ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Farmers’ risk preference and the adoption of risk management strategies in Northern Ghana

The study used the hypothetical lottery-choice questions to measure risk aversion and a detailed survey collected data on input use, farm production and non-farm activities to specifically assess whether risk aversion, risk perceptions, and socioeconomic factors affect the risk management strategies of farm households in Northern Ghana. Risk aversion significantly increases crop diversification strategies of households but marginally reduces herbicide use by households. Market risk significantly increases the use of improved seed varieties and the application of inorganic fertiliser but reduces diversification into livestock production. Production risk largely increases diversification into livestock production. Farmers’ risk management strategies are affected by socioeconomic variables such as access to extension services, area cultivated, age and gender. Policy effort focused on building pliable on-farm crop related risk management strategies should aim at considering the risk aversion and the perception of market risk whilst those focused on livestock should focus on production risk. © 2018 Newcastle University

Source: UG
Farmers’ valuation and willingness to pay for vaccines to protect livestock resources against priority infectious diseases in Ghana

The Bacteriology Department aims to improve the quality of life first for Ghanaians and the world at large by conducting research into bacterial diseases of public health importance to Ghana and globally. In addition to working on enteric pathogens and sexually transmitted diseases, the department’s current main focus is on the two most important mycobacterial diseases of public health importance to Ghana, namely Buruli ulcer (BU) and tuberculosis (TB).

Source: UG
Farmers’ Willingness To Adopt Genetically Modified Maize Seeds In Ghana

Cereals production, especially maize, in Ghana is characterized by low yields and productivity, which are compounded in the long run by production fluctuations due to drought, pests, and diseases. Chemical pesticides and, to a limited extent, integrated pest management (IPM) practices have been applied to control the pests, weeds and diseases but with limited success. However recent studies indicate that genetic modification technology of some of these crops can be employed to solve these challenges. Following the development and introduction of genetically modified maize technology in some developing countries such as South Africa, this study sought to determine farmers‟ willingness to adopt genetically modified (GM) maize seed varieties in the Sunyani Municipality (a major cereal area) in the Brong Ahafo Region of Ghana The study examines farmers willingness to adopt three types of GM maize: Bt maize, Ht maize, and Bt/Ht maize. Data was collected from 160 commercial farmers from three maize producing areas using questionnaires. In this study, a conceptual framework was developed for the decision to adopt and econometric analyses of the choices are presented using Binary Logit and Multinomial Logit regression model. The empirical results show that age, gender, experience, land tenure and education are significant factors likely influence the adoption of GM maize seeds. However, on a case by case basis with respect to the individual GM maize seeds varieties, age had a positive effect on the farmers' willingness to adopt Bt maize seed while gender and education variables had a negative influence on Bt maize seed adoption. Age, education, experience, land tenure and extension contact variables had a positive effect on the likely adoption of Ht maize seed variety. For Bt/Ht maize seed variety variables -age and extension contact - had a positive effect on adoption of Bt/Ht maize seed variety, whiles variables -FBO member and family labour had a negative effect on its likely adoption. It is recommended, that campaigns toward adoption of GM maize seeds should focus on older, male, educated, experienced and permanent land-owning farmers.

Source: UG
Farming as a Financial Asset: Global Finance and the Making of Institutional Landscapes : A Commentary.

This book by Stefan Ouma presents a rich diversity of themes with compelling new insights into past theories, arguments, and proposals for a new conceptualization and understanding of the making of insti tutional landscapes. Due to this diversity—which is complicated by geographical, historical, and current contextual factors—the findings and conclusions provide new entry points to the student of radical political economy. It provides a break from the atemporal treatment of capital in agriculture in the land-grab literature by tracing the roots of capital in agriculture with a careful historical and disaggregated spatial context. The book uses Tanzania and Aotearoa New Zealand to make a case for spatial differentiation. It is a refreshing volume that disrupts old narratives on the workings of finance in agriculture by offering rich empirical material and evidence. The author argues succinctly and clearly, using refined historical, conceptual, theoret ical, methodological, and empirical perspectives in showing how “finance goes farming.” The data for this book emanates from seri ous global fieldwork across three continents with perspectives from other continents where different forms of finance operate in creating institutional landscapes. It extends our knowledge on global capital and agricultural development beyond the current the discourses. The author presents different lenses through which we can view “reality” in diverse contexts, especially through the lenses of capital itself, rather than only through the theoretical deductions and representations of affected social classes.

