ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Preliminary in vivo evaluation of anti-inflammatory activities of aqueous and ethanolic whole plant extracts of Phyllanthus fraternus on carrageenan-induced paw oedema in sprague-dawley rats

Medicinal plants represent potential sources for the discovery of new anti-inflammatory agents. Aqueous and ethanolic whole plant extracts of Phyllanthus fraternus were evaluated in vivo for their anti-inflammatory activities on carrageenan-induced paw oedema inSprague-Dawley rats. The extracts were also screened for phytochemicals. Some of the phytochemicals found in the extracts have previously been implicated as antiinflammatory agents. The LD50 of both extracts was investigated and found to be greater than 5000mg/kg. The extracts at doses 100mg/kg and 200mg/kg showed modest anti-inflammatory activity in a dose dependent manner. The aqueous extract demonstrated better inhibition of paw oedema compared with the ethanolic extract at 200mg/kg after 4hrs. The activity of the standard drug, indomethacin at 25.0 mg/kg was significantly higher (p&lt; 0.05) than those of the extracts. The results suggest that whole plant extract of P. fraternus possess antiinflammatory activity and will be useful in the search for novel anti-inflammatory agents.

Source: UG
Preliminary insight into cloud computing adoption in a developing country

Purpose –The purpose of this paper is to investigate the determinants of cloud computing adoption(CCA) in a developing country context through the lens of the technology, organisation andenvironment (TOE) framework.Design/methodology/approach –The study was carried out using the quantitative researchmethodology based on a survey of 305 organisations from different industries in Ghana. Based on theTOE framework, a conceptual model consisting of ten hypotheses were proposed and tested through aconfirmatory factor analysis and logistic regression analysis.Findings –The findings indicate that relative advantage, security concern, top management support,technology readiness, competitive pressure and trading partners’pressure were the TOE factors foundto be significant in CCA in a developing country context. Conversely, firm size, scope, compatibilityand regulatory support were found to be insignificant.Originality/value –This study provides insights into CCA across different industries in a developingcountry environment. The study is arguably the first kind of empirical research into CCA in adeveloping country context, specifically in Ghana. The findings from this study provide a foundationfor other studies as well as constructive insights for the development of cloud computing, due to itsinfancy in the developing world

Source: UG
Preliminary insight into cloud computing adoption in a developing country

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the determinants of cloud computing adoption (CCA) in a developing country context through the lens of the technology, organisation and environment (TOE) framework. Design/methodology/approach – The study was carried out using the quantitative research methodology based on a survey of 305 organisations from different industries in Ghana. Based on the TOE framework, a conceptual model consisting of ten hypotheses were proposed and tested through a confirmatory factor analysis and logistic regression analysis. Findings – The findings indicate that relative advantage, security concern, top management support, technology readiness, competitive pressure and trading partners’ pressure were the TOE factors found to be significant in CCA in a developing country context. Conversely, firm size, scope, compatibility and regulatory support were found to be insignificant. Originality/value – This study provides insights into CCA across different industries in a developing country environment. The study is arguably the first kind of empirical research into CCA in a developing country context, specifically in Ghana. The findings from this study provide a foundation for other studies as well as constructive insights for the development of cloud computing, due to its infancy in the developing world.

Source: UG
Preliminary insights into dominant issues, theories and methodologies in platform interoperability research

This study presents preliminary insights on the dominant issues, theories, and methodologies in existing research on platform interoperability. The authors illustrate their position by analysing the various issues, theoretical approaches and research methodologies found in these studies. A total of 70 papers obtained from five academic literature databases from 2008 to 2018 were reviewed. The findings suggest that the reviewed studies largely lack theorisation. As such, we suggest that theorisation underpins future interoperability research. These research should, first, explore the antecedents of platform interoperability and how differing interests of stakeholders are unified and implemented. Second future research should explore technological and non-technological (process, administrative and structural) changes that organizations undergo while attempting to adopt interoperability and how the change shapes the outcome of the process. Lastly, future research needs to also examine the context-based factors that influence interoperability and how these factors compare or contrast across private and public sector organizations.

Source: UG
Preliminary Insights into M-Commerce Adoption in Ghana

Utilizing case studies of farmers and fishermen in Ghana, we investigated the mobile commerce (m-commerce) idiosyncrasies of two rural businesses. We specifically examined the investment cost associated with m-commerce, and the m-commerce adoption practices of farmers and fishermen in selected rural districts in Ghana. We adopted a qualitative research approach and conducted in-depth interviews with management and operational personnel, in our target respondent firms. We found that m-commerce facilitates cost reduction for farmers and fishermen, and affords them opportunities for deepening internal and external business relationships. M-commerce also facilitates the delivery of time-sensitive information, which enhances decision-making in transactions. Whilst m-commerce clearly enhances various value delivery propositions for the farming and fishing companies we profiled, it cannot entirely replace their business value chains. The originality of this study lies in the fact that, it is one of the few scholarly investigations focusing on m-commerce from the perspective of a sub-Saharan country.

