ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Fatigue Damage Assessment of Face Centred Cubic (FCC) Metals & Alloys

Cyclic fatigue tests were conducted at low and high temperatures on annealed and polished samples of polycrystalline Copper, Alpha-brass, Aluminium, Mild steel (0.25 %C) and Stainless steel (18Cr-8Ni) with grain sizes of 341.2 um, 150.0 um, 72.5 um, 63.5 um and 45.0 um respectively. Prior to fatigue test, non-destructive testing (NDT) was performed to check for the presence of any surface and internal flaws. To obtain data on ductility and strength of the specimens, impacts tests were performed to evaluate the different materials and set up limits of stresses to be applied. The endurance limit. oe, obtained from the Wohler S-n curves at room temperature for Cu, Cu-30^oZn, Al, Mild steel and Stainless-steel samples were 62.9 MPa, 97.0 MPa, 173.3 MPa, 228.1 MPa and 303.5 MPa respectively. It was observed that the fatigue strength of the materials show a decrease with temperature increase. Optical micrographs of deformed specimens revealed the formation of cavities and coalescence of micro-cracks into macro-cracks. For the interpretation of the experimental results, the model for damage based on Paris law, da — = C (/_\ K)”' dn was analysed, where da/dN is the crack growth rate (i.e. per cycle), m is the crack growth rate exponent, /_\ K is stress intensity C is the crack growth rate coefficient. The fatigue damage assessment show that: (i) fatigue limit is directly related to the inverse half -power of grain size; (ii) over the range 10'7-I0'2 mm/Cycle, the Paris law produces stable crack growth for stainless steel and aluminium; (iii) fatigue deformation results from residual stresses which cause crack opening and propagation and (iv) the specimens failed by cup and cone fracture.

Source: UCC
Fatty acid profile, carcass and meat quality attributes of rabbit breeds in Ghana fed diets with graded levels of palm (elaeis guineensis) kernel oil residue

This study was conducted to test the fatty acid profile and some meat quality attributes of local breed of rabbits which were given diets formulated with palm kernel oil residue (PKOR), a by-product from manual extraction of palm kernel oil by cottage industries. The feed was compounded with or without PKOR replacing wheat bran at 0% (T1, control), 25% (T2), 50% (T3) and 100% (T4) in rabbit rations. At the end of the feeding trial, 48 (equal number of males and females) out of 144 rabbits fed, were selected and slaughtered. Data obtained were analysed using the Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). Rabbits fed with diets containing PKOR (T2 and T3) had higher liveweights, dressing percentages, warm and chilled carcass weights, than those fed conventional rabbit diets. Moreover, rabbits fed PKOR-based diets (T2 and T3) had higher fat contents and higher muscle weights than those fed on the conventional diets. Sensory evaluation indicated that meat of rabbits on the PKOR-based diets were juicier, more tender, and had better acceptability. The n – 6/n – 3 fatty acid ratios were higher, but saturation (S/P) and Atherogenic Index (AI) significantly decreased (p < 0.05) in meat of animals on T2 and T3 diets. In addition, the polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) contents were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in the PKOR-fed, than rabbits fed with diets without PKOR. It can be concluded that PKOR could be used to replace up to 50% of wheat bran in rabbit diets to improve carcass and meat quality characteristics

Source: UCC
Fc/R IIA polymorphism -131H/R and malaria severity in Ghanaian children

