ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Prophylaxis against post-appendicectomy wound infection. A controlled clinical trial of intravenous (i.v.) metronidazole versus i.v. metronidazole-ampicillin-gentamicin.

A controlled clinical trial has been conducted on three doses of intravenous (I.V.) metronidazole alone and of I.V. metronidazole-gentamicin-ampicillin combined in wound infection following appendicectomy for non-perforated appendicitis. Of the 205 patients entered, 154 were evaluable. There were 118 males and 36 females (3.3:1), their mean age was 24 +/- 9.8 years, and mean Quetelet index was 23 +/- 5. The two groups were comparable in terms of seven potential risk factors: age, sex, Quetelet index, mean duration of operation, wound contamination, nasal carriage of S. aureus, and operating surgeon's rank. The over-all wound infection rate was 10.4%. There were two delayed infections in each treatment group. We found no difference between the two treatment groups in terms of wound infection and delayed wound infection. No adverse drug reaction was seen. We conclude that the two regimens are equally convenient, safe, effective, and reliable. But, metronidazole alone is the less expensive of the two.

Source: UG
Proportion and factors associated with Hepatitis B viremia in antiretroviral treatment naïve and experienced HIV co-infected Ghanaian patients

Background: The global burden of Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and HIV co-infection is enormous. The risk of developing cirrhosis and hepatocellular cancer is associated with HBV DNA levels. The main objective of the study was to determine proportion of Hepatitis B viremia in ART-naïve and ART-experienced co-infected Ghanaian patients and factors associated with HBV viremia after at least 36 weeks of lamivudine with or without tenofovir containing ART. Methods: Hepatitis B and HIV co-infected patients who were ART-naïve or had received at least 9 months of lamivudine-containing ART were enrolled in a cross-sectional study at Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital. Demographic and clinical data were collected and samples obtained for Hepatitis B serology, liver function tests and HBV DNA. Factors associated with viremia were determined using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis. Results: Of 3108 HIV-infected patients screened, 257 (8.3 %) were HBsAg-positive, of which 235 enrolled. Overall, 152 (64.7 %) were ART-experienced and 83 (35.3 %) were ART-naïve. Eighty-nine-percent of ART-naïve and 42.1 % of ART-experienced patients had HBV DNA > 20 IU/mL. In multivariate analysis of all patients, being ART-naïve (OR 10.1, 95 % CI 4.6 - 21.9) and elevated ALT (OR 3.7, 95 % CI 1.8 - 7.9) were associated with Hepatitis B viremia. In treatment experienced patients, elevated ALT (OR 4.8 CI 2.0 - 12.1) and male sex (OR 2.1, 95 % CI 1.0 - 4.2) were associated with Hepatitis B viremia. Conclusions: Majority of ART-naïve (89 %) and 42 % of ART-experienced patients had detectable hepatitis B viremia > 20 IU/mL. An abnormal serum ALT was significantly associated with hepatitis B viremia in HBV and HIV co-infected patients irrespective of treatment status. Baseline and on-treatment ALT may be a useful non-invasive predictor of Hepatitis B viremia in resource-constrained countries in sub-Saharan Africa where infection is endemic and viral load tests are not widely available.

Source: UG
The Proposed Constitution of Ghana Presented By the Secretary Of State for the Colonies to Parliament by Command of Her Majesty February 1957

In 1954 a new constitution was introduced in the Gold Coast which granted virtually full internal self-government. Later that year an organised Opposition movement emerged and during the following months it became apparent that there was a difference of view within the count ry about the desirable constitution fo r the country on its attainment of independence. Towards the end of September 1955, Sir Frederick Bourne, K .C.S .l. C.I.E., was appointed independent Constitutional Adviser at the request of the Gold Coast Government. He had talks in all parts of the country and published his recommendations in December 1955 . In February 1956 the Gold Coast Government convened a round table conference (subsequently known as the Achimota Conference)to discuss the Bourne Report. This conference recommended the adoption of the Bourne Report with minor modifications. The Opposition felt unable to co-operate with Sir Frederick Bow-ne or to participate in the Achimota Conference. In April 1956 the Gold Coast Government published a White Paper containing their' own constitutional ' proposals for Gold Coast independence

Source: UG
Proposed standard guideline for managing information systems (ISs) in libraries in Africa

Purpose – Libraries in Africa are adopting technology at a fast pace. However, literature has provided enough evidence of the many challenges libraries on the continent are facing in the use of the adopted information technology of which information systems (ISs) are major components. Literature also does not provide evidence of IS standard, policy or guideline at both national and international levels as a benchmark for the use of these systems. Therefore, this paper aims to propose an IS standard guideline as a guide for libraries in Africa to develop IS policies, standards or guidelines to help in effective use of IS in libraries. Design/methodology/approach – The researchers based their proposed standard guideline on the findings from their earlier research works and evidence from other existing literature as has been reviewed in this paper. Findings – Findings from the literature revealed that libraries in Africa face a number of challenges in the use of IS which can be categorised into four main areas, namely, financial challenges, technological and infrastructural challenges, human resource challenges and organizational challenges. Originality/value – This paper proposed an IS standard guideline to serve as a guide for libraries in Africa to develop IS policies, standards or guidelines to help in effective use of IS in libraries.

