the most preferred.

Source: KNUST
Characterization of complex fuvio–deltaic deposits in Northeast China using multi‑modal machine learning fusion

Due to the lack of petroleum resources, stratigraphic reservoirs have become an important source of future discoveries. We describe a methodology for predicting reservoir sands from complex reservoir seismic data. Data analysis involves a bio-integrated framework called multi-modal machine learning fusion (MMMLF) based on neural networks. First, acoustic-related seismic attributes from post stack seismic data were used to characterize the reservoirs. They enhanced the understanding of the structure and spatial distribution of petrophysical properties of lithostratigraphic reservoirs. The attributes were then classifed as varied modal inputs into a central fusion engine for prediction. We applied the method to a dataset from Northeast China. Using seismic attributes and rock physics relationships as input data, MMMLF was performed to predict the spatial distribution of lithology in the Upper Guantao substrata. Despite the large scattering in the acoustic-related data properties, the proposed MMMLF methodology predicted the distribution of lithological properties through the gamma ray logs. Moreover, complex stratigraphic traps such as braided fuvial sandstones in the fuvio–deltaic deposits were delineated. These fndings can have signifcant implications for future exploration and production in Northeast China and similar petroleum provinces around the world.

Source: KNUST
Characterization of Copper Complexes from Copper Salt and Crude Garlic Extracts

Two varieties of garlic; Allium sativum var sativum and var ophioscorodon, were studied to ascertain the feasibility of forming copper colloid suspensions with their crude extracts. They were extracted in borax, SDS-borax and urea-borax buffers gravimetrically at a pH of 10. By comparison, the extracts of var ophioscorodon which was a locally grown garlic variety contained significantly higher levels of protein (0.396-0.415 %) and phenols (23.00-29.46 au) than var sativum which ranged between 0.275-0.336 % for protein and 10.88-11.98 au for phenolic content. The buffers used for extraction did not have any apparent effect on differences in protein and phenolic content. The extracts were treated with equimolar cupric-nitrite solution. Uv/vis and IR spectroscopy were used to assess the relevant interaction of garlic extract with Cu (II) ions. Two uv/vis absorption bands observed for garlic extracts and their complexes band I (274-276 nm) and band II (307-365 nm). Band II was diminished upon complexation representing interaction of Cu ions with the garlic extracts. Multiple inflection points along the titration curves and their first derivatives indicated a stepwise formation of copper complexes. IR bands at 991.97-996.23 (C-H def), 1207.05 (C-O-C str), 1384.37-1384.97 (C-O str) and 1724.97 (C=O str) revealed a spectral pattern similar to that observed for the flavonols implicating such compounds in the chelation of Cu in the garlic extracts. In conclusion, garlic buffer extracts formed copper complex suspensions by chelating Cu(II) ions with flavonol-like compounds.

Source: KNUST
Characterization of diverted solid waste in Kumasi

The current practice of solid waste management (SWM) in Ghana is that of disposal model. It is increasingly difficult to site new landfils within big cities due to scarce space and public outcry. Morever, cost of construction new landfils inevitably affects tight local budgets. The life of the only landfill in Kumasi could be extended if strict diversion program was implemented. Informal diversion of SW seems a common place in the city,............................................

Source: KNUST
Characterization of glucoamylase produced by Aspergillus Niger and Rhizopus SP.

Amylase enzymes are important enzymes employed in starch processing industries for hydrolysis of polysaccharides into simple sugars. Microorganisms including a number of fungalspecieshavebeenused to produce amylases more economically than from other sources.Glucoamylase (C3009H4570N782O1012S13)is an exoenzyme that removes glucose units consecutively from the nonreducing ends of starch and oligosaccharides. The enzyme also cleaves α-1, 6- and α-1, 3-bonds but at a slower action.Glucoamylase is used in processed-food industry, fermentation technology, textile and paper industries. In this study, four native fungal isolates, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus, Rhizopus species and Fusarium oxysporum and the potential of five solid substrates, wheat bran, rice bran, groundnut pod, maize bran and cocoa pod for glucoamylase production were investigated using Solid-State Fermentation process. Isolates of Aspergillus nigerand Rhizopus species on wheat bran as substrate at spore concentrations of 1 x 107 per ml produced the highest enzyme activities under optimum growth conditions. Glucoamylase production was found tobe affected by temperature, pH, incubation period, nature of substrate and the kind of microorganism used. Glucoamylase production byAspergillus nigerwas found to be affected by nitrogen. Glucoamylase produced byAspergillus niger yielded maximum enzyme activity of 6.66 U/ml in 18 hours of incubation period at a temperature of 40ºC, nitrogen concentration of 0.2 g/l and at pH 5.0. Similarly, glucoamylase produced byRhizopus species gave maximum enzyme activity of 4.44 U/ml in 18 hours of incubation period at a temperature of 40ºC and pH 4.5. Molecular weights of proteins in culture filtrates were determined by SDS-PAGE. Proteins with molecular weights 61.48, 29.68, 21.06 and 12.33 KDa were identified from culture filtrates of Aspergillus nigerand proteins with molecular weights 96.40, 65.56, 51.80, 29.05 and 19.75 KDa were found from culture filtrates of Rhizopus species. Kinetic studies using Hanes-Woolf’s plot and starch as substrate gave Kmax = 0.0009548 g/l and Vmax = 2.387 g/l.min for enzyme produced byAspergillus nigerand Kmax = 0.0007443 g/l and Vmax = 2.481 g/l.min for enzyme produced byRhizopus species.

Source: KNUST
Characterization of Inhalation Exposure to Gaseous Elemental Mercury During Artisanal Gold

While occupational inhalation exposure to gaseous elemental mercury (GEM) has decreased in many workplaces as mercury is being removed from many products and processes, it continues to be a concern for those engaged in artisanal and small-scale gold mining or in recycling mercury-containing products. Recently, stationary and personal passive air samplers based on activated carbon sorbents and radial diffusive barriers have been shown to be suitable for measuring GEM concentrations across the range relevant for chronic health effects. Here, we used a combination of stationary and personal passive samplers to characterize the inhalation exposure to gaseous elemental mercury of individuals living and working in two Ghanaian gold mining communities and working at a Norwegian e-waste recycling facility. Exposure concentrations ranging from < 7 ng/m3 to >500 g/m3 were observed, with the higher end of the range occurring in one gold mining community. Large differences in the GEM exposure averaged over the length of a workday between individuals can be rationalized by their activity and proximity to mercury sources. In each of the three settings, the measured exposure of the highest exposed individuals exceeded the highest concentration recorded with a stationary sampler, presumably because those individuals were engaged in an activity that generated or involved GEM vapors. High day-to-day variability in exposure for those who participated on more than one day, suggest the need for sampling over multiple days for reliable exposure characterization. Overall, a combination of personal and stationary passive sampling is a cost- effective approach that cannot only provide information on exposure levels relative to regulatory thresholds, but also can identify emission hotspots and therefore guide mitigation measures.

Source: KNUST