ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Exposure assessment, a preventive process in managing workplace safety and health, challenges in Ghana

Exposure assessment is a strategy for anticipating, recognizing and evaluating employee exposures to physical, chemical, biological and ergonomic stresses at the workplace, so that effective and ‘‘sensible “controls can be put in place to mitigate the risk of occupational injury or occupational illness to the worker. It has been unveiled by this paper that this process is not applied adequately in Ghana and hence, hazards are not properly identified at workplaces. This leads to misapplication of controls or application of inadequate controls which tend not to reduce the risks at workplace. This outlines the various applicable exposure assessment strategies and also recommends controls and conditions that will make the process work in Ghana. It was outlined also that the process starts with the basic characterization which included area characterization, agent characterization and workforce characterization. This helps the industrial safety professional to understand the Similar Exposure Groupings (SEG’s) and their corresponding exposure profiles. This makes use of the basic statistics of the sample sizes of the SEG’s which get projected to the populations with 95% confidence interval so as to finalize tolerable risks. The modern engineer, the medic, and all relevant professionals must be conversant with this process and hence apply it at the workplace to ensure prevention of adverse exposures to employees, as well as prevention of accidents at the workplace.

Source: UCC
Exposure of Mathematics Education Students to the Usage of Technology in their Training Programme in Ghana

The emergence of technology has impacted several disciplines of human life. The overall objective of the study was to explore the extent to which Bachelor of Education (Mathematics) students of the University of Cape Coast (UCC) are exposed to the utilization of technology tools in their programme of study. A descriptive survey design was adopted for the study. The population considered was all Bachelor of Education (Mathematics) students at the University of Cape Coast. A total of 120 students were carefully selected for the study using purposive sampling. The main instrument used in collecting data was a questionnaire. The key findings of the study established that, although mathematics education students have a positive perception of the usage of technology, the students have very little exposure to technology in their learning programme. With reference to the finding, it was suggested that the institution should inculcate technology in mathematics education by making ICT a minor course for the Bachelor of Education (Mathematics) programme.

Source: UCC
Exposure of the Public to Rf Fields in Multi-Transmitter Environments

A contributory reason for the general heightened sense of concern about RF radiations may be the announcement by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) in 2011 that mobile phone radiations are possibly carcinogenic. It may also be due to lack of reliable and accessible information and the misunderstanding that arises thereof. This research attempted to address this problem by making detailed examination of the nature and level of the RF fields in multi-transmitter environments using a log periodic RF antenna coupled to an Anritsu Spectrum analyser by a coaxial cable with a load impedance of 50 Q. The spatial average plane wave electric field strength obtained ranged from 0.9 ± 0.1 mVm-1 to 1181.8 ± 166.6 mVm'1. The maximum plane-wave electric field strength transmitted into wet skin was 0.2276 ± 0.0321 Vm’1. This value was 2.28% more than the field strength transmitted into dry skin at the same frequency and location. SAR values ranged from 24.34 ± 3.43 pW/kg to 2.10E-05 ± 2.99E-06 pW/kg. The estimated worst-case scenario maximum energy associated with the transmitted electric fields was 1850.23 ± 261.13 MJ in dry skin. The highest power density determined was 3.70 ± 0.51 mW/m2. The total exposure quotient was 0.004% of the recommended limit of unity. The levels of the electric fields in the multi-transmitter environment assessed were well within the recommended limits of ICNIRP. The SAR associated with the field strength levels transmitted into the tissues equally complied with the recommended ICNIRP limit. The results compared well with those published by Deatanyah et al. The methodology employed may be potentially applied for improved exposure assessment in multi-transmitter environments.

Source: UCC
Exposure To Air Pollution: A Major Public Health Concern

Indoor air pollution from solid fuel use and urban outdoor air pollution are estimated to be responsible for 3.1 million premature deaths worldwide every year and 3.2% of the global burden of disease.1 More than half of the global burden of disease from air pollution is borne by people in developing countries. Air pollutants have been linked to a range of adverse health effects, including respiratory infections, heart disease and lung cancer. Reduction of air pollution levels will decrease the global health burden related to these illnesses. Efforts to significantly reduce concentrations of air pollutants will also help to decrease greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate the effects of global warming.2

Source: UCC
Exposure To Mosquito Bites And Stage-Specific Antibody Responses Against Plasmodium Falciparum In Two Communities In Southern Ghana

