ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Nano-enhanced defense: Titanium-enriched Alginate–Bentonite coating augments Bacillus amyloliquefaciens D203 efficacy against Magnaporthe oryzae in Kenyan rice cultivation.

Rice blast disease, caused by Magnaporthe oryzae, poses a significant threat to global rice production, necessitating the development of effective and sustainable management strategies. Biological control using beneficial microbes like Bacillus amyloliquefaciens has emerged as a promising approach due to its ability to enhance plant resistance and reduce disease incidence. Nano-encapsulation of bacteria, which involves embedding beneficial microbes within nanomaterials, offers a novel method to improve the stability, survival, and efficacy of these biocontrol agents. This study evaluated the capacity of encapsulated Bacillus amyloliquefaciens D203, embedded within an alginate-bentonite coating infused with titanium nanoparticles (TNs), to stimulate defense responses in rice seedlings challenged by the Magnaporthe oryzae, the causal agent of rice blast disease. Encapsulation was achieved using the extrusion technique, with some modifications. Using a completely randomized design, the experiment was conducted in a greenhouse, with four treatments replicated four times. The experiment used the popular Kenyan rice variety "BASMATI 370”. The study investigated the impact of strain D203 on the incidence, severity, and area under disease progress curves related to M. oryzae, as well as the expression of defense-related enzymes. The results demonstrated that rice plants derived from seeds coated with the D203 encapsulated B. amyloliquefaciens strain exhibited higher levels of defense-related enzyme expression, including peroxidase (POD), phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT), compared to controls. In addition, the incidence and severity of the disease were markedly lower in plants treated with encapsulated B. amyloliquefaciens compared to controls, sometimes paralleling the efficacy of hexaconazole treatment. These findings suggest that the encapsulation of strain D203 has the potential to enhance resistance against rice blast disease by inducing systemic resistance through the production of antioxidant enzymes

Source: UG
Nanocomposite sodalite/ceramic membrane for pre-combustion CO2 capture: synthesis and morphological characterization

Carbon capture and storage (CCS) is amongst the possible options to reduce CO2 emission. In the application of CCS, CO2 capture techniques such as adsorption and membrane system have been proposed due to less energy requirement and environmental benign than the absorption process. However, membrane system has drawbacks such as poor membrane reproducibility, scale-up difficulty and high cost of the membrane supports. In this study synthesis and characterization of nanocomposite sodalite (HS)/ceramic membrane via “pore-plugging” hydrothermal synthesis (PPH) protocol for pre-combustion CO2 capture is reported. The morphology and crystallinity of the as-prepared membranes were checked with scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. Surface chemistry of the membrane was examined with Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy. In nanocomposite architecture membranes, zeolite crystals are embedded within the pores of the supports instead of forming thin-film layers of the zeolite crystals on the surface of the supports. Compared to the conventional in situ direct hydrothermal synthesis, membranes obtained from PPH possess higher mechanical strength and thermal stability. In addition, defect control with nanocomposite architecture membranes is possible because the zeolite crystals are embedded within the pores of the support, thereby limiting the maximum defect size to the pore size of the support. Furthermore, the nanocomposite architecture nature of the membranes safeguards the membrane from shocks or abrasion that could promote formation of defects. The aforementioned advantages of the nanocomposite architecture membranes could be beneficial in developing high performance and cost-effective membrane materials for pre-combustion CO2 capture. © 2016, The Author(s).

Source: UG
Nanomaterials in 2-dimensions for flexible solar cell applications – a review

This review presents the progress, challenges and prospects of ultrathin flexible photovoltaic devices based on 2-dimensional (2D) nanomaterials. These devices have shown very high performance in bending stabilities for up to ~90% of their power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) after multiple bending deformations. They are thin film PVs with lightweight and mechanically robust structures that allow use in the continual advancing solar cell applications. In this paper, comprehensive assessments of 2D nanomaterials, their syntheses methods, performance, degradation, mechanical and opto-electronic characterization in flexible photovoltaic (PV) cells are highlighted. Semi-conductor materials such as conjugated donor and acceptor polymers, small donor/acceptor molecules and organometal halide perovskites for use as active layers in such flexible solar cell structures are reviewed. The challenges and prospects associated with the adoption of 2D nanomaterials in flexible solar cells are presented. The review highlights the need to transition laboratory results on 2D nanomaterials based flexible solar cells into scale up and commercialized products despite the existing and also opens research areas for researchers to explore and achieve robust and high-efficient solar devices

Source: UG
Nanostructured stannic oxide: Synthesis and characterisation for potential energy storage applications