Source: UG
Preliminary insights into the concerns of online privacy and security among millennials in a developing economy

Millennials, described as tech-savvies are knowledgeable and using the internet for a couple of things ranging from social media, education, e-commerce, entertainment and so on. However, there are growing concerns lately about online privacy and security with the emergence of the Web 2.0 technologies that allow a lot of multimedia online which is attractive to the millennials. Although there is a threat to what the millennials are agreeing to and the information they provide online, yet there are limited studies that have explored the online privacy issues concerning millennials. Thus, in this study, we investigated millennials and their awareness concerning online privacy threats and security, whether they are bothered about what they put online, as well as measures they have put in place to mitigate this menace from a developing economy perspective. The study employed a quantitative approach where survey data was gathered through self-administration questionnaires with a random sample of 700 undergraduate students in a public university in Ghana. The findings revealed that most of the millennials are aware and concerned about online privacy threats. They are also bothered about privacy effects concerning the information they put online. Therefore, they wish there are laws and regulations protecting consumers about their online privacy in Ghana. The originality of the paper stems from the fact that there is paucity of research about online privacy especially among the millennials in sub-Saharan African countries and our paper is the first to be done in the Ghanaian context.

Source: UG
Preliminary Insights into the Influence of Mobile Phone in Micro-Trading Activities of Market Women in Nigeria

This paper explores the influence of mobile phones on the micro-trading activities of women traders in Nigeria. This exploratory study adopts a qualitative research approach. A theoretical model based on the Technology Acceptance Model is used to analyse two case studies of the micro-trading activities of Nigerian market women. The findings suggest that, first, the benefits obtained by market women tend to be partly influenced by the extent of mobile access and usage by trading partners in their value chain. Second, the knowledge of the trader plays a critical role in determining the type of mobile functionality used. Market women who innovatively integrate mobile services, like mobile banking, stand to reform their market structural processes and become more economically empowered. In micro-trading activities, enhancing communication and trading processes through mobile phones improves revenue acquisition and enhances decision making and control. The research concludes with an emphasis for research and practice to increase the mobile capabilities of those at the ‘bottom of the pyramid’ to beyond voice calls and text messaging. Research propositions and lessons for future research are also outlined. This paper generates new insights about the usage of mobile telephony for the enhancement of economic effectiveness of micro-traders.

Source: UG
Preliminary insights into the influence of mobile phones in micro-trading activities of market women in Nigeria.

This paper explores the influence of mobile phones on the micro-trading activities of women traders in Nigeria. This exploratory study adopts a qualitative research approach. A theoretical model based on the Technology Acceptance Model is used to analyse two case studies of the micro-trading activities of Nigerian market women. The findings suggest that, first, the benefits obtained by market women tend to be partly influenced by the extent of mobile access and usage by trading partners in their value chain. Second, the knowledge of the trader plays a critical role in determining the type of mobile functionality used. Market women who innovatively integrate mobile services, like mobile banking, stand to reform their market structural processes and become more economically empowered. In micro-trading activities, enhancing communication and trading processes through mobile phones improves revenue acquisition and enhances decision making and control. The research concludes with an emphasis for research and practice to increase the mobile capabilities of those at the ‘bottom of the pyramid’ to beyond voice calls and text messaging. Research propositions and lessons for future research are also outlined. This paper generates new insights about the usage of mobile telephony for the enhancement of economic effectiveness of micro-traders

Source: UG
Preliminary Insights into the Nature of Graduate IS Programmes in Sub-Saharan Africa

Extant Information Systems (IS) curriculum research has focused on the nature of undergraduate IS programmes, particularly in the US and UK, eliciting calls for studies on graduate IS programmes and in regions beyond the US and UK. This study, consequently, looks at the nature of graduate IS programmes in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Using a direct survey method, IS courses information were collected from the websites of top universities in SSA based on a 2019 webometric world ranking of universities. The course offerings from these universities are mapped to the competencies specified in the Global competency model for graduate IS programmes (MSIS 2016). The findings generally indicate, among others, non-adherence of graduate IS programmes in SSA to the MSIS 2016. The reasons for the non-adherence to the MSIS 2016 curriculum model is recommended for future research.

