ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Comparative analysis of the quantity of Retinoic acid-induced protein 3 (rai3) between triple and non triple negative breast carcinomas among Ghanaian women

Introduction Retinoic acid-induced protein3 (RAI3) belongs to the family of G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs). It is expressed in normal human tissue and is also likely to play an important role in breast cancer cell proliferation although the exact mechanism remains unclear. This study of RAI3 was carried out to provide evidence of its expression on breast cancer cells as well as normal breast tissues and also to compare its expression in breast cancer based on their hormone receptor status. Methods Women of all ages visiting the Breast Clinic for the first time following the development of a self-detected breast condition, and upon further suspicion by the medical doctor through clinical examination were recruited in this research. A total of 100 women formed the study population. Tru cut biopsies were performed by surgeons and ER, PR and Her 2 immunohistochemistry was performed on the formalin fixed paraffin embedded breast cancer tissues. RAI3 immunohistochemistry was performed on some selected triple negative, estrogen receptor positive as well as normal breast tissues. Results The mean age was 48.15 with the youngest age being 26 and the oldest age of 78. Estrogen receptor positive and triple negative breast tumours accounted for 44.18% and 43.02% respectively. A total of 36 tissue blocks were analysed for RAI3 expression and they showed various expression levels of RAI3.The immunohistochemical staining of normal and breast cancer cells with anti RAI3 antibody revealed the presence of RAI3 in both the cytoplasm and the cell membrane making it a potential biomarker and a therapeutic target. Very low levels were found in normal tissues. Higher expressions of RAI3 were found more in triple negative than non-triple negative. The mean iii immunoreative score (IRS) in TNBC was 6.3 as compared to the entire non-TNBC which was 4.2 There was however no significant statistical relationship between RAI3 expression and ER (P=0.228) PR (P=0.732) and Her2 (P=0.758) status. Conclusion This study confirms the expression of retinoic acid induced protein 3 (RAI3), in some selected normal, triple negative, and non-triple negative breast tissues at different Intensities. To the best of knowledge of this investigator this is the first analysis of RAI3 being carried out at the protein level among indigenous black people, albeit involving small sample size. There is clearly the need to work on a large cohort of normal breast tissues as well as different malignant tissues among indigenous black people and other race to better understand the role this protein plays in breast cancer growth and its potential use as a biomarker and a novel therapeutic option in the management and treatment of breast cancer.

Source: KNUST
A Comparative Analysis on the Mathematical Models of Pertussis and Measles

The motivation of the study is based on the problems that arise from the mathe- matical model of Pertussis and Measles. The purpose is to depict the differences that occur in variations of mathematical systems. This is done by analyzing and interpreting this model, as well as a simpler model, and then comparing the solutions for the two. From the analysis, an insight to the theoretical and math- ematical description of spread and contamination patterns has been obtained. The two models are then compared to each other. The intention is to reveal the consequence of expanding upon a compartment model, and thus the system of di erential equations. The two models display a di erent level of detail which is re ected in the associated analysis. The simple model is a Measles model, and the pertussis model has the higher degree of detail. The analytic methods applied when describing the systems of differential equations appear to have a limited use in the expanded system. This leads to mathematical complications.

Source: KNUST
Comparative analysis of viability of smallholder oil palm and rubber production in the Mpohor district of Ghana

