ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Politics, Public Policy and Social Protection in Africa

Africa is now in a much-improved position to support its poor and vulnerable people. It has more money, more policy commitment and abundant intervention programmes. Yet the number of citizens living lives of desperation, or at risk of destitution, is at an all-time high, and still rising. What is turning such positive prospects into such a disappointing result? Politics, Public Policy and Social Protection in Africa reveals key answers, drawing on empirical studies of cash transfer programmes in Botswana, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria and Uganda. Social cash transfer might be the most effective "safety net" formula to emerge so far. The country chapters in this book explore why it works and how it might be harnessed for poverty alleviation. The studies uncover the very different motives of donors, politicians and the poor themselves for making it their preferred choice; why governments are not expanding the donor-driven pilot programmes as expected, and why ruling elites are not trying to help or hinder a concept which, on the face of it, could derail one of their most lucrative gravy trains. This book will be of value and interest to researchers and students of African politics, African social policy and sociology, as well as policy maker and donors.

Source: UG
Politics-Administration Dichotomy Or Complementarity: A Case Study Of The Ministry Of Foreign Affairs And Regional Integration’s Conduct Of Ghana’s Foreign Policy

Countries all over the world seek to project their national interest through their foreign policies. However, the conduct of foreign policy involves interactions various factors. Again, the formulation and implementation of foreign policy strategies of a state is done through the interplay of political actors and administrators. Thus, the purpose of this study was to explore the politics-administration in the conduct of foreign policy of Ghana. To do this, the study made use of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration as the case study and was conducted using a qualitative approach through the use of interviews to solicit responses from politicians and administrators at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration. Subsequently, the responses obtained were then analysed interpretatively using various themes. At the end of the analysis, the study found that, the major role of politicians in the conduct of Ghana’s foreign policy is policy formulation whilst administrators were responsible for the actual implementation of the policies. Also, one of the major findings of the study was that, the nature of politics-administration in the conduct of Ghana’s foreign policy is complementary rather than a dichotomy. Again, the study found that, despite this complementarity, political actors often have the tendency to interfere in the implementation process. Besides, political actors in many instances fail to adopt the advice of administrators who are technocrats of foreign policy. Finally, it was found that friction in the ministry between administrators and political actors is often resolved through compromise. In view of the findings, the study recommended that seminars and trainings should be organised regularly to enable political actors especially newly appointed ones to become conversant with the processes and procedures of the ministry in order to reduce frictions between political actors and administrators. Also, a national foreign policy needs to be design to explicitly define the interest of Ghana and the Ghanaian identity to serve as guide to subsequent political leaders.

Source: UG
Pollution and climate change impacts on livelihood outcomes of lagoon fishermen in Central Region, Ghana

Although the concurrent impacts of pollution and climate change on livelihoods of fishermen are well established, the mechanics within the livelihoods are less known. To understand the mechanics, this paper evaluates the responses of fishermen on the impact of pollution and climate change on livelihoods, using field surveys of 124 fishermen. The result indicated that plastic and domestic wastes are the major lagoon pollutants identified by the respondents. Also, almost all the respondents noted that climate change and lagoon pollution impact negatively on the lagoon which subsequently affect their fishing activities. The fishermen reported difficulty in meeting basic livelihood essentials including feeding their family, paying of their children school expenses, paying of hospital and utility bills. The analysis of logistic model indicated that the likelihood of fishermen landing a high volume of fish catch was statistically significantly influenced by the number of days of fishing in a week, lagoon water temperature, other jobs and formal education. Considering the fact that the main factors impacting on fishing activities are extrinsic without controls of the fishermen, there is need for policy makers within the Cape Coast Metropolis to address drainage systems that feed pollutants into the lagoon.

