ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Morphological responses of the rabbit testis to ischemic/reperfusion injury due to torsion

Objective: To investigate the morphological effects of free radical injury on spermatogenic cells in both testes of the rabbit experimental model of testicular torsion. Materials and Methods: The left testes of 8 peripubertal NZW rabbits (3-6 months) were subjected to 0, 15, 30, 60, 90, 120, and 180 min of ischemia by applying a clamp to the spermatic cord, followed by reperfusion. Another set of 8 rabbits was subjected to 60 min of ischemia and administered antioxidants (acetylsalicylic acid, ascorbic acid, allopurinol, quercetin, superoxide dismutase) before reperfusion. Both testes of 4 animals per group were harvested at 24 h and the remaining 4 at 3 months. Johnsen scores for spermatogenic activity and other changes were assessed histologically and these were compared with testicular malondialdehyde (MDA), a measure of free radical damage, assayed on testicular homogenates using the thiobarbiturate method. Results: In the 24-hour reperfusion group, apoptotic bodies and giant cells were more prominent in the seminiferous tubules of the left testes compared to the right, and were maximal after 90 min. In the 3-month reperfusion group, giant cells were absent, and apoptotic bodies were reduced in both testes. Testicular MDA showed an increase only in the left testes in the 24-hour reperfusion group, while the 3-month group showed increased MDA levels in both testes, but more on the left. The Johnsen score fell only to 8.0 in the left testes in the 24-hour reperfusion group, but dropped to 2.3 in the 3-month reperfusion group. Only in the 3-month reperfusion group, did antioxidant-treated animals show a fall in Johnsen scores in the left testes, regardless of the type of antioxidant. Conclusion: These findings confirm a role for reactive oxygen species (ROS) in damage to spermatogenic cells in both the ipsilateral and contralateral testes following torsion, with longer term effects in the torted testis. Currently available antioxidants do not provide any significant long-term protection against morphological damage to the testis by ROS generated in testicular torsion.

Source: UG
Morphometric Characterisation of Root-Knot Nematode Populations from Three Regions in Ghana

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) production in Ghana is limited by the root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne incognita, and yield losses over 70% have been experienced in farmer fields. Major management strategies of the root-knot nematode (RKN), such as rotation and nematicide application, and crop rotation are either little efficient and harmful to environments, with high control cost, respectively. Therefore, this study aims to examine morphometric variations of RKN populations in Ghana, using principal component analysis (PCA), of which the information can be utilized for the development of tomato cultivars resistant to RKN. Ninety (90) second-stage juveniles (J2) and 16 adult males of M. incognita were morphometrically characterized. Six and five morphometric variables were measured for adult males and second-stage juveniles (J2) respectively. Morphological measurements showed differences among the adult males and second-stage juveniles (J2). A plot of PC1 and PC2 for M. incognita male populations showed clustering into three main groups. Populations from Asuosu and Afrancho (Group I) were more closely related compared to populations from Tuobo-dom and Vea (Group II). There was however a single nematode from Afrancho (AF4) that fell into Group III. Biplots for male populations indicate, body length, DEGO, greatest body width, and gubernaculum length serving as variables distinguishing Group 1 and Group 2 populations. These same groupings from the PCA were reflected in the dendogram generated using Ag-glomerative Hierarchical Clustering (AHC). This study provides the first report on morphometric characteri-sation of M. incognita male and juvenile populations in Ghana showing significant morphological variation.

Source: UG
Morphometric characterisation of Scutellonema bradys populations from the Guinea Savanna and Transitional Rain Forest ecological zones of Ghana

Yam (Dioscorea spp.) forms a large portion of Ghanaian diets and is cultivated in most regions. However, yam is highly susceptible to parasitism by the yam nematode, Scutellonema bradys. Ten major yam communities from 10 districts (Yendi, Karaga, East Gonja, Kumbungu, Savelugu/Nanton, Kintampo North, Techiman, Wenchi, Atebubu/Amanten and Ejura/Sekyeredumase) were selected for soil and yam tuber sampling. Body lengths ranged from 624.6 to 858.5 µm, and 609.5 to 854.1 µm for female and male S. bradys populations, respectively. Tail lengths ranged from 5.3 to 9.6 µm, and 5.2 to 8.6 µm for female and male S. bradys populations, respectively. Principal component analysis did not reveal distinct groups among the female and male populations. This was further confirmed through agglomerative hierarchical clustering with subgroupings showing less than 20% dissimilarity for both female and male populations, and nematodes from different locations clustered together. Significant morphological variation therefore exists both within and among female and male S. bradys populations as reflected in the formation of subgroups. © 2018, © 2018 Southern African Plant & Soil Sciences Committee.

Source: UG
Morphometric characterization of invasive Diaphorina citri infesting citrus and orange jasmine in Ghana

Morphometric analysis plays a crucial role in the accurate identification and classification of insect pests, which is essential for implementing effective management strategies. The Asian citrus psyllid (Diaphorina citri Kuwayama; Hemiptera: Liviidae), an invasive species and a known vector of ‘Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus’ and ‘Ca. Liberibacter americanus,’ the bacterial pathogens associated with Huanglongbing (HLB), has recently emerged as a pest of concern in Ghana. Despite its significance, little is known about the biological traits of field populations in the region. In this study, we examined morphometric variation in D. citri populations infesting citrus and orange jasmine (Murraya paniculata) across different regions, agroecological zones, and host plants in Ghana. Our results show that several morphometric traits varied significantly by region, agroecological zone, and host plant. These findings suggest that host plant species and environmental conditions may influence the morphological traits of ACP, potentially affecting its dispersal and adaptability. Importantly, this study also documents the infestation of citrus orchards in Ghana by D. citri, following its initial detection on ornamental plants. This highlights a critical and urgent threat to Ghana’s citrus industry and the need for coordinated surveillance and management efforts to prevent the establishment and spread of HLB in the region.