Rubber and Oil palm are perennial tree crops that provide income for farmers for more than twenty years. In the Mpohor district, the conducive weather conditions needed for optimum growth and development of the trees are provided, placing the burden of choice on the farmer. A decision to develop a hectare of land for rubber implies foregoing earnings from oil palm and vice versa. Farmers are therefore in an economic dilemma in choosing between which of these crops to cultivate to get the maximum returns or benefits. This study therefore evaluates the financial viability of both crops, determines the factors that affect a farmer’s decision to choose either crop and assesses the constraints that prevail in the industry. Fifty-seven (57) rubber and fifty-nine (59) oil palm farmers were sampled from five communities in the Mpohor district and primary data taken from them for analysis. Secondary data from smallholder schemes of oil palm and rubber companies (BOPP and GREL) were also used in estimating the various viability indicators. The results indicate that, it was economically prudent to invest in either rubber or oil palm production with funds at the prevailing cost of capital. Net Present Values of GHc 2,331.75 and GHc 3,919.57 were recorded for rubber and oil palm respectively. Benefits Cost Ratio of 1.08 and 1.12 and Internal Rate of Return of 25.63% and 25.69% were estimated for Rubber and Oil palm cultivation respectively. The significant factors that affected farmers’ decision to choose either crop were farm size cultivated, age of farmer, household size and proximity to mill. The major constraints to rubber production were identified to be difficulty in getting machines operators/technicians and managing pests and diseases. In oil palm cultivation, the top two constraints were negative effects of price fluctuations and theft of produce. Active intervention by industry players in addressing these challenges and creation of enabling environment by government would be necessary for continuous cultivation of these crops

Source: KNUST
Comparative analysis of the effect of transformation techniques on some robust regression measures

When the distribution of the errors in a linear model is normal, the OLSE pro- vides reliable parameter estimates for the linear model. When errors deviate from normality, the OLS provides unreliable estimates. This study however evaluated the e ect of transformation techniques on some robust regression measures by comparing four robust regression methods namely M-estimation, MM-estimation, S-estimation and LTS estimation to the OLS estimation using the Mean Absolute Residuals, R2, and Relative e ciencies. Data was simulated and analyzed from a linear model under various situations where the error term has normal distri- bution, lognormal distribution, truncated normal distribution and contaminated normal distribution. The log and Box-Cox transformation were applied to the simulated data before estimating and comparing parameters. The results showed that on the average the robust methods were 2.4% more e cient than the OLSE for the Normal case when no transformation was applied with the exception of the SE which was 10% less e cient. For the lognormal case, the robust methods were 26.9% more e cient under no transformation, 24.5% more e cient under log transformation and 22.8% more e cient under Box-Cox transformation. In the contaminated normal case, the robust methods were 6.3% more e cient under no transformation, 5.8% more e cient under log transformation and 3.8% more e cient under Box-Cox transformation. In the case of the truncated normal, 10% tail truncation resulted in the robust methods being 0.6% more e cient under no transformation and 7.2% more e cient under log and Box-Cox transformation. Increasing the tail truncation to 20% made the robust methods 3.3% more e - cient under no transformation and 10.8% more e cient under log and Box-Cox transformation. Based on the study, it is recommended that, the robust methods should be used when the basic assumptions fail. Also, the Box-Cox transfor- mation technique should be used to linearize data if non-linear relationship is established before using the robust methods.

Source: KNUST
A comparative analysis on the use of organic and inorganic fertilizers in cocoa production and their impact on the soil: (a case study of selected cocoa farms in Tafo in the East- Akim District in the Eastern Region)

In sustainable agricultural systems, recycling of nutrients is a major component of nutrient management. Cocoa as a perennial crop requires high nutritional supply for its proper growth and development. The continual uptake of nutrients from the soil by cocoa results in a likely degradation of soil nutrients overtime, hence there is the need to apply fertilizers in cocoa production to replenish the lost nutrients. A case study was conducted on ten cocoa farms in Tafo in the East-Akim District in the Eastern Region to investigate the use of organic and inorganic fertilizer application and their effects on soilphysico-chemical and biological properties and howthe effects impact cocoa production. Treatments included organic fertilization, inorganic fertilizer application and these were compared to control plots, which were plots of virgin forest. The treatments were fitted in a Completely Randomized, Design (CRD), each with five (5), replications. The inorganic farms showed increased levels of the plants’ major + nutrients such as available phosphorus, total nitrogen, exchangeable potassium (K ), 2+ 2+ Calcium (Ca ) and magnesium (Mg ). However these farms recorded reduced values for soil pH, organic matter content and reduction in soil biofauna both in biomass and diversity. Soil from the organic farms on the other hand recorded increased values in soil pH, organic matter content and more soil microbes were contained in such farms both in diversity and in biomass. The organic farms recorded low levels of soil major nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus and exchangeable bases. The control plots (forests) on the other hand recorded the highest values in almost all the parameters considered. Additions of amendments did not significantly (p 0.05) influence the levels of the major soil nutrients that were measured, however subsequent application of chemical fertilizers was likely to render the soil acidic on the bases of the results obtained for soil pH. There were also significant differences between the values recorded for all the species of bacteria and fungi and also some species of Nematodes, with the three treatments. Results of the study suggested that integrating organic and inorganic fertilizers would be effective in restoring the productivity of degraded soils and enhance the growth and development of Cocoa.