Source: UG
A preliminary report on an excavation at Ahwene Koko in the Wenchi traditional area of Ghana

Introduction The Akan people of Wenchi claim that their ancestors came out of a hole in the ground at Bonoso near the source of the Ayasu stream, about 14m south of the Wenchi metropolis. The Akyeamehene (Chief Royal Spokesman) is said to have led the way with his ancient staff. Their leader was the Queen Mother called Asase-ba-ode-nsee, which literally translated means “child of Mother Earth whose origins date to the beginning”. Traditions maintain that the ancestors of the Wenchi people had been in the earth from time immemorial until the wankyie or panta, a pig-like quadruped probably an aardvark, burrowed down and unearthed them. From this time they were named after the animal wankyie, now corrupted to Wankyi or Wenchi. The aardvark is now a totemic symbol of the Akanspeaking population of Wenchi. Another etymology of Wankyi is that it means waan akyi meaning “beyond brightness.” This is a reference to their abode in the hole, which was beyond the realm of light or brightness, that is to say they lived in darkness. Wenchi traditions also claim that the ancestors of the Wenchi people first settled at Bonoso before moving to Ahwene Koko, which became the capital of the state.

Source: UG
A Preliminary Report on the Use of Peripheral Nerve Blocks for Lower Limb Amputations

Background: Deep vein thrombosis is increasingly being diagnosed in Ghana. The commonest complication that leads to death is pulmonary embolism. The mortality rate from massive pulmonary embolism is high even with intervention. Thrombolysis is recommended in massive embolism. Objective: To determine the outcome of thrombolysis in the management of massive pulmonary embolism in patients admitted to the Cardiothoracic Intensive Care unit. Method: A retrospective audit of the patients who were admitted to the Intensive care unit of the National Cardiothoracic centre with a diagnosis of massive pulmonary embolism between 1st January 2003 and 31st September 2007. Results: Seventeen patients were admitted with the diagnosis of massive pulmonary embolism of which 14 were thrombolysed. Commonest clinical presentations were dyspnoea in 17(100.0%) and hypotension in 12(70.3%) of the patients. Streptokinase was used in 13(92.9%) and urokinase in 1(7.1%) of the patients. The main complications of thrombolysis were bleeding in 12(85.7%), hypotension in 10(71.4%) and nausea and vomiting in 7(50.0%) of the patients. Postthrombolysis, the respiratory function deteriorated in 12 (85.7%) of the patients which required mechanical ventilation. The overall mortality rate was 35.3%. Three patients died before thrombolysis. Of the 14 (82.4%) who were thrombolysed 3(21.4%) died within 8 hours. Conclusion: The mortality rate of patients with massive pulmonary embolism is high even after thrombolysis. The commonest complication of thrombolysis was bleeding.

Source: UG
Preliminary safety assessment of sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine during intermittent presumptive treatment of pregnant women in a region with high prevalence of G6PD deficiency

Pregnant women in 20 administrative districts of Ghana are being monitored intensively for adverse events following intermittent presumptive treatment with sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine. Preliminary results indicate a low level of adverse events (0.16%) suggesting good tolerability of the drug, despite the relatively high G6PD deficiency prevalence of more than 20%. Since the real possibility of under-reporting cannot be overlooked, the focused surveillance approach being used in the study is being complemented with in-depth interviews following home visits and focus group discussions with patients and healthcare workers. © 2005 - IOS Press and the authors. All rights reserved.

Source: UG
A Preliminary Safety Evaluation of Polyhexamethylene Guanidine Hydrochloride

Polyhexamethylene guanidine hydrochloride (PHMGH) is used worldwide as an antimicrobial agent with broad spectra of activity and also for treating pool water. This non-GLP preliminary study aims at investigating in a subchronic toxicity study possible effects at supra-optimal doses of this biocide. Both acute and subchronic toxicity studies were conducted. LD50 for PHMGH was estimated to be 600 mg/kg (ie LC50 2 ml of 7.5% solution) when administered as a single dose by gavage via a stomach tube in accordance with the expected route of administration. The acute studies showed that the median lethal dose (LD50) of 600 mg/kg was accompanied by signs of neurotoxicity. Haematological and biochemical parameters of subchronic toxicity studies were non-significant. Subchronic doses of 0.006 mg/kg, 0.012 mg/kg and 0.036 mg/kg were administered. 20% of the animals at a dose of 0.006 mg/kg and 0.036 mg/kg showed mild degrees of hydropic changes in proximal tubules while 10% of animals at all the doses had their liver tissues showing local areas of mild pericentral hepatocytes degeneration. PHMGH did not produce any major organ defect with regard to the kidney, heart, and liver. The LD50 was much higher than the recommended dosage by a factor of about 50,000. The recommended residual concentration is far less than the median lethal dose using rats as test subjects. These results could serve as a basis for investigating the full toxicological profile if it is to be used for the treatment of raw water to make it potable. © 2014, SAGE Publications. All rights reserved.

