ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Linking Malaria To Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Review

Malaria and diabetes continue to affect millions of people globally. Although global malaria burden is declining gradually, that of diabetes seems to be increasing. Sub-Saharan Africa with the greatest burden of malaria is predicted to house the greatest proportion of incidence of diabetes by 2030. This prediction though hinges on expected increase in prevalence of obesity, the possible impact of infection in general and Plasmodium infection in particular cannot be overlooked. This review focuses on the effect of Plasmodium infection on circulating glucose level in humans and discusses possible mechanisms by which malaria could be linked to the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Malaria causes inflammation and oxidative stress which could lead to insulin resistance and eventually impact negatively on glucose homeostasis. The nature of malaria-induced inflammation and oxidative stress appears similar to that observed in diabetes and obesity. At the pharmacological level, anti-malarials and anti-diabetics can be synthesized from a common ’biguanides’ with possible cross reactivities. At the molecular level, artimisins, a potent class of antimalarials, appear to have capability to transform α-cells in the islets into insulin-secreting β -cells through enhanced gamma amino-butyric acid (GABA) signaling, to improve glucose homeostasis in different models of mammalian cells. Putting together, these various levels of evidence suggest a greater potential for a link between malaria and diabetes. However, more research work is needed for improved understanding of the mechanistic link of malaria to T2DM to properly define the contribution of malaria to the predicted increase in incidence of T2DM in malaria-endemic regions.

Source: UCC
Linking Tertiary Institutions to Industries: Evidence from the Vocational and Technical Education Department of the University of Cape Coast

Despite the various reforms and attempts to relate the school curricula to the world of work, very few studies have been carried out to investigate the constraints and challenges of industrial and institutional linkages. This paper investigates specifically the department of Vocational and Technical Education (VOTEC) of the University of Cape Coast and the inability of the department to link its students with industries, a requirement of the University Curricula to propel its graduates into the world of work. Based on data from 60 respondents from within the university and industry, this paper argues that even though there is awareness of the need for these linkages, the curricula does not adequately cover practices in the actual industries. The results have important policy implications for curriculum and training of students in the VOTEC department and other institutions that provide similar training.

Source: UCC
Lipid and Lipoprotein Levels in Type 2 Diabetes Patients Attending the Central Regional Hospital in the Cape Coast Metropolis of Ghana

Purpose: To ascertain the prevalence of dyslipidaemia in diabetics in Cape Coast. Methods: This preliminary outpatient-based cross-sectional study was conducted in 79 diabetic patients (22 males and 57 females) receiving treatment at the Central Regional Hospital (CRH) in the Cape Coast Metropolis. Serum lipid profiles of the fasting diabetic patients were determined between September, 2008 and May, 2009. In addition, demographic information, height and weight were measured and BMI was computed.

Source: UCC
Lipid and Lipoprotein Levels in Type 2 Diabetes Patients Attending the Central Regional Hospital in the Cape Coast Metropolis of Ghana

Purpose: To ascertain the prevalence of dyslipidaemia in diabetics in Cape Coast. Methods: This preliminary outpatient-based cross-sectional study was conducted in 79 diabetic patients (22 males and 57 females) receiving treatment at the Central Regional Hospital (CRH) in the Cape Coast Metropolis. Serum lipid profiles of the fasting diabetic patients were determined between September, 2008 and May, 2009. In addition, demographic information, height and weight were measured and BMI was computed. Results: BMI was significantly (P = 0.001) higher in females than in males, but the mean values of all the remaining measured parameters were comparable (P>0.05) between the sexes. No significant (P>0.05) correlation was observed between age or BMI and cholesterol levels. Percentage dyslipidaemia ranged from 7.60% to 55.70% in the study sample. A significantly (P<0.05) higher proportion of females than males in the entire sample were overweight/obese, had higher levels of total cholesterol (TCHOL) and TRG. No significant difference (P>0.05) was observed between proportions of individuals in both sexes who exhibited higher LDL-c but lower levels of HDL-c.. Conclusion: Lipid profile should be a routine test for all diabetics receiving treatment at the CRH to identify those at increased cardiovascular risk for immediate attention.

