ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
More Eyeworks

After the work has come to an end - often in a sudden way following long stretches of time of living with it while it comes into existence - nothing can be said. What is going to be said is left to the viewer and it often takes some time until the maker can become a viewer again. The text here is about what comes before, what goes along and what informs the making and the maker. The first chapter contains the reflections around the departure from Europe and the arrival in Africa and how past histories put their marks on the present. In the second chapter this experience is set into a wider context of ways of seeing and thinking formed on dualistic and hierarchical principles and ways of attempting to challenge such principles. The third and the fourth chapter move closer again to the experience of the writer who asks questions about the process of writing and the creative process in general and the possibilities of seeing and thinking beyond prefabricated and prescribed concepts. The fifth chapter is a description of the materials and the procedures used in the two and three dimensional work. In the same way as I make references in the text to writers and their work in the ‘Catalogue’ I make references to the work of some other artists. It is a very small selection based on sympathy and affinity and shown without any further comments; leaving it to the viewer’s eyework to find or not to find sympathies and affinities. Works by other artists are also found within the text. They are chosen because they are complementary to what is written. * * * It remains to remember and to thank all those who have contributed in many ways to make everything possible. Here in Kumasi as I have met one after the other: Atta Kwami, Pamela Clarkson, Katharina Haudenschild, Papa Essel, Kar-Kacha/E.K. Amankwah, Grandfather/K.Z. Adzraku, Betty Acquah, Oko Martey Matey, Hannah Passram, Wisdom Adzraku, Dota/Ossei Agyeman, Laadi Olivia Bawah. And there Marianne and Alfred Niklaus-Schnyder, Brigitte and Ueli Niklaus-Baer, Christine and Daniel Niklaus-Gerber, Alice Arnold, Sarah Ashabi Sawyerr, Peter A, Simpson, Isobel Bowditch, Gogo M’Boji, Myles Agili. * * * Paradoxically all the conversations, the dialogues, the monologues, the laughter’s, the tears, the dreams, the silences shared with all the people remembered above occupy only a small space here - whereas through the days, the nights, the seasons and the years their company occupied more than just a small space on a page.

Source: KNUST
Monetary policy transmission in Ghana: an empirical investigation of the interest rate channel

The study set out to examine monetary policy transmission in Ghana for the period 1970-2013, specifically considering the interest rate channel. Deposit interest, lending interest, and Treasury bill rates were the interest rate measures used in this study. Monetary policy rate was measured by the prime rate. Trend analyses conducted indicate all variables were generally fluctuating in their levels but mean reverting in their first differences. The Philip-Perron (PP) method was adopted to examine the stationarity properties of the variables used for the study. All the variables were first difference stationary and hence, integrated of order 1. The unit root results learnt support to the adoption of the Johansen Maximum Likelihood cointegration technique to investigate the existence of cointegrating relationships between the variables. The results indicated no cointegrating relationship between deposit interest rate and monetary policy rate, as well as lending interest rate and monetary policy rate. However, there was cointegrating relationship between Treasury bill rate and monetary policy rate. Based on the cointegration results, the vector autoregressive(VAR) framework was employed to analyze the short-run relationship between deposit and lending rates and monetary policy rate. The VAR results implied incomplete transmission from monetary policy rate to deposit, as well as lending interest rates. In the case of the Treasury bill rate, the vector error correction model ( VECM) as well as the fully modified ordinary least square (FMOLS) were used to measure its relationship with monetary policy rate. The long-run results showed over complete transmission while the short-run results indicated incomplete transmission.

