ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Effective leadership and sustainable development in Africa: is there “really” a link?

Purpose – The paper aims to review the concept of leadership as practiced in the West and in Africa, and goes on to establish the link between these two approaches and sustainable development in Africa. It does this with the view of assessing their implications for the attainment of sustainable development on the continent through a developed leadership–impact– effect conceptual model. Design/methodology/approach – In seeking to achieve its purpose, the paper uses a literature review approach to assess the leadership orientation in the West (particularly in relation to effective leadership) as against the studied leadership situation prevalent in the African continent to find out their impact on development (sustainable). Findings – Findings from the paper reveal a great disparity between the leadership situation in the African continent and the attainment of sustainable development. It also affirms a link between effective leadership approaches, like the transformational leadership approach, and the attainment of sustainable development. Practical implications – Based on the findings, it is recommended that African leaders resort to effective leadership styles, with a great emphasis on the transformational style, which integrate creativity, vision and participation, as it attempts to create sustainable development for the citizenry in the continent. Originality/value – The paper demonstrated the relevance of effective leadership in ensuring sustainable development in Africa and as a tool for achieving economic growth and development. Keywords Culture, Sustainable development, Africa, Effective leadership Paper type Conceptual paper

Source: UG
Effective monetary policy, banks’ pricing behaviour and human development in Africa

This paper empirically examines the effect of monetary policy effectiveness on human development in Africa. We employ both micro-bank level and macro-country-level data. Bank-level data is taken from the bank scope database maintained by Fitch, IBCA, and Bureau Van Dijk. Series are yearly, covering a sample of 320 banks across 29 African countries. Panel fixed effects, random effects and IV regressions were estimated for the period 2002 to 2013. For our IV estimation, the paper explores an instrumental variable based on the fact that effective monetary policy is conditional on the independence of the central bank. The regression results that ensued suggest that first, effective monetary policy translates to high banks’ loan and deposit prices. Building on these results and employing various specifications of banks’ pricing strategy, the second test suggests that high banks’ pricing induced by effective monetary policy tends to increase human development. Results of the net effects eventually suggest that effective monetary policy, overall, does not improve human development.

Source: UG
Effective Project Management of a Pan-African Cancer Research Network: Men of African Descent and Carcinoma of the Prostate (MADCaP)

Purpose Health research in low- and middle-income countries can generate novel scientific knowledge and improve clinical care, fostering population health improvements to prevent premature death. Project management is a critical part of the success of this research, applying knowledge, skills, tools, and techniques to accomplish required goals. Here, we describe the development and implementation of tools to support a multifaceted study of prostate cancer in Africa, focusing on building strategic and operational capacity. Methods Applying a learning organizational framework, we developed and implemented a project management toolkit (PMT) that includes a management process flowchart, a cyclical center-specific schedule of activities, periodic reporting and communication, and center-specific monitoring and evaluation metrics. Results The PMT was successfully deployed during year one of the project with effective component implementation occurring through periodic cycles of dissemination and feedback to local center project managers. A specific evaluation was conducted 1 year after study initiation to obtain enrollment data, evaluate individual quality control management plans, and undertake risk log assessments and follow-up. Pilot data obtained identified areas in which centers required mentoring, strengthening, and capacity development. Strategies were implemented to improve project goals and operational capacity through local problem solving, conducting quality control checks and following compliancy with study aims. Moving forward, centers will perform quarterly evaluations and initiate strengthening measures as required. Conclusion The PMT has fostered the development of both strategic and operational capacity across project centers. Investment in project management resources is essential to ensuring high-quality, impactful health research in low- and middle-income countries.

Source: UG
Effectiveness of African herbal preparations against multidrug-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae: A systematic review

Multidrug-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (MDR-Kp) poses a significant public health challenge due to limited treatment options and growing antimicrobial resistance (AMR). The rise in MDR Kp infections underscores the critical need for new strategies against antibiotic resistance, especially in Africa, where AMR is a pressing concern. This systematic review evaluated the antimicrobial activity of herbal preparations against MDR-Kp by assessing parameters such as minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC), zone of inhibition, and minimum inhibitory con centration (MIC). A literature search was done following the PRISMA guidelines, and relevant articles from PubMed, Scopus, and ScienceDirect were included. The search identified 2094 ar ticles, of which 848 were selected for a full assessment and 31 were included. Data extraction included information on plant scientific names, botanical families, plant parts, country of origin, extract types, isolated compounds, and antimicrobial parameters. Of the 124 plants studied, Withania frutescens L., Plumbago zeylanica, Plectranthus glandulosus, Eruca sativa, and Donella welwitschii, emerged as plants that could be further explored for anti-MDR-Kp therapeutics. Further research is needed to explore their mechanisms of action, active compounds, and po tential synergies. Integrating traditional knowledge with modern healthcare practices, stand ardised research methodologies, and clinical validations can advance plant-based therapies. Additionally, conservation efforts are vital to preserve the biodiversity of these medicinal plants, ensuring their availability for future research and therapeutic use, while supporting environ