Source: UCC
Lipid Profile and High Maternal Body Mass Index is Associated with Preeclampsia: A Case-Control Study of the Cape Coast Metropolis

Background: Preeclampsia is a leading cause of maternal mortality worldwide and a serious health problem that affects the majority of women. Aim: We investigated the association between lipid profile and maternal obesity among preeclamptic women in the Cape Coast Metropolis. Subject and Methods: This case–control study involved 60 preeclamptics and 50 healthy pregnant controls matched for age and gestational weeks consecutively recruited from two major hospitals in the Cape Coast Metropolis. Blood samples were collected after overnight fasting and enzymatic spectrophotometric tests used to estimate lipid concentrations. The independent samples t‑test, Chi‑square, and Pearson’s correlation were used in the analysis of data gathered. Results: Serum triglyceride (TG) (P = 0.04), very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) (P = 0.02), TC (P = 0.01) and low density lipoprotein (LDL) (P = 0.03) levels were higher in preeclamptic participants than in the controls. High density lipoprotein concentration showed no significant variation between the two groups (P = 0.83). Preeclamptic women were more obese (P = 0.07). High body mass index (OR = 1.501; CI = 0.926‑2.106, P = 0.01), high TG level (OR = 5.026; CI = 0.794-31.818, P = 0.01), were associated with preeclampsia. Conclusion: Lipid abnormalities, mostly elevated levels of TG, TC, LDL, and VLDL are present in preeclamptics. High TG levels and maternal obesity are associated with preeclampsia among pregnant women in the Cape Coast Metropolis.

Source: UCC
Lipid-Based Nutrient Supplements Providing Approximately the Recommended Daily Intake of Vitamin A Do Not Increase BreastMilk Retinol Concentrations among Ghanaian Women

Abstract Background: Vitamin A deficiency remains a global public health problem. Daily supplementation with a lipid-based nutrient supplement (LNS) has potential for increasing milk vitamin A concentrations. Objective: The objective of this study was to determine whether daily supplementation with approximately the recommended daily intake of vitamin A in an LNS or a multiple-micronutrient supplement (MMN) during pregnancy and the first 6 mo postpartum has an effect on breast milk retinol concentration at 6 mo postpartum. Methods: Women #20 wk pregnant (n = 1320) were randomly assigned to receive either the MMN providing 18 micronutrients, including 800 mg retinol equivalents of vitamin A, or the LNS with the same nutrients as the MMN group, plus 4 minerals and macronutrients, until 6 mo postpartum; a control group received iron and folic acid during pregnancy and a placebo (calcium tablet) during the first 6 mo postpartum. Breast milk samples collected at 6 mo postpartum were analyzed for retinol and fat concentrations by HPLC and creamatocrit, respectively, in a subsample of 756 women. Results: The breast milk retinol concentration was (mean 6 SD) 56.3 6 2.1 nmol/g fat, with no significant differences between groups [iron and folic acid (n = 243): 59.1 62.8;MMN(n = 260): 55.4 6 2.5; LNS (n = 253): 54.76 2.5 nmol/g fat; P = 0.45], regardless of whether the woman had or had not received a high-dose vitamin A supplement (200,000 IU) soon after childbirth. Around 17% of participants had low milk retinol (#28 nmol/g fat). We estimated that 41% of infants were potentially receiving vitamin A at amounts above the Tolerable Upper Intake Level (600 mg retinol activity equivalents/d), with no group differences in percentages with low or high milk retinol concentration. Conclusion: Daily consumption of approximately the recommended intake of vitamin A did not increase breast milk retinol concentrations in this sample of Ghanaian women.

