ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Efficiency differential in rice production technologies in Ghana: a comparison between stochastic and bias-corrected metafrontier approaches

Productivity in rain-fed and irrigated rice farming ecosystems are very important for Ghana’s self-sufficiency in rice. This paper, therefore, provides a synthesis of the irrigated and rain-fed rice farming ecosystems in Ghana using recent advances in the production economics literature. Specifically, the technical efficiency differential in the irrigated and rain-fed rice farming ecosystems are estimated using stochastic and bias-corrected data envelopment metafrontier methods. Technical efficiency drivers of the individual rice farming ecosystems are also examined. Using a sample of 381 for the modelling, the estimated results showed that farms under the irrigated rice farming ecosystem are more technically efficient (71%) compared to those under the rain-fed rice farming ecosystem (59%). However, overall technical efficiency falls short of about 36%, suggesting a substantial level of inefficiency in both rice farming ecosystems. In addition, the results revealed male farmers are more technically efficient compared to female farmers. Also, membership of farming associations has efficiency reducing effect. The study proposes that to improve rice productivity, resources should be invested in improving the managerial skills of farmers operating under the two rice farming ecosystems and in infrastructural development

Source: UCC
Efficiency of Inputs use in Cocoa Production in Twifo Hemang Lower Denkyira area of the Central Region of Ghana

The most important cash crop in the agricultural production in Ghana remains cocoa due to its huge contributions to GDP, foreign exchange earnings, employment creation, poverty alleviation through the income generation etc. However, the continual expansion of land for crop production with low outputs and its concomitant low income is worrying and threatens the future sustainability of the sub-sector. The relevant issue is the efficiency with which the various inputs are combined in the production process to yield output. The study empirically examined the efficiency of inputs use in Twifo Hemang Lower Denkyira area of Central region of Ghana using farm level cross-sectional data. Results presented were based on data collected from a three-stage sampling of 400 cocoa farmers in twenty (20) communities using standardized structured interview guide. The productivity and technical and cost efficiency of inputs in cocoa production were estimated through stochastic frontier production function analysis. The empirical result of summation of the partial elasticities exhibited positive increasing returns to scale for the inputs use in cocoa production in the area. All the inputs included in the study had significant effect on output and cost of cocoa production. The findings show that technical efficiency of inputs use is low in cocoa production but cost efficiency was fairly high. Hybrid varieties, level of education and age of tree, Farmer-based organization and extension contacts were found to be the main determinants of technical and cost efficiency. Among other things, review of the extension services in the study area was recommended.

Source: UCC
Efficiency of Public Spending on Human Capital, Public Debt and Income Inequality in Selected African Countries

The study assessed the effect of public spending efficiency on human capital, public debt, and income inequality in Africa. Specifically, the study computed technical efficiency scores for public spending on education and health and examined its effect on public debt and income inequality. Data Envelopment Analysis and DEA Bootstrapping models were used to investigate the relative technical efficiencies and their correlates in Africa. System GMM was used to examine the relationship between public spending, public debt, and income inequality while Lind and Mehlum U-shaped test approach was used to determine the turning points. The data was sourced from the World Bank’s World Development Indicators, World Governance Indicators, and Standardized World Income Inequality database from 2006 to 2017 for African countries. The study found public spending on health and education to be inefficient. The countries (DMUs) were found to be more efficient in health spending than in education spending. Factors such as government expenditure, economic growth, urbanization, trade openness, and institutional quality were found to influence efficiency of public spending on human capital. Institutional quality of at least 50% increases efficiency of public spending on education. Efficiency of public spending on health of at least 70.62% was found to reduce public debt while efficiency of public spending on education of at least 77.1% and 77.4% were found to reduce public debt and income inequality respectively. The study recommends that governments should ensure high levels of efficiency of public spending on human capital to reduce public debt and income inequality by ensuring institutional quality, trade openness, and growth in urbanization.