Source: UG
Pollution or Protection - What Early Survey Data Shows on Rapid Waterbird Utilisation of a Newly Established Sewage Treatment Plant in Urban Ghana, West Africa

Rapid urbanisation increasingly isolates and exerts pressure on natural wetlands, particularly in the fast-growing developing countries of the tropics, including those of West Africa. Constructed wetlands such as sewage treatment plants, may unintendedly offer wildlife protection due to prohibitive access control and limited use, thereby attracting wary and specialised waterbirds in otherwise heavily disturbed formally protected wetlands with less polluted waterbodies. We present data from a rapid survey on 1-year post-opening colonisation and use of waterbirds in a recently constructed 11 ha restricted-access sewage treatment plant, situated in Ghana’s capital, Accra. During November-December 2013 and January 2014, nine daily counts in each month produced an accumulated count of >4200 observations belonging to 26 species of waterbirds, including several important Afro-Palaearctic and intra-African migrants, hereunder ardeids, piscivorous divers, waterfowl and waders. The distributional patterns of waterbirds clearly reflected local foraging opportunities and water quality parameters in the system of 12 inter-connected waste stabilisation ponds. A nearby semi-natural wetland with cleaner waterbodies, but higher levels of human interference, supported fewer waterbirds, predominantly commensal gregarious species. Our data suggests that strict protection from disturbances outweighs possible negative implications attributed to mere pollution of waterbodies supporting various waterbird guilds, thus highlighting the potential importance of informally protected sewage treatment plants distributed in functional networks, as a complement to designated wetlands. We anticipate that establishing similar or larger plants jointly will improve sewage treatment and waterbird conservation in urban Ghana, and West Africa in general. Keywords Aquatic birds · Abundance · Colonisation · Constructed wetland · Diversity · Water quality

Source: UG
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in fish smoked using traditional and improved kilns: Levels and human health risk implications through dietary exposure in Ghana

The concentrations of sixteen polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in fish smoked using the traditional Chorkor, the improved Cabin and Abuesi gas fish smoker (AGFS) kilns were investigated. Fresh mackerel and barracuda were smoked using LPG gas and two firewood species and the PAH levels were determined using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Based on consumption trends, the potential carcinogenic risks associated with consuming the products from these kilns were also assessed. The AGFS-smoked products had mean benzo(a) pyrene and PAH4 concentrations up to 0.66 and 2.52 μg/kg respectively, which were below the European Union maximum limits (2 and 12 μg/kg respectively). The benzo(a)pyrene and PAH4 concentrations were up to 3.59 and 67.99 μg/kg respectively for Cabin kiln and 15.51 and 121.60 μg/kg respectively for Chorkor kiln. Depending on the type of firewood used, the Cabin kiln produced BAP below the maximum limits when ‘Esa’ (Celtis mildbraedii) was used, while the Chorkor kiln had levels 3 to 8 times higher than the maximum limits. The PAH4 levels in the Cabin and Chorkor products were all above the maximum limits (4 and 8 times higher respectively). Based on the frequency and quantities of smoked mackerel and barracuda consumed by an average Ghanaian adult, the potential carcinogenic risks were lowest in the gas smoked mackerel and all barracuda samples (2.72 × 10􀀀 6 to 1.54 × 10􀀀 5), moderate in the Cabin smoked mackerel (2.82 × 10􀀀 5 and 5.73 × 10􀀀 5) and highest in the Chorkor smoked mackerel (7.06 × 10􀀀 5 and 1.71 × 10􀀀 4).