Source: UG
The Effectiveness of aid in Improving Regulations: An Empirical Assessment

The paper empirically assesses the impact of foreign aid on the change in economic freedom, which is closely related to the quality of regulations. We build on a relatively large panel of 77 developing countries and examine the period 2002-2012 using different econometric methods. In addition to standard country fixed-effects regressions as well as estimations in first differences, we apply the system Generalised Method of Moments estimator. We, therefore, control for the potential endogeneity of foreign aid. We find that highly targeted aid can be a driver of change: Sectorspecific Aid for Business has a significantly positive impact on regulations across developing countries, but we do not find any effects for overall aid or aid directed at broad governance areas. The result that Aid for Business drives improvements in regulatory quality is robust using different model specifications and country samples. The strongest results are found for low-income countries and for subsamples that exclude outliers. This outcome could partly explain the inconclusive evidence from the previous literature and it confirms our hypothesis that targeted, sector-specific aid matters.

Source: UG
Effectiveness of Cartoons as a Uniquely Visual Medium for Orienting Social Issues

Despite the perception in some quarters that cartoons constitute an important medium for framing social issues, they are often dismissed on the grounds of political absurdity and ideological insignificance. Cartoons are seen as offering just “passing chuckles” rather than any “deep reflection” on social issues. The perception may be related to the cartoon's discursive spatial limitation and its very nature as a visual mode of communication. Visual modes of communication are deemed deficient in performing analytical communication. By grounding cartoons within a theory of visual semiotics and visual persuasion, this paper attempts to address some of the concerns raised about the effectiveness of editorial cartoons. It attempts to find out how cartoons, as uniquely visual forms of communication, signify their meanings and manage to offer “deep reflection,” rather than just simple “passing chuckle” on social issues. © 2009, © 2009 Association for Education in Journalism & Mass Communication.

Source: UG
Effectiveness of combined intermittent preventive treatment for children and timely home treatment for malaria control

The Epidemiology Department contributes to the mission of the institute through basic and applied epidemiological research on, but not limited to, malaria and other diseases of public health importance. It is also home to the Social Science Unit of the Institute, including the Health Support Centre for HIV/AIDS and other communicable and noncommunicable health problems.

Source: UG
Effectiveness of combined intermittent preventive treatment for children and timely home treatment for malaria control.

The Department of Immunology conducts research in the field of immunology of infectious and non-infectious diseases. The Department has the overall goal of contributing knowledge to better diagnosis, management, control and prevention of infectious and non-infectious diseases in Ghana and worldwide. This is consistent with the overall strategy of the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR) and in line with the strategy of the College of Health Sciences of the University of Ghana.

Source: UG
Effectiveness of community facilitator training in improving knowledge, attitudes, and confidence in relation to depression and suicidal behavior: Results of the OSPI-Europe intervention in four European countries.

Community facilitators (CFs), such as teachers, nurses and social workers, are well placed as gatekeepers for depression and suicidal behavior, but not properly prepared to provide preventive and supportive services. The current study aimed: (1) to improve CFs’ attitudes toward depression, knowledge on suicide, and confidence to detect suicidal behavior in four European countries and (2) to identify specific training needs across regions and CF groups.

Source: UG
Effectiveness of first-line antiretroviral therapy and correlates of longitudinal changes in CD4 and viral load among HIV-infected children in Ghana

