ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
In-vitro propagation of miracle berry (Synsepalum dulcificum/Richardella dulcifica)

An experiment to determine the sterilant, media and types of explants suitable for in-vitro propagation of miracle berry (Synsepalum dulcificurn/Richardella dulcifica) was conducted at the Tissue Culture laboratory of the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC), Kwabenya, Ghana. The sterilant used was sodium hypochiorite (NaOCI) at concentrations of 25, 30 and 35% respectively for durations of 10 and 20 minutes in each case. Treating shoot tip explants of miracle berry with 30% v/v NaOCl for 20 minutes was found to be the most effective. Twenty-five percent by volume NaOCl for both 10 and 20 minutes was not effective in decontaminating the shoot tip explants and 35% v/v NaOC1 for both 10 and 20 minutes was found to be toxic to the explants and therefore resulted in their death. Five different explants were used for the experiment namely; shoot tips, cotyledon, embryo, epicotyl and hypocotyl. The shoot tip explants were obtained from Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC), Nsawam and Plant Genetic Resource Centre (PGRC), Bunso. The immature fruits from which embryo, cotyledon, epicotyl and hypocotyl explants were obtained were harvested from a 26- year-old miracle berry tree at the Horticulture Department of KNUST, Kumasi. The shoot tip explants obtained from Nsawam and PGRC recorded a higher percentage contamination (67 — 100%) compared to those obtained from GAEC that recorded a slightly lower percentage contamination of (27 — 83%). The higher percentage contamination may have caused the failure of the shoot tip explants from Nsawam and PGRC, to regenerate. The shoot tip explants obtained from GAEC resulted in shoot regeneration but the regenerated shoots failed to root. The cotyledon and epicotyl explants, though did not form shoots directly were capable of callus formation. The embryo and hypocotyl explants did not show any form of regeneration. The Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium with various concentrations and combinations of BAP (0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0 and 5.0 mg/l), KIN (0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0 and 5.0 mg/l) and NAA (0.5, 1.0, 1.5 mg/l) supplemented with 30 g/l sucrose and 3.5 g/1 phytagel were used to culture shoot tip explants. The medium with concentrations and combinations of BAP (0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0 mg/l) and 2, 4—D (0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0 mg/l) supplemented with 30g/l sucrose and 3.5g/l phytagel were used to culture the cotyledon, embryo, epicotyl and hypocotyl explants. Shoot tip explants cultured on MS full strength medium supplemented with 5.0 mg/l BAP (MSB5N0) resulted in the highest shoot regeneration whiles those cultured on MS full strength medium supplemented with 1.5 mg/l BAP (MSB3N0) gave the lowest shoot regeneration. Callus formation was highest for the cotyledon and epicotyl explants that were cultured on MS full strength medium supplemented with 2.0 mg/I 2, 4 — D (MSB0D4).

Source: KNUST
In-vitro regeneration of explants of Keitt, Jaffna and local varieties of Mango (Mangifera indica L.)

One of the major problems in most mango producing countries in the West African sub-region is inadequate supply of healthy planting materials of desirable cultivars. There is therefore, the need to determine the most appropriate explant and medium for in-vitro mass propagation of mango planting materials of desirable cultivars. The research conducted at Crops Research Institute, Kumasi, Ghana, was to determine the most appropriate explant and most suitable medium for mass propagation of mango planting materials. The MS medium with various concentrations and combinations of BA, KIN and GA3 supplemented with sucrose and PVP were used to culture flower, shoot tip, apical meristem and nodal bud explants. There was a high percentage (7 5-95 %) of contamination. This may have caused the failure of the explants to regenerate. The decontamination techniques of using 30 % sodium hypochlorite for 30 minutes instead of 20 % sodium hypochlorite for 20 minutes currently used for other crops, and spraying experimental branches with mixture of fungicide (Benlate 0.1 %) and antibiotic (Streptomycin 0.1%) before inoculation did not completely decontaminate the explants in-vitro, but it reduced the percentage of contamination. The B5 medium with various concentrations and combinations of BA, GA3 and KIN supplemented with NAA, KIN, 2, 4- D, sucrose and PVP were used to culture embryo explants. Calli and plantlets were generated from embryo of mature polyembryonic fruits of a Local variety and monoembryonic fruits of Keitt variety. The well-established plantlets in-vitro were transplanted into polythene bags containing soil medium in the screen house where they have established and are developing satisfactorily.

Source: KNUST
Incarceration of female offenders and its effects on their dependent children- a study of the Kumasi female prisons.