Source: KNUST
Morphological analysis of human hair among Ashanti and Dagomba ethnic groups of Ghana

Hair is an important piece of evidence in forensic investigations. Analysis of the morphological features (medulla) of hair has been reported since the early 1800's. However, many questions still remain unanswered especially as to, how local populations could be analysed and separated from each other based on the morphology (medulla) of their hair?This investigation examined the medulla types of hair among Ashanti and Dagomba ethnic groups of Ghana by using the Comparison and Compound microscopy together with Computer imaging.Statistical analysis was performed on the data to determine the variability and relationships between the populations. Generally, 51.5% of the Ashanti population examined had no medulla while of the Dagomba 33 % have no medulla and 48.5% and 33% have at least one of the three type medulla respectively . There was no significant difference between the two ethnic groups examined with respect to hair medulla index, medulla diameter or hair shaft diameter. The closerelationship and overlap between these two populations is a limiting factor in attempting to discriminate between these two populations using their medulla morphology and should be taken into account in future investigations.

Source: KNUST
Monitoring the extent of reclamation of small scale mining areas using artificial neural networks

Small scale mining is widespread mainly in developing and underdeveloped countries. It causes environmental degradation although it is a source of livelihood for several people. Reclamation is needed to restore mined areas to an acceptable condition. Artificial neural networks (ANN) are also being used recently for soil analysis, land use/land cover analysis, etc. due to the increased availability of Landsat data. There have been studies on various aspects of small scale mining, reclamation and artificial neural networks but this research focused on using artificial neural networks to monitor reclamation activities in small scale mining areas. Data used for analysis included Landsat satellite images of study area (2007, 2011 and 2016), ground truth data and shapefile of the study area. Two ANN classification methods, Unsupervised Self – Organized Mapping (SOM) and Supervised Multilayer Perceptron (MLP), were used for the classification of the satellite images. Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) change maps and class mask maps were also generated in order to help confirm where actual change and to what extent it had occurred. Results of the study indicated disturbance and revegetation in the study area within the 9 –year period. The Barelands/mined areas class increased by 60.4% and a decrease in the vegetation class by 18.7% from 2007 to 2011. NDVI maps, NDVI change maps, class mask maps and maps showing reclaimed areas, disturbed and undisturbed areas together with statistical information obtained from the classification results, confirmed the extent to which the reclamation activities had gone. There was evidence of revegetation from 2011 to 2016 with the Barelands/Mined Area class decreasing by 51.7% and the vegetation class increasing by 3.9%. There was also an increase in the settlement class by 87.3%. The research concludes that the application of ANN be strongly encouraged for image classification and mine reclamation monitoring activities and studies in the country

Source: KNUST
Morpho-Agronomic Characterization of Newly Developed Upland Rice Germplasm (Orzya Sativa L., Orzya Glaberrima Steudel) From the Africa Rice Center and Ghana

A total of eighty-four rice accessions collected from the Africa Rice Center and Ghana were characterized and evaluated for phenotypic diversity. The phenotypic diversity among accessions was determined based on morphological and physiological traits. Thirteen quantitative and eleven qualitative characteristics were measured based on the genotypes, using the randomized complete block experimental design with three replications in a rice growing community of Nobewam (Ashanti region), Ghana. The data collections were based on the internationally acceptable standard evaluation system (ses) for rice (O.sativa, O.glaberrima). GenStat package was used to analyze quantitative parameters. A dendrogram (using the Ntsys pc) showed nitrogen regime and its relationship among 3 groups of accessions based on binary data scored on the present and absent of the morpho-agronomic characteristics. The identified accessions consisted of 49 as high and 33 low nitrogen responders belonging to different clusters. A third cluster consisted of 2 accessions suggesting their distinctiveness from the others. Correlations between quantitative traits and associated yield components were found at the least significant difference of (P < 0.05). The results revealed a strong genetic relationship between days to flowering and grain maturity character. The coefficient of variation was more than 10 % and standard deviation less than 10 % for many of the characters observed. There was wide genetic variability in the rice germplasm for days to flowering (58-83days) and grain maturity (85-105 days). Majority (60%) of the rice accessions possessed erect leaves and moderately strong sturdy culms, classified as high nitrogen responders and the rest, as low responders with droopy leaves and weak stem based on the “plant type” concept; 35% erect and 46 intermediate flag leaf angle; 67% showed awnlessness; 75% found with well exserted panicle, 55% with compact and 26% intermediate panicle types respectively. Regardless of the accessions response to Nitrogen uptake, there were significant variations in the grain yield and grain characteristics. The long grain and translucent types could be used in quality grain development. Generally, average grain yield for high nitrogen responders showed low value of 2.2 t/ha as compared to low nitrogen responders of 2.4 t/ha. In order to exploit the genetic potential and distinctiveness of the rice accessions as observed in this study, application of molecular investigations may further provide basis for these genotypes to be beneficially useful in the breeding programmes.