Source: UG
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) levels in two commercially important fish species from the coastal waters of Ghana and their carcinogenic health risks

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) concentrations were measured by gas chromatography with flame ionization detector (GC/FID) in two fish species, Sardinella maderensis (Flat sardinella) and Galeoides decadactylus (Lesser African threadfin or Shine-nose or Common threadfin) from Ghanaian coastal waters and the carcinogenic health risks, associated with the consumption of these fishes, estimated. The average concentrations of PAHs ranged from below detection limit of 0.01 μg/kg wet wt to 34.04 ± 0.56 μg/kg wet wt in S. maderensis, and from below detection limit (0.01 μg/kg wet wt) to 54.13 ± 5.22 μg/kg wet wt in G. decadactylus. Pyrene had the highest mean concentration of 54.13 ± 5.22 μg/kg wet wt in G. decadactylus from Tema. Both fish species from Tema and Chorkor showed similar PAH assemblages although the concentrations were different, suggesting common source of PAHs in these coastal environments. G. decadactylus accumulated significantly higher (P < 0.05) concentrations of total PAHs at all the sites, except at Chorkor. High molecular weight PAHs (HMW-PAHs) were generally predominant compared to low molecular weight PAHs (LMW-PAHs). The LMWPAH/ HMW-PAH ratios were < 1 for both species, indicating anthropogenic, mainly pyrogenic, origin of PAHs in the Ghanaian coastal environment. With the exception of G. decadactylus from Ada-Foah, benzo(a)pyrene concentrations in the fish samples analysed exceeded the EU recommended limit of 2 μg/kg wet wt for fish considered safe for human consumption. The estimated carcinogenic potency equivalent concentrations exceeded the screening value for both species from all the study areas, indicating significant carcinogenic health risks associated with the consumption of these fishes. A further study of PAHs and other contaminants in seafood, landed on the coast of Ghana, is recommended in the light of recent discovery and drilling of oil in commercial quantities in Ghanaian coastal waters.

Source: UG
Polydopamine-functionalized graphene nanoplatelet smart conducting electrode for bio-sensing applications

The development of a novel polydopamine (PDA)-functionalized graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs)-based disposable sensor is described. The sensor was fabricated by drop-coating PDA@GNPs in polyethylene glycol (PEG) and poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene (PEDOT):poly(styrenesulfonate) (PSS) aqueous suspension onto the working area of a screen-printed electrode (SPE). The final sensor, designated as PDA@GNPs/PPP/SPE, was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Raman spectroscopy, Faradaic electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (FEIS) and cyclic voltammetry (CV). Mediated detection of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) via the redox properties of PDA was achieved. It showed excellent selectivity and sensitivity towards H2O2 with a limit of detection and sensitivity of 0.55 μM (S/N = 3) and 3.0 μA mM-1 cm-2, respectively. Thereafter, glucose oxidase (GOx) was immobilized onto the electrode to develop GOx/PDA@GNPs/PPP/SPE sensor. The glucose biosensor exhibited a limit of detection of 0.25 μM (S/N = 3) and a sensitivity of 0.51 μA μM-1 cm-2; thus, proving its potential suitability for bio-sensing applications. © 2018 King Saud University.

Source: UG
Polyethyleneimine impregnated alginate capsule as a high capacity sorbent for the recovery of monovalent and trivalent gold

For the first time, a polyethyleneimine-impregnated alginate capsule (PEIIAC) with a high adsorption capacity is developed for the recovery of monovalent and trivalent gold from an acidic solution. The strategy results in a new type of adsorbent, polyethyleneimine impregnated alginate capsule (PEIIAC) with a core–shell structure having a large number of amine groups as cationic binding site, facilitating maximum uptake of anionic auric chloride. The maximum uptake of PEIIAC was 3078 and 929 mg/g for Au (III) and Au (I), respectively, are recordable compared to other reported adsorbents to date. The as-prepared material was executed to check the sorption efficacy for Au (III) and Au (I) in the pH range of 1–12. With an increment in pH, the uptake capacity for Au (III) increased, while the uptake capacity for Au (I) decreased. The FTIR, XRD, and XPS studies revealed that the gold adsorption mechanism includes ionic interactions and reduction, wherein the amine, hydroxyl, and carboxyl groups are involved. The capsule showed a higher adsorption efficiency than other reported sorbents, making the material applicable in acidic solutions for the recovery of Au (I) and Au (III).