Source: UG
Farming as a Financial Asset: Global Finance and the Making of Institutional Landscapes : A Commentary.

This book by Stefan Ouma presents a rich diversity of themes with compelling new insights into past theories, arguments, and proposals for a new conceptualization and understanding of the making of institutional landscapes. Due to this diversity—which is complicated by geographical, historical, and current contextual factors—the findings and conclusions provide new entry points to the student of radical political economy. It provides a break from the atemporal treatment of capital in agriculture in the land-grab literature by tracing the roots of capital in agriculture with a careful historical and disaggregated spatial context. The book uses Tanzania and Aotearoa New Zealand to make a case for spatial differentiation. It is a refreshing volume that disrupts old narratives on the workings of finance in agriculture by offering rich empirical material and evidence. The author argues succinctly and clearly, using refined historical, conceptual, theoretical, methodological, and empirical perspectives in showing how “finance goes farming.” The data for this book emanates from serious global fieldwork across three continents with perspectives from other continents where different forms of finance operate in creating institutional landscapes. It extends our knowledge on global capital and agricultural development beyond the current the discourses. The author presents different lenses through which we can view “reality” in diverse contexts, especially through the lenses of capital itself, rather than only through the theoretical deductions and representations of affected social classes.

Source: UG
Farming Patterns in the Kade Area

This study, which relates to food farming in the. Forest, is the last of four which attempt to describe distinct aspects of the agricultural economy of Ghana, notably commercial , food and cocoa farming in the forest , commercial and subsistence food farming in the savannah . The other studies are those relating Ejura. (Commercial food production in the savanna), west ashanti (cocoa) and Frafra (subsistence food prcduction).

Source: UG
Farming system-induced variability of some soil properties in a sub-humid zone of Ghana

This study assessed the effects of different farming systems, namely woodlot (WL), alley farming (AL), conventional tillage (CT) and natural fallow (NF) on the variability of organic carbon (OC) content and mean weight diameter (MWD) of a degraded Ferric Acrisol in the sub-humid zone of Ghana. The soils under woodlot accumulated the highest amount of organic carbon (18.6 g kg-1) with the least spatial variability apparently due to the greater additions of litter and minimum tillage. The conventionally tilled soil had the least OC content (13.1 g kg-1). Similar to the OC content, the woodlot soils also had the highest aggregate stability (MWD = 1.78 mm) and the least spatial variability. The stability of soil aggregates under the farming systems was greatly influenced by OC content; there was a good correlation between OC and MWD (r &gt; 0.62**). Correlograms showed that OC and MWD are space dependent. The correlation length for OC under the different farming systems followed the order WL &gt; NF &gt; AL &gt; CT, indicating that WL ensured a greater uniform distribution soil organic matter. The spatial distribution in MWD followed the same trend observed for OC. The MWD in the other farming systems was poorly related from point to point with shorter k-values, suggesting lack of uniformity due to low accumulation of OC. Generally, the woodlot system appeared to be a better, low-input restorer of soil productivity.