Source: UCC
Liquefied Petroleum Gas Utilisation in Ghana: a Comparative Study of Agona Nkwanta and Sekondi In the Western Region

ABSTRACT The study examined LPG utilisation by conducting a comparative study between two distinct study areas, namely Agona Nkwanta and Sekondi in the Western Region of Ghana. It delved deeper into the stages of utilisation (i.e. adoption and sustained usage), challenges affecting them and determining factors to scale- up. The mixed method approach was employed with a descriptive research design. Questionnaires were administered to 379 households using simple random sampling and 6 people were interviewed as organisational facilitators using the homogenous purposive and convenience sampling. The quantitative data was then analysed with SPSS using the descriptive statistics and independent t-test, whilst the thematic analysis was used for the qualitative data. The study revealed low levels of LPG adoption and sustained usage amidst high fuel stacking amongst the two study areas, with Sekondi having a much higher level of sustained usage than Agona Nkwanta. The most pressing challenges found in both study areas include: high cost of refilling gas cylinders, inadequate gas filling stations, fear associated with gas usage, lack of funds for the initial purchase of gas and its equipment, preference for biomass, and long distance of gas filling stations. It was also revealed that regulators and LPG Marketing Companies have a role to play in scaling up LPG utilization in terms of safety, education, work ethics and monitoring. Per the findings, the study concluded that the proposed Cylinder Recirculation Model will help provide solutions to most of the pressing challenges with LPG usage. The study recommends it be set in motion and Organisational Facilitators sit up in their roles towards LPG usage.

Source: UCC
Liquid biopsy in ovarian cancer using circulating tumor DNA and cells: Ready for prime time?

Liquid biopsies hold the potential to inform cancer patient prognosis and to guide treatment decisions at the time when direct tumor biopsy may be impractical due to its invasive nature, inaccessibility and associated complications. Specifically, circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) and circulating tumor cells (CTCs) have shown promising results as companion diagnostic biomarkers for screening, prognostication and/or patient surveillance in many cancer types. In ovarian cancer (OC), CTC and ctDNA analysis allow comprehensive molecular profiling of the primary, metastatic and recurrent tumors. These biomarkers also correlate with overall tumor burden and thus, they provide minimally-invasive means for patient monitoring during clinical course to ascertain therapy response and timely treatment modification in the context of disease relapse. Here, we review recent reports of the potential clinical value of CTC and ctDNA in OC, expatiating on their use in diagnosis and prognosis. We critically appraise the current evidence, and discuss the issues that still need to be addressed before liquid biopsies can be implemented in routine clinical practice for OC management

Source: UCC
Liquidity and bank profitability in Ghana

Bank liquidity and profitability are of very great concern to stakeholders’ regulators/ supervisors, the public, depositors, borrowers, debt holders and shareholders. In performing their financial intermediation role, banks' must have an optimal trade-off between the profitability and firm value maximization objective of shareholders and liquidity objective of depositors. A critical understanding of the relationship between liquidity and profitability in banks is useful in determining the optimal trade-off. The study sought to establish the relationship between the liquidity and bank profitability of23 licensed Ghanaian banks over the ten-year period 2009-2018. The study employed correlation and regression analysis to study the relationship between profitability (ROA and ROE) and liquidity measures (loans-to-deposit ratio (LDR) and cash-to-deposit ratio (CDR). A pairwise correlation presents a negative relationship between profitability and liquidity. The regression analysis shows that the profitability ratios - ROA and ROE have a strong significantly negative and positive relationship with cash-to-deposit ratio (CDR) liquidity measure respectively. Further research is recommended on how to achieve the optimal liquidity level in banks. The result will help to solve the problem of excess liquidity and its reducing effects on profits, and arbitrary high profitability with its consequent reduction of liquidity position. I suggest that interested researchers should dwell on the same area of this research extensively using a wider data and area of coverage.

