ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
ESTIMATION TECHNIQUES IN GENERALIZED LINEAR MIXED MODELS WITH APPLICATION TO DISEASE IMPACT MODELLING

ABSTRACT This study applies the theory of Generalised linear Mixed Models (GLMMs) to survey data on disease impact in Ghana. It determines the variables that are responsible for making dependent members of households feel the impact of illness and/or death for three identified types of households. It assesses fourmodels in terms of these variables generated using the Maximum Mean Pseudo-Likelihood (MMPL) and the Residual Mean Pseudo-Likelihood (RMPL) techniques in SAS. For all four models considered, the MMPL produces more suitable models than the RMPL. The impact of illness and/or death on HIV/AIDS, Other Illness/Deaths or No Illness/Death households is felt in the areas of reallocation of dependents’ time, dependents having to work harder to substitute for lost income, dependents leaving work to care for the sick, and household reducing expenditure as a result of illness and/or death. It is found that the degree of impact depends on marital status, sex or tribe of household headship, remoteness of occurrence of mortality/morbidity, total asset value, and level of annual adult’s health expenditure. It is also found that in almost all cases examined, the HIV/AIDS household suffers a significant impact compared to No/Other disease household. The findings indicate that there should be a continued effort at reducing not only the incidence but also the impact of HIV/AIDS on households.

Source: UCC
The ethanolic leaf extract of alchornea cordifolia (schum. & thonn.) muell. arg inhibits the development of dyslipidaemia and hyperglycaemia in dexamethasone-induced diabetic rats

Poor lipid and glucose regulation increases the risk for the development of major cardiovascular diseases and other organ damage. The study evaluated the serum glucose and lipid lowering effects of the 70% (v /v) ethanolic leaf extract of Alchornea cordifolia (ALC) using the dexamethasone-induced diabetic rat model. Thirty six female Sprague-Dawley rats (180-200g; n=6) were rendered hyperglycaemic with dexamethasone (10 mg/kg, sc) once daily for 8 days except the normal control. Each group received either normal saline 0.5 ml/rat, ALC (250 mg/kg, p.o. or 500 mg/kg, p.o.), glibenclamide (5 mg/kg, p.o.) or atorvastatin (5mg/kg, p.o.) as treatment once daily for 8 days. Fasting blood glucose (FBS) readings were recorded at baseline, day 4, 6 and 9. Blood was collected for the estimation of serum triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low density lipoproteins (LDL), very low density lipoproteins (VLDL) and high density lipoprotein (HDL) on day 9. The diabetic control group had significantly raised FBS levels (8.20 ± 1.04 mmol/l; ***p<0.001). Glibenclamide (5.20 ± 0.29; ***p<0.001) and the extracts [(ALC 250 mg/kg, p.o.; (5.35 ± 0.95 mmol/l); *p<0.05); ALC 500 mg/kg, p.o.; (5.98 ± 1.12 mmol/l); *p<0.05)] prevented an increase in FBS level. The herbal extracts also reduced the level of serum lipid of rats treated. The 70% (v/v) ethanolic leaf extract of Alchornea cordifolia has some potential for use in lipid and glucose control

Source: UCC
The Ethanolic Leaf Extract of Alchornea cordifolia (Schum. & Thonn.) Muell. Arg Inhibits the Development of Dyslipidaemia and Hyperglycaemia in Dexamethasone-Induced Diabetic Rats

