ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Levels of Some Heavy Metals and Nutritional Compositions of Cocoa Beans from Selected Cocoa- Growing areas in Ashanti and Western Regions of Ghana

In this study, the levels of six heavy metals namely: cadmium, lead, copper, manganese, iron and zinc were determined in cocoa beans from some cocoa-growing areas in the Western and Ashanti Regions of Ghana using atomic absorption spectroscopy. The metal levels in the cocoa beans from the Western Region, expressed in mg/ kg varied from 0.045 to 0.066 with mean value of 0.054 for cadmium, from 0.013 to 0.030 with mean value of 0.020 for lead, from 46.47 to 55.17 with mean value of 51.98 for copper, from 48.36 to 64.65 with mean value of 55.18 for manganese, from 43.80 to 53.11 with the mean value of 47.51 iron and from 43.04 to 52.06 with the mean value of 48.29 for zinc. Those of Ashanti Region ranged from 0.050 to 0.065 with the mean value of 0.056 for cadmium, from 0.014 to 0.020 with the mean value of 0.017 for lead, from 47.43 to 54.17 with the mean value of 49.10 for copper, from 47.15 to 57.34 with the mean value of 54.62 for manganese, from 50.23 to 63.87 with the mean value of 54.63 for iron and from 53.02 to 58.71 with the mean value of 56.49 for zinc. Upon proximate analyses of four of the samples chosen at random (two samples from each region), it was found that all the samples were of high fat and carbohydrate content. The percentages of fat were 45.52%, 43.85%, 45.57% and 36.72% in samples from Kasapen, Asampaneye, Bekwai and Juaso respectively. Those of carbohydrates were 32.56%, 32.08%, 31.62% and 42.88% in cocoa samples from Kasapen, Asempaneye, Bekwai and Juaso respectively. Levels of proteins were 14.34%, 13.97%, 13.74% and 13.91% in the samples from the towns as listed in the order above. The samples from Kasapen in the Western Region gave 3.15%, 3.40% and 1.03% for moisture, ash and fibre contents respectively. The moisture, ash and fibre content in samples from Asempaneye also in the Western Region were 4.39%, 3.69% and1.02% respectively. Samples from Bekwai in the Ashanti Region gave 4.46%, 3.52% and1.09% for moisture, ash and fibre contents respectively. The moisture, ash and fibre contents were 2.32%, 3.19% and 1.07% respectively in the samples from Juaso in the Ashanti Region of Ghana.

Source: KNUST
Lexical Errors in English Language Writing –The Case of selected Senior High School students in the Ashanti Region of Ghana

The present study analyses the lexical errors committed by students in their written output. Using the Quantitative approach, it examines the lexical errors of students selected from each of the three-layered categories (A, B, and C) of Senior High schools in the Ashanti Region of Ghana. A sample of 824 out of 2713 students was arrived at through Yamane’s sample size determiner. The sample was selected through the systematic random sampling strategy. A model based on Corder’s Error Analysis theory was used to analyse the data. The results revealed that the students committed lexical errors in varying frequencies. Lexical errors identified from the essays were wrong word selections, literal translation, omission, misspelling, punctuation, capitalisation, modification, collocation, and morphological/word formation errors. Punctuation errors had the highest occurrence whereas literal translation errors had the least occurrence. The findings also revealed that lexical errors in the students’ output affected clarity and hindered effective communication by causing confusion, misinterpretation, and distortion of the intended messages. The study recommends that English language teachers should employ practical teaching and error correction strategies to address the writing challenges of students. Students should keep track of their learning; identify their weaknesses and relate such to their teachers for redress.

Source: KNUST
Levels Of Some Heavy Metals And Proximate Analyses Of Cocoa Beans From Eastern And Central Regions Of Ghana.

