ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Offshore printing: a study on the printing industry in Ghana.

This study examines offshore printing of print products and services by Ghana Book Publishers Association and Ghana Printers and Paper Converters Association in the book industry, at the expense of the Ghanaian Printing industry. Publishing houses now send their works to printing houses offshore depriving the local printers of business expansion and overall industry growth. The study serves to provide a critical and analytical perspective on the state and impact of offshoring. The study is aimed at finding out whether the current level of offshoring is causing a threat or an advantage to the growth of the Local Printing industry. It also details the merits and demerits of offshore printing and assesses the impact on the industry. The research methodology used for the study was Mixed method. The respondents were made up of the top Managers of the Publishing and Printing houses in both Kumasi and Accra. Interviews were also conducted. The total sample size for the study was 127 Printing and Publishing houses. The questionnaires retrieved from the respondents were 96; 20 representing 20.8% from Publishing houses whilst the remaining 76 representing 79.2% from the Printing houses. The results showed that 3% and 80% of Printers and Publishers respectively print their jobs offshore. Within the last 6 years (2010-2015), majority of publishers representing 56.25% have shown interest in printing offshore which shows a growth in offshore printing over the period. Printing offshore has some negative impact on the growth and at the same time, skills development of workers in the Ghanaian Printing Industry. Notable among them are increase in unemployment rate, redundancy, job insecurity, etc. Effective ways to mitigate offshore printing and its negative impacts was suggested (e.g. full printing of educational materials should be undertaken by publishers locally and tax waiver on printing materials be given to local printers) to curb offshoring and help grow the Local Printing industry.

Source: KNUST
Okra pectin as lecithin substitute in chocolate

The effect of okra (Abelmoschus spp.) pectin as an emulsifier on the yield, textural properties, sensory and consumer acceptability of different chocolate formulations was investigated. Pectin was isolated from okra pods and incorporated into milk chocolate as lecithin substitute (emulsifier) at different levels (10–100%). Texture profile analysis and sensory evaluation (5-point hedonic scale) was performed on the different chocolate formulations. It was found that with increasing pectin content viscosity of the mixed system increased during milling and conching, which resulted in slower flow rate during draining from the ball mill and decreased yield. Substitution at 25:0 (%) (pectin: lecithin) yielded 84 bars of 9 g of chocolate per 1500 g of formulation after draining for 30 min compared to formulations containing lecithin. Chocolate samples 25:75 (%) (pectin:lecithin) had the highest overall acceptability (4.37 ± 0.30) which was not significantly different (p> 0.05) from sample 25:0 with overall acceptability of 4.23 ± 0.30. All the chocolate samples from the various formulations studied had similar sensory properties as well as textural parameters (hardness, cohesiveness, adhesiveness, springiness and chewiness). The present findings suggest that it is possible to use okra pectin as emulsifier to produce milk chocolate which is acceptable to consumers

Source: KNUST
On the dynamics of the Tent function-Phase diagrams

This paper focuses on the study of a one dimensional topological dynamical system, the tent function. We give a good background to the theory of dynamical systems while establishing the important asymptotic properties of topological dynamical systems that distinguishes it from other fields by way of an example - the tent function. A precise definition of the tent function is given and iterates are clearly shown using the phase diagrams. By this same method, chaos in the tent map is shown as iterates become higher. We also show that the tent map has infinitely many chaotic orbits and also express some important features of chaos such as topological transitivity, boundedness and sensitivity to change in initial conditions from a topological viewpoint.

