ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Use of electronic resources in research and learning in a health sciences library in Ghana: An analysis of awareness and perception of users

University libraries play a critical role by facilitating the use of their electronic resources and facilities available for students’ learning and research activities. Health and medical students and professionals are expected to use the electronic resources provided for their academic and research work. This study, therefore, seeks to investigate the acceptance and utilization of electronic resources in research and learning among users of the College of Health Sciences Library of the University of Ghana. The study employed a survey research design along with a quantitative approach to collect data from 128 respondents. A questionnaire was used for data collection, and it was analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 22 (SPSS) soft ware. The study found that a majority of the respondents were aware of the electronic resources provided by the library, and they used various types of e-resources such as Google, Wikipedia, ScienceDirect and PubMed electronic sources. Moreover, the study found that the computer literacy skills of users have a positive rela tionship with the awareness of e-resources. Furthermore, there is no significant relationship between gender and the perceived usefulness of the use of e-resources. Last but not the least, the high cost of personal internet data and low internet bandwidth were challenges encountered by most of the respondents when accessing e-resources. The study made the following recommendations, among others, regular training on the use of e-resources, and libraries must collaborate effectively with lecturers to create awareness in the lecture hall and also some of the e-resources should be part of teaching instruction.

Source: UG
The use of future film in oral classes of Russian as foreign language

The use of cinemas and future films in the teaching of foreign language is not new, although its methodology is not well developed. In this work we analyze the use of films in the teaching of foreign languages paying particular attention to the importance and methodology. Oral classes with cinemas are very popular among students in that it increases the motivation in the learning of the language. Cinemas and future films offer a good opportunity for creating an artificially stimulating language environment. Also, they help in the realization of the use of visual methods. Cinemas and future films provide exclusively rich teaching materials on the cultural aspects of foreign languages which can help increase the knowledge of students and the explanation of “untranslatable” words as well as helping to understand the socio-lingu8al characteristic of people, such as body talk, mimics, etc. One of the main teaching materials of the film is its phonogram (text). In using films to teach a foreign language, three are three stages:: pre-watching, watching and post watching stage. All of these stages are characterized with different type of processes and exercises. One of the main problems with using films as teaching materials is the choice of film. The film should be interesting, the students should understand it through its text and not only through its pictures; the film should not be tool long; the period in which the film was acted should be known to the class; the cultural sensitiveness of different countries should be considered; and the film should stimulate or provoke the emotions of students. The preparedness of the instructor is also very important. The major point is that the instructor should familiarize himself with many Russian films, so that (s) she can choose the best film for each language class. In order to achieve the best result students should be well prepared for the correct understanding of the film. Our experience indicates that using the recommended teaching process with cinemas and future films increases the knowledge, abilities and skills of students in all disciplines of the languages learning process, such as listening, reading, speaking, writing, translating and the sensitivity to other cultures as well.

Source: UG
The Use Of Gender Quota System In Promoting Women’s Political Representation In Rwanda: Lessons For Ghana

Today, there are more women representatives in the Rwandan legislature than in many democracies globally. This achievement can be attributed to the adoption of a gender quota system and explicit affirmative action interventions in political institutions. The adoption of these gender quotas has caused many women in Parliament to support the enactment of laws and to make decisions that have gone a long way to empower women and address some issues that once affected women in Rwanda. On the other hand, Ghana which attained independence more than six decades ago and is a role model for democracy in Africa still struggles today to have more women representation in the national legislature and other public offices. This study discusses the lessons Ghana can learn from the Rwandan experience to adopt a gender quota strategy that encourages women’s representation in Parliament and other public offices. Through the theoretical lens of Critical Mass as a means of analysing the effectiveness of women who occupy top political and corporate positions such as national parliaments, the study adopted the qualitative research design to understand the use of the gender quota system in promoting women’s political representation and well-being in Rwanda and what lessons Ghana can draw from it. The research findings revealed that while gender quotas have been successfully implemented in Eastern and Southern Africa, West African countries including Ghana have not structured the implementation of gender quotas, particularly because of the dominance of the First past the post electoral system in West African countries. The study, therefore recommends that Ghana can maintain its First Past The Post electoral system and still pass gender quota laws, specifically, the legislative quotas with strong enforcement measures.