SnO2 nanoparticles were synthesized using the hydrothermal technique. Well crystalline particles with different morphologies and crystallite size in the range of 2 nm–10 nm were obtained by using Urea and Soduim Borohydride as reducing agents, and deploying Dioctyl Sulfosuccinate Sodium Salt (AOT) and Cetyl Trimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB) as the surfactants. Samples have been characterised by X-ray diffraction, Scanning Electron microscopy, Energy Dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, specific surface area, porosity, and Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy. Preliminary studies on the potential electrochemical properties of the asproduced nanoparticles were investigated using cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and potentiostatic charge-discharge in aqueous KOH electrolyte. The surfactant and reducing agents used in the synthesis procedure of SnO2 nanoparticles influenced the particle size and the morphology, which in turn influenced the capacitance of the SnO2 nanoparticles. The SnO2 electrode material showed pseudocapacitor properties with a maximum capacitance value of 1.6 Fg−1 at a scan rate of 5 mVs−1, an efficiency of 52% at a current of 1 mA and a maximum capacitance retention of about 40% after 10 cycles at a current of 1 mA. From the Nyquist plot, The ESR for the samples increase accordingly as SCA (31.5 Ω) < SAA (31.85 Ω) < SE (36.3 Ω) < SAT (36.92 Ω) < SCT (40.41 Ω) < SA < SC (53.97 Ω). These values are a confirmation of the low capacitance, efficiencies and capacitance retention recorded. The results obtained demonstrate the potential electrochemical storage applications of SnO2 nanoparticles without the addition of conductive materials.

Source: UG
Nanostructured TiO2 and their energy applications-a review

Environmental sustainability and reliable energy sources are major challenges facing the world in the 21st century. Ironically, the solution to these taunting problems may lie in something small. Nanomaterials with attractive chemical and physical properties are being explored for potential uses in energy and environmental applications. Nanostructured Titanium dioxide (TiO2) has gained considerable attention in the energy and environment sectors due to their brilliant prospects in photo catalysis, solar cells, environmental pollution treatment and its use in solar water splitting for the production of H2. There are many processing techniques such as; the Sol gel (SG), the hydro-thermal (HT), the solvothermal (ST) and chemical vapor deposition (CVD) which are used in the production of nanostructured TiO2 for the applications stated above. This review aims at examining the general characteristics of nanostructured TiO2 and its application in dye sensitized solar cells, photocatalytic splitting of water and solid state hydrogen storage devices. The analysis is meant to demystify the anxiety associated with the application of nanomaterials in solving everyday challenges in the energy and environmental sectors. © 2006-2013 Asian Research Publishing Network (ARPN).

Source: UG
Nanotoxicity: The toxicity research progress of metal and metal-containing nanoparticles

Along with the exuberant development of nanotechnology, a large number of nanoformulations or non materials are successfully applied in the clinics, biomedicine, cosmetics and industry. Despite some unique advantages of nanoformulations, there exist potentially worrying toxic effects, particularly those related to metal and metal-containing nanoparticles (NPs). Although various researches have been conducted to assess the metallic and metal-containing nanoparticles toxic effects, only little is known about the toxicity expressive types and evaluation, reasons and mechanisms, influencing factors and research methods of metal and metal-containing nanotoxicity. Therefore, it is of importance to acquire a better understanding of metal and metal-containing nanoparticles toxicity for medical application. This review presents a summary on the metal and metal-containing nanoparticles toxicity research progress consulting relevant literature. © 2015 Bentham Science Publishers.

Source: UG
Nanowires for Electrochemical Energy Storage Applications

Electrochemical reactions involve the exchange of electrons and ions at the interfaces between electrodes and an electrolyte allowing supercapacitors to store energy by separating positive and negative charges. Over the past few years, nanowires, as one of the representative one dimensional (1D) nanomaterials, have demonstrated excellent capability for realizing a variety of applications in the fields of energy storage. Moreover, they offer 1D electronic pathways, which are key in charge transport, a large active interface between the electrolyte and electrode, etc. The high aspect ratio property of nanowires provides high surface area thereby enhancing electrolyte interaction with active electrode sites, resulting in increased material utilization, continuous electron transport, reduced resistance to charge flow, and improving electrode conductivity and kinetics. This chapter presents the theory, synthesis, and application of nanowires for electrochemical energy storage (EES) devices. It also highlights the scientific challenges associated with nanowires’ integration into energy storage devices, including reduced coulombic efficiency, capacity decay, and poor cycling, with possible solutions. Finally, a projection into the future direction of nanowire’s appli cation in energy storage devices is presented and discussedElectrochemical reactions involve the exchange of electrons and ions at the interfaces between electrodes and an electrolyte allowing supercapacitors to store energy by separating positive and negative charges. Over the past few years, nanowires, as one of the representative one dimensional (1D) nanomaterials, have demonstrated excellent capability for realizing a variety of applications in the fields of energy storage. Moreover, they offer 1D electronic pathways, which are key in charge transport, a large active interface between the electrolyte and electrode, etc. The high aspect ratio property of nanowires provides high surface area thereby enhancing electrolyte interaction with active electrode sites, resulting in increased material utilization, continuous electron transport, reduced resistance to charge flow, and improving electrode conductivity and kinetics. This chapter presents the theory, synthesis, and application of nanowires for electrochemical energy storage (EES) devices. It also highlights the scientific challenges associated with nanowires’ integration into energy storage devices, including reduced coulombic efficiency, capacity decay, and poor cycling, with possible solutions. Finally, a projection into the future direction of nanowire’s application in energy storage devices is presented and discussed

