ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Packaging design elements and consumers' decision to buy from the Web: A cause and effect decision-making model

Recent advances in e-commerce have resulted in significant progress being made toward strategies, requirements, and the development of various mechanisms aimed at influencing consumers' decisions to purchase online. The relationship between different packaging design elements and their effect on consumers' online buying decisions has been less researched, due in part to the lack of statistical power to detect cause and effect relationships between these elements. This study examines the feasibility of multiple-criteria decision-making in order to identify and analyze the causal relationships between the different packaging design elements that are required to stimulate consumers' decision to buy products online. Consumers' direct, indirect, and interdependent behaviors in relation to PDEs and purchase decisions were studied for this paper. A total of 142 students (89 males and 53 females, aged 22-37 years) participated in this study. The results identified several associations between design elements. The four most important PDEs found to influence consumers' decision to buy via the internet were graphics, colours, label information, and country of origin. This study provides the necessary insights into the design of product packaging by targeting aspects related to the appearance of the products' characteristics. Correlations between the various PDEs obtained from this study can be used to increase consumers' interactions with products in e-commerce environments.

Source: UCC
Pact of cocoa innovations on the livelihoods of cocoa farmers in Ghana: the sustainable livelihood framework (SL) approach

The Cocoa High Technology Programme (CHTP) was introduced by the Government of Ghana in 2003 with the aim of improving the fertility of the soil thereby increasing the yields and incomes of cocoa farmers. A correlational survey design was used in the Eastern Region of Ghana to examine the perceived impact of the CHTP on the livelihoods of cocoa farmers who adopted the technology using the Sustainable Livelihood Framework (SL) Approach. The level of impact of the programme on farmers’ livelihoods as a ‘whole’ though higher, was below the expectations of cocoa farmers. The study further revealed that farmers’ yields were significantly improved by the CHTP with mean increase of 72% (from 2.85 bags/acre to 4.9 bags/acre), three years after the implementation of the CHTP. The results of stepwise multiple regression analysis revealed that (1) fertilizer application; (2) harvesting, fermentation and drying technologies; and (3) fungicide application were the best predictors of impact on livelihoods of cocoa farmers.

Source: UCC
Paediatric Femoral Neck Fracture: Experience of Management of our Patients and a Review of the Literature

Background: Femoral neck fractures are rare injuries in children, but their high incidence of long term complications make them an important clinical entity. The aim of this retrospective study was to analyze the clinical outcomes of paediatric femoral neck fractures that we managed over a 5-year period. Methods: The study included 4 children (2 boys and 2 girls) who sustained femoral neck fractures and completed a minimum follow-up of two years. All The children had operative management either by open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF), or closed reduction and internal fixation (CRIF). The outcomes were analyzed using Ratliff criteria and record of complications was kept for all patients. Results: The mean age of included patients was 11 years (range, 3 to 16 years). Based on Delbet’s classification, there were no types I (transepiphyseal) and IV (intertrochanteric), 3 type II and 1 type III. A satisfactory outcome was obtained in all 4 (100%) children even in a child who had cut out of the screws post-operative day 10. Conclusion: Despite a small series of internal fixation for paediatric hip fractures, we had encouraging outcomes with no avascular necrosis, no limb length discrepancy or non-union after a minimum followup of two years.

Source: UCC
Paediatric Patients Dose Optimisation and Risk Assessment in Computed Tomography Examination