Source: UG
Proposing a Contextual Approach to Pre-School Teacher Education in Ghana

Efforts of Ghanaian Universities and Colleges of Education in training pre-school teachers have been found inadequate and unable to meet their training needs. As a result, other private and non-governmental organisations have been contributing to the education of early childhood practitioners, although on pilot basis. Currently, most pre-school teachers remain untrained. Using the Cultural Historical Activity Theory as a Framework, this paper proposes a contextual approach to pre-school teacher education using radio as a training tool for teachers. The radio is easily accessible, handy, far reaching to remote rural settlements (than the internet) and low in cost. It is suggested that as in other community radio efforts it should be localised so the community ‘runs’ their own stations. Specific programmes should be devoted to topics on child development, child survival, early childhood pedagogy and other practical issues relevant to pre-school classrooms. This presentation concludes by suggesting periodic community (of stakeholders) meetings to form a support group.

Source: UG
The pros and cons of library automation in a resource challenged environment: A case study of KNUST library

The study sought to ascertain the challenges and benefits of library automation and to recommend how the challenges could be addressed. The study employed single case study techniques as the research design. Semi-structured interview was used for the data gathering. Data was qualitatively analysed using a thematic approach.It highlights retrospective conversion, lack of local experts, lack of trained staffs, unstable power supply, desert of job, attitudinal problems as the challenges confronting the library. The study also shows that as a result of automation, the library is faster and efficient than before in its operations.

Source: UG
The prospect of biodiversity conservation in cocoa agroforestry landscape, Ghana

Abstract The adoption of cocoa agroforests in Ghana and other West African countries for biodiversity conservation has not been conclusive. Though constituting major landscapes, cocoa agroforests are not fully adopted for biodiversity conservation, despite the declining cover of protected forest areas that are considered as biodiversity hotspots. We assessed the biodiversity conservation potential of cocoa agroforest farms relative to a protected forest vegetation. Six plots were delineated in cocoa agroforest farms, and a plot in a protected forest. Trees with a diameter of, at least, 5 cm at breast height (1.3m) were identified and counted in the plots. Multiple quantitative general diversity measurements of species richness, Shannon index, Simpson index and Sorensen’s plot similarity were estimated and compared among the plots. Though the protected forest recorded the highest (2.74) for the Shannon index, some cocoa farms recorded higher measurements as well (2.46 and 2.31). Three cocoa plots recorded higher values for Simpson index (0.92, 0.89 and 0.83) than the protected area (0.73). Dominance was higher in the protected forest (0.127) than one cocoa plot (0.098). The Sorensens’s index showed a wide variation in similarity among the cocoa farms, indicating the possibility of management types. The finding indicates a potential for adopting cocoa agroforestry for biodiversity conservation, yet, given the variations in diversity measures among the farms, further studies to determine the management types and the mix of tree species diversity and abundance that yields the optimum sustainability benefits must be conducted.

Source: UG
The Prospects and Challenges for the Adoption of Green Mining In Ghana: A Case Study of Golden Star Resources Bogoso/Prestea Mine.

Illegal mining appears to be one of world’s major mining problems and to a large extent Ghana’s greatest environmental hazard. However, small scale and large-scale mining are not excluded from this problem because current statistics point to mining industries consuming almost 20% of the world’s water supplies, also when a mine closure is done haphazardly, the area becomes an environmental and safety risk for the communities that live close to the mine. Mining in general can pollute the air and drinking water, harm wildlife and habitat, and permanently scar natural landscapes and these pose a threat to world security. The government of Ghana and global environmental bodies have introduced several approaches in solving the environmental issues caused by the effects of mining. Furthermore, in 2014, a concept called Green Mining, referring to technologies, best practices and mine processes that are adopted to reduce the environmental footprints associated with the extraction and processing of minerals and metals was introduced. Green mining is being practiced in countries such as Canada and Australia and ranges from improving water consumption to lowering energy costs and ensuring a safer mine closure. This study therefore sought to assess the prospects and challenges for the adoption of Green mining in Ghana, using Golden Star Resources Bogoso/Prestea mine as a case study, and to find out measures that have been employed by Golden Star Resources to reduce the negative environmental impacts of mining. This study used the qualitative research method. It argues that Golden Star Resources to a large extent practices Green Mining and has contributed appreciably well to implementing this practice in all three mines of the company; Bogoso/Prestea and Wassa. The researcher recommends that the Government of Ghana should liaise with major stakeholders in the mining sector to create awareness on minerals exploitation in the country by both foreign and local investors. It is also imperative that the major stakeholders in the mining industry in Ghana do learn from the pacesetters of green mining;