In this work total levels of cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn) and zinc (Zn) were determined in order to evaluate the levels of contamination by these metals of dried cocoa beans from the Eastern and Central Regions of Ghana. Fifty (50) samples comprising of twenty five (25) from each Region and an average of five from one community in five different Districts were analyzed using a Buck Scientific Atomic Absorption Spectrometer after aqua-regia digestion at a temperature of 420oC for one hour twenty minutes. The determinations were done at wavelengths of 248.3nm, 324.8nm, 228.9nm, 283.3nm, 279.5nm and 213.9nm for Fe, Cu, Cd, Pb, Mn and Zn respectively. Reliability and accuracy of the results were checked by analyses of two reference materials NBS 1571 SRM certified orchard leaves and IAEA-V-10 SRM certified hay powder. Results obtained from these two certified reference materials showed good agreement with values reportedly contained in them. An average range of 0.030 µg/g-0.079µg/g was detected for Cd, 0.020 µg/g-0.070 µg/g for Pb, 10.742-24.620µg/g for Cu, 14.350-39.820µg/g for Fe, 7.116-18.240µg/g for Mn and 29.620-39.990µg/g for Zn in all the samples. All the samples analyzed were found to contain levels of the heavy metals in question in quantities lower than limits set by Codex Alimentarius of 1.000µg/g for cadmium and lead and levels set by US Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) and recommended dietary allowance (RDAs) of between 0.900-18.000mg/day for the essential elements set by other reputable institutions. On analyses, the levels of Fe were found to have direct correlation with the age of the cocoa trees from which samples were taken. This made it possible for the age cocoa trees in one of the farms sampled whose age was not available to be predicted. The relationship between iron levels and age can be represented with linear equation with regards to the samples obtained from Asamankese COCOBOD farms. Also the levels of Cu in these samples appeared to have a negative correlation with the age and levels of Fe. Comparing the two Regions, the levels of Fe, Mn, Zn and Pb were found to be higher in the Eastern Region whiles the levels of Cd and Cu were relatively higher in the Central Region than the Eastern Region of Ghana. Proximate analyses was done on the samples obtained from COCOBOD farms at Asamankese in the Eastern Region in order to ascertain their nutritional composition and relate them to age because the ages of five out of the six samples were known. This was done using the compositional analyses of Association of Analytical Chemist (AOAC). The data obtained showed a range of 33.93-39.22% fat, 38.15-40.18% carbohydrate, 13.19-14.42% protein, 2.62-2.70% fibre, 3.19-4.11% ash and 2.58- 5.14% moisture in all the six samples.

Source: KNUST
Levels of some heavy metals in omega-3 food supplements.

Omega-3 fatty acids also called essential fatty acids are known to have numerous benefits from pregnancy to old age. The presence of heavy metals in the fishes which are the main sources of the omega-3 acids however poses a serious health threat. Levels of six heavy metals consisting of four essential ones (Iron, Manganese, Zinc and Copper) and two toxic ones (Mercury and Cadmium) were determined in one hundred (100) samples consisting of ten (10) different brands of omega-3 food supplements available on the Ghanaian market using Cold Vapour Atomic Absorption Spectrometry for mercury and Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrometry for iron, manganese, cadmium, zinc and copper. The amount of the metals consumed daily in µg/g in each brand was calculated based on the mean concentrations of the metals. The calculated daily intake of mercury in µg/g ranged from 0.021 for Cardioace brand to 0.818 for Dr. Chris brand with Iron ranging from 6.844 µg/g for Artic Sea brand to 1845.756 µg/g for Joint Care. Manganese ranged from 0.835 µg/g for Alaska brand to 488.475 µg/g for Cardioace brand and Cadmium ranged from 0.531 µg/g for Deep Sea brand to 4.712 µg/g for Seven Seas brand. The calculated daily intake of Zinc ranged from 0.812 µg/g for High Sea brand to1816.380 µg/g for Cardioace brand whilst that of Copper ranged from 0.073 µg/g for Artic Sea brand to 732.825 µg/g for Cardioace brand. Except cardioace brand, which recorded zinc as the highest metal, iron was the highest metal recorded for all the omega-3 brands. Also except the Seven Seas, Artic Sea, and Alaska brands which had copper as the lowest metal, mercury was the lowest metal recorded for all the brands.The calculated daily intakes determined for the metals were below the daily intakes recommended by the Joint FAO/WHO expert committee on food supplements and vitamins showing that the omega-3 food supplements analysed in this study are not likely to pose any health risk due to metal level to the public through consumption for both the toxic metals and the essential metals determined.