Plasmodium falciparum malaria still remains a major public health problem in most parts of the world especially in Sub Saharan Africa. Pathogenesis of severe malaria is still not fully understood and several factors have been suggested to play a role. Fc receptors constitutes a crucial link between humoral and cellular immune responses and are thought be important in the pathogenesis of severe malaria. Fc RIIA which belongs to the family of Fc receptors are predominantly expressed on neutrophils which have been shown to kill merozoites. Thus variants of Fc RIIA may influence the binding affinity of IgG and subsequently affect phagocytosis and parasite clearance. On the other hand, increased binding affinity and enhanced phagocytosis can also stimulate the release of some immune factors in quantities that are detrimental leading to severe malaria. The objective of this study was to investigate the role of the Fc RIIA-131H/R variant in the pathogenesis of severe malaria in Ghanaian children. Methods: This study was a hospital based unmatched case-control study involving 290 malaria cases and controls. The study was conducted at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital in Accra, Ghana. PCR-RFLP was used to characterize the Fc RIIA-131H/R polymorphism in 210 Ghanaian children with uncomplicated malaria, severe malaria anaemia, and cerebral malaria. Results: The study revealed that the 131HH genotype is associated with susceptibility to cerebral malaria (OR = 4.0, 95% CI = 1.28—12.52; p = 0.014). The results also revealed that carriers of the R allele had a significantly lower parasitaemia (p < 0.050) than non-carriers. Conclusion: The presence of Fc RIIA-131HH which is regarded as a low affinity variant may lead to decreased phagocytosis and poor control of parasitaemia in Ghanaian Children. This however does not exclude the possibility that IgG binding to the Fc RIIA-131HH variant can stimulate the release of factors that may contribute to the development cerebral malaria.

Source: UCC
FcCH~P(CH~OH)~: a new, reactive yet air-stable ferrocene-derived phosphine [Fc = (q0C5H5)FeC5H4]

Reaction of FcCH2NMe3+I- with an excess of P(CH2OH)3 gives the air-stable ferrocenylphosphine FcCH~P(CH~OH)~, characterized by an X-ray structure determination activity towards reagents such as MeI, acrylonitrile and mines allows the synthesis of a range of new ferrocene-phosphined erivative

Source: UCC
The ‘Fears’ of Disclosing HIV Status to Sexual Partners: A Mixed Methods Study in a Counseling Setting in Ghana

Encouraging disclosure within a trusting and supportive environment is imperative in dealing with HIV/ AIDS related stigma. However, disclosure rates and the factors that influence it are vaguely understood in African societies. This study aimed at determining the disclosure rate and factors that influence disclosure in Cape Coast, Ghana. In-depth interviews of 15 peer educators and a survey of 510 PLHIV were used in a mixed methods study design. Majority of the study participants (78.6 %) had disclosed their HIV positive status to their sexual partners. Although peer educators in this study portrayed the overall outcome of disclosure to be negative, 84.0 % of disclosers were accepted by their partners without negative consequences after disclosure. This study suggests that the existing support services ill prepares newly diagnosed HIV positive clients and hampers disclosure initiatives. Providing comprehensive support services and re-training peer educators may be crucial in creating a safe disclosure environment in Ghana.

Source: UCC
The Feasibility of All-Blastocyst-Culture and Single Blastocyst Transfer Strategy in Elderly Women: A Retrospective Analysis

To investigate the feasibility and clinical outcome of the all-blastocyst-culture and single blastocyst transfer strategy in women aged ≥35 years. Methods. A retrospective analysis of patients aged ≥35 years undergoing IVF/ICSI was performed from January 2017 to April 2019 in the reproductive center of the Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University. A total of 155 cases treated with ovarian hyperstimulation by prolonged protocol and implemented single (84 cases) or double (71 cases) blastocyst transfer were collected. Then, patients were further divided into <38 yr. group and ≥38 yr. group, and the laboratory and clinical outcomes were compared between the groups. Results. The double-blastocysttransfer (DBT) group showed higher clinical pregnancy rate and multiple pregnancy rate and lower neonatal birth weight than those in the single-blastocyst-transfer (SBT) group (P < 0:05). However, there were no statistically significant differences between the groups in the embryo implantation rate, biochemical pregnancy rate, miscarriage rate, preterm delivery rate, and term birth rate. For patients < 38 yr:, SBT significantly reduced the multiple pregnancy rate and increased the neonate birth weight without significant reduction in the clinical pregnancy rate. While in the ≥38 yr. group, there are no differences in pregnancy outcomes between SBT and DBT. Logistic regression analysis showed that the number of MII oocytes was positively correlated with the live birth rate (OR = 1:18) and negatively correlated with the miscarriage rate (OR = 0:844), suggesting that elderly patients with relatively normal ovarian reserve would obtain better prospect in pregnancy. The number of fetal heart beat in pregnancy was negatively correlated with the live birth rate (OR = 0:322) and positively correlated with the preterm birth rate (OR = 7:16). Conclusion. The strategy of all-blastocyst-culture and single blastocyst transfer is feasible, safe, and effective for elderly patients with normal ovarian reserve, which would reduce the multiple pregnancy rate.

