ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
The physical and mechanical properties of plantation grown teak in difference ages from Kakum in Central Region of Ghana

The increasing demand for timber in Ghana has placed much pressure on some of the species whose technical information is known. The incumbent trend of deforestation has posed a threat on sustainability of the country’s timber resource in the near future if adequate measures are not put in place to curb the problem. To this effort many exotic species have been introduced into the country and raised in plantation both on and off reserves to supplement the timber in the natural forest. Among these exotic species is the Tectona grandis (Teak). Despite the establishment of these hardwood species in plantation, wood users do not have adequate information which will encourage the maximum utilization of the species. The study was undertaken to evaluate the physical and mechanical properties of Teak wood at ages 10, 15, and 20-years grown in Jukwa in Hemang Lower Dankyira District. Six trees were selected from the plantation for the study. These trees were cut into three height portion (butt, middle and top) and wood samples selected for the test. Eighteen pieces of Teakwood were taken for the sample. Six pieces each for 10, 15 and 20 year-old teakwood. Twelve samples each were taken along the radial direction of the stem (heartwood and sapwood). The heartwood and sapwood were clearly sawn from the Teakwood. The sapwood samples were taken from 3 cm from the bark of the trees whereas the heartwood samples were taken from the range of 5 cm to the pith of each portion of the woods. The findings show that, maximum compressive strength, hardness and shear strength of the teak wood were found to increase with age of species. Teak wood at age 10 and 15 did not show any significant differences with respect to air dry density. On average, MoR of 20 years old Teak wood was 106 N/mm2, which was about 33% and 38% higher in the 20- year-old Teak wood than the 15 and 10 year old respectively. Modulus of elasticity (MoE) was 9% and 32% higher in 20 year than in the 15 and 10-year-old teak wood respectively. Relationship between teakwood properties and age of tree was not apparent. This suggests that other factors may influence the wood properties of teak tree. In general wood properties of 10 and 15-year- old Teak were not inferior to ones from 20-year-old Teak.

Source: UEW
Physical insecurity of journalists and the issue of impunity in Ghana a case study of multimedia group limited

Evidence submits that journalists and other media workers are faced with threats and brutalities due to the nature of their job. The problem is recurring due to the impunity of crimes against journalists. This study seeks to ascertain whether this assertion is true in the Ghanaian context using Multimedia Group Ltd as a case study. The study aimed at investigating the types of acts of physical insecurity journalists at Multimedia often experience, the perpetrators of the acts, support systems available to them when they experience acts of physical insecurity and their perspectives on impunity. Through interviews, data is gathered from five purposively selected journalists from Multimedia and thematically analysed. The study revealed that journalists of the Multimedia Group Limited have been threatened, or physically assaulted and verbally abused and the perpetrators are hardly apprehended. In instances where are apprehended, such perpetrators are hardly prosecuted. Those in the security apparatus, mobs, political and government officials are the main culprits of attacks and threats journalists. It was also revealed that the Multimedia Group Limited provides some support for staff who are attacked It is suggested that journalists should work in pairs and be given security training to access threats and be cautious when working. The study concludes that journalists should be trained in crisis management, assessment and reporting. Finally, journalists should also be given social protection packages from their employers to cushion them when they come under attack.

Source: UEW
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF PALMYRA PALM WOOD FOR SUSTAINABLE UTILIZATION AS A STRUCTURAL MATERIAL