Source: UG
Fast-onset effects of Pseudospondias microcarpa (A. Rich) Engl. (Anacardiaceae) hydroethanolic leaf extract on behavioral alterations induced by chronic mild stress in mice

Introduction Pseudospondias microcarpa (Anacardiaceae) is a plant widely used traditionally for treating various central nervous system disorders. A previous study in our laboratory confirmed that the hydroethanolic leaf extract (PME) of the plant produces an antidepressant-like effect in rodent models of behavioral despair. However, its effect on depressive-like behavior induced by chronic mild stress (CMS) and its time course of action are still unknown. In this context, the long-term effects of PME on cognitive function and depressive- and anxiety-like behavior caused by CMS were assessed. Methods Male ICR mice were exposed to CMS for nine weeks and anhedonia was evaluated by monitoring sucrose intake (SIT) weekly. PME (30, 100, or 300 mg kg-1) or fluoxetine (FLX) (3, 10, or 30 mg kg-1) was administered to the mice during the last six weeks of CMS. Behavioral tests—coat state, splash test, forced swimming test (FST), tail suspension test (TST), elevated plus maze (EPM), open field test (OFT), novelty suppressed feeding (NSF), EPM transfer latency, and Morris water maze (MWM)—were performed after the nine-week CMS period Results When the mice were exposed to CMS, their SIT and grooming behavior reduced (splash test), their coat status was poor, they became more immobile (FST and TST), more anxious (OFT, EPM, and NSF), and their cognitive function was compromised (EPM transfer latency and MWM tests). Chronic PME treatment, however, was able to counteract these effects. Additionally, following two (2) weeks of treatment, PME significantly boosted SIT in stressed mice (30 mg kg-1, P<0.05; 100 mg kg-1, P<0.05; and 300 mg kg-1, P<0.001), as compared to four (4) weeks of treatment with FLX. Conclusion The present findings demonstrate that PME produces a rapid and sustained antidepres sant-like action and reverses behavioral changes induced by chronic exposure to mild stressors

Source: UG
Fat bloom development and structure-appearance relationships during storage of under-tempered dark chocolates

Fat bloom development and associated changes in microstructure, texture, appearance and melting properties were studied. Dark chocolates varying in particle size (PS) (D90of 18, 25, 35 and 50 μm) were processed and pre-crystallised to under-temper regime. Bloom was induced by storing products under ambient conditions (18 ± 2 °C, RH 50%) and changes in texture, surface whiteness, gloss and melting properties evaluated on cooling and after every 24 h in storage until reaching asymptotic values. Micro- structure of products were characterised during blooming using stereoscopic binocular microscopy. Measurements on texture and surface whiteness showed initial rapid increases with consequential reductions in gloss within the first 96 h, followed by gradually decreasing gradient until reaching asymptotic levels. Storage influenced melting properties (Tonset, Tend, Tpeakand DHmelt) in products causing polymorphic transformation from βIV to βVI within 72 h. Micrographs showed similar surface crystalline network structure and inter-particle interactions among products from different PS after tempering, and bloom initiation occurred within 24 h in storage resulting in appearance of both liquid and unstable fat on the surface of products. The unstable fat then re-crystallised during storage into more stable polymorphs and crystal growth was promoted by Ostwald ripening (larger crystals growing at the expense of smaller ones), with the appearance of white crystalline structure which spread gradually throughout the chocolate mass after 96 h. Product containing the largest PS (50 μm) showed the fastest fat bloom rate, with the smallest PS (18 μm) the least, attributed mainly to hydrodynamic forces by capillary action. It was hypothesised that fat bloom development was initiated by capillarity, followed by growth of re-crystallised fat by diffusion across the entire chocolate mass until fully bloomed.