Source: KNUST
Lexical stress in Ghanaian English.

This study sought to conduct a suprasegmental description of Ghanaian English (GhE) by looking at lexical stress in the variety. The study concerned itself with showing how GhE compares with native pronunciation of English as regards lexical stress. Other objectives included providing reasons for the differences between the two and determining what stress cue is significant for studies of this nature in non-native contexts. The study relied on the mixed method design. Eight participants were sampled for the study via a mixture of purposive and random sampling methods to represent the four major indigenous languages in Ghana – Twi, Fante, Ewe, and Ga. They were picked with the help of a questionnaire which was designed to identify participants who are genuine speakers of the indigenous languages considered for the study. The participants pronounced lists of monosyllabic, disyllabic, and polysyllabic words in isolation and in sentences five times each. The data was coded and analyzed with PRAAT, a speech analysis software. First, the syllables of the words were extracted and their intensity and pitch values were taken for the multiple times they were called. These values were recorded unto MS Excel software where the mean values and standard deviation values were calculated. The study revealed that the participants correctly stressed common words in isolation and in context; they stressed words better in isolation than in context; difficulties in pronouncing words affected stressed placement; and intensity may be the ideal cue for measuring prominence in non-native setting. Findings from this study have shown that the teaching of English in Ghana could be improved by emphasizing the suprasegmental aspect as well as the segmental aspect. Considering the limited size of the sample for this study, it is recommended that future researches can still look into lexical stress in Ghanaian English as well as other descriptions of the variety.

Source: KNUST
Liberalization of internal purchasing of cocoa and marketing efficiency in Ghana

The goal of the study was to analyze the liberalization of the internal purchasing of cocoa in Ghana and it’s effect on marketing efficiency. This has been done with three objectives in mind. Firstly to review government policies that have affected the cocoa industry. Secondly, to analyze the current and evolving marketing and pricing systems in the cocoa industry and thirdly, to identify and evaluate challenges currently faced by the cocoa sector in relation to marketing. Data for this research work were gathered through literature review, questionnaire and personal interviews. The findings of the study indicate that the liberalization of the internal purchasing of cocoa has enhanced the operational efficiency of cocoa purchases and delivery, however COCOBOD still adopts the top-bottom approach to decision making and most of the times, LBCs do not participate in the decision making. The major challenges faced by the cocoa industry is characterized by: lack of information; resistance of established institutions and monopoly. It is recommended that there should be improved government policies in further liberalizing operations of CMC, involving all stakeholders in decision making and dissemination of adequate information, this study recommends further policy options in the following areas; financial infrastructure, capacity building, legal system and increasing institutional efficiency.

Source: KNUST
Libation - a unifying factor between the performing and the visual arts

The aim of the thesis is mainly to examine the old order - libation - which has played a meaningful role in the lives of the people of Ashanti-Akim Agogo. It further seeks to bring out the considerable potentiality embedded in it as a source of artistic inspiration as well as finding out how it unifies the performing and the visual arts. Due to this, the main problem which invariably is the title of the thesis has been broken down into sub-problems to enable the author solve the problem in a methodical way. The entire thesis has been broken down into five chapters including the conclusion. The break down of the chapters reveals the link between the life styles of the people and their art and how this is made manifest in their way of pouring libation on certain occasions which in the light of this people are very important. The research for the thesis was conducted through a combination of library studies, Interviews by the help of questionnaires, logical constructs and personal familiarisation with this form of charitable prayer. The photographs used here-in are from the on-the-spot performance at the shrine. However, most of the illustrations are made from the artistic Imagination of the author while some are culled from certain books. The illustrations are hand-drawn and these have been used to illustrate the main theme as aids to the understanding of the entire work.