Physical properties are major characteristics that validate biomaterials� adaptability to commercial utilization. The moisture content, density, swelling, and shrinkage within male and female Borassus aethiopumwere assessed. Green and dry moisture content, and density were tested with the oven-dry method whileswelling and shrinkage were evaluated using the water-saturation test and oven-dry methods respectively.Unlike moisture content, density decreased towards the crowns and radially from the peripheries to their cores.Directional swelling decreased as: Radial > Tangential > Longitudinal. Volumetric swelling was greatest atthe core of the base (6,99 %) but at least at the periphery within the middle of the male (2,89 %). However,the female recorded much swelling at the core of its mid-portion (6,23 %) and least (4,01 %) at the crownperiphery. Directional shrinkage decreased identically as the male variety while the volumetric shrinkage forboth varieties was not consistent. The peripheries had less moisture content, better dimensional stability anddensity (which influences wood strength) at the butt than those of the core indicating the peripheries wouldmaintain its original dimension and strength when subjected to environmental changes and be more viable forstructural works than the core � 2022, Maderas: Ciencia y Tecnologia. All Rights Reserved.

Source: UEW
Physical, mechanical and durability properties of particleboard produced from ceiba pentandra sawdust and corn cob particles using cassava starch or urea formaldehyde adhesive as separate binder

In Ghana, large quantities of wood and agricultural waste are left unutilized with its attendant negative environmental issues. Producing particle board from such waste would contribute to minimizing deforestation and positively impact the environment. This study therefore compared the properties of particleboard produced from Ceiba pentandra (CP) sawdust and corn cob (CC) particles using cassava starch or urea formaldehyde as separate binder. The study used a completely randomised experimental design. Three layer medium density particleboard was produced with CP and CC mix proportions of 90:10, 70:30 and 50:50 percent (by weight) respectively. 4500g of particles, 600g of binder and 225g of water were mixed and blended together manually. The mixtures were pressed at 160oC and 32kg/cm2 for 30minutes. Particleboard produced was tested using ASTM D. 1037-72 (1975) and EN 252 (1990) standards. Results showed that the density of the particleboard produced range from 0.6290g/cm3 – 0.8223g/cm3 at 11.4% - 17% moisture content. The mean thickness swelling range from 6.66% - 10.00% whiles water absorption range from 40.13% - 53.74%. However, the highest modulus of elasticity (MOE) of 2182.3N/mm2 and modulus of rapture (MOR) of 12.58N/mm2 were obtained from particleboard made from 90% CP and 10% CC with cassava starch binder. The results further indicated that mix ratio, binder as well as their interaction significantly influenced density, thickness swelling, water absorption, moisture content and MOR. Particleboard made from 90% CP and 10% CC with cassava starch binder gave the best properties and thus recommended for the production of medium density particleboard.

Source: UEW
Physical, mechanical and durability properties of soil building blocks reinforced with natural fibres

This study investigates the properties of soil blocks stabilised with fibres from agricultural waste. Laboratory experiments including density, water absorption, shrinkage, compressive strength, tensile strength, wearing and erosion were conducted on soil blocks made with two soil types and enhanced with three fibre types at 0.25-1 wt.%. It was found that the physical, mechanical and durability properties of the blocks were generally improved and a recommendation of 0.5 wt.% fibre content and high clayey soil are made. Many assumptions about relationships between properties established for binder stabilised blocks are found to be inappropriate for fibre reinforced blocks. � 2015 Elsevier Ltd.

Source: UEW
Physico-chemical assessment of mosquito breeding sites from selected mining communities at the Obuasi Municipality in Ghana.

