ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Species abundance and insecticide resistance of Anopheles gambiaein selected areas of Ghana and Burkina Faso

Insecticide-treated materials as a key strategy for malaria control. We report on a survey of the distribution of the molecular forms of Anopheles ambiae Giles (Diptera: Culicidae) and insecticide resistance (the kdr mutation), carried out by sampling mosquitoes from 11 locations in Ghana and one additional site in Burkina Faso. The molecular M and S forms of An. ambiae were found to occur in sympatry in southern Ghana. The S form predominated throughout its distribution in the coastal savannah, except at one location in the strand and mangrove zone where rice was cultivated. The M form was the only form collected in northern Ghana and was the predominant form (97.5%) in Burkina Faso. No M/S hybrids were detected. The kdr mutation was observed at very high frequencies (98–100%) within the S form but reached a maximum of only 3.38% in the M form in one population at an irrigation scheme in the Ghanaian coastal savannah zone

Source: UCC
Species variability in afrotropical genus hypotrigona (cockerell) within three districts in the Central Region of Ghana

This research was carried out to investigate the species variability within Afrotropical stingless bees of the genus Hypotrigona (Cockerell) in three districts in the Central Region of Ghana. Hypotrigona species are common visitors to flowering plants in the tropics and subtropics. Structurally, the three known Afrotropical Hypotrigona species are very similar and pose difficulty in accurately identifying existing species. In view of this taxonomic impediment, this present study aimed at investigating variation within the Afrotropical genus Hypotrigona based on their nest entrance characteristics, the geo-morphometry of their wings and the traditional morphometry of the bees within three districts in the Central Region of Ghana. The research was conducted from April 2013 to November 2013. A total of 5441 bees were sampled from 68 colonies. Using nesting characteristics, geometric morphometrics and traditional morphometrics, three probable species were observed in the study. Precisely 2027 individual right forewings of Hypotrigona bees were assessed using geometric morphometrics. Statistical analyses (PCA, CVA, DFA, correlation and Procrustes ANOVA) conducted on the right forewings were statistically significant p <0.0001. All three protocols used for assessing variability identified three different species within the genus as Hypotrigona gribodoi, Hypotrigona araujoi and Hypotrigona ruspolii. Nest entrance characteristics were found to be highly variable in terms of level of aggression and entrance tube length. All three protocols; were effective in distinguishing species within the genus Hypotrigona and are recommended for taxonomic analysis of the Afrotropical Hypotrigona species.

Source: UCC
Spectacle Utilisation Rate and Reasons for Non-Compliance with Wearing of Spectacles amongst Primary School Children in Onitsha, Anambra State, Nigeria

Background: Uncorrected refractive errors (REs) are becoming very common in children in developing countries, yet the use of spectacles and compliance to wear are not well documented in African children. Aim: To determine spectacle utilisation rate and reasons for non-compliance with spectacle wear amongst primary school children. Setting: Primary schools in Onitsha, Anambra state, Nigeria. Methods: A stratified random cluster sampling procedure was used to select children aged 5–15 years in 17 primary schools. A total of 1020 were enumerated – 998 (97.8%) were examined, and 97 (9.7%) had RE (uncorrected visual acuity of 20/40 or worse in both eyes). A questionnaire interview using items derived from the revised Refractive Error Study in Children protocol was used to get information regarding reasons for spectacle wear non-compliance. Results: Of the 97 children with RE, 20 wore their spectacles during the time of study, yielding a spectacle utilisation rate of 20.6%. Eleven (55%) of those wearing spectacles were females, 13 (65%) were myopic and the highest number (50%) of spectacle wearers was in the 8–10 years age category. Age, gender and type of RE were significantly associated with spectacle wear (p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant). The major reasons for non-compliance with spectacles wear were parental disapproval for using spectacles and misconceptions about wearing spectacles. Conclusion: Spectacle utilisation amongst primary school children in Onitsha was low. These findings suggest the need for public awareness about the importance and benefits of wearing spectacles.