Source: UCC
Liquidity Management in Ghanaian Savings and Loans. A Case Study of Golden Link Savings and Loans Limited

The purpose of the study was to determine liquidity management in Ghanaian savings and loans with the case study of Golden Link Savings and Loans. A large body of research theoretically asserts positive association between good liquidity management and financial performance of financial institutions. Little attention has been paid to the liquidity management of Golden Link Savings and Loans which are contributing direct to the welfare of the citizen and economy growth. This research addresses some conceptual and measurement issues related to the study of liquidity management and its effects on financial performance of Golden Link Savings and Loans in a Ghanaian context. A total of 200 questionnaires were distributed but only 160 were retrieved from the respondents. Also, secondary data was collected from their published financial statement between years 2012 to 2017. Golden Link Savings and Loans was the source of data and hence the reliability of the data. The researcher used descriptive statistics, chi-square analysis and correlation efficient method. In order to test this relationship regression analysis was run with total profit before tax to total assets as the dependent variable and the liquidity, funding liquidity risk, operational efficiency, and quick ratio log of total assets as the independent variables. The findings were that financial performance as measured by profit before tax over total assets is positively related to Liquidity, funding liquidity risk, operational efficiency, quick ratio and log of total assets. The study therefore recommends that Golden Link Savings and Loans should put in place the best liquidity management practices to increase their financial performance.

Source: UCC
Liquidity risk, credit risk and performance of listed banks in Ghana

Credit risk and liquidity risk management practices have become very critical for efficient operations and survival of banks. This is because they have the tendency to affect the core existence of banks (profitability). However, the impact of credit risk and liquidity risk on the performance of banks is yet to be fully explored in Ghana. The recent takeover of UT bank Ltd and Capital bank Ltd by GCB bank Ltd; where issues of insolvency were cited by BoG as reason for the takeover is a prove of credit risk and liquidity risk management challenges in Ghana. This study investigated the effect of credit risk and liquidity risk on the performance of listed banks in Ghana. The study used a quantitative research approach in the analysis of the data. Annual secondary data from the financial statements of listed banks were analysed for the period 2011 to 2014. A fixed effect model was used in the analysis. The results showed that the capital adequacy ratio, cost per loan assets ratio and loan advance total deposit ratio had significant negative effect on listed banks’ liquidity risk. The results also showed that liquidity risk had significant negative effect on the performance of listed banks but credit risk generally had insignificant effect on listed banks’ performance. The study recommends; management to be cautious in setting up a credit policy that will not negatively affects liquidity risk and liquidity of listed banks. BoG for policy purposes should regularly assess the lending attitudes of listed banks; one direct way is to assess the degree of credit crunch by isolating the impact of supply side of loan from the demand side taking into account the opinion of firms about listed banks’ lending attitude.

Source: UCC
Liquidity Risk, Credit Risk and Performance of Universal Banks in Ghana

ABSTRACT Credit risk and liquidity risk management practices are very critical for efficient operations and survival of banks. This is because they have the tendency to affect the core existence of banks (profitability). However, the impact of credit risk and liquidity risk on the performance of banks is yet to be fully explored in Ghana. The recent takeover of UT bank Ltd and Capital bank Ltd by GCB bank Ltd; where issues of insolvency were cited by BoG as reason for the takeover is a proof of credit risk and liquidity risk management challenges in Ghana. This study investigated the effect of credit risk and liquidity risk on the performance of universal banks in Ghana. The study used a quantitative research approach in the analysis of the data. Annual secondary data from the financial statements of universal banks were analysed for the period 2011 to 2015. A fixed effect model was used in the analysis. The results conclusively showed that the capital adequacy ratio, cost per loan assets ratio and loan advance total deposit ratio had significant negative effect on universal banks’ liquidity risk. The results also showed that liquidity risk had significant negative effect on the performance of universal banks but credit risk generally had insignificant effect on universal banks’ performance. The study recommends management to be cautious in setting up a credit policy that will not negatively affects liquidity risk and liquidity of universal banks. BoG for policy purposes should regularly assess the lending attitudes of universal banks; one direct way is to assess the degree of credit crunch by isolating the impact of supply side of loan from the demand side taking into account the opinion of firms about universal banks’ lending attitude.

