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Sampson, G. O., Tetteh, A. Y. & Oldham, J. H. (2015). Beta-glucan profile in maize genotypes: effect of isolation method.. Journal of Global Biosciences, 4,
Abstract
Cereal beta-glucan (β-glucan) is a soluble dietary fibre with important physiological functions which promotes health and well-being of consumers. While oat and barley are conventional sources, very little is known about β-glucan in maize. The wide variation in β-glucan content reported arises from differences in genotype of the cereal and the isolation method, which includes enzymic and non-enzymic techniques. The objective of this research was to evaluate seventeen tropical maize genotypes for β-glucan content using non-enzymic and enzymic methods to determine the correlation with proximate components. Among the non-enzymic methods, extractability of maize β-glucan was highest in the acid isolation followed by alkaline and lastly, hot water isolation. The enzymic method showed higher efficiency of extractability than non-enzymic methods. Gum yield from maize ranged from 191.0 to 419.0 g kg-1 representing 14.5 and 25.6 g kg-1 pure β-glucan. Significant and positive correlation was found between β-glucan and nitrogen-free extract. Acid and enzyme-based isolation methods demonstrated higher extractability for maize β-glucan. Beta-glucan and crude protein were found to be positively correlated. Among the maize genotypes evaluated, hybrid varieties demonstrated the highest β-glucan content.
Cereal beta-glucan (β-glucan) is a soluble dietary fibre with important physiological functions which promotes health and well-being of consumers. While oat and barley are conventional sources, very little is known about β-glucan in maize. The wide variation in β-glucan content reported arises from differences in genotype of the cereal and the isolation method, which includes enzymic and non-enzymic techniques. The objective of this research was to evaluate seventeen tropical maize genotypes for β-glucan content using non-enzymic and enzymic methods to determine the correlation with proximate components. Among the non-enzymic methods, extractability of maize β-glucan was highest in the acid isolation followed by alkaline and lastly, hot water isolation. The enzymic method showed higher efficiency of extractability than non-enzymic methods. Gum yield from maize ranged from 191.0 to 419.0 g kg-1 representing 14.5 and 25.6 g kg-1 pure β-glucan. Significant and positive correlation was found between β-glucan and nitrogen-free extract. Acid and enzyme-based isolation methods demonstrated higher extractability for maize β-glucan. Beta-glucan and crude protein were found to be positively correlated. Among the maize genotypes evaluated, hybrid varieties demonstrated the highest β-glucan content.
Sampson, G. O., Tetteh, A. Y. & Oldham, J. H. (2015). Rheological Behaviour of Maize β- Glucan and its Application as a Fat Replacer in Baked Goods. International Journal of Advanced Research, 3,
Abstract
Beta-glucan is a complex soluble dietary fiber with (1→3),(1→4)-β-D linkages in a repeating unit of cellotriosyl, cellotetraosylglucose found mainly in the cell walls of cereals. Oat and barley are the commercial sources of β-glucan. Inability to grow these cereals in the tropics requires search for tropical sources. The rheological properties of β-glucan permit their use as hydrocolloids with unique functions.In the current study, rheology and functionality of maize β-glucanas a fat-replacer in pie crust were studied. Maize β-glucan dispersions were found to exhibit pseudoplastic flow behavior with flow behaviour indices ranging between 0.48 to 0.52, and consistency coefficient of 1.15 to 1.23.When maize β-glucan were used as fat replacer in pie crust formulation, at 15 and 20 % replacement produced pies having sensory attributes identical (P>0.05) to full-fat pie. Maize β-glucan revealed pseudoplastic flow behavior similar to oat and barley. Of the three isolates MaiLean OB and GH9 performance at 15 % fat replacement gave pie crusts with similar sensory attributes which were not different from full-fat products (P>0.05).
