ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Application of action research methodology in improving the processing quality of local rice in the Dadin-Kowa Community of Gombe State Nigeria

Dadin Kowa community of Gombe State is noted for rice production due to the presence of dams that ensure all year rice production. However, low patronage and high price of local rice in local markets are putting many farmers and women processors out of business. The paper shares results of an action research process that led to the determination of rice consumer preferences and strengthening of women processors group to improve processing quality of local rice. Forty-seven respondents were sampled using purposive and snow balling sampling techniques to provide views on consumers’ preference for rice. Frequencies and percentages were used to analyse and describe the results of the study. The study concluded that paddy rice contains 0.21% stones and sand which could be eliminated using a destoner. Furthermore, a locally manufactured wooden winnower reduces winnowing time by 25 minutes and improves purity by 20% when compared to traditional winnowing process. The processed rice from the action methodology process received 30- and 16-point difference for appearance and acceptability by consumers respectively when compared to the traditional method. Finally, an extra income of N2400 was realised per 100kg bag of improved rice. Both the study methodology and conclusions have implications for agricultural training and extension delivery, which together help forge functional linkages among the major sub-systems of the agricultural knowledge systems. Resultantly, clientele’s experience is integrated into total learning process, thereby entraining the planned change

Source: UCC
Application of biochar and inorganic phosphorus fertilizer influenced rhizosphere soil characteristics, nodule formation and phytoconstituents of cowpea grown on tropical soil

The effect of biochar alone or co-applied with triple superphosphate on rhizosphere soil characteristics, nodule formation, phytoconstituents and antioxidant property of cowpea (Vigna uguiculata) is yet to be adequately examined in sub Saharan Africa. A field experiment was conducted where cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) was grown in a tropical sandy loam soil amended with biochar at 1.5 t ha1 and 2.5 t ha1 solely or together with inorganic phosphate fertilizer (Triple superphosphate), applied at a rate of 60 kg P ha 1. At 50% flowering, changes in selected rhizosphere soil properties (pH, total nitrogen, available phosphorus, soil organic carbon, cation exchange capacity), nodule count, phytochemicals (phenols, flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, saponins) and antioxidant property of cowpea roots and leaves were determined by standard laboratory procedures. Differences between means of the measured parameters were established using ANOVA, and relationships among the parameters were explored using Pearson correlation (p < 0.05). Addition of biochar solely or in combination with TSP significantly (p < 0.05) increased soil pH, total nitrogen, available phosphorus, soil organic carbon, cation exchange capacity and root nodule count. Flavonoids, phenols, alkaloids, saponin, tannin contents and antioxidant activity in the roots and leaves were significantly (p < 0.05) higher in the amended soils compared with the unamended soil. Similarly, soil flavonoids, phenols, alkaloids and antioxidant activity were significantly higher in amended soils compared with control. Significant, positive inter and intra correlation with varying strength was found between soil properties, nodule number and phytoconstituents. This is an indication that biochar can be coapplied with triple superphosphate to sustain soil fertility, improve nodulation and enhance concentrations of phytoconstituents in soil, cowpea roots and leaves

Source: UCC
Application of discriminant analysis for evaluating the status of coronary heart disease risk

This dissertation examines some of the factors that increase the likelihood of developing Coronary Heart Disease (CHD) and shows the application of discriminant analysis for evaluating the status of CHD risk. The data for the study was collected from the Central Laboratory of Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, Accra and mainly consists of a group of blood tests, recognized as good indicators of whether someone is likely to have a heart attack in the near future or not. The results of patients who are at high risk of developing Cl-ID and relatively healthier individuals with low CHD risk were analysed by means of descriptive statistics and the two-group discriminant function analysis. The study revealed that the observed individuals categorized into high-Cf-ID risk group on the average are ten years older than those categorized into low-CHD risk group. Analysis of the data also showed that the high-CUD risk group patients on the average have greater body mass and the level of lipids in the bloodstream is higher as compared to the low-Cf-ID risk group patients. The results of the discriminant function analysis also revealed that the levels of cholesterol, low density lipoprotein (LDL) in the bloodstream, and body mass index (BMI) contribute most to the development of high coronary heart disease risk, with age and fasting blood sugar (FBS) contributing the least. The collected data was also used to develop a discrminant functJbn, which best discriminates between the high-CHD risk individuals and low-CHD risk individuals. The developed function was successfully applied to classify the patients with unknown status of Cl-ID risk into low or high-Cl-ID risk groups.