A survey was conducted in the Obuasi Municipality in Ghana to assess the impact of some physic-chemicals in waters of mosquito breeding sites from 15 randomly selected communities. The water samples, collected fortnightly for eight months, were analyzed using spectrophotometry and other standard laboratory protocols at the AngloGold Ashanti Environmental Quality Assurance Laboratory for temperature, total suspended solids, total dissolved solids, dissolved oxygen, electrical conductivity and pH. The physico-chemical parameters which ranged from 17.03 ± 0.18⁰C - 24.06 ± 0.18⁰C (temperature), 17.03 ± 4.04mg/L - 96.67 ± 4.04mg/L (TSS), 1.09±3.23mg/L - 35.67±3.23mg/L (TDS), 3.97 ± 0.13mg/L - 7.43 ± 0.13mg/L (DO), 17.00 ± 1.30µScm-3 - 83.00 ± 1.30 µScm-3 (EC) and 7.77 ± 0.0 - 10.70 ± 0.01 (pH) were much lower relative to the EPA Maximum Permissible Limits. It is apparent that under rising temperature conditions of climate change, the mosquito’s habitat may be highly favoured for adaptation and prolific breeding in the tropics and this further creates the opportunity for research partners to get actively involved in finding integrated control measures to counteract the life cycle of the pest. Keywords:A survey was conducted in the Obuasi Municipality in Ghana to assess the impact of some physic-chemicals in waters of mosquito breeding sites from 15 randomly selected communities. The water samples, collected fortnightly for eight months, were analyzed using spectrophotometry and other standard laboratory protocols at the AngloGold Ashanti Environmental Quality Assurance Laboratory for temperature, total suspended solids, total dissolved solids, dissolved oxygen, electrical conductivity and pH. The physico-chemical parameters which ranged from 17.03 ± 0.18⁰C - 24.06 ± 0.18⁰C (temperature), 17.03 ± 4.04mg/L - 96.67 ± 4.04mg/L (TSS), 1.09±3.23mg/L - 35.67±3.23mg/L (TDS), 3.97 ± 0.13mg/L - 7.43 ± 0.13mg/L (DO), 17.00 ± 1.30µScm-3 - 83.00 ± 1.30 µScm-3 (EC) and 7.77 ± 0.0 - 10.70 ± 0.01 (pH) were much lower relative to the EPA Maximum Permissible Limits. It is apparent that under rising temperature conditions of climate change, the mosquito’s habitat may be highly favoured for adaptation and prolific breeding in the tropics and this further creates the opportunity for research partners to get actively involved in finding integrated control measures to counteract the life cycle of the pest. Keywords: Anglogold Ashanti, Obuasi Municipality, Physio-chemical Analysis, Mosquito Breeding Waters , Obuasi Municipality, Physio-chemical Analysis, Mosquito Breeding Waters

Source: UEW
Physico-chemical characteristics and market potential of sawdust charcoal briquette

In the absence of the widespread distribution of modern cooking fuels in developing countries, efforts are being made to utilise biomass residues which abound in most of these countries. This is intended to replace portions of firewood and charcoal and thereby reduce the cutting down of forests for fuel purposes. Briquettes from agro-residues have therefore been promoted as a better replacement to firewood and charcoals for heating, cooking and other industrial applications in both urban and rural communities. This study sought to assess the physico-chemical properties of charcoal briquettes produced in Ghana and also establish demand for and willingness of potential users to substitute charcoal and firewood with a charcoal briquette. A laboratory experiment was conducted to determine the physico-chemical characteristics of the briquettes. This was done prior to the distribution of the briquette to potential users to collaborate their views or otherwise on the handling and burning characteristics of the charcoal briquette. A survey was undertaken a week later using questionnaires to access the willingness of the potential users to use the briquettes. Sixty respondents were purposively selected from households and the hospitality industry for the survey. Results of the physico-chemical assessment of the briquettes were as follows: length (75 to 120 mm), moisture content (5.7% dry basis), density (1.1 g/cm3 ), ash content (2.6%), fixed carbon (20.7%), volatile matter (71%) and calorific value (4,820 kcal/kg). Responses from the survey indicated that the briquette is easy to ignite, has a long burning time and has good heat output. Respondents also observed that the briquettes did not give off sparks and had less smoke and ash content as compared to the regular charcoal they often used. Finally, 93% of the respondents indicated their willingness to use the briquettes if the price was comparable to charcoal. Keywords: Sawdust charcoal briquettes, Physico-chemical characteristics, Demand and potential user's acceptability

Source: UEW
Physico-chemical characteristics and market potential of sawdust charcoal briquette