Immunity is gained through repetitive exposure to malaria, which differs greatly based on the severity of the infection and environmental factors. In today’s research, a measure of Anopheles gambiae bite exposure has become fundamental for malaria endemic area identification, malaria risk prediction, and determination of the dynamics of malaria prevalence and reoccurrence in communities. This study aimed at investigating whether increased exposure to Anopheles mosquito bites in afebrile individuals enhances gametocyte production and subsequently antibody responses against Plasmodium falciparum gametocytes. Participants aged between 3 and 70 years were recruited from two communities, Simiw and Obom. Whole blood (1 ml) was collected from participants in Simiw (December 2019) and Obom (January 2020). Aliquots of blood were used to prepare dried blood spots for P falciparum identification by PCR. IgG antibodies against gSG6-P1 and P. falciparum antigens were quantified from plasma using indirect ELISA. Antibodies (IgG) against gSG6-P1 for individuals with the age groups 10-15 years for both Simiw and Obom showed a significant difference (p0.0001) with participants in Simiw recording higher median (95%CI) antibody concentration (2.980 (3.077-3.662) ng/ml) than those in Obom (2.088 (2.176-2.602) ng/ml). Individuals from Obom within the age group 10-15 years had higher anti-Pfs230 antibody levels (6591 (1210551-4984924) ng/ml) compared to individuals from Simiw with age group 0-9 years (4707 (5874-10446) ng/ml) (p=0.0008). The higher exposure of participants from simw to mosquito bites were mostly from uninfected mosquitoes as anti-PfCSP IgG antibody titres were found to be relatively lower in Simiw compared to Obom.

Source: UCC
Expression Of Fully Functional Gpcr In E. Coli

One-third of eukaryotic proteins are associated with membranes and these membrane proteins (MP) represent approximately 50% of pharmacological targets. Researchers are therefore nursing the hope of achieving a higher percentage of about 80% in the near future. The only bottleneck to achieving this target is the experimental challengers associated with the production, purification and crystallization at reasonable cost. Expression of protein in E. coli is now very popular, because it is easy to use and also comes with low operational cost. But membrane proteins have been difficult to produce in E. coli. The membrane proteins (MP), G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) represent the major class of potential drug targets but probably the most difficult class of MPs to bring to three-dimensional studies. This review paper therefore sought to bring to the fore some of the techniques employed by researchers to improve the quality and quantity of GPCR expressed in E. coli. A literature search on the effective expression of some important members of the GPCR family in E. coli was done. The Expression of neurotensin receptor type1 (NTIS1) in BL21 (DE3) and C41 (DE3) strains of E. coli; Autoinduction of NTS1 in BL21 (DE3) with the medium Magicmedia™; Expression in E. coli by targeting the inner membrane with fusion partners MBP and TRX (MBP-GPCR-TRX); Expression in E. coli by targeting the inclusion bodies with fusion partners GST and TRX; and the use of pDEST17 vectors and C43 strain at 37oC have proved experimentally efficient to express highly functional GPCR

Source: UCC
Expression of Fully Functional GPCR in E. Coli

One-third of eukaryotic proteins are associated with membranes and these membrane proteins (MP) represent approximately 50% of pharmacological targets. Researchers are therefore nursing the hope of achieving a higher percentage of about 80% in the near future. The only bottleneck to achieving this target is the experimental challengers associated with the production, purification and crystallization at reasonable cost. Expression of protein in E. coli is now very popular, because it is easy to use and also comes with low operational cost. But membrane proteins have been difficult to produce in E. coli. The membrane proteins (MP), G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) represent the major class of potential drug targets but probably the most difficult class of MPs to bring to three-dimensional studies. This review paper therefore sought to bring to the fore some of the techniques employed by researchers to improve the quality and quantity of GPCR expressed in E. coli. A literature search on the effective expression of some important members of the GPCR family in E. coli was done. The Expression of neurotensin receptor type1 (NTIS1) in BL21 (DE3) and C41 (DE3) strains of E. coli; Autoinduction of NTS1 in BL21 (DE3) with the medium Magicmedia™; Expression in E. coli by targeting the inner membrane with fusion partners MBP and TRX (MBP-GPCR-TRX); Expression in E. coli by targeting the inclusion bodies with fusion partners GST and TRX; and the use of pDEST17 vectors and C43 strain at 37oC have proved experimentally efficient to express highly functional GPCR.