Source: UG
Nanowires for Photonic Applications

Nanowires have the potential to be easily integrated into nanoelectronics and nanophotonic systems, which could lead to improved industry performance. Their chemical compositions, lengths, and diameters (structural properties) significantly influence their electronic and optical characteristics. Based on their applications, plasmonic and photonic devices often use dielectric and metallic nanowires. For sensing and light-emitting devices, semiconducting nanowires are used. These characteristics are due to the fact that there are quantum restrictions of the electron in nanowires, which results in inhibition in the energy levels different from in bulk materials. This chapter presents the theory, synthesis, and fabrication of nanowires for use in the photonic industry. Also presented are efforts being made to integrate nanowires as components in photonic structures while highlighting the scientific and technological challenges with their possible solutions. Finally, a projection into the future direction of nanowire application in the photonic industry is also presented and discussed

Source: UG
Narrative Of An Expedition Into The Interior 0f Africa By The River Niger, In The Steam-Vessels Quorra And Alburkah, In 1832, 1833, And 1834.

The following pages detail an attempt to open a direct commercial intercourse with the inhabitants of Central Africa. It is well known that the attempt ended in a complete failure to make that intercourse a profitable one, and was attended with a melancholy loss of life. As far as proving the navigability of the Niger, and the ease and facility with which that mighty stream may be used for the purposes of commerce, it was successful in no ordinary degree, considering the novelty of the undertaking, the complicated nature of a steam-vessel, and the excessive mortality of the crews. I also hope that it has in some measure di spelled the mystery which has so long enveloped the interior of that interesting country; and that it has proved that any man with common sense and common ability may ascend and descend the main artery of Africa (provided he escapes the effects of the climate) with perfect safety, in moderate sized vessels, from the sea to Boussa. That my successors in the same field may avoid the errors that .were committed, and profit by the experience acquired, is the principal reason why these Narratives are published. The parties who, l hope, may, and trust will be principally interested, are those who look upon the opening of Central Africa to the enterprise and capital of British merchants as likely to create new and extensive markets for our manufactured goods, and fresh sources whence to draw our supplies; and those who, viewing mankind as one great family, consider it their duty to raise t11eir fellow-creatures from their present degraded, denationalised, and demoralised state, nearer to Him in whose image they were created.

Source: UG
A Narrative of Travels in Northern Africa, In the Years 1818, 19, And 20

IN the month of September, 1818, Mr. Ritchie, a gentleman of great science and ability, employed by the British government on a mission to the interior of Africa, arrived at Malta from Marseilles, attended by M. Dupont, a Frenchman in his pay, whom he had engaged for the purpose of collecting and preparing objects of natural history. It was understood that Captain Marryat, of the Royal Navy, was also to have accompanied Mr. Ritchie; but that Circumstances had occurred which induced that gentleman to re-linquish his intention of joining the mission

Source: UG
Narrative of Voyages to Explore the Shores of Africa, Arabia, and Madagascar

THE intention and extent of this expedition will in some measure be shown by the annexed instructions from the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty; in addition to which, Captain Owen had a further power to increase the limits of the survey, if required, by any local information. These instructions, as stating the deficiencies in our hydrographical knowledge of the African shores, were sufficient in themselves to point out the course to be pursued by Captain Owen; and had it been left to his own discretion, he might have obtained the required information without the dreadful sacrifices, which it is the duty of these pages to record; for in a climate subject to such varied and deadly changes, a discretionary power was certainly advisable, in order, by a judicious arrangement and attention to the seasons, to avoid as much as possible its fatal effects upon Europeans. It will be observed that this power was not given to Captain Owen, and in the course of the work it will be seen how melancholy were the consequences.