Source: UCC
Spectral characteristics of the annual mean rainfall series in Ghana

Time series of standardised (normalised) deviations of annual mean rainfall in Ghana for the period 1961-1998 was plotted using data for 30 stations. The plot revealed widespread floods in 1962, 1963 and 1996, and widespread droughts in 1977, 1983, 1992 and 1998. To check for periodicities, the time series was subjected to a power spectrum analysis using the Maximum Entropy Spectral Analysis (MESA) technique. A number of periodicities were detected. A periodicity of 5.6 years was found to be highly significant. That of 2.7 years was of borderline significance. The rest of the periodicities were insignificant. The most recent floods or excess rains (positive deviation) within the 1961–1998 period occurred in 1996. The next possible floods were, therefore, predicted to occur during the year 2001 or 2002. The widespread floods in Ghana during the period have proved this prediction right. The next major floods in Ghana are likely to occur in year 2006 or 2007

Source: UCC
A spectrographic analysis of Akan word-final nasals

This study examines Akan nasals at different word positions, especially the alveolar and velar nasals at word-final positions, so that both Akan and English language teachers could apply them in teaching. It finds out which dialect(s) of Akan use(s) the velar nasal [ŋ] at the word-final position, and also whether Asante Twi uses palatal nasal [ ] at CVN syllable (where ‘N’ is a nasal consonant). In all, 70 speakers were recorded, ten from each of the seven Akan communities, made up of five males and five females. The subjects were asked to repeat the words presented in a carrier frame “Ɔse {key word} anaa?” [ɔsɪ…anaa] three times, which were recorded and analyzed using Kay Elemetrics Computerized Speech Laboratory (CSL) model 4500 software. The study revealed that Iguae Fantse uses [n], as Akuapem Twi, Agona and Bremang Dialects use [ŋ]. Gomua Fantse, Asante Twi, and Akyem Twi do not use alveolar nasal consonant at word-final position at all because there is no occlusion, rather they may use high front nasalized lax vowel [ɪ] or high back nasalized lax vowel [υ̃] depending on whether the preceding vowel is + or –rounded¹

Source: UCC
Spectrophotometric determination of lithium with Quinizarin in drugs and serum

A very sensitive analytical method is proposed for the determination of lithium based on the reaction of Li + ion wiht 1,4-dihydroxyanthraquinone (Quinizarin). In dimethylsulfoxide medium (90%) and in the presence of sodium hydroxide and sodium carbonate, a bluish-violet color (2ma x = 601 nm) develops and is stable over a period of 30 min to 2.5 h. The NaOH and Quinizarin concentrations were optimized simultaneously using the response surface methodology from sequential experimental Doehlert designs. Beer's law is obeyed in the concentration range 14-250 ppb Li + in aqueous and serum matrices, and the errors (RSD) in the determination of 100 ppb Li ÷ are 4.0% and 3.9°/,, respectively. The proposed procedure was satisfactorily applied to the determination of lithium in drugs and human serum (no deproteinization is required)

Source: UCC
Spectroscopic Assessment of Dissolved Organic Matter Removal in Adsorbent-Based Water Filtration Assisted by Comsol Multiphysics

This study sought to characterise and evaluate the Dissolved Organic Matter adsorption capacity of granular activated carbon, using X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, absorbance, transmittance, fluorescence, and polarized light microscopy. The impact of the activating agents, adsorbent mass, and retention times on the adsorbent's performance was assessed. Twelve adsorbents were prepared, six CaCl2 activated and six NaCl activated. The adsorbents were derived from a furnace or conventional carbonisation of coconut shells, cassia siamea tree, and shea nut tree branches. The adsorbents were tested using a surface water sample at different retention times (5 minutes, 10 minutes, and 15 minutes) and adsorbent masses (10 g, 20 g, and 30 g). Analysis of the X-ray diffraction spectra revealed the presence of three phases of silicon dioxide (SiO2). This indicates the amorphous nature of the adsorbents and confirms the presence of carbon and graphite, which are essential for effective adsorption. The Fourier transform infrared spectra exhibited C–O and Si–O stretching, attributed to the presence of silicon- containing minerals. Absorbance, transmission, and fluorescence results demonstrated a high efficiency in DOM removal, particularly for the CaCl2- activated adsorbents (75%). These findings were further validated through multivariate analysis. The polarized light imaging technique proved effective in distinguishing between the efficiency of the adsorbent at a polarization angle of 90 o. Each technique provided valuable insights into the adsorbents' performance in DOM removal from surface water. The study was assisted by COMSOL Multiphysics simulation, which mimicked the behaviour of the adsorbents under specific filtration conditions.