Source: UG
The Use of Halo Gravity Traction in the Treatment of Severe Early Onset Spinal Deformity

Objective. To describe the feasibility of preoperative halo gravity traction (HGT) with subsequent growing rod/guided growth (GR/GG) placement in early onset spinal deformity (EOSD). Summary of Background Data. In children with severe EOSD, primary implantation of GR/GG constructs is not always possible. We describe a staged protocol with preoperative HGT followed by GR/GG implantation. Methods. EOSD patients treated with HGT prior to GR/GG implantation were included. HGT used traction up to 50% body weight for 4 to 29 weeks. Pulmonary function tests (PFTs) were performed before and after HGT. Coronal Cobb (CC) and Sagittal Cobb (SC) angles were measured on the Pre-HGT, Post-HGT and 6 week postop x-rays. Results. Thirty patients were included. Average age at GR/GG implantation was 9 years. Most cases (n = 24, 80%) were idiopathic. Most pts had kyphoscoliosis (n = 16, 53.3%). Pre-HGT CC averaged 112 ± 22° and SC averaged 106 ± 26°. CC and SC improved 29% after HGT. There was a significant improvement in body mass index following HGT. CC improved further to 70 ± 14° (36% vs. pre-HGT) and SC to 63 ± 21° (41%) with GR/GG placement. HGT-related complications occurred in nine patients (30%); eight pin site infections, one cranial abscess. Most HGT complications were managed with local pin care and oral antibiotics. Halo revision was required in two pts (6.7%). There was no change in PFTs with HGT (P > 0.05). Averagely, 14 levels were spanned during GR/GG implantation; two patients required vertebral column resection. Surgical complications occurred in nine (30%) patients. At average 16 month follow-up, seven patients (23.3%) required reoperation. Conclusion. Preoperative HGT can make severe EOSD curves amenable to GR/GG implantation. HGT results in ∼30% correction with improvement to ∼35–40% following GR/GG. HGT has a 30% complication rate but most are pin-site infections managed with pin-site care and oral antibiotics; 6.7% of patients require revision

Source: UG
The Use of ICT Applications in Research by Postgraduate Students in Ghana

ICT has influenced the conduct of research with the emergence of advanced technologies that have enabled researchers to work with larger datasets and to improve the outcome of their research. Despite these benefits, it was revealed that some postgraduate students were not computer literate hence their inability to use the ICT applications in their research activities. This problem has led to huge financial losses to the universities since they have invested in ICT facilities, yet little use is being made. The study sought to examine the use of ICT in research by postgraduate students in public universities. The survey design was adopted for the study. The Stratified and Convenience sampling techniques were adopted to select 346 respondents out of 4907 postgraduate students from the University of Ghana and University of Cape Coast. The questionnaire was the sole instrument used for data collection. The responses were analyzed using SPSS. The finding of the study revealed that most students frequently accessed ICT facilities such as e-resources, communication and collaboration applications, citation and compiling bibliography applications, data analysis applications and sharing and/or publishing in their conduct of research. Thus, it is recommended that the ICT facilities should be marketed to students and promoted extensively through social networks; the universities’ administration should also ensure that there are adequate ICT facilities for each research process or activity.

Source: UG
Use of internet services in ghanaian university libraries

This study investigated how students, lecturers and research fellows have been using the Internet services provided by the three oldest public university libraries in Ghana - the Balme Library of the University of Ghana, Legon; the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology Library (KNUSTL); and the University of Cape Coast Library (UCCL). These libraries have well established IT facilities and provide Internet services dedicated to teaching, learning and research. Data were collected through a questionnaire administered on 240 users of the libraries and through interviews with the library staff in charge of IT services in the libraries. The study found that most of the respondents used the services only once in a while and mainly for sending and receiving information. The study recommends that the university libraries should expand their computer facilities, train users in different online skills, and compile and publicise the Internet sites useful for obtaining different types of research information.