Source: UCC
APPLICATION OF ETHICAL PRINCIPLES TO RESEARCH USING PUBLIC HEALTH DATA IN THE GLOBAL SOUTH: PERSPECTIVES FROM AFRICA

Existing ethics guidelines, influential literature and policies on ethical research generally focus on real-time data collection from humans. They enforce individual rights and liberties, thereby lowering need for aggregate protections. Although dependable, emerging public health research paradigms like research using public health data (RUPD) raise new challenges to their application. Unlike traditional research, RUPD is population-based, aligned to public health activities, and often reliant on pre-collected longitudinal data. These characteristics, when considered in relation to the generally lower protective ethico-legal frameworks of the Global South, including Africa, highlight ethical gaps. Health and demographic surveillance systems are examples of public health programs that accommodate RUPD in these contexts. We set out to explore the perspectives of professionals with a working knowledge of these systems to determine practical ways of appropriating the foundational principles of health research to advance the ever growing opportunities in RUPD. We present their perspectives and in relation to the literature and our ethical analysis, make context relevant recommendations. We further argue for the development of a framework founded on the discussions and recommendations as a minimum base for achieving optimal ethics for optimal RUPD in the Global South.

Source: UCC
Application of generalized principal component analysis to classification of price levels of markets in Ghana

The study determines the main dimensions along which to classify specific markets as extremely high-priced, high-priced, medium priced, low priced and those that are extremely low-priced. For this purpose, secondary data is obtained on prices of 19 food items in 91 Markets in non-consecutive years from 2008 to 2015 in all regions of the country from the Statistical, Research and Information Directorate of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture. This data constitutes a multivariate dataset with nineteen variables and 455 observations. Generalized Principal Component Analysis, which is a procedure for data classification and summarization, is considered appropriate for analyzing this high dimensional dataset. An appropriate index is designed to identify the various levels of the prices and eigen-analysis among others further informed the choice of the technique. It is found that there are indeed extreme priced markets in Ghana. The results reveal that the classification of the markets is not influenced by their location. Another important observation is that root and tubers and cereals are major components of local food items. In order to reduce the disparity in price levels there is the need for concentration to be given to the production of these two types of local food items for economic wellbeing of Ghanaians

Source: UCC
Application of information and communication technology in radiological practices: a cross-sectional study among radiologists in Ghana

Background There is an inadequate number of radiologists in Ghana whose distribution are skewed in favour of urban areas, creating a huge service gap with the few radiologists overburdened with work. The only way to bridge this service gap while increasing numbers of radiologists by training is from the application of information communication technology (ICT), hence this study. Methods This was a cross-sectional questionnaire administered study conducted between 16th - 18th May 2019 during the annual general meeting of the Ghana Association of Radiologists involving 46 consented radiologists. The questionnaire investigated the available ICT tools, imaging modalities, the degree of usage and impacts of ICT on radiologists work output. Results The most available modalities were digital. 13.0% had teleradiology available, but 32.6% were familiar with it. All radiologists indicated improvement in work output with ICT. The time taken to report a case reduced from 1-2 hours to 10-30 minutes with ICT. Majority did not communicate professional issues via e-mails. 95.7%, 13.0% and 10.9% of radiologists used WhatsApp, Facebook and Twitter respectively to communicate radiological information. Online research provided significant information for their radiological reporting. Conclusion The topmost four imaging modalities readily available were Digital Ultrasound, Digital Radiography, Computed Tomography scan and Magnetic Resonance Imaging. The availability of and familiarity with teleradiology was low in radiological practices. The reporting time per case and work output of radiologists were improved with ICT. The two most common social media platforms used by radiologists were WhatsApp and Facebook.

Source: UCC
Application of Nature Based Interventions for Flood Control Within Greater Accra Metropolitan Area, Ghana

Conventional engineering approaches have been used for stormwater management to control floods within the Greater Accra Metropolitan Area (GAMA) but recently, the concept of “nature based” approaches have emerged as good alternative or compliment to the conventional approach. This research seeks to address the question “why the existing conventional system of stormwater management has failed to control floods and how the problem can be addressed.” The main objective was to develop and design a stormwater management system that could complement the existing conveyance based system within GAMA. The specific objectives were: (1) to assess the existing stormwater management system to determine the causes of its failure, (2) to develop a strategy or strategies to manage stormwater to complement existing systems and (3) to design action strategies that integrate identified stormwater management interventions. Research for Design was the research strategy used to generate and integrate ideas in the process of generating form through using a combination of research methods and design methods. The first objective was addressed through the systematic review of relevant literature sources on the causes of floods. The results of the review identified two major challenges; the need to separate critical from non critical causes of floods and the absence of policy on stormwater management which is grounded on local content. The second objective was met using the Soil Conservation Service Curve Number approach to model direct runoff which showed that between 14.7% and 32.6% of stormwater runoff which accumulate in communities originate from the roofs of buildings. This was used to develop a strategy which targets stormwater management at the plot level. To meet the third objective, the developed strategy was implemented by integrating three nature based interventions (Infiltration well, infiltration trench and rainwater harvesting) at the plot level to retain up to 95% of stormwater generated from the roofs of buildings. In conclusion, the research showed the significant contribution of roofs to runoff generation and contributes to existing knowledge by providing the basis for a strategy for stormwater management at the plot level, which could form the foundation for the development of a policy on stormwater management to control floods.