The aim of the study was to establish and utilize national diagnostic reference levels (DRLs) of dose length product (DLP) and computed tomography dose index (CTDI) for routine computed tomography (CT) paediatric examinations. Additionally, the study estimated signal-to-noise ratio and lifetime attributable radiation risk. Materials used included multi-detector computed tomography machine, CT water phantom, electron density phantom, Head and Body phantoms and MeVisLab workstation. The methodology involved estimation of CTDI, DLP, cancer risk incidence (CRI) and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) using a minimum of 20 patients dose parameters of head, chest, and abdomen- pelvis CT examinations. In all 300 images of randomly selected paediatric patients undergoing CT scans of head, chest, and abdomen-pelvis from these centres were collected of which 200 met the selection criterion and were analysed. The measured median and upper quartile CTDIvol for head CT were 6.86 and 7.33 mGy, chest CT 6.98 and 6.70 mGy, abdomen-pelvis CT 4.71 and 5.28 mGy. While DLP for head CT were 1103.00 and 1249.58 mGy-cm, chest CT were 978.86 and 1250.42 mGy-cm, abdomen-pelvis CT were 565.85 and 787.05 mGy-cm. The mean CRI was in the range of 1 in 10,000 to 4 in 1,000 for all the CT examinations. The SNR, were all above the accepted minimum of 5. The results of the CTDI, DLP, CRI and SNR were comparable to international standard values. This study recommends dose optimization of CT examination protocols to ensure that paediatric patient doses are as low as reasonably achievable by using the established CTDI and DLP as reference values for future intercomparison of data from similar studies

Source: UCC
Pain Management among Postoperative Patients in Selected Health Facilities in the Central Region

Pain is an imperative component of every surgical procedure, especially, during and after the procedure. Intraoperatively, advances in anaesthesia technology has improved the management of pain for both the patient and the surgeon. The management of postoperative pain, however, remains a challenge for health professionals, especially as it remains highly variable. The purpose of the study was to assess pain experiences of postoperative patient and how they are managed in three hospitals in the Central region. Qualitative research approach was employed for the study. Patients and health workers were interviewed with a semi structured interview guide to solicit responses from the participants from the Cape Coast Teaching Hospital, Trauma and Specialist Hospital, Winneba and the Cape Coast Metro Hospital. Surgery is still viewed as a critical phase in health care and pain continues to be a challenge for all patients who go through surgery. From the study, patients were anxious and mostly ignorant of the surgical processes and its outcomes. Also, the study revealed the clients depended on medication as the major means to manage their pains. The study again showed that clients/patients who had surgery were satisfied with the pains management that the healthcare providers gave them. From the finding, it was recommended that healthcare providers should be more proactive in their treatment of post-operative. Also, it was recommended that, the healthcare centres or facilities should make as a matter of concern make available counsellors who will offer pre-counselling before any surgery is done.

Source: UCC
Palm kernel oil residue (PKOR) as livestocck feed in Ghana: A case study of four (4) districts in the Central region

Feed costs amount to about 70 80% of the total production costs of meat production in intensively managed production systems. In Ghana, the major ingredients of such feeds are maize, wheat bran and protein based concentrates based on fishmeal. Agro Industrial By-Products especially Palm Kernel Oil Residue (PKOR) is potentially useful as an energy and/or protein source for feeding all species of livestock. The study was therefore designed to examine the extent of use of PKOR in four districts in the Central Region of Ghana. Primary data were collected using a set of structured and validated interview schedule from 60 poultry and livestock farmers, who were selected using multi-stage sampling technique. Data analysis was carried out using descriptive statistics (frequency counts and percentages) and inferential statistics (Pearson correlation). The results of the analysis showed that the poultry sub-sector was the main user of PKOR. A quarter (25.0%) of farmers sampled in the study use PKOR while 28.3% use a close variant of PKOR called Palm Kernel Cake. Farmers perceived that using PKOR reduces feed cost than using conventional feed ingredients only or commercially prepared feeds. Empirically, education and type of enterprise showed positive relationship with use of PKOR while years of experience showed negative relationship with use of PKOR. The major recommendations that emanated from the study are: information leaflets containing feed formulation using PKOR for different species of farm animals should be published by the Animal Production Directorate and distributed to farmers, and extension agents should train farmers on best ways of handling and using PKOR for feed.