Source: KNUST
Life and works of selected practising Ghanaian Female Painters and Sculptors

Women have been and continue to be integral to the institution of art, however, from time immemorial, only a small sample of women found their way into the tales of the greatest artists. Over the years, the painting and sculpture industry has seen very few practising Ghanaian female painters and sculptors. Also the few who practise as artists are not able to forge ahead and make waves like their male counterparts. Most literature on the painting and sculpture practise in Ghana is therefore centered on the life and works of male artists. Additionally, in respect to literature on African art specifically, most scholars who research on women artists tend to focus on the indigenous arts produced by women because those affected by colonization and globalization are not perceived as authentic African art. Hence, this research aimed at inquiring into the life and works of some practising Ghanaian female painters and sculptors. The target population for the study was professional Ghanaian female painters and sculptors living and working in Accra and Kumasi, precisely those that have been practising for five (5) years or more after completing school. The study employed qualitative and descriptive research to look into the life and works of four (4) Ghanaian female painters namely; Fatric Bewong, Betty Acquah, Victoria Adoe and Afia Prempeh, and three (3) sculptors; namely: Gladys Adinyira, Dorothy Amenuke and Margaret Anakwa. Interviews and observation were the main data collection instruments used. Among the information gathered from the research, the researcher found that people usually question whether female artists are the ones who created their artworks because generally females are perceived to be incapable of producing good paintings and sculptural pieces. Thus, painting and sculpture are regarded as a profession solely for men, because they are perceived as the ones who are capable of painting and sculpting. In view of this, when an author or researcher sets out to look for artists the first group of people that comes to mind are men artists, except the author or researcher consciously decides to research on women artists. As a matter of fact this misconception about female painters and sculptors is one of the reasons why throughout history the works of women artists remained unrecognized. Owing to this, the study concluded that people attribute works of art done by female artists to male artists. It was recommended that, the Ministry of Women and Children’s Affairs together with the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts should help promote works done by practising Ghanaian female painters and sculptors.

Source: KNUST
Life cyle assessment of margarine production from palm oil in Ghana

100 % palm oil-based margarine has an outstanding demand by consumers as it is considered one of the spreads with beneficial nutritional value. Life cycle assessment (LCA) is an excellent tool of environmental management and it provides a widespread knowledge on the environmental burdens associated with a product or human activity. International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) standards, ISO 14040-43, were followed in the execution of this work. Adequate data for inventory phase was obtained from different factories and farms. Through developed questionnaires submitted to the oil palm producer, TOPP (the largest supplier of crude palm oil to Unilever Ghana Limited) and Unilver Ghana Limited ( sole palm oil refiner and margarine producer in Ghana as of the time of data collection), and from Eco-invent database, inventory data was constantly sought for time duration of one year. Five phases of the 100 % palm oil-based margarine were studied namely oil palm production, palm oil production, palm oil refining and margarine production. LCA data associated with these phases were analysed by employing the GABI Software that was sponsored by the United Nations Environmental Program (UNEP) through the Life Cycle Initiative. The impact assessment method used in this study was the CML 2001 that was produced by Centre of Environmental Science of Leiden University. The analysis of these data by LCA has made it possible to quantify potential impact associated with 100 % palm oil-based margarine production. Seven impact categories were considered namely acidification potential, eutrophication potential, global warming potential, fresh water ecotoxicity potential, human toxicity potential, photochemical ozone creation potential and terrestrial ecotoxicity potential. Characterisation of the data revealed that the oil-refining phase posed the highest environmental burden. Since the product life cycle has a global coverage (e.g. resource extraction in diverse geographical regions), global data or normal values were compared with data for this work. Normalising the characterised environmental interventions revealed that acidification potential, eutrophication potential, global warming potential and photochemical ozone creation potential need mitigation measures when compared to global emissions. Two mitigating measures were recommended: anaerobic reactor system to reduce high organic load in wastewater due to oil losses at the oil production, refining and margarine phases; gas scrubbing system inclusion to reduce the emissions of CO2 and SO2 gases at the steam boiler houses at the oil refining and oil production phases. Inclusion of these mitigating systems can lead to 19.1 % reduction of global normalised environmental impact.