Source: UCC
Application of non-thermal pretreatment techniques on agricultural products prior to drying: a review

Most agricultural crops contain high moisture content (80–95% wet basis (wb)) which makes them very susceptible to microbial damage leading to shorter shelf-life and high postharvest losses. The high perishability of these agricultural products requires preservation techniques to prolong their shelf-lives. Drying remains an important component of processing in this regard. Therefore, any pretreatment methods for drying agricultural product that decreases the moisture content and minimizes drying time by conserving the quality of the crop product is of prime significance. This article is a comprehensive review of recent developments of non-thermal pretreatment (NTP) methods. A summary of their significance, emerging and innovative methods of this technology together with its applications and limitations are discussed. This article further examines the environmental impact of NTP techniques. RESULTS: NTP techniques, such as high pressure, ultrasound, pulsed electric field and osmotic dehydration methods are essential operations for pre-dehydration of agricultural products prior to drying. These techniques can avoid the deleterious effects of heat on nutritive value, colour and flavour of agricultural products compared to thermal pretreatments. They also enhance the inactivation of the enzymes, improve energy efficiency and mass transfer, reduce processing time, preserve bioactive compounds, improve drying kinetics and drying rate, minimize enzymatic browning, and enhance product quality

Source: UCC
Application of Nursing Process and its Influence on the quality of Nursing Care in Wa Regional Hospital

Although nursing education has evolved over the years to better prepare nurses for quality nursing care, the standards of nursing care is still dwindling in Ghana. Studies have shown that improving the quality of nursing care will require the application of the nursing process in patient care. The Nursing Process is a systematic scientific approach to direct nurses in caring for patients effectively. This study sought to explore the application of the nursing process and the quality of care that patients receive at the Wa Regional Hospital. The research approach was a qualitative ethnographic study that employed the ethnonursing method to describe the aspect of nursing culture involving patient care. The study population was made up of registered nurses in Wa Municipality. A purposive sampling technique was used to identify thirteen (13) key informants who were interviewed; twelve (12) participants were also purposively sampled to participate in a focus group interview. Records were reviewed to gather data that was analyzed as outline in the ethnonursing approach of data analysis. The research findings indicated that the registered general nurses had very good theoretical understanding of the nursing process. However, nursing process was not being implemented at the hospital. The main reasons why nursing process was not implemented in the hospital included: Work pressure on nurse, inadequate Staff (RGNs) in the ward, lack of logistics and consumables. The nurses recommended training workshops, employing more RGN and supply of consumables to promote implementation of the nursing process.

Source: UCC
Application of Nursing Process in Pediatric Care and the Factors Associated With Its Implementation at Korle-bu Teaching Hospital and Princess Marie Louis Hospital in Accra

The nursing process is a scientific method to guide procedures and also ensure quality of nursing care. However, little is known about issues regarding the nursing process. This formed the basis for this exploratory research on the application of the nursing process in pediatric care and the factors associated with its implementation at Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH) and Princess Marie Louis (PML) Hospital in Accra. The study, a cross-sectional one, employed both quantitative and qualitative approaches in collecting data through the use of self-administered questionnaires. A sample of 220 professional nurses was selected through a simple random sampling process. The data were analysed with Statistical Package for Social Sciences, (SPSS) version 20 and reported using, tables, pie-charts and box plots. The major findings of the research were that nurses at KBTH and PML Hospitals were well educated about the nursing process, but they attributed their inability to use the nursing process to inadequate practical knowledge, work-overload, management's inability to provide the needed materials and time constraints. In conclusion, the study revealed that though the nurses at KNUTH and PML had great knowledge on nursing procedures, they did not often practicalise their knowledge. It is therefore recommended that health educators and high-ranking members in the health sector should assist nurses in improving on the positive perception of the nursing process.

Source: UCC
Application of nursing process in pediatric care and the factors associated with its implementation at Korle-bu teaching hospital and Princess Marie Louis hospital in Accra.