Source: KNUST
On the fractal-fractional Mittag-Leffler model of a COVID-19 and Zika Co-infection

The World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a global pandemic in March 2020, which had a significant impact on global health and economies. There have been several Zika outbreaks in different regions such as Africa, Southeast Asia, and the Americas. Therefore, it is essential to study the dynamics of these two diseases, taking into account their memory and recurrence effects. A new fractal-fractional hybrid Mittag-Leffler model of COVID-19 and Zika co-dynamics is designed and studied to evaluate the effects of COVID-19 on Zika and vice-versa. The stability analysis of the local asymptotic type at disease-free equilibrium is conducted for the hybrid model. The existence of unique solutions to the model is established via some fixed point results. The fractal-fractional model is proved to be Hyers–Ulam stable. With the help of Newton polynomials, we obtain some numerical algorithms to approximate the solutions of the fractal-fractional hybrid Mittag-Leffler model graphically. The impact of fractional and fractal orders on the dynamics of each of the epidemiological classes is also assessed. In addition, empirical evidence from numerical simulations suggests that implementing measures to contain the transmission of the SARS-CoV-2 virus can significantly contribute to the reduction of co-infections involving the Zika virus. Therefore, it is imperative for healthcare systems to maintain a state of constant vigilance in order to detect any atypical patterns or probable occurrences of co-infections, particularly in areas where both diseases are widespread. Additionally, it is vital to consult the most recent directives provided by health authorities, as our comprehension of diseases may undergo advancements over the course of time.

Source: KNUST
On the Interaction of Zinc with a Ferric Oxyhydroxide

Sorption and desorption of Zn by synthetic goethite (α-FeOOH) (surface area 95.2 m2/g, pH(PZC) 7.9) was studied in equilibrium and non-equilibrium conditions as functions of aqueous solution Zn and Mg concentrations and temperature, but at low amounts in the systems. The sorption data were analyzed with a multi—site Langinuir expression, which suggested that at pH 4.6 and 5.4 (25°C) Zn sorption could be entirely ascribed to a low capacity, high affinity site, whereas at pH 5.4 (44°C) and higher pH’s (both. 25 and 44°C) sorption could be described by two sites. At p118.5 (44°C) the data fit a model consisting of a high affinity Langmuir site coexisting with a site or mechanism following Henry’s Law. Site 1 affinity term, k1, increased with pH and temperature, but was not affected by 25 ppm Mg above pH 5.4. Log k1 was highly correlated with log K0, the thermodynamic distribution coefficient. Site 1 capacity term, b1, increased with pH up to pH 7.0 and then remained constant; it was not affected by either Mg or temperature. Site 2 affinity term, increased with temperature; at 25°C it did not vary with pH below pH 7.8, but increased four—fold at pH 8.5. Site 2 capacity term, b2, increased with both temperature and pH, and only below pH 7.0 were this parameter and decreased by 25 ppm Mg. At pH 5.4 though Mg did not affect k1, a decrease in b1 by Mg indicated some Mg ions were specifically adsorbed at site 1. However, the higher specificity of site 1 for Zn above pH 5.4 eliminated Mg effect on b1. Generally 25 ppm Mg significantly decreased Zn sorption at site 2 below pH 7.0. The sharp increase in Zn sorption with increasing pH in the pH range 5.4 -7 was attributed to the development of site 2 at pH 6.2, suggesting sorption by a second mechanism. Kurbatov plots suggested that one mole of H+ was released per mole of Zn sorbed below pH 7, and 2 moles above pH 7. A Zn (OH) 2 precipitation mechanism above pH 7.8 was emphasized by the release of 2 moles of H+ per mole of Zn sorbed in kinetic studies. Total sorption of Zn was markedly endothermic at all pH levels, the increase in sorption with temperature being most pronounced at low pH’s and high system loadings. Mean ∆G-0 values ranged from -9.1 kcal/mole at pH 5.4 to -11.2 at pH, pH 8.5, ∆H-0 from 14.5 kcal/mole at pH 5.4 to 6.5 at pH 8.5, and ∆S-0 from 76.9 cal/deg. mole at pH 5.4 to 57.7 at pH 8.5. Isosteric heats of Zn sorption, Qr , ranged from 1 to 27 kcal/mole, and were generally higher at low pH. Hysteresis was observed in desorption versus adsorption isotherms. Sorption was fast at pH 7.8 and 8.5, steady states being achieved in 2 hours. At pH’s below 7.8 a slow reaction followed an initial fast reaction. Below pH 7.8 the initial sorption reaction was nonprotolytic followed by a slow protogenic reaction.