Mothers are mostly the primary care givers of dependent children in the family. As incarceration isolates the individual from the family, maternal incarceration is expected to create a vacuum between the incarcerated mother and her dependent children. This study generally sought to unravel the nature and effects of incarceration of female offenders on their dependent children. The design of this study was a social survey, which employed an in-depth interview guide for the collection of qualitative data. Nine (9) respondents who were mothers at the Kumasi Female Prisons were purposively selected to identify their children for the study. Nineteen children of female offenders were selected and interviewed to achieve the objective of the study. The study revealed that the incarceration of a mother had rippling effects on their children. Some of the effects of incarceration on children include: trauma and psychological problems associated with the arrest, social stigma and subsequent withdrawal, poor school performance and high school drop-out rate, as well as changes in family composition and weakened ties to the mother. The researcher recommends that the study should be replicated in other parts of the country to see the variation of the effects of incarceration in respect of the different cultural orientations because of their differential social settings.

Source: KNUST
Incentive mechanism for promoting the uptake of green building in South Africa

Purpose: The green building (GB) market is maturing after years of practice; therefore, incentives for promoting GB should be adapted to reflect the market transformation. Adapting incentives can positively influence stakeholders' motives, which in turn change stakeholders' behavioural intention towards GBs. Hence, this study aims to examine the parameters influencing the decision to adopt GB and to ascertain how incentive mechanisms promote the uptake of GB in South Africa. Design/methodology/approach: Using a scoping literature review and a sequential mixed research method, primary data were acquired from GB experts in four South African provinces. In analysing the quantitative data, the factors were ranked hierarchically using the mean ranking technique and factor analysis was computed to identify the underlying GB incentives. The qualitative data were analysed using content analysis. Findings: The results indicate that incentive payment from a utility energy efficiency programme, rebates and discounts relating to environmentally friendly materials and products and providing grants to homeowners and developers to go towards certification were the most essential monetary incentives for promoting GB. In the category of non-monetary incentives, recognition of consultant team members and developers and free marketing/good publicity were the most important incentives. The incentive mechanisms were subsequently categorised as “Economic incentives” and “Reward scheme and technical support”. Research limitations/implications: This study was confined to four metropolitan areas in South Africa. Nevertheless, the outcomes have practical implications for GB projects in general and may serve as a good reference for other provinces in South Africa. Originality/value: The findings of the study are a valuable resource for stakeholders such as the government, municipal assemblies, professional bodies and the Green Building Council of South Africa (GBCSA) in developing effective incentive mechanisms to promote GB adoption. This study adds to the body of knowledge relevant to GB incentivisation in South Africa.

Source: KNUST
In-Vitro effect of non-ionising radiation from cellular phone on human sperm quality in men

This systematic randomized case-control study aimed to determine and evaluate the effects of exposure of non-ionizing cellular phone radiation on markers of semen quality, reactive oxygen species levels and DNA damages in-vitro, after ejaculation. A total of seventy-three (73) patients attending a fertility center in Sakumono, Tema metropolis were recruited for this study. Structured questionnaire was used to obtain the socio-demographics and the anthropometric measurements were also assessed. About 2-3mls of freshly ejaculated semen neatly collected by masturbation with consent and analyzed initially by the WHO standard semen analysis. Semen was exposed to non-ionizing cellular phone radiation for three hours and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity levels were determined using SOD assay kit and DNA fragmentation index (DFI) was calculated after the DFI test. Data was entered and analyzed using SPSS version 20.00. The mean age of the participants in this study was 38.81 ± 5.87years. A higher proportion (28.8%) of them was between the ages of 36-40years. The mean height, weight BMI and number of days for abstinence were 1.72m ± 0.048, 76.70kg ±25.91, 25.91kg/m2± 2.42 and 3.06 days±0.24. DNA fragmentation index (DFI) was significant and linearly positive associated with immotility (R2 = 0.483; p < 0.0001) and negatively associated with progressive motility (%) (R2 = 0.299; p <0.0001), total motility (%) (R2 0.0.483; p <0.0001) and SOD (U/ml) (R2 = 0.773; p <0.0001). There was a significant positive linear relationship between SOD and progressive motility (R2 = 0.204; p<0.0001), non-progressive motility (R2 = 0.296; p<0.0001), vitality (R2 = 0.725; p <0.0001), total motility R2 = 0.0.497, p <0.0001). Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) was negatively associated with Immotility (R2 = 0.497; p<0.0001) exposed to non-ionizing cellular phone radiation. Mean percentage (%) of Superoxide dismutase concentration was significantly lower in order before exposure > after 370C exposure > after 370C and RF-EMW exposure (P<.0001). Higher proportional effect of sperm progressive motility (40.5%), non-progressive motility (5.54%), vitality (16.29%), SOD activity (22.2%), total motility (3.82%), immotility (3.82%) and DNA fragmentation index (11.23%) was observed after the exposure to RF-EMW from a mobile phone compare to control and before exposure to non-ionizing cellular phone radiation. This study demonstrated that RF-EMW causes oxidative stress in semen and resulted into a decline in spermatozoa total motility, (progressive and non-progressive motility), viability and SOD and corresponding increase immotility and DFI.

