ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Cocoa‐associated filamentous fungi for the biocontrol of aflatoxigenic Aspergillus flavus

Aflatoxin and other mycotoxin contamination are major threats to global food security and present an urgent need to secure the global food crop against spoilage by mycotoxigenic fungi. Cocoa material is noted for naturally low aflatoxin contamination. This study was designed to assess the potential for harnessing cocoa‐associated filamentous fungi for the biocontrol of aflatoxigenic Aspergillus flavus. The candidate fungi were isolated from fermented cocoa beans collected from four cocoa‐growing areas in Ghana. Molecular characterization included Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS)‐sequencing for identification and polymer chain reaction (PCR) to determine mating type. Effects of the candidate isolates on growth and aflatoxin‐production by an aflatoxigenic A. flavus isolate (BANGA1) were assessed. Aflatoxin production was monitored by UV fluorescence and quantified by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Thirty‐six filamentous fungi were cultured and identified as Aspergillus, Cladosporium, Lichtheimia, or Trichoderma spp. isolates. The isolates generally interacted negatively with BANGA1 growth and aflatoxin production. The Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus aculeatus biocontrol candidates showed the strongest colony antagonism (54%–94%) and reduction in aflatoxin production (12%–50%) on agar. In broth, the A. niger isolates reduced aflatoxin production by up to 97%. Metabolites from the A. niger isolates showed the strongest inhibition of growth by BANGA1 and inhibited aflatoxin production. Four of the candidate isolates belonged to the MAT1‐1 mating type and 12 identified as MAT1‐2. This may be indicative of the potential for genetic recombination events between fungi in the field, a finding which is particularly relevant to the risk posed by A. flavus biocontrol measures that rely on atoxigenic A. flavus strains.

Source: UG
Coconut oil and palm oil’s role in nutrition, health and national development: A review

Coconut and palm oils which were the major sources of dietary fats for centuries in most of West Africa have been branded as unhealthy highly saturated fats. Their consumption has been peddled to supposedly raise the level of blood cholesterol, thereby increasing the risk of coronary heart disease. This adverse view has led to a reduction in their consumption in West Africa and they have been substituted for imported vegetable oils. Recent information however, indicates some beneficial effects of these oils particularly their roles in nutrition, health and national development. There is the need for a better understanding of their effects on health, nutritional status and national development. This paper therefore attempts to review the roles which coconut and palm oils play in these respects in developing countries, as a means of advocating for a return to their use in local diets.

Source: UG
Code of Conduct For Academic Staff of the University Of Ghana (March 2011)

Established in 1948, the University of Ghana is reputed as one of the leading Universities in Africa, and has over the years produced graduates of high calibre, to occupy influential positions in Ghana and various parts of the world. This has been in conformity with the University’s mission namely, to produce world-class human resources and capabilities to meet national development needs and global challenges through quality teaching, learning, research and knowledge dissemination. In order to foster and strengthen adherence to the University statutes, regulations and bye-laws, and maintain high standards of integrity in the prosecution of the University’s mission, a code of conduct is considered crucial. The University’s motto, Integri Procedamus, ‘We Proceed in Integrity,’ presumes a fundamental conviction that success in any intellectual endeavour is of little value if it is not founded on high moral values. This Code of Conduct is thus meant to regulate the conduct and behaviour of Senior Members of the University in order to maintain high standards in work output, and enhance public trust and confidence in the University’s deliberations. The Code is largely informed by past and contemporary events, experiences and observations in the University, that have raised issues of integrity, work culture, and general standards of behaviour, considered subversive of discipline in an institution of high learning. The guidelines are generally consistent with the University’s statutes and regulations, as well as observations by various Committees instituted by the University to examine issues bordering on ethics and discipline. The Code is largely applicable to academic Senior Members of the University. However, until a separate code is designed for non-academic Senior Members, relevant sections of this Code shall apply. The Code may be reviewed every five (5) years.

Source: UG
Code of Conduct For Radio Univers' Staff And Volunteers

This code of conduct is made on mutual respect and responsibility and applies equally to the staff, volunteers, free lancers, independent producers and guests. This has been prepared to guide the conduct of all activities at the station premises (including the office and news room) and adjoining facilities. The Code draws from local and international sources including the Code of Ethics of the Society for Professional Journalists, the Ghana Journalists Association, relevant and applicable Code of Conduct, the Statutes of the University and any other relevant rules, regulations and/or Policies implemented by the University of Ghana. The purpose of the Code is to protect the credibility of RADIO UNIVERS news programming by ensuring among others, high standards of honesty, integrity, impartiality and conduct of staff and relationship with our publics. We accomplish this by (a) articulating the ethical standards we observe in pursuing and presenting stories, (b) setting rules and policies that prevent conflicts of interest, (c) establishing guidelines for actions that may reflect on RADIO UNIVERS.