Source: UCC
Liquidity risk, credit risk and performance of Universal Banks in Ghana

Credit risk and liquidity risk management practices are very critical for efficient operations and survival of banks. This is because they have the tendency to affect the core existence of banks (profitability). However, the impact of credit risk and liquidity risk on the performance of banks is yet to be fully explored in Ghana. The recent takeover of UT bank Ltd and Capital bank Ltd by GCB bank Ltd; where issues of insolvency were cited by BoG as reason for the takeover is a proof of credit risk and liquidity risk management challenges in Ghana. This study investigated the effect of credit risk and liquidity risk on the performance of universal banks in Ghana. The study used a quantitative research approach in the analysis of the data. Annual secondary data from the financial statements of universal banks were analysed for the period 2011 to 2015. A fixed effect model was used in the analysis. The results conclusively showed that the capital adequacy ratio, cost per loan assets ratio and loan advance total deposit ratio had significant negative effect on universal banks’ liquidity risk. The results also showed that liquidity risk had significant negative effect on the performance of universal banks but credit risk generally had insignificant effect on universal banks’ performance. The study recommends management to be cautious in setting up a credit policy that will not negatively affects liquidity risk and liquidity of universal banks. BoG for policy purposes should regularly assess the lending attitudes of universal banks; one direct way is to assess the degree of credit crunch by isolating the impact of supply side of loan from the demand side taking into account the opinion of firms about universal banks’ lending attitude.

Source: UCC
A literary analysis of imprecations within the psalter

Studies in the psalter have generally been done using form-critical and historical-critical methodologies. In studying imprecations within the psalms, most scholars have focused on addressing the issues from Christian ethical perspectives. With the recent surge of newer and more reader-centred methodologies, this thesis deviates from the usual form-critical and Christian ethical approaches to the study of the imprecations in the psalms and rather uses a literary-critical method. With this method of exegesis, which relates with the interaction of the reader with the literary elements in the selected psalms, the thesis focused on revealing how literary elements of parallelism, intensification, and imagery are used to communicate imprecations and how they help the reader identify the nature and characteristics of the imprecations within the psalms. To achieve this, five representative psalms that contain imprecations were purposively selected for this study, namely, Psalms 35, 58, 69, 109, and 137. The study concludes that the psalmists makes adequate use of parallelism, intensification, and imagery to present the imprecations. These are used to achieve various purposes including emphasis, adding to a request, contrast actions, offer further explanation, etc. In addition, the imprecations are normally uttered as an address to God instead of just being wishes. Also, they normally take a “type/deeds of the enemy-imprecation” structure, where imprecations are uttered vis a vis the type/deeds of the enemy. In addition, the imprecations are usually uttered together with a declaration of innocence on the part of the lamenter or allusions of innocence. Finally, it was revealed in the study that imprecations generally have an annihilation motif in them, both directly and indirectly. These conclusions are deemed relevant for the Ghanaian Christian community who make use of the psalms as well as the imprecations in their prayers. There are lots of implications that the conclusions have on Christian view of prayers and imprecations. These implications have a major impact on the way Ghanaian Christians need to view their enemies and the prayers they offer against them.

Source: UCC
A literary anthroponomastics of three selected african novels: A cross cultural perspective

Names as markers of identity are a source of a wide variety of information. This paper explores the names of characters to show the sociocultural factors which influence the choice of names and the effects that the names of these characters have on the roles they play. Using a variety of personal names from Ayi Kwei Armah’s Fragments, Buchi Emecheta’s The Joys of Motherhood, and Nawal El Sadaawi’s Woman at Point Zero, the study revealed that, the choice of names in Akan, Igbo, and Arab societies are influenced by the day of birth, the family one belongs to, circumstances surrounding one’s birth, titles, and religion. Furthermore, writers chose these specific names to reinforce the roles characters play in the literary work. These findings have implications for onomastics, characterization, and further research

Source: UCC