Source: KNUST
Incentives for water suply to the urban poor

In recent years the marginalisation of the poor has become an issue of great concern. In addresssing this problem of poverty, the global consensus has been that water and sanitation should be at the centre. However, current statistics indicate that drinking water coverage targets can be met without the poor being the focus. In Ghana, only 33% of the urban population has pipe water on their premises without any............................

Source: KNUST
Incidence and severity of major fungal diseases of tomato (solanum lycopersicum l.) in three districts within forest and forest-savannah agro-ecological zones of Ghana

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L) is an important vegetable crop worldwide. Often times, its production is hindered by fungal diseases. The study was carried out in three major tomato growing districts within the forest and forest- savannah agro-ecological zones of Ghana under three main sections. They are; a survey on incidence and severity of fungal diseases in tomato fields, documentation of tomato farmers’ knowledge, perceptions and practices on fungal diseases and their control measures and identification of seed-borne fungi associated with farmer-saved tomato seeds, using the blotter method. Calculations on disease incidence and severity were summarized for their mean percentages per district and the results were presented in tables. Data on tomato farmers’ knowledge on diseases and their control practices were summarized in percentages and presented in bar charts. Results on seed health test were determined in percentages and presented in tables for districts. Early blight, Septoria leaf spot, Fusarium wilt, Collar rot and Sclerotium rot were the major fungal diseases identified in the study. The incidence of Early blight was 63.9, 43.5 and 38.2 % at Agogo, Offinso North Districts and Techiman Municipality, respectively. The study showed that Early blight and Fusarium wilt were the most common severe diseases in all the districts. The research showed that farmers have knowledge of the diseases because of losses that these diseases caused. However, their knowledge on control practices was poor and, therefore, contributes to the high incidence and severity of the identified fungal diseases. Twenty-two species of fungi from 12 genera were identified as seed-borne pathogens of tomato on farmer-saved tomato seeds. Fusarium oxysporum, Alternaria sp., and Fusarium spp., were seed-borne pathogens identified on the tomato seeds to associate with field diseases of Fusarium wilt, Early blight and Collar rot, respectively.

Source: KNUST
The incidence of indirect tax evasion In Offinso Municipality

Government revenue has been reduced due to the continuous evasion of indirect tax creating a gap between expected revenues and the actual revenues derived from this source. Based on this, the study sought to investigate the incidence of indirect tax evasion in the Offinso Municipality by identifying the sources and administration of indirect tax, the mode of indirect tax evasion and the causes of indirect tax evasion. To achieve this, the descriptive and inferential study collated data from taxpayers, intermediaries and tax collection agents in the Offinso Municipality using a semi-structured questionnaire and interview guide . The determinant of the indirect tax evasion in the Municipal was examined using the binary logistic model. The result of the study showed that indirect tax es in the Municipal are predominantly sourced from hotels, traditional cooking centres, sales of food stuffs, retailers, wholesalers, agro-based businesses, manufacturers, and service sectors like hair dressers, and many others in the form of Excise Duty and the National Health Insurance Levy. Some of the major acts or modes of indirect tax evasion revealed by both the taxpayers and the revenue collection agencies were non-declaration of incomes or corporate profits, trade mispricing through faked invoices, bribing of tax officers, misclassification of commodities and others. Factors such as high tax rate, bureaucratic nature of tax process, low tax morale of taxpayers, low quality of the services in return for taxes and high level of corruption were all fou nd to positively influence tax evasion. Based on these findings, the study made several recommendations including the adoption of effective and efficient computerized system, general public education on tax compliance, organisation of monthly seminars on taxes, provision of training programmes for tax collection officials and publication of tax revenue and expense.