Source: KNUST
Comparative assessment of heavy metal levels in Animal hide singed with motor vehicle scrap tyres and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) as source of fuel

The present study was undertaken to assess the presence and levels of heavy metal contamination (Mg, Mn, Cu, Ni, Zn, Cd and Pb) in goat and sheep hides singed with vehicle scrap tyres or Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) as fuel, using atomic absorption spectrometry. For assessment of contamination, thirty six goat and sheep hide samples from three slaughter points recognized by the Accra Metropolitan Assembly were analyzed. Goat and Sheep hides singed with LPG resulted in some increases in Mg, Zn and Ni, as well as decreases in Mn and Cu levels, however, singeing with vehicle scrap tyres, resulted in elevated concentrations in heavy metals analyzed in both goat and sheep hides. In goat hides, the highest levels of increases by 128%, 26.3%, 105.66%, 37.73% and 14.17% in Mn, Mg, Cu, Zn and Ni from 6.45±0.55mg/kg, 528.35±62.95mg/kg, 5.3±0.8mg/kg, 226.9±56.9mg/kg and 12±1.8mg/kg respectively, to 14.75±2.45mg/kg, 667.35±56.35mg/kg, 10.9±2.7mg/kg, 312.5±22.5mg/kg, and 13.7±1.5mg/kg, respectively were observed when singed with vehicle scrap tyres as fuel. In sheep hides, the highest levels of increases by 57%, 43.53%, 142.25%, 135.21% and 50.42% respectively, in Mn, Mg, Cu, Zn and Ni from 3.55±1.05mg/kg, 482.85±57.35mg/kg, 3.55±0.95mg/kg, and 126.8±43mg/kg and 11.8±0.9 mg/kg to 5.6±1.9mg/kg, 693.05±45.85mg/kg, 8.6±3.1mg/kg, 298.25±26.75mg/kg and 17.75±4.75mg/kg respectively were observed when singed with vehicle scrap tyres as fuel source. Pb and Cd were not detected in any of the samples but Zn levels in all fresh unsinged goat and sheep hides analyzed were already above the Maximum Permissible Limit of 50.0 mg/kg set by the European Commission Regulation and the United States Department of Agriculture. This could be attributed to the prevailing animal rearing and environmental conditions such as soil, pasture, water sources and medication. It was concluded that vehicle scrap tyre singed hides were potentially unsafe for human consumption even though questionnaire survey of butchers revealed that hides singed this way were sold in most major markets in the Accra Metropolis and consumers were not able to tell whether they were buying meat that had been singed with LPG or vehicle scrap tyres as fuel.

Source: KNUST
Comparative assessment of quality of fruit juice from three different varieties of pineapple (Ananas comosus L.) grown in Ghana