Source: UG
The use of lactic acid bacteria starter culture in the production of Nunu, a spontaneously fermented milk product in Ghana

Nunu, a spontaneously fermented yoghurt-like product, is produced and consumed in parts of West Africa. A total of 373 predominant lactic acid bacteria (LAB) previously isolated and identified from Nunu product were assessed in vitro for their technological properties (acidification, exopolysaccharides production, lipolysis, proteolysis and antimicrobial activities). Following the determination of technological properties, Lactobacillus fermentum 22-16, Lactobacillus plantarum 8-2, Lactobacillus helveticus 22-7, and Leuconostoc mesenteroides 14-11 were used as single and combined starter cultures for Nunu fermentation. Starter culture fermented Nunu samples were assessed for amino acids profile and rate of acidification and were subsequently evaluated for consumer acceptability. For acidification properties, 82%, 59%, 34%, and 20% of strains belonging to Lactobacillus helveticus, L. plantarum, L. fermentum, and Leu. mesenteriodes, respectively, demonstrated fast acidification properties. High proteolytic activity (> 100 to 150 μg/mL) was observed for 50% Leu. mesenteroides, 40% L. fermentum, 41% L. helveticus, 27% L. plantarum, and 10% Ent. faecium species. In starter culture fermented Nunu samples, all amino acids determined were detected in Nunu fermented with single starters of L. plantarum and L. helveticus and combined starter of L. fermntum and L. helveticus. Consumer sensory analysis showed varying degrees of acceptability for Nunu fermented with the different starter cultures. © 2014 Fortune Akabanda et al.

Source: UG
The use of library learning centres in the Ghana Public Library: A feasibility study

One of the current trends in public library service provision is the introduction of Learning Centres in addition to the traditional services provided. It is in the light of this that this study sets out to find out how feasible it is to establish learning centres in public libraries in Ghana and their possible influences on user patronage. In this regard, 220 patrons were sampled in addition to 6 librarians using accidental and purposive sampling methods respectively. While questionnaires were administered to patrons for their responses, the librarians were interviewed. The findings revealed that considerable benefits exist in the implementation of library learning centres within the public libraries in Ghana. However, most of the public libraries, with the exception of the Accra Central Library, are not adequately resourced in terms of infrastructure, technology, human and financial resources, necessary for the creation of learning centres. Though the libraries face these challenges, the resources within them can be enhanced to achieve this mandate. Based on these conclusions, constructive approaches – pilot project, resource support and provision, inter-library loan service, staffing and human resource development and promoting awareness services were the recommendations made towards the attempt at establishing learning centre services in the public libraries in Ghana. Therefore, the public library system needs to reassess its services and products provided in the light of the current trend of events the world over.

Source: UG
Use of linear discriminant function analysis in five yield sub-characters relationship study in 134 cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp) accessions

Variations in five yield sub-characters of cowpea in 134 accessions were studied. Data were collected on number of pods per plant, pod length, pod width, peduncle length and 100-seed weight. Differences among the accessions were significant based on four of the five characters, namely pod length, pod width, peduncle length and 100-seed weight. K-means cluster analysis grouped the 134 accessions into four distinct groups. Pairwise Mahalanobis distance (D2) among some of the groups was highly significant. From the study the yield sub-characters pod length, pod width, peduncle length and 100-seed weight contributed most to group separation in the cowpea accessions.

Source: UG
The Use of Machine Learning Algorithms in the Classification of Sound: A Systematic Review

This study is a systematic review of literature on the classification of sounds in three domains: bioacoustics, biomedical acoustics, and ecoacoustics. Specifically, 68 conferences and journal articles published between 2010 and 2019 were reviewed. The findings indicated that support vector machines, convolutional neural networks, artificial neural networks, and statistical models were predominantly used in sound classification across the three domains. Also, the majority of studies that investigated medical acoustics focused on respiratory sounds analysis. Thus, it is suggested that studies in biomedical acoustics should pay attention to the classification of other internal body organs to enhance diagnosis of a variety of medical conditions. With regard to ecoacoustics, studies on extreme events such as tornadoes and earthquakes for early detection and warning systems were lacking. The review also revealed that marine and animal sound classification was dominant in bioacoustics studies

Source: UG
Use Of Medicinal Plants as A Remedy Against Lymphatic Filariasis: Current Status and Future Prospect

Despite the successes achieved so far with the Global Programme to Eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis, there is still an appreciable number of lymphatic filarial patients who need alternative treatment and morbidity management strategies. The unresponsiveness of some cohorts to the drugs used in the mass drug administration program is currently raising a lot of questions and this needs urgent attention. Natural medicinal plants have a long‐standing history of being effective against most disease conditions. Countries such as India have been able to integrate their natural plant remedies into the treatment of lymphatic filarial conditions, and the results are overwhelmingly positive. Components of Azadirachta indica A. Juss, Parkia biglobosa, Adansonia digitata, and Ocimum spp have been shown to have anti‐inflammatory, anticancerous, and antimicrobial activities in animal models. Therefore, this review calls for attention toward the use of natural plant components as an alternate treatment against lymphatic filariasis to help reduce the World Health Organization's burden of providing drugs for people in need of treatment every year.