Source: UCC
Spectroscopic characterization, in vitrocytotoxicity, and antioxidant ctivity of mixed ligand palladium(ii) chloride complexes bearing nucleo bases

Mixed-ligand palladium(II) chloride complexes bearing the nucleobases, adenine (Ad), cytosine (Cyt), and guanine (Gua), have been synthesized and characterized by UV-vis spectrophotometric methods, magnetic susceptibility, molar conductivity, elemental analysis, FTIR, and 1H-NMR. Te complexes were found to have the composition cis-[PdCl2(Gua)(Cyt)], cis-[PdCl2(Ad)(Cyt)], and cis-[PdCl2(Ad)(Gua)]. A four-coordinated square-planar geometry is proposed for these Pd(II) complexes based on magnetic evidence and electronic spectra. Te complexes as well as the free nucleobase ligands were tested for their in vitro cytotoxicity on human promyelocytic leukemia (HL60) and human histiocytic leukemia (U937) cell lines. cis-[PdCl2(Ad)(Gua)] showed IC50 values of 11.29 ± 2.91 and 8.31± 1.44 �M against HL60 and U937, respectively, which was higher than that of the positive control (curcumin) against U937. Te complexes also showed significant antioxidant activity when tested against 2,2-diphenyl 1-picrylhydrazylradical (DPPH)

Source: UCC
Spectroscopic studies of some selected anti-malarial herbal plants sample combined with multivariate data analysis

Two spectroscopic techniques: Laser-Induced Fluorescence (LIF) and Attenuated Total Reflectance Fourier-Transform Infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy and soil analysis were used to study and classify Anti-Malarial Herbal plants (AMHPs) from four locations (Abrafo, Jukwa, Nfuom and Akotokyere) in the Cape Coast metropolis. Deconvoluted peaks from the LIF spectra of the AMHPs samples showed compounds such as berberine, quercetin, flavanols presents in all the AMHPs samples. Principal component analysis (PCA) showed the AMHPs samples were similar in chemical composition to each other. The classification results (CR) obtained from the PCA models of the LIF spectra was used to identify the AMHPs samples according to their locations. The CR for the training sets was 100.00 % for Support Vector Machine (SVM), 99.95 for K-Nearest Neighbour (KNN) and 99.23 % for Linear Discriminant Analysis (LDA). For verification sets SVM and KNN were 100.00 % respectively while LDA was 98.23 %. The ATR-FTIR spectra of the AMHPs samples were characterized by the O-H and N-H stretching vibrations (3200 cm- 1) as a result of carbohydrates and proteins while C-H stretching vibrations (3000 cm-1) as a result of lipids and carbohydrates. Lipids membranes and cell wall pectin absorbed around 1732 cm-1. Similarity analysis showed that the AMHPs samples were similar irrespective of their locations. Results from the soil analysis shows that soil properties from the four locations are similar and therefore confirms the results obtained from the two spectroscopic techniques

Source: UCC
Spectroscopic study of UV transparency of some materials

Elevated exposure to Ultra-Violet Radiation (UVR) from the sun has led to adverse effects on human skin and foods, and therefore, the need for materials that offer resistance to Ultra-Violet (UV) penetration for protection. Some building window and non-window-materials, car-glasses, Linear Low Density Polyethylene (LLDPE) and Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) rubber and plastic materials have been investigated to determine their transparencies and suitability for use as shields against UVR. These were studied by directly measuring scattered solar radiation through the optical window of a spectrometer and then measuring the scattered light when the window was completely covered with the material to be examined. Wavelengths of light that were not absorbed when sunlight was incident on the samples and the transmitted intensity of sunlight at each wavelength through each sample as compared to the transmitted intensity through air were determined in the UVB and UVA spectral regions. The results showed that the building window-glasses were opaque to UVB but transparent to UVA while the non-window-glasses exhibited transparency in the UVB and UVA spectral regions. The car-glass (laminated), used as windscreen, was opaque to UVB and UVA while the side-glass (non-laminated) was opaque to UVB but transparent to UVA. Perspex, sometimes used as an alternative to windscreen and side-glass in cars, exhibited transparency in UVB and UVA spectral regions. The LLDPE materials used for food storage were transparent to UVB and UVA while the PET plastic materials used for water, fruit juice and beverage storage was opaque to UVB but transparent to UVA