Abstract Background Antiretroviral therapy (ART) scale-up in resource-limited countries, with limited capacity for CD4 and HIV viral load monitoring, presents a unique challenge. We determined the effectiveness of first-line ART in a real world pediatric HIV clinic and explored associations between readily obtainable patient data and the trajectories of change in CD4 count and HIV viral load. Methods We performed a longitudinal study of a cohort of HIV-infected children initiating ART at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital Pediatric HIV clinic in Accra, Ghana, aged 0-13&#160;years from 2009-2012. CD4 and viral load testing were done every 4 to 6&#160;months and genotypic resistance testing was performed for children failing therapy. A mixed linear modeling approach, combining fixed and random subject effects, was employed for data analysis. Results Ninety HIV-infected children aged 0 to 13&#160;years initiating ART were enrolled. The effectiveness of first-line regimen among study participants was 83.3%, based on WHO criteria for virologic failure. Fifteen of the 90 (16.7%) children met the criteria for virologic treatment failure after at least 24&#160;weeks on ART. Sixty-seven percent virologic failures harbored viruses with&#8201;&#8805;&#8201;1 drug resistant mutations (DRMs); M184V/K103N was the predominant resistance pathway. Age at initiation of therapy, child&#8217;s gender, having a parent as a primary care giver, severity of illness, and type of regimen were associated with treatment outcomes. Conclusions First-line ART regimens were effective and well tolerated. We identified predictors of the trajectories of change in CD4 and viral load to inform targeted laboratory monitoring of ART among HIV-infected children in resource-limited countries.

Source: UG
Effectiveness of first-line antiretroviral therapy and correlates of longitudinal changes in CD4 and viral load among HIV-infected children in Ghana

Background: Antiretroviral therapy (ART) scale-up in resource-limited countries, with limited capacity for CD4 and HIV viral load monitoring, presents a unique challenge. We determined the effectiveness of first-line ART in a real world pediatric HIV clinic and explored associations between readily obtainable patient data and the trajectories of change in CD4 count and HIV viral load. Methods: We performed a longitudinal study of a cohort of HIV-infected children initiating ART at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital Pediatric HIV clinic in Accra, Ghana, aged 0-13 years from 2009-2012. CD4 and viral load testing were done every 4 to 6 months and genotypic resistance testing was performed for children failing therapy. A mixed linear modeling approach, combining fixed and random subject effects, was employed for data analysis. Results: Ninety HIV-infected children aged 0 to 13 years initiating ART were enrolled. The effectiveness of first-line regimen among study participants was 83.3%, based on WHO criteria for virologic failure. Fifteen of the 90 (16.7%) children met the criteria for virologic treatment failure after at least 24 weeks on ART. Sixty-seven percent virologic failures harbored viruses with ≥ 1 drug resistant mutations (DRMs); M184V/K103N was the predominant resistance pathway. Age at initiation of therapy, child's gender, having a parent as a primary care giver, severity of illness, and type of regimen were associated with treatment outcomes. Conclusions: First-line ART regimens were effective and well tolerated. We identified predictors of the trajectories of change in CD4 and viral load to inform targeted laboratory monitoring of ART among HIV-infected children in resource-limited countries. © 2013 Barry et al.; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.

Source: UG
Effectiveness of foreign aid in agricultural development in the Adaklu District of Ghana: a case study of the Modernizing Agriculture in Ghana (MAG) Fund

The debate on the effectiveness foreign aid in Africa continues to take center stage in the development literature. To contribute to this debate, this research sought to investigate the effectiveness of the Modernizing of Agriculture in Ghana (MAG) Fund, a 135 million Canadian dollars in foreign aid received by the Government of Ghana for agricultural development. The study employed a qualitative research approach in assessing the utilization effectiveness of the Fund in the Adaklu District of the Republic of Ghana. The researchers purposefully selected sixteen (16) informants from the study population and interviewed, using an interview guide. The informants selected for the study consists of technical staff of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, key staff of the Department of Agriculture of the Adaklu District, core staff of the Adaklu District Assembly, and farmers. The study revealed poor and ineffective utilization of the Fund resulting from cumbersome bureaucratic processes in accessing the Fund, weak institutional collaboration and partnerships, inadequate resource allocation by the Assembly to the Department of Agriculture for Agricultural Development in the district. Consequently, agricultural development in the District is characterized by poor agriculture extension service delivery, poor technological deployment, high cost of inputs and low agricultural production. The study recommends strengthening the institutional and personal capacities of those in charge of the utilization of foreign aid to ensure that funds are applied for their intended purposes. Additionally, the institutionalization of effective monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to track the progress of fund to ensure that they meet their objectives is recommended.