Source: UG
Prospects And Challenges of Global Governance: An Analysis of the Response by the International Community to the Ebola Outbreak in West Africa

The Ebola outbreak in West Africa has given a real test to Global Health Governance in recent times. This is due to its rapid geographic spread and negative global impact. Therefore, this study focuses on analyzing the prospects and challenges of Global Health Governance in relation to the international community‘s response to the Ebola outbreak in West Africa. The study covers the three most affected countries of the outbreak (i.e. Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea). The study covers the period from March, 2014 to July, 2015 in analyzing the international community‘s response to the pandemic. The study is purely qualitative and relies primarily on literature review and interviews for data collection and analyses. From the study, the international community‘s response to the Ebola outbreak in West Africa sheds light on some prospects and challenges confronting Global Health Governance. The prospects include the establishment of an independent mission; the United Nations Mission for Ebola Emergency Response (UNMEER) by the UN for the containment of the pandemic whilst a challenge includes the lack of leadership and non-existence of a recognized central coordination mechanism of Global Health Governance in effectively containing the pandemic. This resulted in about 11,000 deaths and drastic economic devastations, especially, in the most affected countries in West Africa. Following from the findings, the study concludes that, early securitization of the Ebola outbreak in West Africa would have mitigated the adverse cost of the drastic economic devastations and the over 11, 000 deaths recorded from the outbreak. Towards this end, the study recommends the need for the establishment of a more structured Multi-Lateral International Response Mechanism to provide quick and effective responses to future health crises. This can be achieved, if conscious efforts are taken by highest ranking personnel of Global Governance institutions to ensure that there is no delay in securitizing health threats in future.

Source: UG
Prospects and Feasibility of Diaspora Bond: The Case of Ghana

This study sought to establish the rationale, feasibility, conditions, determinants and hindrances of a successful issuance of a diaspora bond by Ghana as a sovereign economic entity. The study also sought to assess the willingness of the Ghanaian diaspora to patronise a diaspora bond. A total of 12 financial institutions within Accra and 113 Ghanaians living in the diaspora were contacted using the purposive sampling method. The study finds that Ghana has patriotic citizens in the diaspora who are ready to patronize its diaspora bonds. It was also found that prospective investors of Ghana‟s diaspora bond find GDP growth and political stability as the most favourable indicators in pulling investors. The study concludes that though internal weaknesses and external threats exist, Ghana stands a good chance for a successful diaspora bond issue with an anticipated high patronage by Ghanaians in the diaspora

Source: UG
Prostate cancer awareness and attitude toward early detection among male soldiers in Ghana: a cross‑sectional study

Background: Prostate cancer (PC) is the leading cause of cancer deaths among men in Ghana. This poses a public health threat, especially among the Ghana Armed Force (GAF) where the majority are males. This study aimed to assess male soldiers’ awareness, knowledge and attitudes toward early detection of prostate cancer. Results: It was found that 58.3% of the soldiers were less aware of PC and 76.0% had low or neutral knowledge regarding risk factors and symptoms of PC. The soldiers had positive attitudes toward early detection but had low intentions of getting tested. Awareness was significantly associated with education, rank, haven received PC information from a health worker and being knowledgeable of signs of PC. Conclusion: We recommend that management of the GAF should liaise with the Ministry of Health to sensitize and educate soldiers on prostate cancer, and if possible, organize periodic screening activities for the soldiers to aid in early detection and effective management of the disease. The findings of this study provide valuable information for health interventions in Ghana.

Source: UG
Prostate cancer metastasis to the mandible: Case report

Prostate cancer is recognised to be the commonest type of malignancy in the male in many parts of the world. Prostate cancer has a propensity to metastasize to bone, however metastasis to the jaw is uncommon and indeed among metastatic tumours of the jaws which are a rarity, only about 9% originate from a prostatic primary. We report a case of histologically proven metastatic prostate cancer to the right mandible which necessitated a hemi-mandibulectomy in order to improve the patient's quality of life.

Source: UG
Prostatic volume determination by transabdominal ultrasonography: Does accuracy vary significantly with urinary bladder volumes between 50 to 400 mL?