Source: UG
Code-switching and lexical borrowing: Which is what in Ghanaian English?

Mixed local feelings about the use of local words in the English of Ghana. A Ghanaianism is a vocabulary item peculiar to Ghana. It may be an English item that has undergone a local semantic shift, an item of local origin used consistently in English, or a hybrid of the two. In addition, the term Ghanaian English as used here refers, not to a variety whose features have been more or less fully recognised and described, but broadly to the English used by Ghanaians who have had at least some formal education and are able to use English in some registers. Drawing on a collection of Ghanaianisms compiled over the last 10 years, this paper looks first at some of the prevailing problems in attempting to define the transference phenomena widely identified as code-switching (CS) on the one hand and lexical borrowing (LB) on the other, then at how Ghanaians deal with the phenomenon of borrowing into English at the text level.

Source: UG
Codeswitching in West Africa

This introduction to the International Journal of Bilingualism special issue on “Codeswitching in West Africa” is divided into three parts. The first part presents an overview of West Africa, with particular attention paid to the linguistic diversity and multilingualism that characterize the region. Multilingualism in the region obtains at both the societal and the individual level: as Dakubu ((1997). Korle meets the sea: A sociolinguistic history of Accra. Oxford, UK: Oxford University Press) observes, polyglotism is a longstanding characteristic of West African cities. Within this context, intense intrasentential codeswitching is widespread. A taxonomy is presented, with languages characterized as colonial, majority, or minority, and general patterns set forth as to the most common types of codeswitching dyad. The second part of the introduction provides an overview of the research that has been carried out on codeswitching in the region. Special attention is given to the earliest works. Works are divided according to whether their focus was sociolinguistic or structural, but it is to be noted that authors frequently paid crucial attention to both. Finally, in the third part, the introduction presents the five articles that make up the special issue. © The Author(s) 2014.

Source: UG
Coerced first sexual intercourse among women in Ghana: Evidence from the Demographic and Health Survey

Using the 2008 Demographic and Health Survey, and applying logit and log-normal hazard models, this study examined the determinants and timing of coerced first sexual intercourse among women aged 15–49 years in Ghana. Results indicate statistically significant relationships between demographic and sociocultural variables on the likelihood and timing of coerced first sexual intercourse among Ghanaian women. Married women were significantly less likely to report coercion at first sex, but had a faster timing to coerced first sex compared to the never married. Older women were significantly less likely to report coerced first sex, compared to younger women. Similarly, women who had their sexual debut at younger ages were more likely to say they were forced, compared to those who experiencing theirs at older ages. While Ewe and Ga Adangbe women were more likely to report coerced first sex, compared to Akans, traditionalists were less likely to do so, compared to Christians. This study highlights the need for critical appraisal of the cultural interpretation of violence and for future studies to explore the causes of this phenomenon.

Source: UG
Cognisance of magnetic resonance imaging-induced vertigo and supported care: A study among a cohort of MRI radiographers in a country in West Africa

Introduction: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can induce vertigo in patients undergoing such examinations. The severity of the vertigo is thought to increase with higher magnetic field strengths and could cause a patient to fall. The study assessed the awareness levels on MRI-induced vertigo among a cohort of MRI radiographers and their perspectives on the care that should be administered to patients post MRI examinations. Methods: The study utilized a quantitative cross-sectional research design and a questionnaire. Out of a total of 40 MRI-radiographers identified nationwide, 31 participated in the study. Statistical Package for Social Sciences v.21.0 was used to analyse the data. Results: Most participants (n ¼ 21, 67.7%) were aware of MRI-induced vertigo. Many knew that patients (able and weaker) need to be assisted off the couch (n ¼ 28, 90.3%) and escorted to the changing rooms post MRI examinations (n ¼ 31,100%). There were statistically significant associations between the size of magnetic field strength used by the participants and their level of awareness about MRI-induced vertigo (r ¼ 0.691, p ¼ 0.003), appreciation of the needed support for patients post MRI examinations (r ¼ 0.530, p ¼ 0.041) and the frequency of occurrence of MRI-induced vertigo among their patients (r ¼ 0.530, p ¼ 0.001). Conclusion: The radiographers were mostly cognisant of MRI-induced vertigo and the supported care they were supposed to administer to their patients. The size of magnetic field strength used by the participants correlated with their level of awareness about MRI-induced vertigo and their appreciation of the needed support for patients post MRI examinations. Implication for practice: The study highlights the need for a refresher training to expand the knowledgebase of a few of the radiographers who were not very cognisant about MRI-induced vertigo.