Source: UCC
Palm Weevil Larvae (Rhynchophorus phoenicis Fabricius) and Orange-Fleshed Sweet Potato-Enriched Biscuits Improved Nutritional Status in Female Wistar Albino Rats

Edible insects have emerged as an inexpensive alternative source of protein for reducing the burden of malnutrition worldwide. However, there is a dearth of evidence on its efficacy, and thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of edible insect consumption on the nutritional status of female Wistar albino rats. )e study assessed the subchronic effect of palm weevil larvae (PWL) and orange-fleshed sweet potato- (OFSP-) enriched biscuits (fortified biscuits (FB), plain biscuits (PB), biscuits fortified with PWL (PWB), and biscuits fortified with OFSP only (SPB)) as a model to predict the potential of PWL to improve the nutritional status of pregnant women in Ghana. Twenty-five female Wistar albino rats were randomly assigned to five experimental groups to receive one of the five feed supplements for 28 days. After which, the effects of treatment on haematological and biochemical parameters including lipid profile were assessed. No significant differences were observed with haematological (Hb) parameters. However, total cholesterol levels of the FB, PB, PWB, and SPB were significantly higher than in the N group. Apart from elevated total cholesterol concentrations, biscuits fortified with PWL had no adverse effects and can be a nutritious snack for maintaining acceptable HB levels.

Source: UCC
Pan Africanism and civil religious performance: Kwame Nkrumah and the independence of Ghana

Kwame Nkrumah’s Independence declaration speech was widely seen as a key rhetorical moment in the fight towards decolonization in Africa. The purpose of this essay is to unravel reasons why the speech was not only quintessential to Ghana’s transition into an independent nation, but also crucial to Africa’s long journey towards freedom from Western imperialism. Hence, it is argued that the significance of Nkrumah’s rhetorical invention is in the symbolic birth of a new nation, providing rhetorical force to the Pan Africa agenda, and in performing the role of a high priest in a civil religious ceremony with citizens of a new nation

Source: UCC
Pandemics, Country Risks and Stock Return: Evidence From Selected Countries in Africa

Africa has contributed positively to the financial liberalization that the world seeks to achieve. However, series of factors have been studied to have influence on stock prices of which pandemic is one of the key factors. Due to the variations of stock market prices among countries during pandemic, this study seeks to analyse the factors contributing to these discrepancies by considering the moderating role of country risk on the relationship between pandemic and stock return. Country risks is one of the country level factors influencing the stock market. This study, therefore sought to analyse the role of country risk on the relationship between pandemics and stock returns in Africa. The study was centered on the Efficient Market Hypothesis and Arbitrage Pricing Model. The research philosophy employed in the study was positivism whereas the study design was explanatory research design. Annual panel data between the period 2000 to 2020 from fifteen Africa countries were used in the study. Mixed panel estimation techniques including Fixed Effect, and Random Effect were used to test the hypothesis of the study. The study found that stock markets react negatively during pandemic era. Political risk and economic risk had a negative impact on stock returns in Africa. The study also found that there was a positive significant impact of the interaction between pandemic and political risk on stock returns. The interaction term between pandemic and financial risk was also significant. Based on the findings above, the study recommended that political stability must be managed extremely well to reduce the negative impact of the pandemic on stock returns. Reduction in corruption would prevent stock market regulators from bribing their way through to erect barriers to investment in the stock market.

Source: UCC
A paradox: Midwives’ Experiences of Attending a Birth Resulting in Maternal Death in a Ghanaian Context