Source: KNUST
On the Study of Topological Dynamical Systems

The purpose of the study was to apply Topological Dynamics to Integral Equations. Topo- logical Dynamical techniques were used to analyse it and con rmed the results. Sell de- veloped methods which allowed one to apply the theory of topological dynamics to a very general class of nonautonomous ordinary di erential equations. This was extended to non- linear Volterra's Integral Equations. This research took o from there and applied the techniques of topological dynamics to an integral equation. The usage of limiting equa- tions which were used by Sell on his application to integral equations were extended to recurrent motions and then studied the solution path. It thus con rmed the existence of contraction and the stationary point in the said paper. The study of Dynamical Systems of Shifts in the space of piece-wise continuous functions analogue to the known Bebutov system was embarked upon. The stability in the sense of Poisson discontinuous function was shown. It was proved that a xed discontinuous function, f, is discontinuous for all its shifts, , whereas the trajectory of discontinuous function is not a compact set. The study contributes to literature by providing notions of Topological Dynamic techniques which were used to analyse and con rm the existence and contractions and the stationary points of a special Integral Equation.

Source: KNUST
On the Sustainability of Ghana National Health Insurance Scheme: An Actuarial Approach: a case study of the Kpando District

There is considerable interest at present in exploring the potential of health insurance to increase access to and affordability of health care in Ghana. Ghana National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) was passed into law in 2003 but fully implemented from late 2005. It has already reached impressive coverage levels. This study seeks to check the sustainability of Ghana National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) vis-à-vis the treatment of the top nine diseases from the designated health institutions within the Kpandu District of the Volta Region. It was on the above background that the research was conducted with the main objective of critically analysing the prevailing situation taking into account the available statistics. To achieve this result, probability theory was used to estimate the total cost of health care. A sample of both the insured and staff of the health insurance scheme were interviewed in addition to the secondary data collected and other literature on the subject area. The research finding indicated that the NHIS is heavily reliant on tax funding for its revenue. This has permitted quick expansion of coverage, partly through the inclusion of large exempted population groups. Policyholders (Membership) increased from 7% of the population in 2005 to 53.3% in March 2008 within the Kpando District of the Volta Region. The premium was estimated to be GHC272.40 with loadings and GHC82.40 with without loadings.

Source: KNUST
Okra Utilisation in Ghana and Pectin Extract at Different Maturity of Okra Fruit

Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) is a staple vegetable in Ghana but underutilized. The mucilage or pectin content is currently of interest for various food and non-food uses. In this thesis, a survey was conducted by administering questionnaires (at least 200) in each major producing areas/regions including Northern, Upper East, Eastern, Central, Western, Brong Ahafo, Ashanti, Volta and Greater Accra. In all a total 1560 questionnaires were administered randomly to both male and females including mostly farmers and marketers. The study was conducted between June and November 2016. The statistics showed that okra is well known (96.9%) across the country among the various ethnic groups. There are varietal differences among okra in Ghana. However, these varieties are not scientifically classified leading to different names for the various varieties across the different ethnic groups. The fruit is available all year round but abundant only in the rainy season between July to September. The results indicate that 94.7%, 22.1% and 9.6% of the respondents use okra as food, medicine and other applications, respectively. Okra is widely used as food in the form of soup (73.1%) and stew (68.7%) consumed popularly with banku (81.3%) and TZ (38.8%). Okra also had other applications in traditional medicine, pito clarification and firewood. However, a greater number of the respondents (65.2%) showed interest in new products being developed from okra. Differences in educational level, occupation and ethnic group had a significant influence on the utilization of okra in Ghana. In the medicinal utilization of okra, it was greatly used especially in the rural areas of northern Ghana for the treatment of diarrhea, boils, sores, shingles (‘ananse’), fractures and dislocations. Pectin was extracted from the Balabi okra genotype at different maturity using 0.1 M phosphate buffer at pH 6.0. The crude pectin yield obtained (11-20%) was significantly influenced by the maturity of the fruit/pod. The pectin content increased from early maturity to middle age and then decreased at late maturity when the pod texture is very hard. For Balabi okra fruit pods harvested 14-15 days after flowering produced the highest pectin yield implying the suitable maturity for harvesting the Balabi genotype if high pectin content/yield is desired.