Source: UCC
Feasibility of ICT Use in Teaching Physics at the Senior High Schools in Ghana

The study employed a descriptive research design to explore the feasibility of information and communication technology (ICT) use in the teaching of physics in Ghanaian high school classrooms. A questionnaire was used to collect data from 70 practicing physics teachers from 23 Senior High Schools (SHSs) in Ghana. The study showed that the practicing physics teachers were not using ICT in their current teaching practices owing to barriers such as lack of ICT resource and lack of knowledge and skill that are ICT-oriented. However, the practicing teacher of the study showed positive attitudes and beliefs toward the use of ICT for physics instruction and expressed their willingness to participate in training programmes to foster their teaching practices with ICT. The study therefore advocates that the use of ICT as an instructional tool for physics teaching in Ghanaian high school is feasible but requires that substantive assistance be given to teachers in order to equip them with ICT-related pedagogical knowledge and skills to facilitate their teaching practices.

Source: UCC
The feasibility of self-reliancism as a foundation for democracy

In popular discourse, democracy often centres on concepts such as liberty, equality, consent, choice, rule of law, participation, accountability, transparency, etc. This popular rendition, more often than not, excludes the notion of self-reliancism. This study argues that the exclusion of this notion weakens the etymological foundation of democracy as government by the people and undermines the development of an authentic and sustainable democratic culture. Indeed, self-reliancism surmises the reality of the human condition and is fundamental since it complements the meaning of democracy in the discourse of governance. This study is based on the theoretical foundation of personalism, which affirms the unique dignity and interrelationality of the human person. The methodology adopted is dialectical realism, which proposes the need for societies to explore their historical and cultural experiences as the bases for a self-reliancist orientation in comprehending reality. The study seeks to establish the feasibility of self-reliancism as a foundation for democracy

Source: UCC
Feasibility of teaching quadratic equations in senior high school form one

The study addressed the curriculum problem of the placement of the teaching and learning of quadratic equation in the Senior High School. Its purpose was to assess the ability of S.H.S 1 students to solve quadratic equation by investigating their performance, using four methods. Stratified sampling method was used to select four schools in four districts in the Central Region. Eight classes were randomly selected for the study. The sample size was 286 of which 160 were girls. A pretest-posttest non-equivalent comparison group design was used. Treatment group means scores on posttest were compared with their respective mean scores on the pretest. The posttest scores were also used to compare the effectiveness of the methods. The t-test and analysis of covariance (Ancova) were used in the analysis. The students performed significantly better in the posttest than the pretest. The quadratic formula proved significantly superior to the other methods. Conjugales, factorization and equivalent simultaneous linear equation followed in that order with respect to solving quadratic equation in S.H.S 1. It was concluded that the solution of quadratic equation can be taught effectively in Form One and that the quadratic formula seems to be the best method. Based on the findings, it was recommended that present core mathematics syllabus should be revised so that quadratic equations would be taught in Form 1 of the S.H.S 1 and also the novel methods - conjugales and equivalent simultaneous linear equation should be included in the S.H.S mathematics curriculum as alternative methods of solving quadratic equations.