Poor lipid and glucose regulation increases the risk for the development of major cardiovascular diseases and other organ damage. The study evaluated the serum glucose and lipid lowering effects of the 70% ( v/v) ethanolic leaf extract of Alchornea cordifolia (ALC) using the dexamethasone-induced diabetic rat model. Thirty six female Sprague-Dawley rats (180-200g; n=6) were rendered hyperglycaemic with dexamethasone (10 mg/kg, sc) once daily for 8 days except the normal control. Each group received either normal saline 0.5 ml/rat, ALC (250 mg/kg, p.o. or 500 mg/kg, p.o.), glibenclamide (5 mg/kg, p.o.) or atorvastatin (5mg/kg, p.o.) as treatment once daily for 8 days. Fasting blood glucose (FBS) readings were recorded at baseline, day 4, 6 and 9. Blood was collected for the estimation of serum triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low density lipoproteins (LDL), very low density lipoproteins (VLDL) and high density lipoprotein (HDL) on day 9. The diabetic control group had significantly raised FBS levels (8.20 ± 1.04 mmol/l; ***p<0.001). Glibenclamide (5.20 ± 0.29; ***p<0.001) and the extracts [(ALC 250 mg/kg, p.o.; (5.35 ± 0.95 mmol/l); *p<0.05); ALC 500 mg/kg, p.o.; (5.98 ± 1.12 mmol/l); *p<0.05)] prevented an increase in FBS level. The herbal extracts also reduced the level of serum lipids of rats treated. The 70% (v/v) ethanolic leaf extract of Alchornea cordifolia has some potential for use in lipid and glucose control.

Source: UCC
Ethanolic Root Extract of Jatropha curcas L. relieves Hyperalgesia in Arthritis Model in Rats

This work evaluated the analgesic property of ethanolic extract of Jatropha curcas in arthritic/skeletal pain models. Acute skeletal hyperalgesia was induced in knee joints of rats with 3% carrageenan-kaolin mixture. Twelve hours later, the rats were grouped and treated orally with 30, 100 and 300 mg/kg Jatropha curcas or morphine (1, 3 and 10 mg/kg). Pain thresholds were measured by knee compression in the ipsilateral limb. In a separate experiment to determine the effect of ethanolic root extract of Jatropha curcas (30-300 mg/kg, p.o.) and morphine (1-3 mg/kg, p.o.) on chronic skeletal hyperalgesia, the extracts and morphine treatments were administered 2 weeks after the induction of the pain with 3% carrageenan-kaolin mixture. The effects of Jatropha curcas on chronic skeletal hyperalgesia in both the ipsilateral and contralateral paws was assessed in the Randall-Selitto test. Jatropha curcas (P<0.05) and morphine (P<0.05) significantly reduced acute knee hyperalgesia in the ipsilateral limb. Chronic skeletal hyperalgesia was dose-dependently inhibited by the extract of J. curcas and the standard drug morphine in the ipsilateral and contralateral paws.Ethanolic root extract of Jatropha curcas relieves skeletal pain in rats.

Source: UCC
Ethanolic root extract of jatropha curcas l. relieves muscle pain in rats

The roots of Jatropha curcas are used traditionally to treat pain. The present study evaluated the analgesic property of ethanolic extract of Jatropha curcas (JAT) in acute and chronic muscle pain models. Acute muscle hyperalgesia was induced by injecting 3% carrageenan into the gastrocnemius muscles of rats. Twelve hours after the injection, baseline muscle hyperalgesia was measured and the rats were then treated orally with 30, 100 and 300 mg/kg/day JAT; intraperitoneally with 1, 3 and 10 mg/kg/day morphine and normal saline. A change in pain threshold was assessed with the grip strength analgesimeter. The effect of JAT on chronic muscle hyperalgesia was evaluated by injecting 3% carrageenan into the gastrocnemius muscles of the separate groups of rats. Two weeks later, baseline pain thresholds were measured and rats were treated with 30, 100 and 300 mg/kg/day JAT; 1, 3 and 10 mg/kg/day morphine and normal saline. Pain threshold was assessed again by measuring the latency to paw withdrawal in the ipsilateral and contralateral paws. JAT and morphine increased the grip strength in the acute muscle hyperalgesia test. Chronic muscle hyperalgesia was also significantly reduced by JAT and morphine. JAT relieves muscle pain in rats

Source: UCC
Ethanolic Root Extract of Jatropha curcas L. Relieves Muscle Pain in Rats