The study sought to assess the quality of fruit juice from three different varieties of pineapple grown in Ghana. A field survey was conducted in four regions of Ghana where pineapple is grown. The regions were Ashanti, Eastern, Central and the Greater Accra regions. Interviews together with structured questionnaires were used in data collection from twenty (20) pineapple fruit juice companies randomly selected from the above regions. Laboratory work was also conducted at the Department of Horticulture, Faculty of Agriculture (KNUST), Kumasi-Ghana. Pineapples at two ripening stages of pineapple were used for the study (fully ripe and half ripe). Quality parameters assessed during the study included fruit weight, juice yield, total soluble solids, electrical conductivity, total titratable acidity, dry matter, pH, vitamin C and sugar-acid ratio. The survey revealed that, 50% of the pineapple fruit juice companies preferred the MD2 pineapple variety for juice production. However, 25% preferred the sugar loaf while another 25% preferred the Smooth Cayenne pineapple fruit for juice production. The study also revealed that, 35% of the fruit juice companies preferred MD2 variety due to its ready availability and sweetness. 20% reported that their preference was due to juice yield. Ten percent (10%) of the juice producers selected MD2 based on its good shelf life. The study revealed that, 75% of the pineapple fruit juice companies used the full ripe fruits for juice production although 25% used both the full ripe and the half ripe for juice production. MD2 pineapple variety was reported to store longer (75%), followed by the Smooth Cayenne (25%). According to the respondents, the variety with the shortest shelf life was Sugar Loaf variety. From the laboratory analysis conducted, there were no significant difference (p > 0.05) between the interactions of the pineapple varieties and the ripening v stages with respect to electrical conductivity (EC), potential hydrogen(pH), specific gravity (SG),sugar acid ratio (S:AR),total dissolved solids (TDS) ,total soluble solids(TSS), total titratable acidity (TTA), vitamin c, and fruit weight. However, there were significant difference (p < 0.05) between the dry matter (DM), juice yield (JY) and the moisture contents of the pineapple fruits as can be seen from the ANOVA Tables. The consumer assessment of the pineapple juices indicated that, juice produced from full ripe smooth cayenne was the most accepted. Regression analysis showed that the predictors of acceptability were taste, aroma, colour and sweetness. Sweetness which was the major predictor was dependent on total soluble solids (TSS). Information obtained in this study could be used to inform pineapple juice producers to rely on Smooth Cayenne pineapple variety for juice processing. For acceptability of pineapple fruit juice, greater emphasis should be placed on taste, aroma, colour and sweetness of the pineapple juice.

Source: KNUST
Comparative assessment of quality of locally produced commercial and imported rice (Oryza sativa) varieties in Ghana

Rice consumption in Ghana is on the rise but the locally produced rice is perceived to be inferior or of less quality compared with imported rice. The need to make local rice more competitive and increase the awareness of its nutritive qualities to rice consumers in the country will boost food security in Ghana. This study was conducted to assess the qualities of some identified commercial locally produced and imported rice varieties in Ghana. Field surveys were conducted in the Northern, Ashanti and Greater Accra region to identify these rice varieties. Interviews and semi-structured questionnaires, were used in data collection from rice stakeholder (producers, processors, consumers, retailers and aggregators), randomly selected from each location. Twenty five (25) kg each of the 8 locally produced and imported rice varieties identified through the survey were obtained from farmers, cleaned, milled and bagged (local rice) and used for the study. Laboratory works to determine the proximate and functional properties of the samples were conducted at the Department of Horticulture of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi and the samples stored in a certified Ghana Grains Council’s warehouse in Tamale for a period of 4 months. Sensory attributes and the susceptibility of the rice sample to storage insect pests were also determined. The survey revealed that a lot of the imported rice varieties were preferred by respondents due to it aromatic flavour and clean quality. Royal feast and Texas rice were the most preferred imported brands. The 8 varietiesidentified were stored for a period of 4 months and at the end of each month (30days) samples were taken for analysis to determine their proximate, sensory and functional properties as well as insect infestations. The proximate study was done before the first month and after the fourth month of storage. The locally produced varieties were observed to have high protein (7.68% - 9.87%) and carbohydrate (79.77% - 85.38%) contents compared to the imported brands (81.03% - 82.72%). The crude fat (1.17% - 2.91%), crude fibre (1.27% - 2.82%) and ash (0.67% - 1.33%) contents were higher in the locally produced varieties than the imported brands/varieties. Storage periods and the type of varieties were observed to have significant effect (P˂0.05) on the functional, functional and proximate properties of all the rice samples, Royal feast and Texas rice were the most preferred in terms of their loose grain particles or low sticky properties as compared with the local varieties which were observed to be high in starch hence found to be more suitable for most of the local Ghanaian dishes such as “Omotuo” (rice balls), waakye, porridge (rice water) and weaning meals for infants.