Source: UCC
Spectrum and Clinical Characteristics of Renal Diseases in Ghanaian Adults: A 13-Year Retrospective Study

Background. Renal diseases over the years have become one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. In this study, we assessed the spectrum and clinical characteristics of Ghanaians with renal diseases at the nephrology unit of Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH), Kumasi. Methods. This was a retrospective hospital-based study conducted at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) from the years 2005 to 2017. A non-randomized sampling approach was used to include 1426 participants who were diagnosed with AKI, CKD, ESRD, and nephrotic syndrome at the nephrology unit of KATH during the years under review. All the 1426 patients were eligible for the study. Demographic characteristics as well as clinical data such as the kind of renal disease presentation, causes of the renal disease, and the treatment options were also obtained from their records. Results. Overall, 1009 of the total participants had CKD (70.76%), 295 participants had ESRD (20.69%), 72 participants had AKI (5.05%), and 50 participants had nephrotic syndrome (3.51%). Furthermore, 69 (23.4%) participants with ESRD were on dialysis whiles 6 (8.3) and 17 (1.7) participants with only AKI and CKD superimposed AKI, respectively, were on dialysis. 226 (76.6%) participants with ESRD were on conservative therapy. Hypertension emerged as the major cause of renal disease presentation (53.93%) with bilateral leg edema (13.46%) being the major complaint. There was a signiﬁcant association between CKD and age (p ≤ 0.001). Nephrotic syndrome also showed a signiﬁcant association with age (p ≤ 0.001). Conclusion. This study revealed that patients at the nephrology unit of KATH, Ghana, are mainly adults between ages 46–55. The clinical pattern of renal diseases is dominated by CKD and ESRD. We conclude that hypertension, chronic glomerulonephritis, diabetic nephropathy, and sepsis are the most common causes of renal diseases. The commonest clinical presentations are bilateral leg edema, palpitations, headache, breathlessness, dizziness, and vomiting. Early diagnosis and management of these conditions may prevent or delay the progress to end-stage renal disease.

Source: UCC
Spelling errors among junior high school students in the Cape Coast Metropolis

In recent years, the standard of English has been criticised as being low. The Chief Examiner’s Report on the 2001 – 2010 Basic Education Certificate Examination (B.E.C.E.) singled out poor spelling as a major cause of the poor performance by candidates during examination. This paper therefore investigates spelling errors among Junior High School (JHS) students in some selected schools in the Cape Coast Metropolis in the Central Region of Ghana. It also finds out if the type of school (social classification) has any influence on the performance of students and, to establish the correlation between gender and performance in English Language (L2). The study employed both qualitative and quantitative approach. The data for the study were obtained using some test tools, questionnaire, and interviews. In all, 60 participants made up of 30 males and 30 females were used for the study. The result identified six error types – omission, addition, substitution, inversion, pronunciation and miscellaneous out of which omission errors were committed most. It also revealed that, even though students in both private and public schools have difficulties in learning the L2, students in the private school show some level of mastery in spelling ability than their counterparts in the public schools. The result also indicates that boys perform better than their female counterparts when it comes to spellings. These findings have some pedagogical implications for people who are interested in language studies

Source: UCC
Spices and Condiments in Ghana: Their Utilization in Comminuted Meat Products

Local spices were collected from seven major markets across Ghana, compiled and identified by their Scientific, Common and Local names, properties, part used and area found. Seven fresh pork sausages prepared using differing compositions of these spices were sensorily evaluated in a pre-trial and four selected and further evaluated in triplicate to determine their acceptability. A 10 member panel assessed the external appearance of uncooked products, internal colour, aroma, taste and the overall acceptability of cooked products. The data was analysed as a completely randomized block design using the nonparametric analysis as employed in Friedman‟s method and Wilcoxon‟s signed rank test. A total of fourteen local spices were collected. A 1.52% level of inclusion of the different composite spice mixes in the products was acceptable. The prekese based product was significantly judged the most acceptable (P=.05) while the dawadawa based product the least acceptable. In conclusion, preparing Ready to use composite-spice mixes from local spices to promote comminuted meat processing among meat handlers is feasible but must be done safely in order to keep the health value of the meat products.