Source: UCC
Feasibility of teaching quadratic equations in senior secondary school form one

The study addressed the curriculum problem of the placement of the teaching and learning of quadratic equations in the senior secondary school. Its purpose was to assess the ability of Form One students to solve quadratic equations by investigating their performance in using four methods. The methods are quadratic formula. completing the square, factorisation and Equivalent Simultaneous Linear Equations (ESLE). Twelve classes of 511 Form One students from 6 senior secondary schools selected by stratified random sampling in Cape Coast and Sekondi-Takoradi took part in this study. There were 2 boys', 2 girls' and 2 mixed schools. The sample included 279 girls and the mean age of the sample was 16.2. The pretest-posttest comparison group design was used. Each class studied one of the four methods and took a posttest. Treatment groups' mean scores on this posttest were compared with their respective mean scores on the second term matheplatics examinations (STME) which served as the pretest. The posttest scores were also used to compare the effectiveness of the methods. The t-test was used but where significant differences had occurred between classes on the STME. ANCOVA was used for the comparison. The subjects performed significantly better on the posttest than in the STME. The quadratic formula proved significantly superior to the other methods. The ESLE. factorisation and completing the square followed in that order. It was concluded that the solution of quadratic equations can be taught effectively in Form One. and that the quadratic formula seems to be the best method of choice. Implications for curriculum development are discussed and recommendations made for further research.

Source: UCC
Feasibility study of the use of handheld nir spectrometer for simultaneous uthentication and quantification of quality parameters in intact pineapple fruits

The potential of predicting maturity using total soluble solids (TSS) and identifying organic from inorganic pineapple fruits based on near-infrared (NIR) spectra fingerprints would be beneficial to farmers and consumers alike. In this study, a portable NIR spectrometer and chemometric techniques were combined to simultaneously identify organically produced pineapple fruits from conventionally produced ones (thus organic and inorganic) and also predict total soluble solids. A total of 90 intact pineapple fruits were scanned with the NIR spectrometer while a digital refractometer was used to measure TSS from extracted pineapple juice. After attempting several preprocessing techniques, multivariate calibration models were built using principal component analysis (PCA), K-nearest neighbor (KNN), and linear discriminant analysis (LDA) to identify the classes (organic and conventional pineapple fruits) while partial least squares regression (PLSR) method was used to determine TSS of the fruits. Among the identification techniques, the MSC-PCA-LDA model accurately identified organic from conventionally produced fruits at 100% identification rate. For quantification of TSS, the MSC-PLSR model gave Rp � 0.851 and RMSEC � 0.950 °Brix, and Rc � 0.854 and RMSEP � 0.842 °Brix at 5 principal components in the calibration set and prediction set, respectively. *e results generally indicated that portable NIR spectrometer coupled with the appropriate chemometric tools could be employed for rapid nondestructive examination of pineapple quality and also to detect pineapple fraud due to mislabeling of conventionally produced fruits as organic ones. *is would be helpful to farmers, consumers, and quality control officers

Source: UCC
Feature based cryptanalytic technique for digital forensics analysis of visual cryptographic digital image data based on formal concept analysis

Lossless pixel value encrypted images still maintains the some properties of their respective original plain images. Ciphered Images that maintain the properties of their plain images of a given domain are very useful in certain applications where the conservation of pixel values but visual concealment is of a paramount concern. Medical images that have a fully reversible and recoverable process are of key importance in Medicine. Hence visually ciphered images stored or transmitted over secured or unsecured networks can also be analyzed in a forensic investigation to determine possible plain image equivalence. Digital Forensics processes have played crucial role in fighting crime both in society and cyberspace. In this paper, feature based cryptanalytic technique for digital forensics analysis of visual cryptographic digital image data based on formal concept analysis was proposed. Different techniques of visual cryptographic approaches were engaged in ciphering the plain image and our proposed approach was engaged in the cryptanalysis of the plain image after feature extractions from both the plain and the ciphered images. A lattice was generated which was then used authenticate and match the ciphered images to their respective ciphered plain images. At the end, the Galois lattice of both ciphered and plain image remained the same

Source: UCC
Feature based encryption technique for securing forensic biometric image data using aes and visual cryptography

with the current emergence of biometric image data applications on devices such as smart phones, security cameras, personal computers etc, there is a need for securing the image templates obtained from crime scenes as well as such devices before storing them in locations such as the cloud etc. In this paper, we proposed an encryption technique of securing the biometric image data collected from devices with an approach of feature based on encryption technique for securing forensic biometric image data using AES and visual cryptography method

Source: UCC
Fedelity approach to implementing the S.H.S french curriculum among selected schools in the Takoradi Metropolis.