Source: UG
Use of midazolam for conscious sedation in upper gastrointestinal endoscopy

The effectiveness, dosage regimen and amnesic properties of midazolam were studied in 77 Patients who presented for upper gastrointestinal endoscopy at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital. Patients were given an initial dose of 0.02- 0.04mg/kg of midazolam and top up doses 0.007SO. OISmg/kg. The total doses of midazolam given for adequate sedation were 2.5mg, 3.5mg, 4.5mg, in 19%, 35% nnd 45% of patients respectively. The average dose of midazolam used was 0.067 ± O.Ollmg/Kg. Ninety percent (90%) of the patients were awake but drowsy during the procedure, 6% were awake and anxious and 4% were asleep but responsive. Ninety-four percent (94%) of the patients had Ramsey sedation scale levels 2 to 4. Ninety.five percent (95%) of the patients had complelte or pantial anmesia of the procedure. Endoscopy conditions was fair to excellent in 88.3% and poor in 11 .7% of the patients. Oxygen saturation during the procedure was maintained at normal limits (>92%) without oxygen supplementation.

Source: UG
Use of mobile phone among patients with HIV/AIDS in a low-middle income setting: a descriptive exploratory study

The use of mobile phone and factors influencing usage have least been explored in spite of its relevance in mHealth adoption. We conducted a descriptive exploratory study to evaluate the use of mobile phone alarm application, text messaging and voice call among HIV positive clients. We randomly selected 362 respondents who were 18–65 years and receive care from two health facilities in Accra, Ghana. Questionnaires were administered and data analysed to describe and predict mobile phone use. SPSS version 20 was used to process data for analysis. Findings revealed respondent (n = 338, 93%) did not share their mobile phones. Voice call was predominantly used (n = 227, 63%) while text messaging and mobile alarm functions were sparingly used. Majority (n = 285, 78.9%) did not use the mobile phone application to support adherence. Age and employment predicted the use of mobile phone alarm (OR ± 1.56, p < 0.05), test messaging (OR ± 1.48, p < 0.05) and voice calls (OR ± 1.25, p < 0.05). We observed that younger age and employment influence the use of mobile phones. Voice calls are more acceptable because it is simple and easy to use. Knowledge and persuasion are fundamental to mobile phone literacy skills development and should be integrated in mHealth interventions.

Source: UG
Use of Multi-Media Sampling as Integrated Approach to Surficial Geochemical Sampling for Gold in Regional Reconnaissance Surveys in Parts of the Ashanti Belt, Southwest Ghana

This study compared the conventional method used in surficial geochemical sampling to multimedia sampling method during reconnaissance surveys in gold exploration. The use of the conventional method in regional reconnaissance exploration surveys whereby surficial geochemical sampling is done step-wise, first by sampling stream sediments followed by rock chips then soils and other regolith materials in the search and defining of prospective targets of gold mineralization appears inefficient in geological environments characterized by complex regolith and landform modifications. However, multi-media geochemical sampling which involves the simultaneous sampling of different geochemical samples appears a better alternative and eliminates false and erratic anomalies often associated with the sampling of a single medium. Multi-media samples comprising rock chips, scree, termite mounds and lateritic lags, were collected simultaneously to support stream sediments in parts of the Ashanti belt in the Birimian of southwest Ghana, which is characterized by complex regolith and landform modifications. The most prospective targets among the three anomalous zones defined by the stream survey were better pronounced with the support of the other media, based on the consistency in significant gold contents in those samples. Gold assay values from the multi-media samples ranked the Manso East target as the most prospective and the Manso Northwest target being least prospective due to the inconsistent gold assay values in the different media. Thus the integration of the gold assay values from the various media defined real and prospective geochemical gold targets better than in the conventional method in which sampling of different media was done in stages. Unlike the conventional method, the multi-media survey provided gold results that showed regional, proximal and in-situ anomalies simultaneously. Multi-media geochemical survey therefore, appears to be a reliable method that can be used in regional surficial geochemical exploration for gold in areas characterized by hidden anomalies.

Source: UG