Source: UCC
Efficient In Vitro Refolding and Characterization of Major Histocompati- bility Complex Class I-Related Chain Molecules A (MICA) and Natural Killer Group 2 Member D (NKG2D) Expressed in E. coli

Major Histocompatibility Complex class I-related chain molecules A (MICA) and receptor Natural killer group 2 member D (NKG2D) are important mem- brane proteins with immunosurveillance properties which could serve as therapeutic targets for immunotherapy. However, expression of MICA and NKG2D in E coli often leads to the formation of inclusion bodies. Here, we present simple, inexpensive and convenient protocol for the solubilization and refolding of inclusion bodies of MICA and NKG2D expressed in E coli. The inclusion bodies were firstly dissolved in strong chaotropic reagent (8M urea) and subsequently purified by immobilized-metal affinity column. The denatured MICA/NKG2D was refolded by gradually removing both denaturant (8M urea) and imidazole via dialysis in dialysis buffer of pH 7.4. The appropriate pH of the di- alysis buffer was selected based on the theoretical isoelectric points of MICA and NKG2D which were 5.0 and 5.2 respec- tively. The folded MICA and NKG2D demonstrated the capacity to bind to recombinant NKG2D and MICA respectively by ELISA, Western blot and Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) assays. Additionally, the folded MICA and NKG2D demonstrated significant binding to NKG2D-positive Human leukemic cell line U937 and MICA-positive Human pancre- atic carcinoma, epithelial-like cell line (PANC-1) respectively, suggesting successful refolding. Successful refolding was further confirmed by Circular Dichroism spectroscopy (CD). We have successfully dissolved, refolded and characterized inclusion bodies of MICA/NKG2D expressed in E. coli using simple, inexpensive and convenient protocol which can be carried out in laboratories under-resourced.

Source: UCC
Efficient In Vitro Refolding and Characterization of Major Histocompatibility Complex Class I-Related Chain Molecules A (MICA) and Natural Killer Group 2 Member D (NKG2D) Expressed in E. coli

Major Histocompatibility Complex class I-related chain molecules A (MICA) and receptor Natural killer group 2 member D (NKG2D) are important membrane proteins with immunosurveillance properties which could serve as therapeutic targets for immunotherapy. However, expression of MICA and NKG2D in E coli often leads to the formation of inclusion bodies. Here, we present simple, inexpensive and convenient protocol for the solubilization and refolding of inclusion bodies of MICA and NKG2D expressed in E coli. The inclusion bodies were firstly dissolved in strong chaotropic reagent (8M urea) and subsequently purified by immobilized-metal affinity column. The denatured MICA/NKG2D was refolded by gradually removing both denaturant (8M urea) and imidazole via dialysis in dialysis buffer of pH 7.4. The appropriate pH of the dialysis buffer was selected based on the theoretical isoelectric points of MICA and NKG2D which were 5.0 and 5.2 respectively. The folded MICA and NKG2D demonstrated the capacity to bind to recombinant NKG2D and MICA respectively by ELISA, Western blot and Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) assays. Additionally, the folded MICA and NKG2D demonstrated significant binding to NKG2D-positive Human leukemic cell line U937 and MICA-positive Human pancreatic carcinoma, epithelial-like cell line (PANC-1) respectively, suggesting successful refolding. Successful refolding was further confirmed by Circular Dichroism spectroscopy (CD). We have successfully dissolved, refolded and characterized inclusion bodies of MICA/NKG2D expressed in E. coli using simple, inexpensive and convenient protocol which can be carried out in laboratories under-resourced.

Source: UCC
The efforts to combat money laundering in Ghana: An evaluation of the role of the financial intelligence centre