Source: UG
A narrative synthesis of illustrative evidence on effects of capitation payment for primary care: lessons for Ghana and other low/middle-income countries

OBJECTIVE: To analyse and synthesize available international experiences and information on the motivation for, and effects of using capitation as provider payment method in country health systems and lessons and implications for low/middle-income countries. METHODS: We did narrative review and synthesis of the literature on the effects of capitation payment on primary care. RESULTS: Eleven articles were reviewed. Capitation payment encourages efficiency: drives down cost, serves as critical source of income for providers, promotes adherence to guidelines and policies, encourages providers to work better and give health education to patients. It, however, induces reduction in the quantity and quality of care provided and encourages skimming on inputs, underserving of patients in bad state of health, "dumping" of high risk patients and negatively affect patient-provider relationship. CONCLUSION: The illustrative evidence adduced from the review demonstrates that capitation payment in primary care can create positive incentives but could also elicit un-intended effects. However, due to differences in country context, policy makers in Ghana and other low/middle-income countries may only be guided by the illustrative evidence in their design of a context-specific capitation payment for primary care.

Source: UG
Narratives of scarcity: Framing the global land rush

Global resource scarcity has become a central policy concern, with predictions of rising populations, natural resource depletion and hunger. The narratives of scarcity that arise as a result justify actions to harness resources considered ‘underutilised’, leading to contestations over rights and entitlements and producing new scarcities. Yet scarcity is contingent, contextual, relational and above all political. We present an analysis of three framings – absolute, relative and political scarcity – associated with the intellectual traditions of Malthus, Ricardo and Marx, respectively. A review of 134 global and Africa-specific policy and related sources demonstrates how diverse framings of scarcity – what it is, its causes and what is to be done – are evident in competing narratives that animate debates about the future of food and farming in Africa and globally. We argue that current mainstream narratives emphasise absolute and relative scarcity, while ignoring political scarcity. Opening up this debate, with a more explicit focus on political scarcities is, we argue, important; emphasising how resources are distributed between different needs and uses, and so different people and social classes. For African settings, seen as both a source of abundant resources and a site where global scarcities may be resolved, as well as where local scarcities are being experienced most acutely, a political scarcity framing on the global land rush, and resource questions more broadly, is, we suggest, essential. © 2018 The Authors

Source: UG
Narratives Of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients Regarding The Influence of Social Issues on Diabetes Self-Management: Implications For Patient Care

Aim: To explore the perspectives of individuals living with type 2 diabetes mellitus on the influence of social factors on diabetes self-management in Ghanaian context. Design: Hermeneutic phenomenological approach to qualitative research was used. Method: A semi-structured interview guide was used to collect data from 27 participants who were newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Analysis of data was carried out by using content analysis approach. One main theme with five subthemes emerged. Results: Participants experienced social stigma due to the changes in their physical appearance. Mandatory isolation was created by participants in order to manage the diabetes. The financial status of the participants was affected by the diabetes self-management. Differing from the social issues, the overall participants' responses to experiences living with type 2 diabetes mellitus culminated with psychological or emotional hassles, and therefore, patients resorting to alcohol consumption to deal with diabetes related stress, fears, anxiety, apprehension and pain among others

Source: UG
The Nasal in Dagbani Prosody

This paper presents a study on nasality in Dagbani, focusing on the unique contribution of nasals to the understanding of Dagbani prosody. While much is known about nasality from previous studies, the implication of their behaviour to the structure of Dagbani prosody has not been fully explored. Nasals provide crucial evidence for aspects of Dagbani prosody that would otherwise remain less understood, four of which are noted in this talk. First, coda nasals bear tone and segmental length, which are key in establishing the mora as the tone-bearing unit in Dagbani. Second, the phonological behaviour of nasals is required for a fuller understanding of the syllable types permitted in Dagbani. Nasals are the only coda consonants that license vowel lengthening. In an underlying CVC syllable, vowel lengthening requires the nasalisation of an oral coda consonant. Nasals also provide the only examples of ambisyllabic segments in Dagbani. Third, nasalisation is the only process meant solely to satisfy a prosodic requirement. When oral consonants are nasalised, the goal is to realise a nasal in the coda. When other phonological processes affecting consonants take place, the surface form does not have any implication on the prosody. Finally, syllable structure processes are triggered or avoided on condition that the surface form is a syllabic nasal or a nasal coda. Insertion, for instance, is triggered in many contexts to avoid a consonant cluster, unless the second of the cluster is a nasal, in which case it becomes the nucleus of the syllable. This is in spite of both syllabic consonants and codas being marked. The typological implications of these observations are discussed

Source: UG
Nasopharyngeal carcinoma in Accra

A higher prevalence of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) among Ghanaian children, adolescents and young adults is demonstrated in this study. In view of the known association between Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and NPC on the one hand, and the virus and Burkitt's lymphoma (BL) on the other, it is suggested that the occurrence of both malignancies in younger subjects in this study points to the possible role of early infection with EBV in the aetiopathogenesis of NPC.

Source: UG