Source: UCC
Spirituality, Social Support and Quality of Life of Persons Living With Hiv/Aids

HIV is a virus that attacks white blood cells, weakening the immune system, and leading to the development of AIDS. It affects the poor, rich, uneducated and educated in both underdeveloped and developed countries, with higher rates in third-world countries like Ghana. The purpose of the study was to examine the spirituality, social support and quality of life of HIV/AIDS patients at the Cape Coast Teaching Hospital. A descriptive quantitative research design was used in the study. Using the convenience sampling technique, a sample size of 196 from the accessible population of 3,000 persons living with HIV/AIDS and receiving treatment at the Cape Coast Teaching Hospital was utilized. Participants answered a 50-item questionnaire that measured quality of life, social support and spirituality. The study found that people living with HIV/AIDS in Cape Coast Metropolis have a good quality of life, social support, and spirituality. Also, social support was a significant predictor of quality of life and its dimensions. Again, spirituality was a significant predictor of all the dimensions of quality of life and indirect influence on social support. The study recommends that the Ministry of Information, the Ghana Health Service, the Media, and NGOs should develop appropriate information, education, and communication materials to raise public awareness of the disease and educate the public about social isolation and stigma associated with HIV/AIDS.

Source: UCC
Splashability Models of Some Tropical Soils

Falling raindrops are the major agents responsible for initiating soil erosion. They cause soil detachment from its original position. The collision between dry soil particles and raindrop is essentially a modelled collision between two elastic bodies. Water, of course, has a high volumetric surface tension. It is precisely this tension which forces the falling drop of water to take on ·a spherical shape which offers strong resistance to deformation. Water from a raindrop acts both as an energy source and wetting agent. The energy is transmitted to the aggregate or soil clod. The detached particles are transported by two mechanisms; displacement caused by physical impact and particle entrainment caused by overland flow. Rain splash has now been recognized as an important erosion agent. Rain splash erosion information from aggregated tropical soils is under-represented in literature. The splashability of twelve different soils from the Cape Coast area was investigated The soils are associated with a variety of vegetation types under different cultivated crops and different parent materials. Undisturbed core samples of the soils were taken carefully using deep steel cylinders. Using artificial rainfall characteristics and soil properties as input we simulated raindrop-induced soil splash rates for these soils. Five of the soil samples used in the study were classified as sandy clay loam, four as sandy loam and the remaining three samples, as sandy clay, loamy sand and clay respectively. The total elemental analysis indicated that the major element in the soils was iron. A linear plot was used to establish a relationship between soil splashed and rainfall intensity. The relationship was observed to be approximately linear with highly significant correlation. Aggregate stability and organic content did not correlate with soil splashed, implying that these indices are not reliable for assessing the splashability of the soils in this area. Mechanical ratio, iron content, and kinetic energy of rainfall strongly correlated with soil splashed. The main physical aspects of soil splash caused by raindrops were modelled. Two physically based models were proposed. The models required input parameter of soil detachment due to the action and interaction of raindrop. The models relate the splashability of soils to specific hydraulic and mechanical properties of the initially undisturbed soil as well as the physical characteristics of the rainfall applied, under given initial and boundary conditions defining the flow system. The dynamics of the splashability of the soil at the surface are found to be related to the following variables: the rainfall intensity, maximal drop diameter, initial shear strength and water content. The results show that the proposed models address the main factors affecting soil splashability. It also shows that incorporating intensity effect and kinetic energy of rainfall into the basic soil erosion model can represent raindrop-induced soil detachment processes.

Source: UCC