Source: UG
Fatal cardiotoxicity related to halofantrine: a review based on a worldwide safety data base

Background. Halofantrine (HF) was considered an effective and safe treatment for multi-drug resistant falciparum malaria until 1993, when the first case of drug-associated death was reported. Since then, numerous studies have confirmed cardiac arrythmias, possibly fatal, in both adults and children. The aim of the study was to review fatal HF related cardiotoxicity. Methods. In addition, to a systematic review of the literature, the authors have had access to the global safety database on possible HF related cardiotoxicity provided by GlaxoSmithKline. Results. Thirty-five cases of fatal cardiotoxicity related to HF, including five children, were identified. Females (70%) and patients from developing countries (71%) were over-represented in this series. Seventy-four percent of the fatal events occurred within 24 hours of initial exposure to HF. Twenty six patients (74%) had at least one predisposing factor for severe cardiotoxicity, e.g., underlying cardiac disease, higher than recommended doses, or presence of a concomitant QT-lengthening drug. All (100%) of the paediatric cases had either a contraindication to HF or an improper dose was given. In six cases there was no malaria. Conclusion. A distinction should be made between common but asymptomatic QT-interval prolongation and the much less common ventricular arrhythmias, such as torsades de pointes, which can be fatal and seem to occur in a very limited number of patients. The majority of reported cardiac events occurred either in patients with predisposing factors or with an improper dose. Therefore, in the rare situations in which HF is the only therapeutic option, it can still be given after carefully checking for contraindications, such as underlying cardiac disease, bradycardia, metabolic disorders, personal or family history of long QT-interval or concomitant use of another QT-prolonging drug (e.g., mefloquine), especially in females. © 2009 Bouchaud et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.

Source: UG
Fatal hepatitis E viral infection in pregnant women in Ghana: a case series

Most research activities involve the use of molecular methods such as regular PCR (PCR), quantitative PCR (Q-PCR), genomic sequence and analysis using different software, genetic engineering, probe hybridization techniques, biological and molecular cloning, evaluation of immune markers for laboratory diagnosis of infections, serological assays involving the use of rapid tests, ELISA-based evaluations and immunofluorescent assay techniques.

Source: UG
Fathers' experiences of caring for children living with cerebral palsy: A qualitative study in a low resourced socioeconomic context, Ghana

Background: In Ghana, little is known about fathers' experiences caring for children with cerebral palsy. Purpose: The purpose of this study is to explore a. the caregiving demand and burden on fathers of children with cerebral palsy and b. describe the caregiving consequences and coping strategies of fathers of children with cerebral palsy. Design and methods: The study utilized an exploratory, descriptive qualitative approach with a sample size of fifteen fathers purposively selected. The study used a semi-structured interview guide to conduct a one-on-one interview with participants. The analysis performed was thematic and content analysis. Results: The results revealed complexities of care demand and burden; thus, meeting the child's needs resulted in physical and mental exhaustion, frequent hospital visits, and substantial financial implications for fathers. Conclusions: We conclude that the family, particularly fathers, need support to embrace the challenging care roles as parents to children with cerebral palsy. It is evident that caring for children is mainly reserved for mothers in the African context. However, the demanding nature of care for a child with a developmental disability requires the involvement of both parents to meet the child's care needs and reduce the caregiver's care burden. Practice implications: Health professionals, particularly nurses must initiate and advocate for fathers' active participation in daily childcare. Tailored supportive care for families with children with disabilities in sub Saharan Africa is required

Source: UG
Fc gamma receptor 3B (FCGR3B-c.233C&gt;A-rs5030738) polymorphism modifies the protective effect of malaria specific antibodies 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
Fc Gamma Receptor IIIB (FccRIIIB) Polymorphisms Are Associated with Clinical Malaria in Ghanaian Children