Beta-glucan is a complex soluble dietary fiber with (1→3),(1→4)-β-D linkages in a repeating unit of cellotriosyl, cellotetraosylglucose found mainly in the cell walls of cereals. Oat and barley are the commercial sources of β-glucan. Inability to grow these cereals in the tropics requires search for tropical sources. The rheological properties of β-glucan permit their use as hydrocolloids with unique functions.In the current study, rheology and functionality of maize β-glucanas a fat-replacer in pie crust were studied. Maize β-glucan dispersions were found to exhibit pseudoplastic flow behavior with flow behaviour indices ranging between 0.48 to 0.52, and consistency coefficient of 1.15 to 1.23.When maize β-glucan were used as fat replacer in pie crust formulation, at 15 and 20 % replacement produced pies having sensory attributes identical (P>0.05) to full-fat pie. Maize β-glucan revealed pseudoplastic flow behavior similar to oat and barley. Of the three isolates MaiLean OB and GH9 performance at 15 % fat replacement gave pie crusts with similar sensory attributes which were not different from full-fat products (P>0.05).
Sam, E. F. (2015). Don't learn safety by accident: A survey of child safety restraint usage among drivers in Dansoman, Accra. Journal of Transport & Health, 2,
Abstract
Objective: The study surveyed child safety restraints use among drivers transporting children to school in Dansoman, Accra. Method: Employing a naturalistic observational method, the following were observed:sex of the driver, vehicle model, child characteristics,child location in the vehicle, whether child was restrained and how they were restrained, whether the driver was belted and the presence of other vehicle occupants. In total 126 vehicles were observed. Results: The study revealed low child restraints use among the observed drivers; children in new vehicles were more likely to be restrained; children seated in the back seat were more likely to be unrestrained; and child occupants were more likely to be unrestrained where there were other vehicle occupants. Conclusion: The study maintained that a collaborated effort by road safety stakeholders in terms of education/awareness creation and subsequent strict enforcement of child restraints use laws were required.
Objective: The study surveyed child safety restraints use among drivers transporting children to school in Dansoman, Accra. Method: Employing a naturalistic observational method, the following were observed:sex of the driver, vehicle model, child characteristics,child location in the vehicle, whether child was restrained and how they were restrained, whether the driver was belted and the presence of other vehicle occupants. In total 126 vehicles were observed. Results: The study revealed low child restraints use among the observed drivers; children in new vehicles were more likely to be restrained; children seated in the back seat were more likely to be unrestrained; and child occupants were more likely to be unrestrained where there were other vehicle occupants. Conclusion: The study maintained that a collaborated effort by road safety stakeholders in terms of education/awareness creation and subsequent strict enforcement of child restraints use laws were required.
Tamanja, E. M. J. (2016). Patterns in child migration in Ghana. Research on Humanities and Social Sciences, 6,
Abstract
The phenomenon of migration in Ghana is not new, however, the involvement of children and those migrating independent of their parents is a recent phenomenon. Tracing the trajectories of the journeys children make in Ghana reveals a north south pattern, similar to that of adults. Although migration of children to and within urban settlements in other regions has been observed to be significant, Accra (national capital) and Kumasi (second largest city) remain preferred destinations of child migrants. This study involves interviews with 35 migrant children from the north east to the south of Ghana, over a period of three months. It identified circular, step-wise, chain and “leapfrog” migration as patterns of child migration in Ghana. Leapfrog migration emerged as a novel type of migration, where children leaped from an origin over an intermediate to a final destination. Although this new finding is exciting, it involved a small number of children, therefore, more data is required for its validation. The study recommends recognition by local, regional and national policy and decision makers of the underpinning motivations for such journeys is crucial in order to minimise the risk associated with such journeys, while optimising the advantages of the phenomenon of child migration in Ghana.
The phenomenon of migration in Ghana is not new, however, the involvement of children and those migrating independent of their parents is a recent phenomenon. Tracing the trajectories of the journeys children make in Ghana reveals a north south pattern, similar to that of adults. Although migration of children to and within urban settlements in other regions has been observed to be significant, Accra (national capital) and Kumasi (second largest city) remain preferred destinations of child migrants. This study involves interviews with 35 migrant children from the north east to the south of Ghana, over a period of three months. It identified circular, step-wise, chain and “leapfrog” migration as patterns of child migration in Ghana. Leapfrog migration emerged as a novel type of migration, where children leaped from an origin over an intermediate to a final destination. Although this new finding is exciting, it involved a small number of children, therefore, more data is required for its validation. The study recommends recognition by local, regional and national policy and decision makers of the underpinning motivations for such journeys is crucial in order to minimise the risk associated with such journeys, while optimising the advantages of the phenomenon of child migration in Ghana.