In recent years, the twin threats of money laundering and terrorism financing (ML/TF) have attained alarming dimensions, putting the global financial system at risk. The above situation is further exacerbated by poor money laundering detection rates. Even though 91.1 percent of people who commit the crime of money laundering are sent to prison, 90 percent of money laundering crimes are never discovered. An evaluation of the role of the Financial Intelligence Centre is essential in that regard. The study, thus, sought to evaluate the role of the Financial Intelligence Centre in Ghana in combating money laundering. The study adopted a qualitative research approach. Seventeen key respondents were purposively sampled from across law enforcement institutions, reporting institutions and regulatory institutions in Ghana. The results of the study revealed that the current sources of money laundering in Ghana were found to be fraud, public sector-based money laundering, criminal activity-based money laundering, legitimate business-based money laundering, bank-based money laundering, and unconventionality-based money laundering. Arguably, these classifications represent a paradigm shift in how money laundering is conceptualized in many jurisdictions. The findings also showed that the full functioning of FIC is primarily affected by information – that is, appropriate and timely – public education, employee empowerment, and politics. Confiscation of property or funds was found to be the most common way law enforcement agencies punished ML perpetrators, in fulfilment of sections 7 and 8 of Act 1044, (2020). This seems to suggest that confiscation of funds or property may be the primary way ML perpetrators are punished or the most effective way, although there are other forms of punishment. Since money laundering perpetrators appear to fear confiscation of funds or properties because of the ability of this form of punishment to restrict organized criminal organizations, disrupt them, or impede the flow of funds derived from illicit activity, it is strongly advised that law enforcement agencies “double down” on this form of punishment.

Source: UCC
Efﬁcacy of Artemether-Lumefantrine on various Plasmodium falciparum Kelch 13 and Pfmdr1 genes isolated in Ghana

Introduction: Artemether-Lumefantrine (A-L) remains the drug of choice for the treatment of uncomplicated malaria in Ghana. However, the pharmaco-activity of A-L has not been assessed on various Plasmodium falciparum Kelch 13 and Pfmdr1 genes. Therefore, this study sought to determine the therapeutic efﬁcacy of A-L on P. falciparum parasites isolated from Ghana. Methods: The clinical study was done in Ga West Municipality, Ghana, where 78 uncompli- cated malaria patients were recruited with prior consent. The patients were treated orally with A-L according to national treatment guidelines. Baseline parasitaemia was determined be- fore treatment and 8-hourly parasitaemia posttreatment were determined till initial clearance of parasitaemia and at days 7, 14, 21, and 28. Kelch 13 and Pfmdr1 genes were genotyped by sequencing using baseline samples. Parasite clearance characteristics were determined using Parasite Clearance Estimator beta 0.9 application. Results: Five Kelch 13 (F446I, S466N, R539I, A578S, and A676S) and three Pfmdr1 mutations (N86Y, Y184F and D1246Y) were identiﬁed in 78 infected samples. About 8% of the samples contained two Pfmdr1 double mutations (N86Y & D1246Y and Y184F & N86Y). Additionally, three samples (3.8%) were found to contain both Kelch 13 mutations and Pfmdr1 wild type genes. In all patients, parasitaemia persisted within the ﬁrst 24 h of A-L therapy. However, at hour 40, only two patients were parasitaemic while all patients were aparasitaemic at hour 48. The genotypic proﬁles of the two persistent parasites at hour 40 were F446I and D1246Y, and R539I, Y184F, and N86Y. The slope half-life of the former was 6.4 h while the latter was 6.9 h and their respective PCT99 were 47.9 h and 49.2 h as well as a clearance rate constants of 0.109 and 0.092 respectively. Conclusion: This study reports the effectiveness of A-L on various P. falciparum mutant alleles. However, continuous surveillance of Kelch 13 mutations and Pfmdr1 gene in Ghana and regular assessment of the therapeutic efﬁcacy of A-L and other artemisinin derivatives is recommended

Source: UCC
Efﬁcacy of Artemether-Lumefantrine on various Plasmodium falciparum Kelch 13 and Pfmdr1 genes isolated in Ghana