Source: UG
Preliminary studies on the occurrence of freshwater epipelic algae in the Densu basin in Southern Ghana

The occurrence and composition of the freshwater algae in the epipelon were determined at three sites, namely Machigeni, Manhean and Weija, located in the coastal savanna thicket and grassland vegetation zone of the River Densu basin in southern Ghana. Samples of sediments from the water-substratum interface were taken at fortnightly intervals over 2 months at Machigeni, Manhean and Weija, in January 2008 and March 2008, and studied. The epipelic flora of River Densu exhibits high diversity, with the richest flora in Machigeni, followed by Manhean and Weija in that order. A total of 38 algal genera were identified over the period, with the Bacillariophyceae dominating with 19 genera followed by the Chlorophyta and the Cyanophyta with 13 and 6 genera, respectively. Fragilaria, Melosira and Rhizosolenia were the most abundant Bacillariophyta genera encountered. The Chlorophyta had Closterium, Pediastrum and Spirogyra, as the dominant genera. Anacystis and Oscillatoria had the highest number of cells among the Cyanophyta genera sampled.

Source: UG
A Preliminary Study of Podcasting in Developing Higher Education Institutions The Case of South Africa

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to report on podcasting experience by faculty and students in a South African higher education institution (HEI), identify issues, limitations and discuss implications for the design of future tools. Design/methodology/approach – This work consisted of two parts: semi-structured interviews with lecturers, content/curriculum developers and a student survey. Findings – Rogers's diffusion of innovations theory provided the framework for this research including determining how new innovations are disseminated, their rate of adoption, the five-stage decision-making process for adoption and the characteristics an innovation must possess to be attractive to adopters. The methodology used relied heavily on descriptive and qualitative data analyses in order to determine the current podcasting practices and experiences. Results reveal that by assuming some of the respondents are “innovators” or “early adopters”, they are still in the early stages of the decision-making process. Research limitations/implications – Some instructors who are identified as “early adopters” are experimenting with podcasting as an add-on to existing lecture resources. However, innovations and their subsequent adoption require an understanding of lecturers' and students' perceptions, opportunities and challenges. Originality/value – Podcasting in developing HEIs and the tools therein to support the process has not been given much attention. The context of this study is the first kind of empirical research in this area. The findings from this exploratory research will be valuable for podcasting users.

Source: UG
A Preliminary Study to Compare Recombinase Polymerase Amplification-Lateral Flow and Quantitative PCR in the Detection of Cutaneous Leishmania in Communities from the Volta Region of 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
Premarital relationships and livelihoods in Ghana

PIP: This study is based on interviews with a sample of 400 single women aged 18-25 years from the Fante ethnic group in Cape Coast, Ghana, in 1991, and on focus groups. This case study illustrates the importance of economic and living arrangement support expected from partners in premarital relationships. Support may be for living and maintenance ('chopmoney', provisions, household items, and rent); for financial security (provision of capital); and for clothing and hairdressing. Women did not always require economic support in premarital relationships. Women expect boyfriends to provide 'chopmoney' (money for food and general upkeep) and contribute some money for the rent. Only 36% of sexually active women expected their boyfriends to supply food provisions. Premarital sexual relationships are used to obtain start-up capital. The author refers to evidence that senior government officials engaged in sexual transactions with clients before loans and credit facilities were offered. 87% of sexually experienced women expected their partners to pay for at least part of clothing expenses. The study revealed that there was considerable disparity between women's expectations and actual receipt of economic support. 56% desired, but only 36% received, 'chopmoney' in full. 40% expected their partners to pay for household furnishings in full, while only 10% did so. 55% expected capital, but only 15% received it. The three most frequently received benefits in full were hair dressing, shoes, and dresses. Men provided most non-negotiable items as a means of "boosting their egos." Many young women rely on the support of men in order to improve their status. Ghanaian men control financial resources and economic power. Mothers of adolescent daughters encourage premarital sexual behavior. Prostitution is considered different from sexual exchange relationships. It is argued that gender inequalities and domestic abuse are perpetuated through sexual exchange relationships.

Source: UG