Source: UG
Polymerase chain reaction-based detection of lymphatic filariasis

The main research focus of the Electron Microscopy and Histopathology Department in the past 20 years has been in the areas of enteric diarrhoeas with special emphasis on rotavirus. Through its diarrhoea surveillance studies, the Department has helped to firmly establish rotaviruses as a major cause of diarrhoea in children, and document the circulation of unusual rotavirus genotypes in Ghana. The Department has also recently expanded its diagnostic repertoire to include the identification and characterization of noroviruses, astroviruses, and other enteric viruses.

Source: UG
Polymerase chain reaction-based tests for pan-species and species-specific detection of human Plasmodium parasites

BACKGROUND: There is still a need to improve the sensitivity of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests for malaria to detect submicroscopic asexual stage Plasmodium infections during the early phase and chronic, asymptomatic phase of infection when the parasite burden is very low. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: The inhibitory effect of hemoglobin (Hb) on PCR limits the volume of blood that can be used in the PCR-based detection of intraerythrocytic Plasmodium parasites. We lysed red blood cells with saponin to reduce the Hb concentration in extracted nucleic acid and, as a result, significantly increased the volume of blood that can be tested by PCR. The analytical sensitivity of the PCR was determined using whole blood spiked with ring-stage Plasmodium falciparum parasites, and its clinical sensitivity by testing blood film-positive and blood film-negative samples from individuals living in an endemic area in Ghana. RESULTS: We have developed a pan-Plasmodium PCR that detects all five human Plasmodium species with the highest analytical sensitivity of two P. falciparum parasites/mL of whole blood and species-specific PCR tests that distinguished between the five human Plasmodium species. Pan-Plasmodium PCR detected 78 of 78 (100%) blood film-positive and 19 of 101 (18.81%) blood film-negative samples from asymptomatic individuals living in Ghana. Pan-Plasmodium PCR was equally sensitive with samples collected as anticoagulated whole blood and clotted blood and in blood collected by finger stick into capillaries. CONCLUSION: We have developed PCR tests with the highest reported sensitivity to date for pan-Plasmodium diagnosis and species-specific diagnosis and detected blood film-negative asymptomatic infections in individuals living in malaria-endemic countries. © 2012 American Association of Blood Banks.

Source: UG
Polymeric composite devices for localized treatment of early-stage breast cancer

For early-stage breast cancers mastectomy is an aggressive form of treatment. Therefore, there is a need for new treatment strategies that can enhance the use of lumpectomy by eliminating residual cancer cells with limited side effects to reduce local recurrence. Although, various radiotherapy-based methods have been developed, residual cells are found in 20-55% of the time at the first operation. Furthermore, some current treatment methods result in poor cosmesis. For the last decade, the authors have been exploring the use of polymeric composite materials in single and multi-modal implantable biomedical devices for post-operative treatment of breast cancer. In this paper, the concept and working principles of the devices, as well as selected results from experimental and numerical investigations, are presented. The results show the potential of the biomedical implants for cancer treatment.

Source: UG
Polymicrobial Necrotizing Fasciitis in a Dog: The Involvement of Macrococcus caseolyticus, Proteus mirabilis, and Escherichia coli

Clinical Anatomy, Clinical Pathology, Medicine, Surgery, Theriogenology, Epidemiology and Disease Prevention, Food (Meat and Milk Hygiene and Inspection, Zoonoses and Environmental Health, Obstetrics, Mastitis and Udder Management, Veterinary Economics and Business Management, Veterinary Ethics, Jurisprudence and Extension, Clinics and Student Project. Long Vacations

Source: UG
Polymorphism of dopamine receptor D4 exon I corresponding region in chicken