The roots of Jatropha curcas are used traditionally to treat pain. The present study evaluated the analgesic property of ethanolic extract of Jatropha curcas (JAT) in acute and chronic muscle pain models. Acute muscle hyperalgesia was induced by injecting 3% carrageenan into the gastrocnemius muscles of rats. Twelve hours after the injection, baseline muscle hyperalgesia was measured and the rats were then treated orally with 30, 100 and 300 mg/kg/day JAT; intraperitoneally with 1, 3 and 10 mg/kg/day morphine and normal saline. A change in pain threshold was assessed with the grip strength analgesimeter. The effect of JAT on chronic muscle hyperalgesia was evaluated by injecting 3% carrageenan into the gastrocnemius muscles of the separate groups of rats. Two weeks later, baseline pain thresholds were measured and rats were treated with 30, 100 and 300 mg/kg/day JAT; 1, 3 and 10 mg/kg/day morphine and normal saline. Pain threshold was assessed again by measuring the latency to paw withdrawal in the ipsilateral and contralateral paws. JAT and morphine increased the grip strength in the acute muscle hyperalgesia test. Chronic muscle hyperalgesia was also significantly reduced by JAT and morphine. JAT relieves muscle pain in rats.

Source: UCC
Ethical dilemma and employees’ job satisfaction in the public sector: The case of Accra Metropolitan Assembly

This study sought to determine the effects of ethical dilemmas on job satisfaction in the Accra Metropolitan Assembly. The study utilized questionnaires to collect the primary data used for the analyses. A sample of 190 respondents was randomly selected from different Sub-Metro within AMA using the simple random sampling technique. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) was employed to analyze descriptive statistics (percentages and frequencies). Regression analysis was carried out to determine the relationship between ethical dilemma and job satisfaction. The findings of the study revealed that the ethical dilemma facing employees in the public sector includes nepotism, Bribery, kickbacks, bribery and information kicks. It was also revealed in the study that ethical dilemma is negatively related with job satisfaction. Hence, ethical dilemma decreases employees’ job satisfaction at workplace. It is recommended that the government of Ghana should formulate policies that ensure that public bodies comply and abide by ethical values and principles. This will improve the conduct and behaviors of employees that work in the public sector and cultivate a culture of integrity, transparency, and accountability.

Source: UCC
Ethical implications of sales promotion in Ghana: Islamic perspective

Purpose – The paper aims to examine sales promotional practices in Ghana, weighing their ethical implications from an Islamic perspective and investigates whether they meet Islam’s ethical requirements to merit Muslims’ patronage. Design/methodology/approach – The paper uses Qur’an 5:90/2:219 as a theoretical framework to analyze relevant data to ascertain the extent of ethical legitimacy of strategies used in sales promotion in Ghana and cites other relevant references from Qur’an and sunnah as interpretative proofs and methodology. Findings – Islam emphasizes ethical principles in business. Muslims can promote business but that must be done within the ethical framework of Islam. The current Ghanaian promotional strategies are ethically questionable. They lead to unethical earning of livelihood and unjust acquisition of wealth through gambling and other ill-perceived means which do not promote the ethical values of Muslims. Research limitations/implications – The paper emphasizes the necessity for further research into the ethical dimensions of business practices, in general, in Ghana to promote ethical responsibility in the society. Originality/value – The study inculcates mutual socio-economic and ethical responsibilities between Ghanaian sellers and buyers to save the society from the situation where love of wealth supersedes ethical interests

Source: UCC
The ethical implications of the use of miracles for conversion: a study of the word miracle church international, now Perez chapel international (Accra, Dzorwulu branch), Ghana.

The study examined the ethical implications of the use of miracles for conversion in the Word Miracle Church International, now Perez Chapel International in Accra, Dzorwulu Branch. The motivation for the study was the heightened and seemingly competitive activities of different Penteco-Charismatic Churches in their bid to win members to their fold. The research chose to focus on miracles because they form one of the most important attractions, which appeal to Ghanaian Christians. The study adopted the religious market theory as the theoretical framework on the basis that it offers a good paradigm for understanding current activities among some Penteco-Charismatic Churches, the products and services they put on offer and the individuals that go in search of such products and services. The study was qualitative, using the simple random sampling procedure to select eight church members comprising four males and four females for interviews and focused group discussion. The major findings of the study were that the occurrences of miracles in the WMCI attracts majority of the people. Miracles occur free of charge. Miracles are used by the WMCI to solve some pertinent problems of its church members. The term ‘miracle’ is surrounded by negative controversies for which reason the church changed its name. The study, therefore, recommends that miracles should not be used as a pretext by Pentecostal-Charismatic Christian churches in Ghana to accrue wealth, compete, manipulate and to win membership.