Plasmodium falciparum malaria kills nearly a million people annually. Over 90% of these deaths occur in children under five years of age in sub-Saharan Africa. A neutrophil mediated mechanism, the antibody dependent respiratory burst (ADRB), was recently shown to correlate with protection from clinical malaria. Human neutrophils constitutively express Fc gamma receptor-FccRIIA and FccRIIIB by which they interact with immunoglobulin (Ig) G (IgG)-subclass antibodies. Polymorphisms in exon 4 of FCGR2A and exon 3 of FCGR3B genes encoding FccRIIA and FccRIIIB respectively have been described to alter the affinities of both receptors for IgG. Here, associations between specific polymorphisms, encoding FccRIIA p.H166R and FccRIIIB-NA1/NA2/SH variants with clinical malaria were investigated in a longitudinal malaria cohort study. FccRIIA-p.166H/ R was genotyped by gene specific polymerase chain reaction followed by allele specific restriction enzyme digestion. FCGR3B-exon 3 was sequenced in 585 children, aged 1 to 12 years living in a malaria endemic region of Ghana. Multivariate logistic regression analysis found no association between FccRIIA-166H/R polymorphism and clinical malaria. The A-allele of FCGR3B-c.233C.A (rs5030738) was significantly associated with protection from clinical malaria under two out of three genetic models (additive: p = 0.0061; recessive: p = 0.097; dominant: p = 0.0076) of inheritance. The FccRIIIB-SH allotype (CTGAAA) containing the 233A-allele (in bold) was associated with protection from malaria (p = 0.049). The FccRIIIB-NA2*03 allotype (CTGCGA), a variant of the classical FccRIIIB-NA2 (CTGCAA) was associated with susceptibility to clinical malaria (p = 0.0092). The present study is the first to report an association between a variant of FccRIIIB-NA2 and susceptibility to clinical malaria and provides justification for further functional characterization of variants of the classical FccRIIIB allotypes. This would be crucial to the improvement of neutrophil mediated functional assays such as the ADRB assay aimed at assessing the functionality of antibodies induced by candidate malaria vaccines.

Source: UG
Fc Gamma Receptor IIIB (FcÎ³RIIIB) Polymorphisms Are Associated with Clinical Malaria in Ghanaian Children

Plasmodium falciparum malaria kills nearly a million people annually. Over 90% of these deaths occur in children under five years of age in sub-Saharan Africa. A neutrophil mediated mechanism, the antibody dependent respiratory burst (ADRB), was recently shown to correlate with protection from clinical malaria. Human neutrophils constitutively express Fc gamma receptor-FcÎ³RIIA and FcÎ³RIIIB by which they interact with immunoglobulin (Ig) G (IgG)-subclass antibodies. Polymorphisms in exon 4 of FCGR2A and exon 3 of FCGR3B genes encoding FcÎ³RIIA and FcÎ³RIIIB respectively have been described to alter the affinities of both receptors for IgG. Here, associations between specific polymorphisms, encoding FcÎ³RIIA p.H166R and FcÎ³RIIIB-NA1/NA2/SH variants with clinical malaria were investigated in a longitudinal malaria cohort study. FcÎ³RIIA-p.166H/R was genotyped by gene specific polymerase chain reaction followed by allele specific restriction enzyme digestion. FCGR3B-exon 3 was sequenced in 585 children, aged 1 to 12 years living in a malaria endemic region of Ghana. Multivariate logistic regression analysis found no association between FcÎ³RIIA-166H/R polymorphism and clinical malaria. The A-allele of FCGR3B-c.233C>A (rs5030738) was significantly associated with protection from clinical malaria under two out of three genetic models (additive: p = 0.0061; recessive: p = 0.097; dominant: p = 0.0076) of inheritance. The FcÎ³RIIIB-SH allotype (CTGAAA) containing the 233A-allele (in bold) was associated with protection from malaria (p = 0.049). The FcÎ³RIIIB-NA2*03 allotype (CTGCGA), a variant of the classical FcÎ³RIIIB-NA2 (CTGCAA) was associated with susceptibility to clinical malaria (p = 0.0092). The present study is the first to report an association between a variant of FcÎ³RIIIB-NA2 and susceptibility to clinical malaria and provides justification for further functional characterization of variants of the classical FcÎ³RIIIB allotypes. This would be crucial to the improvement of neutrophil mediated functional assays such as the ADRB assay aimed at assessing the functionality of antibodies induced by candidate malaria vaccines.

Source: UG
Fc Gamma Receptor IIIB (FcγRIIIB) Polymorphisms Are Associated with Clinical 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