In stockbreeding, there are indications that behavioral traits of livestock have an effect on breeding and production. If the variation in individual behavior is related to that in neurotransmitter-related genes such as in humans, it would be possible to breed pedigrees composed of individuals having behavioral traits that are useful to production and breeding using selection based on genotypes. In this study, we investigated the exon I region of dopamine receptor D4 (DRD4), in which variation is related to psychiatric disorder in humans, in major poultry species namely Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica), chicken (Gallus gallus), ring-necked pheasant (Phasianus colchicus) and helmeted guinea fowl (Numida meleagris). Furthermore, we investigated Japanese cormorant (Phalacrocorax capillatus) and Japanese jungle crow (Corvus macrorhynchos) as an out-group. In these species of birds, the repeat of proline was identified in the region corresponding to the human polymorphic region. The repeat number was 9 in Japanese quail, ring-necked pheasant and Japanese cormorant; 12 in helmeted guinea fowl; and 3 in Japanese jungle crow. However, no polymorphism was found in these species. In contrast, polymorphism was observed in chicken and two alleles with 8 and 9 repeats were identified. Although 9 repeats (allele 9) were predominant in most chicken breeds, Black Minorca had only 8 repeats (allele 8). Intra-breed polymorphism was found in 6 out of 12 breeds, and two alleles (alleles 8 and 9) were detected in these breeds. This polymorphism, which is the first to be reported on a neurotransmitter-related gene in birds, would contribute significant information for elucidation of differences in behavioral traits in chicken breeds.

Source: UG
Polymorphism of the endothelial nitric oxide synthase gene is associated with diabetic retinopathy in a cohort of West Africans.

In addition to chronic hyperglycemia, there is increasing evidence that genetic factors may be important in the development of diabetes retinopathy (DR). Specifically, polymorphisms of the endothelial nitric oxide synthase gene (eNOS) have been reported to be associated with multiple health conditions including DR, hypertension, nephropathy, and cardiovascular diseases in several ethnic groups. However, there is a paucity of similar data in African Americans and other African populations. To address this issue, we investigated the potential association between polymorphisms of the eNOS gene and diabetes-related phenotypes in 384 persons with type 2 diabetes and 191 controls from two West African countries (Ghana and Nigeria). METHODS: We genotyped the deletion/insertion (4a/b) and the G894T polymorphisms of eNOS gene in a total of 575 persons. RESULTS: The b/b genotype of the polymorphism was associated with a 2.4 fold increased risk of DR (95% CI 1.39-4.09). In contrast, we did not observe any association between the genotypes or alleles of G894T polymorphism with DR, hypertension, or nephropathy. CONCLUSIONS: We observed a significant association between the 4a/b polymorphism of the eNOS and DR in our West African cohort.

Source: UG
Polymorphisms in interleukin-1 β and interleukin-1 receptor antagonist genes and malaria in Ghanaian children

The Department of Immunology conducts research in the field of immunology of infectious and non-infectious diseases. The Department has the overall goal of contributing knowledge to better diagnosis, management, control and prevention of infectious and non-infectious diseases in Ghana and worldwide. This is consistent with the overall strategy of the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR) and in line with the strategy of the College of Health Sciences of the University of Ghana.

Source: UG
Polymorphisms in the Haem Oxygenase-1 promoter are not associated with severity of Plasmodium falciparum malaria in Ghanaian children

The Department of Immunology conducts research in the field of immunology of infectious and non-infectious diseases. The Department has the overall goal of contributing knowledge to better diagnosis, management, control and prevention of infectious and non-infectious diseases in Ghana and worldwide. This is consistent with the overall strategy of the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR) and in line with the strategy of the College of Health Sciences of the University of Ghana.

Source: UG
Polymorphisms in the human angiotensin converting enzyme gene (ACE) linked to susceptibility of COVID-19 and malaria infections in the Ghanaian population

The Epidemiology Department contributes to the mission of the institute through basic and applied epidemiological research on, but not limited to, malaria and other diseases of public health importance. It is also home to the Social Science Unit of the Institute, including the Health Support Centre for HIV/AIDS and other communicable and noncommunicable health problems.

Source: UG