Source: KNUST
On The Trapped Surface Characterization Of Black Hole Regions In The Spherically And Axially Symmetric Spacetimes

The characterization of black holes by means of classical event horizon is a global concept since one need to have the knowledge of the whole spacetime in order to locate a black hole region and the event horizon. To surmount these issues, we investigate alternative approach based on the concept of trapped surfaces in a variety of spacetimes. Specifically, to compute the expansions of the appropriate null vectors in both spherically and axiallysymmetric spacetimes and thus explicitly determine the existence of trapped and marginally trapped surfaces in their respective black hole regions

Source: KNUST
On-farm evaluation and determination of sources of variability of soybean response to Bradyrhizobium inoculation and phosphorus fertilizer in northern Ghana

Soybean yields on smallholder farms in sub-Sahara Africa (SSA) are far below the potential yield thus creating a huge yield gap. Interventions are thus needed to bridge this yield gap and ascertain the factors influencing the yield variation. This study evaluated the on farm response of soybean to rhizobia inoculation and or mineral P fertilizer in Northern and Upper West regions of Ghana in a single non-replicate trial using four treatments: no input (control), TSP fertilizer (P), rhizobia inoculant (I) and TSP plus inoculant (P + I). In addition, the study sought to develop a robust approach for determining responsiveness and non-responsiveness using agronomic and economic indices. The results showed that the average grain yield of plots that received P or I were higher than control plots. Higher grain yield responses were however, obtained by the plots that received combined application of P and Bradyrhizobium inoculant. Grain yield response in the Northern region was higher than in the Upper West region. Response to P and or I were highly variable within and between locations. The cumu lative rainfall and some soil factors including soil nitrogen, phosphorus, soil type, organic carbon, pH and texture explained about 42–79% of these variations in soybean grain yield. The agronomic approach for determining responsive and non-responsiveness revealed that 17–40 % and 6–17% of the locations within the Northern and Upper West regions, respectively were responsive to P fertilization and/ or Bradyrhizobium inoculation. However, the economic approach indicated that 64–75% and 14–24% of the locations within the Northern and Upper West regions, respectively were responsive to P fertilization and Bradyrhizobium inoculation. The results imply that rhizobia inoculation is an effective strategy for increasing soybean yield and improving livelihood of smallholder farmers.

Source: KNUST
On-farm evaluation of biological nitrogen fixation potential and grain yield of Lablab and two soybean varieties in the northern Guinea savanna of Nigeria

Several legumes with high biological nitrogen fixation (BNF) potentials have been studied in on-station trials. The processes involved in BNF and the benefits of these species to crop production need to be evaluated using farmers’ management practices in farmers’ fields. An on-farm trial with 20 farmers was conducted in the northern Guinea savanna (NGS) of Nigeria. The aims were to evaluate the BNF potentials of an improved soybean variety (TGx 1448-2E) and a local variety (Samsoy-2) when inoculated with Bradyrhizobium strains, and of Lablab in farmer-managed and researcher-managed soybean-maize and Lablab-maize crop rotation systems. The level of soil P was generally low with more than 50% of the fields having less than the critical P level. The plant available P content was statistically significantly (P = 0.05) correlated with P in grain (r = 0.60), P in the shoot (r = 0.68), grain yield (r = 0.40) and nodule weight (r = 0.35). Variations in plant parameters (nodulation, shoot dry matter, percentage nitrogen derived from the air [%Ndfa], grain yield, and nutrient uptake) among and within farmers’ fields were attributed to differences in soil fertility and crop management. About 60% of the fields were mod erately fertile, sufficient to support legume establishment, while about 30% of the farmers’ fields had a low fertility level. For farmers in the study area to benefit from the BNF potentials of the legumes, an external P fertilizer input was necessary as well as suitable crop management practices because all parameters mea sured in the researcher-managed plots were higher than in the farmer-managed plots.