Source: UCC
Ethical Issues in Childbirth: the Need for Relational Ethics

In modern times establishing a dear difference between rig h t and wrong actions in midwifery is increasingly becoming difficult because o f the overwhelming addition o f constant evidence. The explosion and availability o f information and civilization has increased individual's awareness o f their rights and options when it comes to childbirth. Increasing demand fo r midwives to make decisions based on their professional expertise on one hand, and the desires and wishes o f their clients, on the other hand, requires a strong understanding o f ethics. Midwifery is considered a relationship - based profession due to the intimate nature o f the care provided. The handling o f personal information, physical contact, and psychological and educational care that characterizes midwifery practice has the potential to generate ethical issues. Several ways o f improving ethics in midwifery has been proposed in literature including the use o f ethical theories, principles and codes o f ethics among other strategies. The focus o f this paper is to examine some o f the sources o f conflict in childbirth and analyze the role o f codes, principles and theories in childbirth ethics. The author, from a personal po in t o f view, provides arguments to support the need to approach ethical issues in childbirth from a relational ethics perspective.

Source: UCC
Ethical Issues in Childbirth: The Need for Relational Ethics

In modern times establishing a dear difference between rig h t and wrong actions in midwifery is increasingly becoming difficult because of the overwhelming addition of constant evidence. The explosion and availability of information and civilization has increased individual's awareness of their rights and options when it comes to childbirth. Increasing demand for midwives to make decisions based on their professional expertise on one hand, and the desires and wishes of their clients, on the other hand, requires a strong understanding of ethics. Midwifery is considered a relationship - based profession due to the intimate nature of the care provided. The handling of personal information, physical contact, and psychological and educational care that characterizes midwifery practice has the potential to generate ethical issues. Several ways of improving ethics in midwifery has been proposed in literature including the use of ethical theories, principles and codes of ethics among other strategies. The focus of this paper is to examine some of the sources of conflict in childbirth and analyze the role of codes, principles and theories in childbirth ethics. The author, from a personal point of view, provides arguments to support the need to approach ethical issues in childbirth from a relational ethics perspective.

Source: UCC
ETHICAL ISSUES ON DECISION MAKING IN THE HOTEL INDUSTRY OF KUMASI METROPOLIS, GHANA

Tourism involves movement and experience of tourists from one region to the other. The hotel industry deals with humans and their behaviours and as a result, whenever people deal with human lives, survival and welfare, ethical problems are bound to occur. This study sought to examine employees’ and management awareness of ethical issues, explore the decision making environment in the hotel industry and assess the perceptions of customers on ethical issues in the hotel industry of Kumasi Metropolis. A framework for ethical decision making process in the hotel industry adapted from Ferrell and Gresham (1985) and Hunt-Vitell (1986) was used. The mixed method approach was used as a guide for the study. Stratified and simple random sampling techniques were used to select hotels and employees in the hotels. Accidental and purposive sampling techniques were also used to select customers and managers of hotels respectively. Descriptive statistics, correlation ANOVA and factor analysis were used for the data analysis. The study found out that employees, customers and managers were aware of ethical issues in the hotel industry. However, most of the ethical challenges were mostly related to the don’ts and expectations from each party in the industry. On decision making, employees consider the stress involved, risk, health and safety as well as what others may think about an issue in making final decision. Ethical issues being crucial in the hotel industry, this study guides government, hotel organisations and employees to enforce and adhere to ethical rules and regulations in the hotel industry

Source: UCC
Ethical Issues on Decision Making in the Hotel Industry of Kumasi, Ghana