Source: UCC
The expression of toll-like receptor 8 and its relationship with VEGF and bcl-2 in cervical cancer

BACKGROUND: Cervical cancer is one of the most common cancers in women worldwide, often associated with the infection of human papillomavirus(HPV). Toll-like receptor 8 (TLR8),a pattern recognition receptor,is involved in viral nucleic acid sensing. Recently TLR8 has been shown to be expressed in cancer cells, and it has been suggested that it may help cancer cell growth and tumor development. The objective of this study is to investigate the expression of TLR8 expression and its relationship with Bcl-2 and VEGF in cervical cancer cells. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL: The mRNA expression levels of Bcl-2, VEGF and TLR-7,-8,-9 innewly diagnosed cervical cancer patients were detected by quantitative real-time PCR(qRTPCR).Epifluorescence microscope was used to determine the presence of TLR8 protein in Hela cells. The cell cycle and apoptos is were analyzed by flow cytometer, and the cell proliferation was measured by MTT assay. Our data showed the increased mRNA levels of TLR8 in human cervical cancer samples as well as in HeLa cells, a cell line derived from a human cervical cancer. In addition, there was a positive correlation between the expression levels of TLR8 and Bcl-2 and VEGFin cervical cancer patients. When Hela cells were treated with TLR8 agonist CL075,the percentage of cells in G2/M +S was remarkably increased, accompanied by increased COX-2, BCL-2 and VEGF mRNA levels. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: The mRNA expression level of TLR8 in the patients with cervical cancer and Hela cells were up-regulated, it consistent with the increased expression of VEGF and Bcl-2. The results suggest that TLR8 may be an interesting therapeutic target in cervical cancer

Source: UCC
Extending the analytical capabilities of the existing Xray fluorescence spectrometer for the analysis of Rare earth elements

This study aims at extending the analytical capabilities of an existing X-ray fluorescence spectrometer, in order to provide accurate, cost-effective analytical technique for REEs analysis. This was achieved through the integration of Am-24l excitation-based system into the existing Ag anode-Xray tube spectrometer (EXP-I) in the X-ray fluorescence (XRF) laboratory of Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC) for the analysis of rare-earth elements (REE). With the attached Am-241 excitation-based system the following REEs were identified and quantified;Sc, y, La, Ce, Nd, Sm, Eu, Cd and ET. The "Elemental Sensitivities Method" was employed in the development of the quantitative analysis of the identified REEs. These results were confirmed by the Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis (INAA) and the Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometer (ICP-MS) analytical technique. On the other hand, the current EXP-I could only identify and quantify the following REEs; Sc ,Y, and Eu. Comparative analysis of the results of the Am-241 excitation-based system with ICP-MS and INAA technique established 80% of the reliability and accuracy of the attached Am- 241 excitation-based system as alternative for analysis of REEs. This was confirmed by the statistical results which gave R2 values higher than 0.95, slopes close to I, and intercept close to zero (0). This means that, the results obtained using the two methods were not found to be significantly different for REEs. Consequently, the attached Am-24Iexcition-based expanded the scope of analysis of REE elements for the existing XRF spectrometer (EXP-I). From the validation using the IAEA-Soil 7 reference standard.

Source: UCC
An Extension Training Model for Improving Capacity of Smallholder Farmers and Agricultural Extension Agents in Rice Post-Harvest Value Addition in Southern Region, Sierra Leone

Smallholder farmers in Sierra Leone have limited competencies in rice post-harvest value addition (RPHVA). They rely on traditional technologies to manually harvest and process their rice after harvest. The study aimed at developing an extension training model to improve the capacity of farming actors (smallholder farmers and Agricultural Extension Agents) for RPHVA with the intent to identify the competencies required and the appropriate methods of delivery. A mixed-methods approach was used to generate quantitative and qualitative primary data from four hundred (400) smallholder farmers, fifty (50) Agricultural Extension Agents (AEAs), and eleven (11) senior ministry officials (key informants). For the quantitative data, descriptive statistics, Borich needs assessment model, and the OLS multiple regression were used for the analysis while thematic analysis was used for the qualitative data. Key findings show a low level of competence of farmers, inadequate value addition resources for the actors, and low value addition activities. The rice market is imperfect, characterised by low profit and livelihood of the farmers. The context is characterised by peasant farming, with a high AEA to farmer ratio, and low motivation of AEAs. The major RPHVA training needs of the farming actors were packaging, marketing, milling, and drying of paddy rice. The majority of the actors prefer the group extension training methods. The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security of Sierra Leone should emphasise packaging, marketing, mechanised milling and drying, group extension methods to promote RPHVA. Further, it should adopt a dynamic need-based training model to respond to the current and emerging training needs of actors in the RPHVA in Sierra Leone.