Introduction: In Ghana, trans-abdominal ultrasonography is the main sonographic method of prostatic volume evaluation. The examinations are done when the patient’s bladder is full. However, the delay and the discomforting experiences associated with a full bladder have been well documented. In an attempt to investigate other less discomforting options, this study was undertaken to determine if sonographic transabdominal prostatic evaluations performed at urinary bladder volumes of 50–99 mL differ significantly to evaluations done at volumes of 100–199, 200–299 and 300– 399 mL. Methods: A prostatic study of adult patients was undertaken in Accra, from 2014 to 2015. Using an ultrasound machine, 79 sets of prostatic measurements were recorded at a urinary bladder volume of 50–99 mL (V1 as our reference volume), and at least one of three other urinary bladder volumes (V2 = 100–199 mL, V3 = 200–299 mL and V4 = 300–399 mL), in 66 males. Twelve of the participants had multiple sets of prostate volume measurements. SPSS was used to analyse the data. T-test, Bland-Altman plots and linear regression were used to compare and test for the existence of proportional biases in measurements. Results: There was a statistically significant difference in prostatic volumes recorded at V1 and V2 (P = 0.017). However, the prostatic volume differences recorded for V1/V3, and V1/V4 groups of data were all not statistically significant (P > 0.05). The limits of agreement for the set of measurements spread from approximately 29 to +18 mL for V1/V2, 48 to +36 mL for V1/V3 and 12 to +12 mL for V1/V4 variables. There was no proportional bias in the V1/V2 (P = 0.55) and V1/V4 (P = 0.463) measurements. Conclusion: Urinary bladder volume of 50–99 mL produces prostatic volume measurements comparable to volumes measured in patients with a full (300–399 mL), or nearly full urinary bladder (200–299 mL). A urinary bladder volume of 50–99 mL may therefore be adequate for scanning the prostate gland, and is likely to be tolerated much better by patients.

Source: UG
Prostatic volume determination by transabdominal ultrasonography: Does accuracy vary significantly with urinary bladder volumes between 50 to 400 mL?

Introduction In Ghana, trans‐abdominal ultrasonography is the main sonographic method of prostatic volume evaluation. The examinations are done when the patient's bladder is full. However, the delay and the discomforting experiences associated with a full bladder have been well documented. In an attempt to investigate other less discomforting options, this study was undertaken to determine if sonographic transabdominal prostatic evaluations performed at urinary bladder volumes of 50–99 mL differ significantly to evaluations done at volumes of 100–199, 200–299 and 300–399 mL. Methods A prostatic study of adult patients was undertaken in Accra, from 2014 to 2015. Using an ultrasound machine, 79 sets of prostatic measurements were recorded at a urinary bladder volume of 50–99 mL (V1 as our reference volume), and at least one of three other urinary bladder volumes (V2 = 100–199 mL, V3 = 200–299 mL and V4 = 300–399 mL), in 66 males. Twelve of the participants had multiple sets of prostate volume measurements. SPSS was used to analyse the data. T‐test, Bland‐Altman plots and linear regression were used to compare and test for the existence of proportional biases in measurements. Results There was a statistically significant difference in prostatic volumes recorded at V1 and V2 (P = 0.017). However, the prostatic volume differences recorded for V1/V3, and V1/V4 groups of data were all not statistically significant (P > 0.05). The limits of agreement for the set of measurements spread from approximately −29 to +18 mL for V1/V2, −48 to +36 mL for V1/V3 and −12 to +12 mL for V1/V4 variables. There was no proportional bias in the V1/V2 (P = 0.55) and V1/V4 (P = 0.463) measurements. Conclusion Urinary bladder volume of 50–99 mL produces prostatic volume measurements comparable to volumes measured in patients with a full (300–399 mL), or nearly full urinary bladder (200–299 mL). A urinary bladder volume of 50–99 mL may therefore be adequate for scanning the prostate gland, and is likely to be tolerated much better by patients.

Source: UG
Protected Area Management and Livelihood Conflicts In Ghana: A Case Study of Digya National Park

The Digya National Park in Ghana has been the scene of conflicts between local communities and wildlife managers ever since its establishment in 1971. The conflicts range from apprehension of local people by Wildlife Officials for entry into the park to collect non-timber forest products, to serious confrontation with poachers, arrests and evictions that occasionally result in deaths. Documented information on these conflicts, however, is scanty. This study examines the root causes of conflict in Digya National Park, with a view to recommending policy interventions that will help curtail the conflicts. Data for the study were derived from focused group discussions, direct interviews with stakeholders, on-site observations, as well as, from a management effectiveness evaluation exercise that involved administration of a pre-designed questionnaire to protected area managers and administrators. The results revealed that a major underlying source of conflict in the park was poverty in neighbouring communities. This, together with unresolved issues of compensation payment, animal raids on farmlands and exclusion of local communities in the management process, have fuelled illegal activities, mainly hunting and encroachment, leading to several conflict situations. Arrest of culprits and forced evictions by Wildlife Officials had not helped in curtailing illegal activities and conflicts. The study recommends linking wildlife management to community development to ensure that local economies and livelihoods of fringe communities are sustained while seeking to attain the objectives of wildlife conservation in order to minimize conflicts.

Source: UG