This study used the mixed method approach to examine the fidelity implementation of the SHS French curriculum among public SHSs in the Takoradi Metropolis. The study sought also to find out the relationship between certain teacher-factors and how those factors affected fidelity implementation of teachers. In so doing, 21 teachers and 129 students were surveyed and three teachers were also observed to ascertain the approach and the degree to which they implemented the curriculum with fidelity. The findings revealed a discrepancy between intentions of curriculum designers and teachers' implementation in that teachers were only able to implement the curriculum with moderate fidelity though they had the required qualification. Teachers also had negative beliefs and perceptions about the French programme since they complained about not being consulted in national curriculum programmes. Again, teachers' acquaintance with the contents of the syllabus was a significant predictor of teachers' fidelity implementation and thus a sine-qua-non for better students' outcomes. Teachers' participation in professional development programmes was however inversely related to fidelity implementation. Finally, the study showed no statistical difference between gender and fidelity implementation of teachers. Based on these findings, some recommendations were made to school heads, teachers and policy-makers. One of them was that teachers should 'study' the syllabuses they teach so as to become abreast of their contents in order to implement them with fidelity.

Source: UCC
Fee-based solid waste collection in economically developing countries: The case of Accra metropolis

Fee-based solid waste collection, a system that holds great promise to reducing the financial burden of solid waste management on the municipalities of developing countries is reviewed in this research study. It is to promote financial sustainability through partial or full cost sharing of solid waste collection services and intended to serve as a guide to policy makers and waste management authorities in Ghana and other countries with developing economies. Information through survey and questionnaires from residents across the socio-economic divide was collected to determine willingness and ability to pay for solid waste collection services. A critical assessment of the various capital and operational cost components that come into play in the collection process were considered and computed to determine the economic and social tariff that will be enough to offset the cost of collection, transportation and disposal of solid waste unto landfills. Residents of the metropolis have the ability and are willing to pay an economically affordable user charge of US$1.10 per household per month to offset and remove the financial burden of solid waste collection off the metropolitan assembly. Consistent and efficient collection service is recommended to ensure residents cooperation towards implementation of the system in Ghana

Source: UCC
Feed value of native forages of the Tibetan Plateau of China

The nutritive value of 22 native forages consisting of sedge, grass, forb and shrub species harvested in August, September and October from the Tibetan Plateau of China was assessed by using chemical, in sacco degradability and in vitro gas production analyses. Generally, data from the study showed that metabolizable energy value (ME) as estimated by in vitro gas production and chemical composition data decreased with maturity. Forb forages had the highest ME value (9.18 MJ/kg) and grasses the lowest (8.74 MJ/kg). ME value of grasses showed a sharp decrease from August to September, then it remained constant. Other forages showed a linear decrease of ME value with maturity. The relative decrease in the content of nitrogen available for microbial degradation (degradable N g/kg DOM) with maturity was similar for sedge, grass and forb species. Grazing of sedges and forbs in mixed communities of grasses may be important for supplying extra nitrogen for microbial fermentation and increasing efficiency of utilisation of grasses. Data from in vitro gas production completed in presence of polyethylene-glycol 4000 (PEG), a phenolic-related binding agent, showed that some species of sedges, forbs and shrub might contain large amounts of inhibitory compounds to rumen microbes. Further in vivo studies are needed to establish optimum levels of inclusion of such plants in Yak diets to optimise grassland use and animal performance. Finally, data from grasses suggested that such forages should preferably be grazed by August while their nutritive value was high

Source: UCC