Source: KNUST
Comparative Assessment of Some Storage Technologies Used for Cowpea Storage in the Nadowli District of the Upper West Region of Ghana

Pest infestation is the major storage problem in cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) storage around the world. The principal postharvest pest of cowpea in Ghana is the cowpea weevil (Callosobruchus maculatus). The main objective of the study was to evaluate the common storage methods used in the Nadowli District and their effectiveness in maintaining the quality of cowpea beans during storage. A survey was conducted to identify the major storage technologies and problems in the district. Four storage structures: barns, polypropylene sacks, earthen pots and triple bags and 3 protectants (wood ash, phostoxin, monthly solarisation) with a control were used to store ‘ormondoh’ cowpea variety. There were monthly data collections on cowpea samples taken from each treatment set up and assessed for quality for three months. Parameters that were determined were percentage weight loss, percentage damage, germination percentage, taste and colour change. Monthly solarisations of beans on all the storage structures proved to be more efficacious by killing all stages of the weevil. Also, triple bags using Purdue Improved Cowpea Storage sacks which use hermetic principle was also more effective when combined with the control or either of ash and phostoxin. The interactions between ash and storage in pots, barns and polypropylene sacks offered lower protection and recorded a high level of damage and loss of other quality parameters. Phostoxin fumigation on polypropylene sack and pot recorded a reduction in grain quality as the storage period increased because the structures were not entirely airtight. The untreated control of the barn, polypropylene sack and pot were highly ineffective in keeping cowpea grain quality. There were losses in taste and colour for all the controls for the various storages technologies with the exception of those kept in the triple bags. Monthly solarisation of cowpea in storage structures did not record any taste or colour change. The study has shown that the use of triple bag treatment with the protectants were more effective in controlling the cowpea weevil (Callosobruchus maculatus) which feeding activities cause loss in grain quality. Monthly solarisation in all the interventions should be the method of choice in the absence of triple bags in the district.

Source: KNUST
A comparative assessment of the academic performance among public and private Junior High Schools in the Tamale Metropolis of Ghana

The purpose of developing any educational policy is to ensure quality human resource development that will propel the country‟s development agenda. Education without quality is tantamount to no education at all. For more than two decades now, more than 30% of all the pupils who write BECE annually do not get admission into the senior high, technical and vocational schools as designed in the Ghanaian education system. The failure rate among these children in recent times is however alarming and this requires all hands on deck to support to put an end to this menace. In this study, an attempt was made to establish the causes of high poor BECE outcomes in the Tamale Metropolis and to establish reasons why private basic schools were doing considerably better in external examination than their public counterparts. The study adopted descriptive research design and multi-stage sampling technique was used to select the respondents for the study. In all 250 respondents made up of six headteachers, 20 teachers, 112 parents and 112 JHS graduates who completed in 2013 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) took part in the study. Four research instruments were formulated, comprising interview guide for heads of schools, teachers, parents and a questionnaire for the JHS graduates from public and private schools. Data was analyzed using cross tabulation, percentages correlation, and mean scores to draw conclusions. The results of the study revealed that private schools were performing academically better than their public counterparts in the Tamale Metropolis due to many reasons. These include the fact that the private schools were more resourced, had parents of pupils whose socio-economic status was higher and hence were more involved in their children’s education than the public. Teacher motivation was quite low in both public and private selected schools and the high academic achievements of private school students were attributed to strict internal supervision of the school heads/proprietors. The study recommended that future educational policies and programs should include parental involvement in child education by specifying roles and responsibilities of parents to ensure high cooperation between household and schools operations.

Source: KNUST