Tamanja, E. M. J. (2016). Teacher professional development through sandwich programmes and absenteeism in basic schools in Ghana. Journal of Education and Practice, 7,
Abstract
Continuous professional development of teachers plays a crucial role in improving learning outcomes in schools. This study investigated how teaching time is lost when teachers absent themselves to participate in sandwich programmes to upgrade themselves in the University of Education, Winneba (UEW) in Ghana. Using a survey of 475 teachers pursuing sandwich programmes in the University and interviews with pupils and gatekeepers of schools in Effutu Municipality, it emerged that indeed, participation in sandwich programmes at UEW lead to loss of 45 days of classroom instructional time in basic schools. The academic calendars for basic schools and that of the sandwich programme overlap by 9 weeks, implying teachers who enrol in the sandwich programmes lose an average of 264 hours each of classroom instructional time with their pupils in an academic year. Other effects include inability of teachers to participate in religious and social activities such as worship, weddings and funerals. The study concludes that, although sandwich is a good approach for teachers to upgrade themselves, the existing arrangement is not favourable to the teachers and their pupils as time meant for classroom interactions are spent in the University campus on sandwich programmes. Therefore, harmonising the calendar arrangements could reduce the time loss by a minimum of 3 weeks to improve teaching and learning in schools.
Continuous professional development of teachers plays a crucial role in improving learning outcomes in schools. This study investigated how teaching time is lost when teachers absent themselves to participate in sandwich programmes to upgrade themselves in the University of Education, Winneba (UEW) in Ghana. Using a survey of 475 teachers pursuing sandwich programmes in the University and interviews with pupils and gatekeepers of schools in Effutu Municipality, it emerged that indeed, participation in sandwich programmes at UEW lead to loss of 45 days of classroom instructional time in basic schools. The academic calendars for basic schools and that of the sandwich programme overlap by 9 weeks, implying teachers who enrol in the sandwich programmes lose an average of 264 hours each of classroom instructional time with their pupils in an academic year. Other effects include inability of teachers to participate in religious and social activities such as worship, weddings and funerals. The study concludes that, although sandwich is a good approach for teachers to upgrade themselves, the existing arrangement is not favourable to the teachers and their pupils as time meant for classroom interactions are spent in the University campus on sandwich programmes. Therefore, harmonising the calendar arrangements could reduce the time loss by a minimum of 3 weeks to improve teaching and learning in schools.
Tamanja, E. M. J. (2016). Child migration decision making in Ghana: The actors and processes. Ghana Journal of Geography, 8,
Abstract
The discourse on child migration decision making tends to present children as vulnerable and without agency. This presupposes that decisions are often imposed on the individual child who only complies with decisions of adults. On the contrary, the process is complex and continuous, and can only be well understood within the contexts in which such decisions are made. It involves many actors and varying conditions under which the decisions are made. Therefore, understanding child migration decision making requires a deeper understanding of the context and the actors involved. Drawing on interviews with young migrants from rural farming communities in the north east of Ghana to Accra, and using the child-in-family approach to migration decision making, this paper examines the actors and intricacies in child migration decision making in Ghana. In contrast with perceptions that migration decisions are often imposed on children, this study finds a complex but congenial process on a continuum from unilateral to consultative and imposed, involving children, their parents and members of their communities. The paper suggests that parents and policy makers be more proactive and sensitive to the concerns of children, with local government and traditional authorities focusing on education, to expose the realities of child migration before the decisions are made.
The discourse on child migration decision making tends to present children as vulnerable and without agency. This presupposes that decisions are often imposed on the individual child who only complies with decisions of adults. On the contrary, the process is complex and continuous, and can only be well understood within the contexts in which such decisions are made. It involves many actors and varying conditions under which the decisions are made. Therefore, understanding child migration decision making requires a deeper understanding of the context and the actors involved. Drawing on interviews with young migrants from rural farming communities in the north east of Ghana to Accra, and using the child-in-family approach to migration decision making, this paper examines the actors and intricacies in child migration decision making in Ghana. In contrast with perceptions that migration decisions are often imposed on children, this study finds a complex but congenial process on a continuum from unilateral to consultative and imposed, involving children, their parents and members of their communities. The paper suggests that parents and policy makers be more proactive and sensitive to the concerns of children, with local government and traditional authorities focusing on education, to expose the realities of child migration before the decisions are made.