Introduction: Artemether-Lumefantrine (A-L) remains the drug of choice for the treatment of uncomplicated malaria in Ghana. However, the pharmaco-activity of A-L has not been assessed on various Plasmodium falciparum Kelch 13 and Pfmdr1 genes. Therefore, this study sought to determine the therapeutic efﬁcacy of A-L on P. falciparum parasites isolated from Ghana. Methods: The clinical study was done in Ga West Municipality, Ghana, where 78 uncompli- cated malaria patients were recruited with prior consent. The patients were treated orally with A-L according to national treatment guidelines. Baseline parasitaemia was determined be- fore treatment and 8-hourly parasitaemia posttreatment were determined till initial clearance of parasitaemia and at days 7, 14, 21, and 28. Kelch 13 and Pfmdr1 genes were genotyped by sequencing using baseline samples. Parasite clearance characteristics were determined using Parasite Clearance Estimator beta 0.9 application. Results: Five Kelch 13 (F446I, S466N, R539I, A578S, and A676S) and three Pfmdr1 mutations (N86Y, Y184F and D1246Y) were identiﬁed in 78 infected samples. About 8% of the samples contained two Pfmdr1 double mutations (N86Y & D1246Y and Y184F & N86Y). Additionally, three samples (3.8%) were found to contain both Kelch 13 mutations and Pfmdr1 wild type genes. In all patients, parasitaemia persisted within the ﬁrst 24 h of A-L therapy. However, at hour 40, only two patients were parasitaemic while all patients were aparasitaemic at hour 48. The genotypic proﬁles of the two persistent parasites at hour 40 were F446I and D1246Y, and R539I, Y184F, and N86Y. The slope half-life of the former was 6.4 h while the latter was 6.9 h and their respective PCT99 were 47.9 h and 49.2 h as well as a clearance rate constants of 0.109 and 0.092 respectively. Conclusion: This study reports the effectiveness of A-L on various P. falciparum mutant alleles. However, continuous surveillance of Kelch 13 mutations and Pfmdr1 gene in Ghana and regular assessment of the therapeutic efﬁcacy of A-L and other artemisinin derivatives is recommended.

Source: UCC
Egg production performances of a breed and three crossbreeds under semi-scavenging system of management

Data were collected from 54 selected farms of key rearers in Badalgachi thana in the Naogaon district in Bangladesh to investigate egg production performance of a breed and three crossbreeds. The Rhode Island Red (RIR) x Fayoumi attained late sexual maturity (222 d). However, during a period up to 46 weeks of age they produced the highest number of eggs (41.6 eggs per hen day and 31.2 eggs per hen housed) with the highest rate of lay of the largest size (44.4 g) and the thickest shell (0.333 mm) with the highest albumen height, yolk height and yolk colour fan score (8.2 mm, 18.9 mm, 9.8), respectively. The others were the pure-bred Fayoumi and the two crosses Naked Neck × Fayoumi and Naked Neck × RIR. Feed supplement of ranged from 15 to 45 g per hen/day. Birds receiving the highest level had the highest rate of lay (39.6%) with the largest egg size (42.2 g). Supplementary feed levels did not influence age at sexual maturity, body weight, or any egg quality traits. Locations did not have an effect on age at sexual maturity and egg production. Breeds, supplementary levels of feed, and locations did not affect mortality. However, mortality due to predators was significantly higher in RIR x Fayoumi

Source: UCC
Eigenvalues of Sum of Hermitian Matrices

The research deals with a systematic provision of mathematical algorithms to solve eigenvalue inequalities bounding the sum of eigenvalues of Hermitian matrices. We study the problem of defining the set of eigenvalues of sum of Hermitian matrices and then investigate the relationship existing between the eigenvalues of ni × nj Hermitian matrices A and B to the eigenvalues of their summand H = A + B. The recent solution appears to deal with the situation of eigenvalue inequalities where r = n − 2. We modified a number of numerical methods to formulate inequalities connecting sum of r eigenvalues for H in relation to sum of r eigenvalues for both A and B depending on the parameters for r < n where r = n − 1, n − 3. Lastly, the research showed the solution of possible eigenvalues of sum of Hermitian matrices of size Hn r for n ≤ 12. Other gaping issues were also specified

Source: UCC
eLEARNING PERCEIVED USEFULNESS, SELF-EFFICACY AND ATTITUDE OF DISTANCE LEARNERS AND E-LEARNING UPTAKE AT THE COLLEGE OF DISTANCE EDUCATION, UNIVERSITY OF CAPE COAST