In the absence of the widespread distribution of modern cooking fuels in developing countries, efforts are being made to utilise biomass residues which abound in most of these countries. This is intended to replace portions of firewood and charcoal and thereby reduce the cutting down of forests for fuel purposes. Briquettes from agro-residues have therefore been promoted as a better replacement to firewood and charcoals for heating, cooking and other industrial applications in both urban and rural communities. This study sought to assess the physico-chemical properties of charcoal briquettes produced in Ghana and also establish demand for and willingness of potential users to substitute charcoal and firewood with a charcoal briquette. A laboratory experiment was conducted to determine the physico-chemical characteristics of the briquettes. This was done prior to the distribution of the briquette to potential users to collaborate their views or otherwise on the handling and burning characteristics of the charcoal briquette. A survey was undertaken a week later using questionnaires to access the willingness of the potential users to use the briquettes. Sixty respondents were purposively selected from households and the hospitality industry for the survey. Results of the physico-chemical assessment of the briquettes were as follows: length (75 to 120 mm), moisture content (5.7% dry basis), density (1.1 g/cm3), ash content (2.6%), fixed carbon (20.7%), volatile matter (71%) and calorific value (4,820 kcal/kg). Responses from the survey indicated that the briquette is easy to ignite, has a long burning time and has good heat output. Respondents also observed that the briquettes did not give off sparks and had less smoke and ash content as compared to the regular charcoal they often used. Finally, 93% of the respondents indicated their willingness to use the briquettes if the price was comparable to charcoal. � 2012 Akowuah et al.; licensee Springer.

Source: UEW
Physico-mechanical and thermal gravimetric analysis of adobe masonry units reinforced with plantain pseudo-stem fibres for sustainable construction

This study investigated the physico-mechanical and thermal properties of plantain pseudo-stem fibre reinforced adobe masonry units. Experimental protocols with 0, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75 and 1% weight of fibres to soil were used to prepare adobe masonry unit and tested for their properties. The fibre reinforced specimens recorded 53 and 33% improvement of tensile strength and compressive strength, respectively as compared with the unreinforced specimens. It was further revealed that the fibre reinforced adobe specimen had 18.42% more thermal resistance than the unreinforced adobe specimen. The study recommends plantain pseudo-stem fibre (0.5�0.75%) for inclusion in adobe masonry units for construction application. � 2020 Elsevier Ltd

Source: UEW
Physicochemical properties and sensory evaluation of pineapple-prekese wine

The increasing interests in the search for locally produced fruits that are readily available and cheap enough for wine making is gradually gaining momentum. This quest informed the decision to develop wine from pineapple and prekese. The study aimed at examining the consumer preferences of wine produced from pineapple and prekese, physiochemical properties of pineapple prekese wine, evaluation of the variations in the ratios of prekese extract to pineapple juice on sensory acceptability of the wine. The study adopted experimental research design. The experiment was handled as a two by five (2x5) factorial design. A total of 230 research participants (200 consumers and 30 sensory evaluators) were sampled for the study. Sensory assessment was done by the use of a 5-point hedonic scale, ranging from like very much to dislike very much. Means, standard deviations, correlation, and multivariate analysis of variance were employed to analyse the data. Various ratios of pineapple and prekese compositions were subjected to fermentation processes. The average generation of alcohol in the wine following fermentation was 11.6%. The sensory evaluators preferred 50% pineapple and 50% prekese formulation (1.60±0.83) in terms of its aroma (1.47±0.64), appearance (1.47±0.52), taste (1.27±0.59), and colour (1.93±0.96). The critical lexicons generated by the evaluators were fruity, citrus, herbal, flavour, sweetness, alcohol, and dark. The evaluators scored the wine 16 on the scale. This implies that the wine produced from pineapple and prekese was rated as a standard wine. The rating of the pineapple prekese wine as a standard wine suggests that it could survive commercialisation based on its sensory attributes. The study recommended that production of pineapple prekese wine should maintain its texture, flavour, appearance, herbal nature and fruity aroma to continue to attract consumers to the wine.