Tamanja, E. M. J. (2016). Child migration and academic performance: The case of basic education in Ghana. Journal of Education and Practice, 7,
Abstract
The nexus between migration and academic performance is complex and difficult to extricate. Not only are there several factors affecting academic performance, but also many of these factors are confounding, making it difficult to identify and isolate in order to address. Furthermore, the discourse appears silent on the nexus between child migration and education in general and academic performance in particular. This study seeks to fill this gap by comparing the performances of 250 migrant and 240 non-migrant school children randomly selected and their examination marks obtained in ten basic schools in the Upper East region of Ghana. Using the Independent Sample T-Test to analyse the data, it emerged that although performance was generally low in the schools, non-migrant children performed relatively better than their migrant counterparts. This implies that, migrant children are more likely to underachieve and possibly unable to progress to higher levels of education since performance is a proximate determinant to academic progress in Ghana. Therefore, school authorities, parents and other stakeholders in education need to give more attention to migrant children in their schools to address the effects and improve learning outcomes.
The nexus between migration and academic performance is complex and difficult to extricate. Not only are there several factors affecting academic performance, but also many of these factors are confounding, making it difficult to identify and isolate in order to address. Furthermore, the discourse appears silent on the nexus between child migration and education in general and academic performance in particular. This study seeks to fill this gap by comparing the performances of 250 migrant and 240 non-migrant school children randomly selected and their examination marks obtained in ten basic schools in the Upper East region of Ghana. Using the Independent Sample T-Test to analyse the data, it emerged that although performance was generally low in the schools, non-migrant children performed relatively better than their migrant counterparts. This implies that, migrant children are more likely to underachieve and possibly unable to progress to higher levels of education since performance is a proximate determinant to academic progress in Ghana. Therefore, school authorities, parents and other stakeholders in education need to give more attention to migrant children in their schools to address the effects and improve learning outcomes.
Arthur, Y. D. Sekyere, F. Marlle, E K. & Banuenumah, W. (2016). The impact of Service quality on customer satisfaction in Obuasi Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) - The customers perspective. International Journal of Contemporary Applied Sciences, 3,
Abstract
Globally several studies had been conducted using SERVQUAL model in different discipline and context. However, little had been discussed on comparing the impact of Service quality on customer satisfaction in Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) from the customer perspective. The study adapted the modified version of SERVQUAL model as a tool to measure the variables of the study. The study used convenience sampling method to select customer of ECG. The questionnaires were distributed and collected for analysis using SPSS and Microsoft Excel Software. Simple Regression was used to test for the impact of service quality on customer satisfaction. The result indicates that all the five dimensions of service quality performed poorly P >0.05. Furthermore the service quality had a negative impact on customer satisfaction and concludes that the service quality deserves improvement. The study finally recommends that staff should be engaged on regular basis to be trained on issues of costumer services and its effects on organizational performance. Further studies on SERVQUAL model using the five service quality dimensions can gradually close the gaps to bring success to the ECG.
Globally several studies had been conducted using SERVQUAL model in different discipline and context. However, little had been discussed on comparing the impact of Service quality on customer satisfaction in Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) from the customer perspective. The study adapted the modified version of SERVQUAL model as a tool to measure the variables of the study. The study used convenience sampling method to select customer of ECG. The questionnaires were distributed and collected for analysis using SPSS and Microsoft Excel Software. Simple Regression was used to test for the impact of service quality on customer satisfaction. The result indicates that all the five dimensions of service quality performed poorly P >0.05. Furthermore the service quality had a negative impact on customer satisfaction and concludes that the service quality deserves improvement. The study finally recommends that staff should be engaged on regular basis to be trained on issues of costumer services and its effects on organizational performance. Further studies on SERVQUAL model using the five service quality dimensions can gradually close the gaps to bring success to the ECG.
Banuenumah, W .& Awopone, K. A., (2015). Electrical Machines.
Abstract
Banuenumah, W .& Awopone, K. A., (2015). Fundamentals of Electricity and Electronics.
Abstract