Source: KNUST
A Morphological and Anatomical Study of Ferns on the Campus of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi, Ghana

Ferns have aesthetic, medicinal, food and agricultural importance. Sometimes they are also used as air filters for the control of air pollution. In spite of their multipurpose use, ferns are a group of plants which are relatively less known. The ecological data of African Pteridophytes, especially ferns, still remains extremely scarce and incomplete. Identification keys for most species of ferns do not exist, thus making identification difficult. The present study was carried out to identify the different species of ferns at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) campus and to determine their habitats, diversity and relative frequency. The study involved both field and laboratory works for a period of 13 months. The species were identified using keys, pictures, figures, herbarium specimens at the KNUST, the University of Ghana, and Kew, Britain, and assistance of foreign experts. The relative frequency of the species was quantified by recording the presence or absence of the plant species in 2m x 2m randomly located quadrats in each habitat. In all eleven different fern species belonging to the following eight genera were identified: Nephrolepis, Pteris, Microsorum, Cyclosorus, Arthropteris, Thelypteris, Adian turn, and Pityrogramma. The results also showed that the family Pteridaceae had the highest number of species while the family Oleandraceae recorded the lowest number of species. Arthropteris orientalis, Thelypteris microbasis, and Nephrolepis undulata were the common species in all the habitats found at the KNUST campus. The study also showed that more of the species preferred shaded habitat. A dichotomous key was developed for easy identification of fern species.

Source: KNUST
Morphological characterisation and evaluation of local cocoyam (Xanthosoma Sagittifolium [L] Schott) germplasm for disease resistance and other traits

A local collection of sixty-six (66) accessions of cocoyam from the Plant Genetic Resource Centre (PGRC), Bunso — Ghana was morphologically characterised and evaluated for disease resistance and other traits under field and Greenhouse/laboratory conditions. The germplasm was morphologically characterised using the Descriptors for Xanthosoma from the International Plant Genetic Resource Institute (IPGRI, 1989) . The evaluation for disease resistance or tolerance was done under two contrasting field environments (in terms of soil moisture regimes). The accessions were artificially inoculated with pathogens of the Cocoyam root rot blight complex diseases. The properties of the accessions were also evaluated. Results from the cluster analysis of the morphological data using SAS software (Ward’s Method), showed that the accessions could be grouped into two major clusters and five sub-clusters. The primary basis of the major clustering was the colour of the cormel flesh (red and White types). This indicated a narrow genetic diversity for the local cocoyam germplasn Evaluation of the genotypes for disease resistance revealed the strong association between Susceptibility to diseases and moisture stress. The lowland environment characterized by high soil moisture, led to a severe attack from Dasheen mosaic virus, Bacterial leaf necrosis and concentric leaf spot diseases while Phytophthora leaf blight, Cladosporium leaf spot and Leptosphaerulina spot were mild. Cocoyam root rot blight complex disease was absent in this environment. In the upland environment, insufficient soil moisture encountered predisposed the germplasm to the devastating attack of Phytophthora leaf blight, Cocoyam root rot blight complex and Bacterial leaf necrosis diseases and a mild attack from dasheen mosaic virus disease. The Greenhouse and laboratory screening of the genotypes through artificial inoculation showed varied reactions and a similar trend as observed in the field. The field and Greenhouse screening thus revealed that most of the available germplasm are susceptible to the leaf blight and soft rot diseases. The white types appeared to be more tolerant than the red types. The Physico-chemical properties investigated showed very little variation within the germplasm Sensory evaluation also indicated that 94% of the accessions had acceptable cooking quality. It was concluded that the local cocoyam germplasm has a narrow genetic base and is highly susceptible to cocoyam root rot blight complex (soft rot) and Phytophihora leaf blight diseases especially when predisposed to moisture stress (deficit). There is therefore the need to increase the existing variability by introducing germplasm from other cocoyam producing countries, or by embarking on hybridization, genetic transformations with biotechnological tools or the use of mutagenesis.