Source: UG
Effectiveness of intermittent preventive treatment in pregnancy with sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine (IPTp-SP) in Ghana

Introduction Ghana adopted the revised WHO recommendation on intermittent preventive treatment in pregnancy using sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (IPTp-SP) in 2012. This study has assessed the effectiveness and safety of this policy in Ghana. Methods A total of 1926 pregnant women enrolled at antenatal care (ANC) clinics were assessed for birth outcomes at delivery, and placental histology results for malaria infection were obtained from 1642 participants. Association of reduced placental or peripheral malaria, anaemia and low birth weight (LBW) in women who received ≥4 IPTp-SP doses compared with 3 or ≤2 doses was determined by logistic regression analysis. Results Among the 1926 participants, 5.3% (103), 19.2% (369), 33.2% (640) and 42.3% (817) of women had received ≤1, 2, 3 or ≥4 doses, respectively. There was no difference in risk of active placental malaria (PM) infection in women who received 3 doses compared with ≥4 doses (adjusted OR (aOR) 1.00, 95% CI 0.47 to 2.14). The risk of overall PM infection was 1.63 (95% CI 1.07 to 2.48) in 2 dose group and 1.06 (95% CI 0.72 to 1.57) in 3 dose group compared with ≥4 dose group. The risk of LBW was 1.55 (95% CI 0.97 to 2.47) and 1.06 (95% CI 0.68 to 1.65) for 2 and 3 dose groups, respectively, compared with the ≥4 dose group. Jaundice in babies was present in 0.16%, and 0% for women who received ≥4 doses of SP. Conclusion There was no difference in the risk of PM, LBW or maternal anaemia among women receiving 3 doses compared with ≥4 doses. Receiving ≥3 IPTp-SP doses during pregnancy was associated with a lower risk of overall PM infection compared with 2 doses. As there are no safety concerns, monthly administration of IPTp-SP offers a more practical opportunity for pregnant women to receive ≥3 doses during pregnancy.

Source: UG
Effectiveness of Intermittent Preventive Treatment with Sulfadoxine-Pyrimethamine in Pregnancy: Low Coverage and High Prevalence of Plasmodium falciparum dhfr-dhps Quintuple Mutants as Major Challenges in Douala, an Urban Setting in Cameroon

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
Effectiveness of Internal Control Systems of Listed Firms in Ghana

Purpose – This study examines the effectiveness of internal control systems of listed firms in Ghana. The recent (especially international) financial reporting scandals have caused regulators to place a lot of attention on internal control systems as a mechanism that could help improve the quality of financial reporting. Design/methodology/approach – The study examined annual reports of a sample of 33 firms listed on the Ghana Stock Exchange. In measuring the level of internal control effectiveness, 23 items relating to internal control categorised under control environment, information and communication, risk assessment, control activities and monitoring were operationalised and the effectiveness score was determined based on the items. Findings – Overall internal control system showed an average level of effectiveness in this study, which implied an overall low level of effectiveness. Of the five categories assessed under internal control system, control environment showed a higher level of effectiveness. Originality/value – The study makes a contribution to the academic research activities relating to internal controls in Ghana. Limitations – Inherent in the measurement process is an element of estimation error as a result of the use of subjective judgement for some items operationalised in assessing internal control effectiveness.

Source: UG
Effectiveness of interventions to reduce indoor air pollution and/or improve health in homes using solid fuel in lower and middle income countries: Protocol for a systematic review

Background: Indoor air pollution (IAP) interventions are widely promoted as a means of reducing indoor air pollution/health from solid fuel use; and research addressing impact of these interventions has increased substantially in the past two decades. It is timely and important to understand more about effectiveness of these interventions. We describe the protocol of a systematic review to (i) evaluate effectiveness of IAP interventions to improve indoor air quality and/or health in homes using solid fuel for cooking and/or heating in lower- and middle-income countries, (ii) identify the most effective intervention to improve indoor air quality and/or health, and (iii) identify future research needs. Methods: This review will be conducted according to the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines and will be reported following the PRISMA statement. Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid Embase, SCOPUS, and PubMed searches were conducted in September 2013 and updated in November 2014 (and include any further search updates in February 2015). Additional references will be located through searching the references cited by identified studies and through the World Health Organization Global database of household air pollution measurements. We will also search our own archives. Data extraction and risk of bias assessment of all included papers will be conducted independently by five reviewers. Discussion: The study will provide insights into what interventions are most effective in reducing indoor air pollution and/or adverse health outcomes in homes using solid fuel for cooking or heating in lower- or middle-income countries. The findings from this review will be used to inform future IAP interventions and policy on poverty reduction and health improvement in poor communities who rely on biomass and solid fuels for cooking and heating. Systematic review registration: The review has been registered with PROSPERO (registration number CRD42014009768 ). © 2015 Quansah et al.; licensee BioMed Central.

Source: UG