This study has been reported on the extent to which Distance Learners are ready to take up the deployment of eLearning as an alternative mode to the fortnightly face to face sessions organized at the various study centres across the Country, Ghana. Specifically, this study sought to predict the rate of eLearning utilization taking into consideration determinants such as eLearning perceived usefulness, self-efficacy, and attitude of Distance Learners. The theory guiding this study was the Theory of Reasoned Action (TRA). According to Fishbein and Ajzen (1980), people behave in a certain direction, if they perceived that the outcome of the antecedent behavior will be beneficial to them. In this context, this study hypothesized that UCC Distance students will tend to use eLearning if they perceived usage to be beneficial to them. Three sets of questionnaires, with Cronbath’s Alpha reliability coefficients above 0.70, were used to collect data. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) was used to analyze the data collected from 472 distance students of the University of Cape Coast. Regression and one way anova statistical tools were used to test the hypotheses. The results of the study indicated that there are regional differences shown by UCC distance students in relation to how they perceived the usefulness of eLearning, their self-efficacy and attitude towards eLearning. This study also revealed that the University of Cape Coast, distance students’ use of eLearning is not dependent on how they perceived eLearning to be useful. Again the study found that distance students’ use of eLearning cannot be predicted by their attitude towards eLearning. Rather, Distance learners’ perceived eLearning self-efficacy is a major predictor of eLearning usage at the College of Distance Education, university of Cape Coast. This study, therefore recommends that ICT- based training programmers should be periodically organized for the distance students, which should take cognizance of the regional differences established by this study.

Source: UCC
Elections burdens and outcomes in Sub-Saharan Africa

The study examines the burdens and outcomes that elections impose on Sub Saharan African (SSA) countries. Conspicuously missing in the literature is the extent to which the level of development and literacy moderate the effect of election on government expenditure; and complexity of ballot paper and marginality on the proportion of invalid vote in SSA. Using macrodata from the World Bank and other sources, the study employed the System Generalised Method of Moment (GMM), Fixed Effect, Random Effect, and Hausman-Taylor (HT) models to test the hypotheses. We find statistical evidence to support the claim that level of development and literacy moderate the effect of election on government expenditure; and complexity of ballot paper and marginality on rejected ballots. The study recommends that governments of SSA countries must initiate policies that ensure strong fiscal discipline during electoral and non-electoral years. In addition, governments, candidates, political parties and other civil society organisations must intensify civic education to reduce the rate of rejected ballots in SSA

Source: UCC
Electrical water bath stunning for Halal poultry meat production: animal welfare issues and compatibility with the Halal rules

The use of electrical water bath stunning for the ‘humane’ slaughter of poultry has drawn criticism from some animal welfare research scientists and animal welfare organizations throughout the world. During water bath stunning, birds are shackled and inverted prior to entry into an electrified water bath, current is passed from the head, through the body and legs to earth via stainless steel shackles. From a Halal perspective, the rules stipulate that the welfare of animals is protected at all times and that animals must be alive (not conscious) at the point of neck-cutting. Some Muslim authorities have therefore questioned the suitability of water bath stunning for Halal meat production due to its negative impact on animal welfare and the possibility of some birds dying prior to exsanguination. This paper examines possible welfare compromises during water bath stunning and how these may affect compatibility with the rules of Halal meat production

Source: UCC
Electricity consumption and economic growth in Ghana

The study examined the relationship between electricity consumption and economic growth in Ghana using annual data for the period 1971 to 2010 by employing autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) approach to cointegration. The study found a cointegrating relationship among the variables when real GDP was used as the dependent variable and no cointegrating relationship among the variables when electricity consumption was used as the dependent variable. The bounds test results revealed that electricity consumption exerted a positive and statistically significant effect on economic growth both in the short-run and long-run suggesting that higher electricity consumption is crucial to economic growth in Ghana. Further, financial development, labour force and capital stocks exerted a positive and statistically significant impact on economic growth both in the short-run and long-run signifying that capital, labour force and financial development are critical in enhancing sustained economic growth and development in Ghana while inflation revealed a negative effect on economic growth as expected and that it is recommended that government consider creating and maintaining macroeconomic stability necessary for energy development and competition while encouraging the stakeholders in the electricity sector to enhance technological and human resource development. The Granger causality test result also revealed a unidirectional causality running from economic growth to electricity consumption indicating that electricity conservation policies are viable options for Ghana since this will not retard growth in the economy.

Source: UCC