Source: UCC
Extent of Implementation and Challenges of Inquiry-based Science Teaching and Learning in Junior High Schools in Four Ghanaian Districts and Municipalities

This study sought, to investigate extent of implementation of inquiry-based science teaching and learning in junior high schools and some challenges confronting it. I employed multistage sampling procedure to select 503 students, 308 science teachers, 12 head teachers, four circuit supervisors, three science coordinators, three deputy directors and a director of education from four districts and municipalities in central region of Ghana. I employed the concurrent triangulation mixed methods design, involving surveys and case studies. I used questionnaires, structured observation and semi-structured interview schedules for data collection. Validity, reliability, credibility, and dependability of the instruments were adequate for research. The quantitative data analyses involved calculation of means, standard deviations, frequencies, percentages, factor analyses, Cronbach alphas. ANOVAs, MANOVAs and Two-way MANOVA; while the qualitative data analyses involved thematic analysis. Findings show that there was rare implementation of inquiry-based science teaching and learning in the JHSs. Again, interaction of school location and school type significantly influenced implementation of inquiry teaching and learning in the JHSs. Challenges to implementation of inquiry teaching in the JHSs include teachers’ and educational administrators5 inadequate conceptions of inquiry; and teachers’ low attitudes and weak beliefs and self-efficacy toward inquiry teaching. It is recommended that preservice and in-service teacher education should emphasize engagement of teachers in inquiry investigations to explicitly promote their conceptions, attitudes, beliefs, and self-efficacy in alignment with the constructivist philosophy of science and science teaching.

Source: UCC
Extent to which leadership styles affect the commitment level of staff of the eastern regional hospital,Koforidua

This work was designed find out the extent to which leadership styles affect the commitment level of staff of the Eastern Regional Hospital, Koforidua. The study used a stratified sampling technique, where the respondents were grouped to form homogeneous strata being senior and junior staff. Systematic sampling was then used to select respondents from each stratum. A sample of one hundred and ten (110) employees was selected from a total population of eight hundred and twenty-seven (827) employees of the Hospital. The instruments used for the study were questionnaires. The data was analyzed using analysis package called Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). The data was summarized into statistical tables, graphs, charts to make interpretation easier. Percentages and charts were used to. Among the main findings of the study were: management allowed the staff to make decisions in exhibit laissez faire leadership behaviour, weak positive correlation between the leadership variable and employee‘s affective commitment and moderate positive correlation between the leadership variable and employee‘s continuance commitment. The main recommendations were; management through its research department should conduct periodic research into the leadership needs of employees of the hospital. The management should put in measures to further improve affective commitment level of staff.

Source: UCC
External Business Environment and Performance of Hotels in Accra

This study sought to examine the influence of the external business environment on the performance of hotels in Greater Accra Region. PESTLE (Political, Economic, Social-Cultural, Technological, Legal and Environmental) factors were used to examine the external business environment of the hotel while the performance was measured from the preview of financial and non-financial performance indicators. A sample of 150 respondents comprising of management and staff of hotels was selected through a stratified proportionate random sampling technique. Semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect the primary data used for the analyses. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) was employed in the data analysis. The data was analyzed using Pearson correlation test and multiple linear regression. Results from the study revealed that external business environment factors such as legal and technological factors positively influence hotel performance. However, external business environment factors such as economic, political, social and environment factors do not exert any influence on hotel performance. The recommendation made include the need for Hotel management/owners to maximize their investment in technology in their operations as technological factors enhance hotel performance. Also, managers of hotels need to be aware of the risks involved in the legal environment and is often advisable to have a reliable local partner and an attorney who can deal with the legal issues and bureaucracy.

Source: UCC
External debt and economic growth in sub- saharan Africa: the role of country-level governance structures

Sub-Saharan African countries have experienced a decline in its economic growth rate due to delayed and still limited policy adjustments in the region, with a consequent rise in public debt and deteriorating international reserves. External debt and governance have been argued to impact a country’s economic growth. The study assessed the role of country-level governance structures in the relationship between external debt and economic growth using a panel of 38 Sub-Saharan African countries for the period 1996-2016. The study used Arrelano and Bond General Method of Moment dynamic panel estimation technique. The results indicate that country-level governance structures improve the utilization of external debt to boost economic growth in Sub-Saharan African countries. The study concludes that strong country-level governance structures (rule of law, voice and accountability, political stability and absence of violence/terrorism, regulatory quality, government effectiveness and control of corruption) would ensure efficient utilization of external debt for the purpose of increasing economic growth in Sub-Saharan African countries

Source: UCC
External Debt, Capital Expenditure and Economic Growth in Sub-saharan Africa

ABSTRACT This study examined the joint effects of external debt and capital expenditure on economic growth. Using panel data of 37 SSA countries for the period of 2000–2020, the study found a negative relationship between external debt and economic growth, capital expenditure and economic growth, but a positive effect of the interaction between external debt and capital expenditure on economic growth. Therefore, the study recommended that externally borrowed funds by countries in SSA should be invested in productive ventures with prudent management to ensure economic growth and development. More importantly, governments of SSA should utilise fiscal and monetary policy efficiently to ameliorate the over dependence on external borrowings in financing their economic activities

Source: UCC