Source: UG
Cognisance of magnetic resonance imaging-induced vertigo and supported care: A study among a cohort of MRI radiographers in a country in West Africa

Introduction: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can induce vertigo in patients undergoing such examinations. The severity of the vertigo is thought to increase with higher magnetic field strengths and could cause a patient to fall. The study assessed the awareness levels on MRI-induced vertigo among a cohort of MRI radiographers and their perspectives on the care that should be administered to patients post MRI examinations. Methods: The study utilized a quantitative cross-sectional research design and a questionnaire. Out of a total of 40 MRI-radiographers identified nationwide, 31 participated in the study. Statistical Package for Social Sciences v.21.0 was used to analyse the data. Results: Most participants (n ¼ 21, 67.7%) were aware of MRI-induced vertigo. Many knew that patients (able and weaker) need to be assisted off the couch (n ¼ 28, 90.3%) and escorted to the changing rooms post MRI examinations (n ¼ 31,100%). There were statistically significant associations between the size of magnetic field strength used by the participants and their level of awareness about MRI-induced vertigo (r ¼ 0.691, p ¼ 0.003), appreciation of the needed support for patients post MRI examinations (r ¼ 0.530, p ¼ 0.041) and the frequency of occurrence of MRI-induced vertigo among their patients (r ¼ 0.530, p ¼ 0.001). Conclusion: The radiographers were mostly cognisant of MRI-induced vertigo and the supported care they were supposed to administer to their patients. The size of magnetic field strength used by the participants correlated with their level of awareness about MRI-induced vertigo and their appreciation of the needed support for patients post MRI examinations. Implication for practice: The study highlights the need for a refresher training to expand the knowledgebase of a few of the radiographers who were not very cognisant about MRI-induced vertigo. © 2020 The College of Radiographers. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Source: UG
Cohabitation and Its Consequences in Ghana

Although largely considered an unconventional form of domestic partnership, cohabitation is a growing phenomenon in Ghana. The lived experiences of cohabiting couples have, however, received little scholarly attention. Drawing on in-depth interviews conducted with cohabiting couples in Accra, Ghana, this study focuses on the implications of cohabitation on cohabitees. The data showed that cohabitees often face pressures from their families, churches, friends, and neighbors to either convert their unions to marriage or end the relationships. The relationships are also characterized by intimate partner violence and poor relationship quality. Women, more than men, tend to suffer these consequences of cohabitation. The study’s general conclusion is that the implications of cohabitation are mostly negative, and the gendered nature of the experiences reflects the sociocultural landscape of the Ghanaian society and how men and women are viewed differently in terms of their marital status.

Source: UG
Cohabitation, marriage, and 'sexual monogamy' in Nairobi's slums

The current study investigates the extent to which sexual exclusivity-the restriction of one's sexual engagements to a single partner-prevails across various marital status, union type, and co-residence categories among Nairobi's poorest residents, slum dwellers. This question is central to the spread of HIV in the increasingly urban and poor, high prevalence countries of sub-Saharan Africa, where transmission is primarily via heterosexual sex. In many circles, sexual exclusivity is considered a prominent feature of the marriage institution. Yet, marriage and cohabitation are often not easily distinguishable in sub-Saharan Africa, meaning that the frequent use, as a proxy, of the "in union" category, which includes married as well as cohabiting persons can, at best, be considered tenuous. Using the 2000 Nairobi Cross-Sectional Slum Survey (NCSS), this paper confirms that marriage is associated with higher reports of sexual exclusivity even in settings where poverty provokes risky behavior. The finding, here, is of lower risk of HIV infection for married respondents, with a smaller effect observed among non-married cohabiters. Converse to the implied benefits of marriage, though, women with co-wives are more likely to report multiple partners. The implications of these findings are discussed. © 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Source: UG
Cohort study of the association of antibody levels to AMA1, MSP119, MSP3 and GLURP with protection from 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
Cohort trial reveals community impact of insecticide-treated net son malaria metric indices in urban Ghana

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
Cohort trial reveals community impact of insecticide-treated nets on malariometric indices in urban Ghana

The Department of Parasitology conducts research into parasitic diseases of public health importance with the overall goal of reducing their transmission and the heavy disease burden that they impose on affected populations. The Department maintains focus on parasitic diseases in general. These include major diseases such as malaria, and others listed under the Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD) control initiative such as, lymphatic filariasis, onchocerciasis, schistosomiasis, soil-transmitted helminthiasis, trypanosomiasis and leishmaniasis.