Source: KNUST
Life Cycle Cost of Sustainable Wash Service Delivery: a Case Study of Bosomtwe-Atwima-Kwanwoma District (BAKD)

The main aim of the study was to estimate the life cycle cost of sustainable water and sanitation service delivery and the quality of service delivered. The life cycle cost analysis involved investment, capital maintenance, operation and maintenance and support costs and were used to assess how project sustainability throughout the facility life will be achieved. The study was conducted on one (1) small town water supply scheme in Kuntanase, three (3) boreholes with hand pump one each in Kuntanase, Abono and Petriensa and three (3) household latrines in Kuntanase. The design life of the WASH facilities was considered to be twenty (20) years. Data was gathered from stakeholders at all levels by means of interviews and administration of questionnaires. The stakeholders included the Community Water and Sanitation Agency (CWSA), District Assembly (DA)/District Water and Sanitation Team (DWST), Water and Sanitation Development Boards (WSDBs), Water and Sanitation (WATSAN) committee members, and Community members. The costs of investment, operation and maintenance, capital maintenance and support costs were estimated and converted to their annual costs based on historical cost data collected during the study period. The quality of WASH service was analyzed using forty (40) questionnaires based on the quantity, characteristics (water quality), reliability and affordability of the water supply facilities. The results showed that the Government of Ghana/Partner Agencies provides the investment cost and some aspect of the support cost leaving out the capital maintenance (replacement) and operation and maintenance "costs. The capital maintenance, operation and maintenance costs are paid by the users of the facilities. Normally the Government of Ghana/Partner Agencies ignores operation and minor maintenance and replacement (capital maintenance) which are often paid by the users but as soon as the users fail to pay for these costs, the system breaks down. The quality of service derived from the house connection is high compared to the communal stand pipe connection. The quality of service of water supply in Abono is relatively low compared to that of Petriensa and Kuntanase though the people are willing to pay more for a better service.

Source: KNUST
Life Cycle Costing Practices in Ghanaian Public Universities: Case Study of UEW.

Due to the ever-increasing quest for tertiary education in the country, there have been annual increments in enrolments in the various public universities in Ghana over time, leading to pressure on the limited academic facilities. At a high cost of expanding their infrastructural bases, focus has primarily been centered on the cost of construction much to the neglect of overall life span costs of projects. Using a mixed methodology approach, the study aimed at exploring the use of Life Cycle Costing (LCC) practices in GPUs by assessing the level of understanding of practitioners on the technique, documenting existing practices and barriers effective application as well as identifying pre-requisites for effective implementation of the tool. Through a thorough literature review, a questionnaire was developed and administered to 40 practitioners in the built environment (Architects, Engineers, Quantity Surveyors, Project Managers, Estate Officers and Procurement Officers). The study revealed that there is general knowledge and awareness of the LCC tool though rarely applied consciously in practice as confirmed from literature. The study further identified that the involvement of maintenance personnel at the early stage of projects was the most practiced LCC technique and major barriers to the practice have been with bureaucratic structures in administrative procedures as well as poor maintenance culture. Other factors identified included the difficulty in assessing reliable data for analysis, the unavailability of an abridged standardized LCC approach for local practice, insufficient expertise of professionals, the ever-growing challenge of balancing and satisfactorily meeting multiple institutional stakeholders’ needs as well as the effects of inflation on forecasted figures among others. Identified measures for effective implementation of the tool in GPUs are the need to develop institutional design and maintenance standard manuals as well as training of practitioners to gain workable knowledge in the iv application of the tool. Serving as an eye-opener to the exploration of LCC practices in Ghana, this research will be useful for management of GPUs and professionals in the Ghanaian Construction Industry (GCI). The study further recommends that future researchers can explore the perception of built environment professionals on the use of LCC within the GCI.

Source: KNUST