Source: KNUST
Incidence of non-typhoidal Salmonella invasive disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Objectives: We sought to collate and summarize high-quality data on non-typhoidal Salmonella invasive disease (iNTS) incidence to provide contemporary incidence estimates by location and year. Methods: We systematically searched the databases Embase + MEDLINE, Web of Science, and PubMed for articles published on the incidence of iNTS from inception of the database through 8 May 2020 with no language, country, date, or demographic restrictions applied. A meta-analysis was performed to report pooled iNTS incidence as a rate of cases per 100,000 per year. Results: Among 13 studies eligible for analysis, there were 68 estimates of incidence. Overall pooled inci dence (95% CI) was 44.8 (31.5–60.5) per 100,000 persons per year. When stratified by region, pooled inci dence was significantly higher in Africa than Asia, 51.0 (36.3–68.0) compared to 1.0 (0.2–2.5), respectively. Incidence was consistently higher in children aged <5 years compared with older age groups. Incidence displayed considerable heterogeneity in both place and time, varying substantially between locations and over consecutive years in the same location. Conclusions: iNTS incidence varies by region, location, age group, and over time. Concerted efforts are needed to address the limited high-quality data available on iNTS disease incidence

Source: KNUST
An Inclusive Vocational and Technical School at Sokwai, Ashanti Region

Education is said to be an equalizer of society, but sadly this exists only in theory rather than in practice. Vocational and Technical Schools are meant to prepare students for careers that are based on manual or practical activities to equip them for a specific trade, occupation or vocation. The pursuit of this endeavour is however a challenge to persons with disabilities because of the difficulty to access these facilities. Moreover, institutions or schools that are specially designed for persons with disabilities do not incorporate elements that address their special needs such as ramps, tactile markings, grab bars in sanitary areas and acoustic panels. These students feel more segregated because they are excluded from the mainstream education and society making their integration difficult. This thesis, therefore, seeks to highlight some of these anomalies and propose specific design parameters that incorporate the needs of students with disabilities in an Inclusive Vocational and Technical School. The goal is to foster integration and inclusion of students with disabilities in education in particular and society in general.

Source: KNUST
Income generating activities of women and their contribution to household expenditure - the case of Keta district, Ghana

Throughout the developing countries women contribute substantially to the household budget through their income generating activities. Despite their increasing contribution to the household budget, the household’s standards of living continue to deteriorate. This is mainly as a result of the inadequacy of income mobilised from these activities, coupled with the ever escalating prices of consumer goods and increased dependency ratio. This study is based on the assumption that an attempt to increase women’s household production will increase their household’s consumption and ultimately increase the household standards of living. The study assesses the magnitude of women’s contribution to the household production and consumption activities. The study further identifies various constraining factors encountered by these women in their endeavour to supplement the household budget. A sample of women engaged in fish processing, farming, and petty trading was selected randomly. Major findings of the study indicated that women spend longer hours engaged in economic activities and household chores, yet they earn less than their male counterparts. Despite their low income women contributed more to household expenditure from income generated. In addition, when their contribution to household chores was quantified it amounted to about 28.6 per cent of the total household expenditure. Despite this significant contribution their income remains far from adequate. The study identified the constraining factors as high illiteracy rates, lack of training, low access to credit facilities, marketing problems, among others. To solve some of these problems the study proposes three programmes. These programmes are education/training, economic enhancement, and co-ordination enhancement. The cumulative effect of the implementation of these programmes is expected to be economic empowerment of women in Keta district. Ultimately this is expected to improve the household standards of living. To complement these programmes there is the need to make policies at the national level that covers every aspect of women in society. Through the co-ordination of the project staff of NCWD (National council of women and development), Keta District Assembly, and other agencies, policies aimed at integrating women fully into the mainstream of rural development programmes should be formulated.

Source: KNUST
Incidence of Aflatoxin Contamination in Maize Samples in Second Cycle Institutions in Cape Coast Metropolis

Maize related meals dominate the menus of most second cycle institutions in Ghana, making up 1-2 meals in a day’s menu. The incidence of aflatoxins (AF) in maize in eleven second cycle institutions within the Cape Coast metropolis was studied. Knowledge of staff in aflatoxins and its health effects and handling practices of maize was also investigated. Sampling of maize for aflatoxin analysis was taken from two different storage lot; one obtained towards the end of term (sampling 1) and the other at the beginning of term (sampling 2). Vicam Aflatest kit was used for the AF analysis. A standard question guide was used in obtaining information on knowledge of aflatoxins amongst procurement officers, storekeepers and domestic bursars and handling practices of maize within the second cycle institutions. From sampling 1, 100% had AF levels exceeding the Ghana standard limit of 15 ppb, while 18% of maize from sampling 2 exceeded the limit. Mean AF for sampling 1 and 2 were 416.13 ppb and13.58 ppb respectively. A significant difference (p=0.004) existed between the two sampling lots. Procurement of maize by second cycle institutions was influenced predominantly by pricing. Only 9% of respondents had knowledge on AF and its health effects. Time of maize procurement and post –harvest handling practices within the school significantly affected AF levels. The results indicate the students are exposed to the health effects of aflatoxins hence there is a need for policy makers to incorporate quality standards in the procurement and storage of maize for second cycle institutions.

Source: KNUST