The nursing process is a scientific method to guide procedures and also ensure quality of nursing care. However, little is known about issues regarding the nursing process. This formed the basis for this exploratory research on the application of the nursing process in pediatric care and the factors associated with its implementation at Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH) and Princess Marie Louis (PML) Hospital in Accra. The study, a cross-sectional one, employed both quantitative and qualitative approaches in collecting data through the use of self-administered questionnaires. A sample of 220 professional nurses was selected through a simple random sampling process. The data were analysed with Statistical Package for Social Sciences, (SPSS) version 20 and reported using, tables, pie-charts and box plots. The major findings of the research were that nurses at KBTH and PML Hospitals were well educated about the nursing process, but they attributed their inability to use the nursing process to inadequate practical knowledge, work-overload, management's inability to provide the needed materials and time constraints. In conclusion, the study revealed that though the nurses at KNUTH and PML had great knowledge on nursing procedures, they did not often practicalise their knowledge. It is therefore recommended that health educators and highranking members in the health sector should assist nurses in improving on the positive perception of the nursing process.

Source: UCC
An application of optimal control to the effective utilization of a renewable resource

The study explores the optimal harvesting of renewable resources like fisheries. The fish biomass dynamics is described by a nonlinear growth model that maximizes the total net revenue whilst taking into consideration the sustainable and effective utilization of the resource. In addition, stability dynamics of the model is assessed through bifurcation analysis. Pontryagin’s maximum principle is used to derive the optimality system and characterize the optimal control. A numeric iterative method employing the fourth order Runge-Kutta scheme facilitates the solution of the optimality system. The simulation results obtained are then discussed. The results show that the sum of the maximum allowable harvest and the final biomass level must not exceed the maximum sustainable yield (MSY)

Source: UCC
An application of optimal control to the marine artisanal fishery in Ghana

This study focuses on the determination of an optimal fishing effort for the marine artisanal fishery in Ghana. That is, the rate of harvest maximizing the net economic benefits while also maximizing the stock size. Employing the Gordon-Schaefer bioeconomic model and using empirical data on the round sardinella (Sardinella aurita), the static reference points of the model comprising the maximum sustainable yield (MSY), maximum economic yield (MEY) and open access yield (OAY) are determined and discussed. Further, the dynamic reference point of the model, the optimum sustainable yield (OSY), is also explored. Bifurcation analysis of the model shows that it undergoes transcritical bifurcation, and it is structurally stable for rate of effort not exceeding the bifurcation point. The characterization of the optimal control indicates that the resource should only be harvested by exerting up to the maximum available effort if the net revenue per unit harvest exceeds (or equals) the shadow price. Numerical simulations carried out on the dynamic model indicate that the optimal fishing effort should be set at 351,328 trips per year, provided the initial stock size is at least 554,654 tonnes. However, given the current high rate of fishing effort, due to the open access nature of the fishery, the recommended optimal effort strategy is bang-bang, which translates into implementation of closed fishing seasons

Source: UCC
An application of optimal control to the sustainable Harvesting strategies of Ghana's sardinella fishery

ABSTRACT The main objective of this study was to apply optimal control techniques to de Termine the optimal harvesting strategies that would ensure the sustainability ot The Sardinella aurita for future generations. In this vein, the Gordon-Schaefer Bioeconomic model was employed to aid in the analyses. The model was initially Analysed using three different rates of harvest; constant, proportional and periodic. Also reviewed were the Craven model, the Goh model, the optimal yield model And the model with effective utilisation factoi. The models weie subjected to Bifurcation analyses to determine the .stability properties; and the static reference Points, maximum sustainable yield (MSY), maximum economic yield (MEY) and Open access yield (GAY), computed. Also determined was the dynamic reference Point, optimum sustainable yield (OSY). An original model incorporating the to Tal allowable catch (TAG) showed that, for the binding constraints, the resource Should be harvested if and only if the maiginal net revenue of harvest Suit of applying the maximum effort exceeds the difference of the shadow price Of fish stock and the shadow price of the TAC. The model developed to simulate The effects of illegal fishing practices on fish stocks revealed that the increased Catchability induced by the illegal methods severely depletes the stocks, to as low Less than half of the carrying capacity in finite time. Employing a dynamic effort, Predator-prey model with reserve area and critical biomass level, the optimal fishing Strategy •irn^dhiicranttepqs itnhaait the critical biomass level must be set at the MSY level In order to attain sustainability of the resource. In general, all the models indicate That the optimal fishing effort must be set at the OSY level; estimated at 351,328 Trips annually at a discount rate of 15%, provided the initial fish stock size is at Least 554,654 tonnes. Recommendations are offered to the Fisheries Commission.

Source: UCC