Source: KNUST
Morphological characterisation and in vitro management of thread blight pathogen(s) of cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.)

Cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.) is the most important cash crop in Ghana, supporting the livelihood of a significant number of the Ghanaian populace, mostly farmers and rural dwellers. The increasing demand with concomitant increase in the price of cocoa on the world market is contributing significantly to raising the living standards of farmers. In recent years significant attention has been given to food security and the realization of the Millennium Development Goals (MDG). Decline in crop productivity as a result of increased rate of disease prevalence is one of the major constraints to agricultural productivity and realization of the MDGs in sub-Saharan Africa. A survey was conducted to assess the disease problem and to determine farmers’ knowledge about the disease. The disease was present on every cocoa farm surveyed and the incidence was between 50-55%. The disease is believed to be associated with some food crops. Six different isolates of thread blight were recovered. Mycelial growth rate, colony character and sporulation pattern of the fungal isolates, grown on seven different culture media viz., Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA), Malt Extract Agar (MEA), V-8 Juice Agar (V8), Oatmeal Agar (OMA), Plantain Agar (PA), Banana Agar (BA) and Green Cocoa Mucillage Agar (GCMA) were observed for seven days of incubation at 28±1°C. The cultural characteristics and sporulation pattern were greatly influenced by the type of medium used. Seventy different ages of cocoa seedlings and three alternative hosts were inoculated with each fungal isolate obtained from the farmers’ fields and symptoms expression observed. Symptoms appeared whitish on the stem and the leaf of the test plant. The pathogenicity test showed that white thread blight is responsible for causing most of the thread blight disease in cocoa. Eight different fungicides recommended on cocoa were used in vitro on the fungal isolates. Bioassay revealed that all the fungicides used inhibit mycelial growth of the test fungi to various degree, that increased in concentration of fungicides will increase percentage inhibition in the growth of the organism. The results showed Metalm 72WP and Fungikill were most effective on the thread blight pathogen.

Source: KNUST
Morphological characterisation of breeds of sheep: A discriminant analysis approach

In this study the characterisation and separation or discrimination of three sheep breeds (crosses, West African Dwarfs (WAD) and West African Long Legged (WALL) based on their physical traits (morphological characterisation) was investigated extensively with the application of discriminant analysis. The study's main objective was speci cally based on developing a variable selection criterion that can discriminate best among the three sheep breeds as well as obtain a reliable mathematical function or equation (discriminant function) for provision of maximum separation among the three known sheep breeds. Data from College of Education, Mampong animal farms on various breeds of sheep (hybrid/crossed breed, Sahell or WALL and Djallonke or WAD) were used. Factor Analysis was employed as a variable selection criterion for selecting six sheep traits that can discriminate best among the sheep breeds. Canonical discriminant function was derived for the eight variable data set and was compared with the derived Quadratic Discriminant Functions (QDF) using the six extracted sheep traits. The six variable QDF distance classi er provided maximum separation after cross validation than the 8-variable canonical discriminant functions. The derived mathematical functions (QDFs) were able to provide maximum separation among the three known sheep breeds with a correct classi cation rate of 0.86. The study recommended the use of a Quadratic Discriminant Function for discrimination and classi cation of breeds of animal since it gives more accurate results than other classi ers such as Linear Discriminant Function.