Source: KNUST
On-site personal protective equipment signage and use by road construction workers in Ghana: a comparative study of foreign and locally-owned companies

Background: Road construction work has specifc risks and safety issues which have not been adequately addressed in most low- and middle-income countries, especially Africa. The objective of this study was to determine the preva‑ lence of personal protective equipment (PPE) use during road construction activities by workers in foreign- owned against locally-owned road construction companies in Ghana. Methods: An institution-based cross-sectional survey was undertaken during January – March, 2020 to study 389 road construction workers who were actively working on site. They were unobtrusively observed to capture whether or not they wore the appropriate PPE at the time of the survey. The PPE of interest were: hard hat, goggles, shoes, nose masks, hearing protection, gloves and refective vests/apparel. On-site posted PPE signage was also checked. Results: Majority of workers were males (96.9%) and labourers (53.5%). Similar numbers of workers in locally-owned (195) and foreign-owned (194) companies were studied. Use of PPE varied considerably by type: shoes (78.7%), refec‑ tive vest (44.5%), gloves (30.6%), hard hat (27.0%), nose mask (17.2%), goggles (11.3%) and hearing protection (10.8%). For all types of PPE, use was higher for workers in foreign-owned companies compared with locally-owned compa‑ nies: goggles (Odds ratio [OR] 55.2), hearing protection (OR 52.0), gloves (OR 23.7), hard hat (OR 20.2), nose mask (OR 17.8), refective vest (OR 5.3) and shoes (OR 4.1), (p<0.001 for all ORs). No site had any signage to promote PPE use. Conclusions: Majority of workers used shoes. Less than half of workers used other types of PPE and use of some types (goggles and hearing protection) was minimal. Workers in foreign-owned companies were signifcantly more likely to use all the seven types of PPE than locally-owned companies. Although there is still room for improvement in foreign-owned companies, locally-owned companies should be able to attain similar PPE use to that in foreign owned companies. Necessary PPE should be provided and site supervisors should encourage workers to wear PPE when on site.

Source: KNUST
On-The-Job training as a basis for enhancing the performance of newly-employed Teachers at the Ejisu-Juaben Municipality of Ashanti Region of Ghana

The study sought to find out how on-the-job training enhances the performance of newly-employed teachers of public basic schools in the Ejisu-Juaben Municipality of Ashanti Region of Ghana. Specifically, the study investigated how often on-the-job training courses were organized and the impact or contributions of the training towards the enhancement of the performance of new teachers in the basic schools in the municipality. Sixty-five (65) newly-employed teachers, ten (10) Head teachers and five (5) Circuit Supervisors were selected for the study through the simple random sampling procedure. Questionnaire and interview guide were the instruments used for the collection of data for the study. Analysis of the data revealed that on-the-job training courses have not been regularly organized for teachers, especially the newly employed ones. Generally, on-the-job training has helped teachers to acquire new knowledge and skills and more importantly improved their methods of teaching. However, it was observed that certain factors made the organization and attendance of on-the-job training difficult. These include funding, feeding and material support. The recommendations offered included the following: provision of adequate funding to the Municipal Directorate to support the conduct of on-the-job training. Organization of workshops for Head teachers and Circuit Supervisors to update their knowledge on how to organize on-the-job training is also very important; the schools‟ time table should be well structured to make room for on-the-job training courses for both new teachers and old ones by the Head teachers and Circuit Supervisors. However, care should be taken so that pupils‟ instructional time is not compromised.

Source: KNUST