Background & aim: In a lower-middle income country, such as Ghana, maternal death still occurs even in case of providing skilled perinatal care. The impact of maternal death on the family, community, and society has been largely studied. However, its implications for midwifery practice in Ghana has not been extensively investigated. The purpose of this study was to explore the experiences of midwives whose clients died during the peripartum period and unearth the influence of their experiences on their personal lives and practices as midwife. Methods: The present study adopted a descriptive exploratory approach. Purposive and snowball sampling were employed to recruit six midwives attending the women who died during the peripartum period. The experiences of midwives were uncovered using in-depth interviews. Data analysis was conducted using Colaizzi’s phenomenological method as a frame of reference. Rigor was maintained through member checking and prolonged engagement. Results: Four main themes emerged from the data, including conceptualizing maternal death, midwive’s initial reaction to maternal death, perceived preparedness to manage maternal death, and building resilience (blurring the memory). There was minimal institutional support for the midwives when maternal death occurred. The participants used various coping strategies to rebuild their self-confidence and professional confidence. Conclusion: Midwives attending women who die during the peripartum period suffer emotionally and psychologically. The implications of these experiences in the midwifery profession are enormous. Supportive strategies should be institutionalized to achieve the complete recovery of attending midwives and provide experiential training of the entire midwifery staff.

Source: UCC
A Paradox: Midwives’ Experiences of Attending a Birth Resulting in Maternal Death in a Ghanaian Context

In a lower-middle income country, such as Ghana, maternal death still occurs even in case of providing skilled perinatal care. The impact of maternal death on the family, community, and society has been largely studied. However, its implications for midwifery practice in Ghana has not been extensively investigated. The purpose of this study was to explore the experiences of midwives whose clients died during the peripartum period and unearth the influence of their experiences on their personal lives and practices as midwife. Methods: The present study adopted a descriptive exploratory approach. Purposive and snowball sampling were employed to recruit six midwives attending the women who died during the peripartum period. The experiences of midwives were uncovered using in-depth interviews. Data analysis was conducted using Colaizzi’s phenomenological method as a frame of reference. Rigor was maintained through member checking and prolonged engagement. Results: Four main themes emerged from the data, including conceptualizing maternal death, midwives initial reaction to maternal death, perceived preparedness to manage maternal death, and building resilience (blurring the memory). There was minimal institutional support for the midwives when maternal death occurred. The participants used various coping strategies to rebuild their self-confidence and professional confidence. Conclusion: Midwives attending women who die during the peripartum period suffer emotionally and psychologically. The implications of these experiences in the midwifery profession are enormous. Supportive strategies should be institutionalized to achieve the complete recovery of attending midwives and provide experiential training of the entire midwifery staff.

Source: UCC
A paradox: Midwives’ Experiences of Attending a Birth Resulting in Maternal Death in a Ghanaian Context

Background & aim: In a lower-middle income country, such as Ghana, maternal death still occurs even in case of providing skilled perinatal care. The impact of maternal death on the family, community, and society has been largely studied. However, its implications for midwifery practice in Ghana has not been extensively investigated. The purpose of this study was to explore the experiences of midwives whose clients died during the peripartum period and unearth the influence of their experiences on their personal lives and practices as midwife. Methods: The present study adopted a descriptive exploratory approach. Purposive and snowball sampling were employed to recruit six midwives attending the women who died during the peripartum period. The experiences of midwives were uncovered using in-depth interviews. Data analysis was conducted using Colaizzi’s phenomenological method as a frame of reference. Rigor was maintained through member checking and prolonged engagement. Results: Four main themes emerged from the data, including conceptualizing maternal death, midwives initial reaction to maternal death, perceived preparedness to manage maternal death, and building resilience (blurring the memory). There was minimal institutional support for the midwives when maternal death occurred. The participants used various coping strategies to rebuild their self-confidence and professional confidence. Conclusion: Midwives attending women who die during the peripartum period suffer emotionally and psychologically. The implications of these experiences in the midwifery profession are enormous. Supportive strategies should be institutionalized to achieve the complete recovery of attending midwives and provide experiential training of the entire midwifery staff.