Source: UEW
Physicochemical properties of pumpkin seeds grown in Ghana

The pumpkin seed oil has many health benefits and is considered as nutritional powerhouses, with a wide variety of nutrients ranging from magnesium and manganese to copper, protein, and zinc. Despite the enormous health benefits of pumpkins, they are grown on a low scale in Ghana because of lack of knowledge on its physiochemical properties, nutritional value, and market potential. Based on this, the study aimed at determining the physicochemical properties of pumpkin seed oil and to evaluate it nutritional composition. Several equipment and materials were used for this study. Some equipment and materials used for this study include; vacuum oven, stoppered conical flask, burette, retort stand. In this study free fatty acid, peroxide value, saponification value, and iodine value was determined and was then calculated (AOAC, 1990). The data obtained were processed and analyzed with the aid of the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23.0. The results were organized into simple Tables using Mean and standard deviation. The study showed that pumpkin seed had a free fatty acid value of 0.06%. The finding revealed that the acid value of pumpkin seed oil was 0.12 ± 0.00 mgKOH/g. The peroxide value of pumpkin seeds oil was 9.69± 0.12 meq o2/kg oil. Also, the saponification value of the oil was 44.19 ±0.80. The pumpkin seed oil had an iodine value was 10.62 ± 0.33 (g of I2/100g oil), which indicated a low degree of unsaturation. It was concluded that the pumpkin seed oil can be considered as a new and valuable source of edible oil according to its physicochemical properties. The study recommended that more attention and care should be taken for pumpkin cultivation to produce seeds for oil production in Ghana. Also, the ministry of health should encourage the consumption of pumpkin seed oil as frequent consumption of pumpkin seed oil can increase better nutrition and health.

Source: UEW
Physics teachers’ classroom practices and students’ perception of their teachers’ classroom practices

The purpose of the study was to investigate the activities and practices of physics teachers in terms of their pedagogical skills, assessment techniques used and students’ perception of their physics teachers’ classroom practices. The study was limited to physics teachers and students in eight (8) senior high schools in the Hohoe Municipality. Descriptive cross-sectional survey design was employed in carrying out the study. A total sample of 200 senior high school Physics students and 2 physics teachers were involved in data collection. A questionnaire consisting mainly of closed ended items, observation schedule and interview guide were used in collecting data from respondents. Data collected was analysed using simple frequencies, percentages, mean and standard deviation. It was found that, most of the physics teachers do not often respond appropriately to students’ wrong answers and misconceptions. Most physics students also raised concerns about their physics teachers’ not often linking what they teach to their daily life occurrences. However, evidence from observation indicates that physics teachers possess and exhibited sufficient knowledge on diverse pedagogical skills. Physics teachers often use interactive formative assessments such as oral question and answer technique. Also, physics teachers do not often motivate students and make them appreciate the fact that the things they learn in physics are important. Based on the findings, it was recommended that, physics teachers should carefully pay attention to and often address their students’ wrong answers and misconceptions, make learning of physics interesting by making students appreciate the importance of what they teach, often encourage students to study physics and also show interest in the overall success of their students.

Source: UEW
Phyto-constituents of two medicinal plant species used as aphrodisiacs in Ghana

Two aphrodisiac plant species; Mondia whitei and Hallea stipulosa originally called Mitragyna stipulosa were collected from Begoro in the Fanteakwa District in the Eastern Region of Ghana for the research. The dried stem-barks of the two plant species were extracted with methanol and ethanol. The extracts (crude drugs) were screened for alkaloids, steroids, tannins, coumarins and reducing sugars. With the exception of tannins, the other four compounds were positively present in the plant species. � 2009 by Mrs. Pushpa Agarwal, Managing Editor, Asian Journal of Chemistry, Sahibabad, India.

Source: UEW