Source: UG
Coinfection of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis and HIV Infection. Ghana.

SummaryCutaneous leishmaniasis has recently been discovered in some parts of Ghana. The case of an HIV infected patient presenting with cutaneous leishmaniasis at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital is discussed. The diagnosis of leishmaniasis was confirmed by histology. Also highlighted is the fact that this is the first reported case of dual infection of HIV and Leishmaniasis in Ghana.The possibility of rapid spread to other members of the community, both immunecompetent and immunesuppressed in view of the large numbers of organisms present in the lesion is discussed.

Source: UG
Cointegration Test of Oil price and US Dollar Exchange Rates for some Oil Dependent Economies,

This study examines the long-run dynamics between oil price and the bilateral US dollar exchange rates for a group of oil-dependent economies before and after the 2008–2009 Global Financial Crises. Exchange rates are for the euro, Indian rupee, Russian ruble, South African rand, Ghanaian cedi and the Nigerian naira. The dependence on crude oil of these economies is either because fiscal revenues are primarily reliant on oil export receipts or because industrial production is heavily dependent on petroleum. Empirical results show evidence of a long run equilibrium relationship between oil price and exchange rate, especially for currencies of the key oil-exporting countries. This relationship is more evident in the post crisis period, which is also the period when both exchange rate volatility and the inverse relationship between oil price and exchange rate experienced a significant increase.

Source: UG
Coital Frequency and Male Concurrent Partnerships During Pregnancy and Postpartum in Agbogbloshie, Ghana

During pregnancy and postpartum, women in high HIV prevalence regions continue to be at high risk for acquiring HIV, due to both behavioral and biological mechanisms, despite declines in coital frequency as a pregnancy advances. We estimated differences in rates of partnership concurrency for men with and without pregnant or postpartum sexual partners. We used monthly retrospective panel data from Ghana from three perspectives: couple-level data, female reports of pregnancy and male partner concurrency, and male reports of concurrent partnerships and female partner pregnancy. Coital frequency increased during the first trimester and then declined with advancing pregnancy. However, in all three analyses, there was no compelling evidence that men with pregnant or postpartum partners had additional concurrent partnerships. Our findings suggest that even though women’s sexual activity likely declines during pregnancy and postpartum, they may not be at increased risk of HIV/STI due to their partners seeking additional partnerships.

Source: UG
Cola Survey of the Eastern Ashanti Areas and a General Review of the Gold Coast Cola Industry

The Cola areas of Western Ashanti were surveyed during 1928-29. The report has since been published; see Paper No. XXVII in Year Book 1929 (Bull. No. 22). 2. During the months of January-June, 1930, a survey of the Cola areas in the Eastern Province of Ashanti was carried out by Mr. J. C. Muir and Mr. J. D. Broatch, Assistant Superintendents. The former -officer was respom;ible for the survey of Western Ashanti and it was fortunate that his services should have been available to complete this important work.

Source: UG
Coliform analysis for tracking bacteriological contamination pathways in Rural water sources

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
Coliform status of water bodies from two Districts in Ghana, West Africa: Implications for rural water resources management

Investigations were conducted on the total and faecal coliform status of streams, hand-dug wells and boreholes highly patronised by communities in the West Akim and Kwaebibirem Districts, Eastern Ghana. Total coliform values obtained range from 60-2,672 cfu, 0-680 cfu and 0-128 cfu for streams, hand-dug wells and boreholes, respectively. Faecal coliform values similarly range from 31-1,988 cfu, 0-136 cfu and 0-36 cfu for streams, handdugs and boreholes, respectively. The data indicates that samples from streams and hand-dug wells returned high coliform counts beyond the Maximum Permissible Levels (MPL) recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO). Some borehole water contained coliform counts above MPL. Because many rural people in the areas studied, and indeed in most areas in Ghana, depend heavily on these principal sources of water for drinking and other domestic purposes, a policy response that incorporates periodic assessment of water quality in rural communities may be appropriate. In addition, it would seem that current government and development partner programmes in the water resources sector that emphasise provision of borehole water must be integrated with land use considerations, water quality monitoring and education on environmental awareness in local communities. © IWA Publishing 2010.

Source: UG