Source: KNUST
Mortality investigation of Ghanaian male pensioners

The use of standardized crude rates is seen in most mortality investigations in Ghana. It is necessary to graduate crude rates to obtain smooth mortality rates for actuarial purposes. Logistic regression model with a binomial error structure, was fitted in a statistical software package R, to obtain mortality rates of Ghanaian males who went on retirement in the years 1900, 1995, 2000 and 2005. A total sample of 15,317 pensioners was used for the analysis. The research found that, mortality rates from ages 70 to 75 are high among all groups of male pensioners. Retirement year 2000 is also noted to have high mortality rates compared to the other groups of pensioners. It is recommended that the mortality rates estimates obtained can be used to develop annuity products for pensioners

Source: KNUST
Mosaic from ‘found’ materials

Mosaic is an aspect of picture making taught in most senior secondary schools in Ghana. Students to undertake this discipline are restricted to the use of paper, and magazines in making mosaic. But there are lots of materials that can be used, examples are tree bark, metal leather and glass. The method used in solving this problem includes Experimental Research Method, Descriptive research Method and analytical research method. This project reveals the possibilities with the use of materials such as metal, glass, leather and tree bark for mosaic. It was found that the making of mosaic with metal and glass was rigid because of the cutting as compare to leather and tree bark. It was also found that P. V. A. glue work best with glass and tree bark whiles the formica glue work best with leather and metal. The flexible nature of the tree bark and leather created a proper and even arrangement of spaces in-between the tesserae. The researcher recommend that instead of looking for conventional materials for mosaic, artist can now look for materials which are normally thrown away that are not used for mosaic. It is also recommended that the Ghana Education Service and Ministry of Education should incorporate the use of ‘found’ materials for mosaic production in schools and colleges to expand the scope and broaden the horizon of students. This report has been designed to guide the prospective mosaic artist to acquire skills in the vocation.

Source: KNUST
The morphology and taxonomy of invasive weeds from various habitats in the Ashanti Region, Ghana

Weed invasion presents a serious threat to Ghana’s agriculture, forestry and ecotourism, which are the mainstay of the country’s fragile economy. Aquatic weeds, in particular, have become a nightmare for most Ghanaians as these have not only succeeded in invading numerous water bodies but also, threaten the energy sector as well as interfere with vital water supply systems. These notwithstanding, very little is known about invasive weeds in Ghana notably diversity, modes of introduction, and ecosystems they have invaded. The present study sought to determine the diversity and distribution of invasive species in the humid forest environment of Ashanti. This involved 12 months of field surveys and specimen collections. Keys and herbarium specimens from University of Ghana, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology and sometimes from Kew Botanic Garden aided in the identification. A total of 43 species were identified belonging to 19 families and 41 genera, which also comprised six life/growth forms. The species were found in five different habitats namely: cultivated, degraded, ruderal, forested and aquatic habitats. The greatest number of species was recorded in degraded habitat (31) while cultivated and forested habitats had the least numbers of 24 and 22 species respectively. However, the differences in the species distribution were not statistically significant (p > 0.05, Appendix 2A) supporting the view that the weeds thrive in all types of habitats. The most common invasive weeds in the region were Chromolaena odorata, Centrosema pubescens and Rottboellia cochinchinensis recording overall relative frequencies of 12.8, 10.4 and 6.4 respectively. Others were Euphorbia heterophylla (4.9), Calopogonum mucunoides (4.5), Mimosa pudica (4.4), Digitaria insularis (3.7), Ageratum conyzoides (3.5) and Leucaena leucocephala (3.2). These results reveal highly compromised ecosystems in the region and the growing menace of alien weed invasion in Ghana as a whole. Mitigation efforts require awareness creation, capacity building and large-scale inventories of these ecological miscreants. A dichotomous key was constructed to ease identification.

Source: KNUST