Source: UCC
Parallel kalman filter-based multi-human tracking in surveillance video

A novel approach to robust and fexible person tracking using an algorithm that integrates state of the arts techniques; an Enhanced Person Detector (EPD) and Kalman fltering algorithm. This proposed algorithm employs multiple instances of Kalman Filter with complex assignment constraints using Graphics Processing Unit (GPU-NVDIA CUDA) as a parallel computing environment for tracking multiple persons even in the presence of occlusion. A Kalman flter is a recursive algorithm which predict the state variables and further uses the observed data to correct the predicted value. Data association in different frames is solved using Hungarian technique to link data in previous frame to the current frame. The benefit of this research is an adoption of standard Kalman Filter for multiple target tracking of humans in real time. This can further be used in all applications where human tracking is needed. The parallel implementation has increased the frame processing speed by 20- 30 percent over the CPU implementation

Source: UCC
Parallel kalman filter-based multi-human tracking in surveillance video

A novel approach to robust and fexible person tracking using an algorithm that integrates state of the arts techniques; An enhanced person detector (epd) and kalman filtering algorithm. This proposed algorithm employs multiple instances of Kalman Filter with complex assignment constraints using Graphics Processing Unit (GPU-NVDIA CUDA) as a parallel computing environment for tracking multiple persons even in the presence of occlusion. A Kalman flter is a recursive algorithm which predicts the state variables and further uses the observed data to correct the predicted value. Data association in different frames is solved using Hungarian technique to link data in previous frame to the current frame. The benefit of this research is an adoption of standard Kalman Filter for multiple target tracking of humans in real time. This can further be used in all applications where human tracking is needed. The parallel implementation has increased the frame processing speed by 20- 30 percent over the CPU implementation

Source: UCC
Paralysis and killing of Caenorhabditis elegans by enteropathogenic Escherichia coli requires the bacterial tryptophanase gene

Pathogenic Escherichia coli, including enteropatho- genic E. coli (EPEC), enterohaemorrhagic E. coli (EHEC), enteroinvasive E. coli (EIEC) and enterotoxi- genic E. coli (ETEC) are major causes of food and water-borne disease. We have developed a genetically tractable model of pathogenic E. coli virulence based on our observation that these bacteria paralyse and kill the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. Paralysis and killing of C. elegans by EPEC did not require direct contact, suggesting that a secreted toxin medi- ates the effect. Virulence against C. elegans required tryptophan and bacterial tryptophanase, the enzyme catalysing the production of indole and other mole- cules from tryptophan. Thus, lack of tryptophan in growth media or deletion of tryptophanase gene failed to paralyse or kill C. elegans. While known tryptophan metabolites failed to complement an EPEC tryptopha- nase mutant when presented extracellularly, comple- mentation was achieved with the enzyme itself expressed either within the pathogen or within a coc- ultured K12 strains. Thus, an unknown metabolite of tryptophanase, derived from EPEC or from commen- sal non-pathogenic strains, appears to directly or indirectly regulate toxin production within EPEC. EPEC strains containing mutations in the locus of enterocyte effacement (LEE), a pathogenicity island required for virulence in humans, also displayed attenuated capacity to paralyse and kill nematodes. Furthermore, tryptophanase activity was required for full activation of the LEE1 promoter, and for efficient formation of actin-filled membranous protrusions (attaching and effacing lesions) that form on the sur- face of mammalian epithelial cells following attach- ment and which depends on LEE genes. Finally, several C. elegans genes, including hif-1 and egl-9, rendered C. elegans less susceptible to EPEC when mutated, suggesting their involvement in mediating toxin effects. Other genes including sek-1, mek-1, mev-1, pgp-1,3 and vhl-1, rendered C. elegans more susceptible to EPEC effects when mutated, suggest- ing their involvement in protecting the worms. More- over we have found that C. elegans genes controlling lifespan (daf-2, age-1 and daf-16), also mediate sus- ceptibility to EPEC. Together, these data suggest that this C. elegans/EPEC system will be valuable in elu- cidating novel factors relevant to human disease that regulate virulence in the pathogen or susceptibility to infection in the host.

Source: UCC