Tourism involves movement and experience of tourists from one region to the other. The hotel industry deals with humans and their behaviours and as a result, whenever people deal with human lives, survival and welfare, ethical problems are bound to occur. This study sought to examine employees’ and management awareness of ethical issues, explore the decision making environment in the hotel industry and assess the perceptions of customers on ethical issues in the hotel industry of Kumasi Metropolis. A framework for ethical decision making process in the hotel industry adapted from Ferrell and Gresham (1985) and Hunt-Vitell (1986) was used. The mixed method approach was used as a guide for the study. Stratified and simple random sampling techniques were used to select hotels and employees in the hotels. Accidental and purposive sampling techniques were also used to select customers and managers of hotels respectively. Descriptive statistics, con-elation ANOVA and factor analysis were used for the data analysis. The study found out that the employees, customers and managers were aware of ethical issues in the hotel industry. However, most of the ethical challenges were mostly related to the don’ts and expectations from each party in the industry. On decision making, employees consider the stress involved, risk, health and safety as well as what others may think about an issue in making final decision. Ethical issues being crucial in the hotel industry, this study guides government, hotel organisations and employees to enforce and adhere to ethical rules and regulations in the hotel industry.

Source: UCC
Ethical principles for promoting health research data sharing with sub‐Saharan Africa

A powerful feature of global health research is data‐sharing with regions which bear the heaviest burden of disease. It offers novel opportunities for aggregating data to address critical global health challenges in ways higher than relying on individual studies. Yet there exist important stratifiers of the capacity to share data, particu‐ larly across the Global North‐South divide. Systemic challenges that characterize sub‐Saharan Africa and disadvantage the region's scientific productivity threaten the burgeoning data‐sharing culture too. Like all endeavors requiring equal commitments under unequal circumstances, a strong ethical impetus is needed to help reduce in‐ equities and imbalances to encourage adherence. This article discusses mandatory data‐sharing in relation to peculiar challenges faced by sub‐Saharan African scientists to suggest ethical principles for rethinking and reframing solutions. We propose six principles which mirror guidelines from the Institute of Medicine and encapsulate principles from the Emanuel Framework, Nairobi Data Sharing Principles, and the COHRED guidelines

Source: UCC
The Ethical Value of Honesty Among Students: the Case of Assin Manso Senior High School, Central Region, Ghana.

The decline of the value of honesty among senior high school students has become a concern for stakeholders of education. This concern can be seen in day to day conversation, the media and in research. The study uses the qualitative method. The qualitative research approach is used for exploring and understanding the meaning individuals or groups ascribe to a social or human problem and the main objective was to examine how the value of honesty is being practised among Senior High School students in the country, with particular reference to Assin Manso Senior High School in the Central Region of Ghana. The study revealed that students perceive honesty to be a situation where a person is always truthful. This is in line with Ghanaian society where young people are taught and encouraged to be truthful in all matters right from childhood. Students also understand honesty as a value and when pursued comes with rewards. Conclusions drawn from the study were that students perceive honesty to be a situation where a person is always true but did not know that honesty is not only about truthfulness but is also about sincerity, discipline, trustworthiness, frankness and so on. Also, some of the students were found not to be honest and this is because the students have little knowledge about honesty and its importance. The study recommends that students who cheat in an examination should be punished to serve as deterrent to others. Also, students should be educated on the benefits or the importance of being honest.

Source: UCC
The Ethics of End-of-Trial Obligations in a Pediatric Malaria Vaccine Trial: The Perspectives of Stakeholders From Ghana and Tanzania

This study explores stakeholder experiences and perspectives on end-of-trial obligations at the close of a phase II/III Pediatric Malaria Vaccine Trial (PMVT) [GSK/PATH-MVI RTS, S) (NCT00866619]. We conducted 52 key informant interviews with major stakeholders of an international multicentre PMVT in Ghana and Tanzania. The responses fell into four main themes: (a) Communicating End-of-Trial, (b) Maintaining Health Care Services, (c) Dissemination of Results, and (d) Post-Trial Access. Interviewee responses shared important practical experiences and insights that complement current thinking in the literature on research ethics guidance: (a) accompany end-of-trial communication with information on personal and family health care responsibilities, (b) establish public health indicators to measure the impact of research on a health care system, (c) design a gradual exit strategy with opportunities to address unplanned events, (d) endorse a principled approach of continuity of care when designing a health care service handover, and (e) devise an actionable posttrial treatment access pathway with diverse stakeholder representatives

Source: UCC