Source: UG
Morphometric Diagnosis of Glossina Palpalis (Diptera: Glossinidae) Population Structure in Ghana

Objective This study aimed to identify isolated population(s) of Glossina palpalis in Ghana using geometric morphometrics to evaluate variations in wing-shape and size between populations of the fly from three regions. Results Wing shape of G. palpalis tsetse flies from the Northern, Western and Eastern Regions varied significantly between each other. Populations from the Northern and Western Regions varied the most (Mahalanobis Distance = 54.20). The least variation was noticed between populations from the Western and Eastern Regions (MD = 1.99). On morphospace, the Northern population clearly separated from the Eastern and Western populations both of which overlapped. Wing centroid size also significantly varied among populations. Reclassification scores were satisfactory reaching 100% for the Northern population. The Northern population of G. palpalis is possibly isolated from the Western and Eastern Region populations. Meanwhile, a panmictic relationship could be on-going between the Western and Eastern populations. We speculate that geographical distance and subspecific difference between populations are among factors responsible for observed pattern of wing shape variations among the studied populations. The implications of results regarding choice of control strategy and limitations of the study are discussed.

Source: UG
Morphometric studies of Clausena anisata (Willd.) Hook. f. ex. Benth. in coastal savanna zone of Ghana

Numerical taxonomic study was conducted on five populations of C. anisata in the coastal savanna zone of Ghana to determine their patterns of taxonomic variation and identify diagnostic characters among the populations studied. The results showed that the five populations of C. anisata exhibited complex patterns of morphological variation. The study also revealed that the populations studied could be phenetically classified into two main clusters. The phenetic groupings identified could not be considered as botanical varieties because of the complex patterns of morphological variation. From the numerical character analysis, morphological characters like peduncle length, ratio of sepal length to width, number of floral branches per inflorescence, anther length, style diameter, filament length, style length, plant height, petiole diameter, sepal length and petal length were identified as diagnostic morphological characters. Even though the phenetic groups identified within C. anisata could not be classified as morphological varieties, they could still be described and documented for general purposes such as communication, management and conservation but not for traditional taxonomic purposes.

Source: UG
Morphometric Studies of the Sweet Potato Weevil, Cylas Species- Complex in Southern Ghana

The Sweet potato weevil, Cylas species, is a key pest of sweet potato, and widely distributed on the African continent. The management of the pest is limited because its taxonomic status is not clear. Populations of the same species occupying distinct localities experience different ecological and climatic pressures that might result in differentiation in traits. This study sought to identify and compare body sizes of Cylas species from four regions in southern Ghana – Central, Eastern, Greater Accra and Volta. Of the 6,686 samples collected from the four regions, two species were identified: Cylas brunneus Fabricius, and Cylas puncticollis Boheman. Twelve morphometric characters were examined and measured, of which four traits - elytra and rostrum lengths, pronotum and head widths contributed most to the variations observed. In C. puncticollis, individuals with the longest body were recorded in Greater Accra Region (7.084 ± 0.089 mm), while those in the Central Region had the smallest body size (6.786 ± 0.086 mm). Our findings suggest that distinct localities may influence changes in body size.

Source: UG
The morphopragmatics of the diminutive morpheme (-ba/-wa) in Akan

The present paper is concerned with the diminutive morpheme -wa/-ba in Akan. We examine the form of the diminutive, its origin and the various meanings associated with diminutive forms in the language. We attribute the origin of the diminutive to the lexical word for ‘child/offspring’ ba, basing our argument on language internal evidence as well as cross-linguistic generalizations. The identified meanings of the Akan diminutive are as follows: small, young/offspring, feminine, member, insignificant/nonserious, affection/admiration and contempt/disdain. Having identified the basic meaning of the diminutive as ‘small’, Jurafsky’s (1996) Radial Category theory provides us with a basis to adequately account for the various levels of meanings; drawing a link through metaphors and inferences between the diachronic as well as the synchronic meanings.

Source: UG
The morphosyntactic and morphophonological study of Igbo desentential personal names

Scholars on anthroponyms are agreed that African names are not mere appellations. Igbo personal names are loaded with pragmatic, historical and ideational information and meanings. The names represent normal language expressions. This is why Igbo names could occur in different structural forms ranging from single lexical items to clauses. The clausal names could be simple declarative (affirmative and negative), conditional/subjunctive, imperative/prohibitive and interrogative. Igbo names could be derived from virtually every type of structure in the language. Based on the general assumption that names are supposed to be brief and mnemonic, this paper focuses on the processes of morphemic reduction and nominalization of Igbo desentential (clausal) names and the consequential phonological and morphological processes of elision, assimilation, clipping and tonal changes. These processes could lead to changes in the meaning of the names, or lead to total loss of meaning which could only be recovered by some etymological reconstructions.

Source: UG
Mortality in a seven-and-a-half-year follow-up of a trial of insecticide-treated mosquito nets in Ghana

A 17% efficacy in preventing all-cause mortality in children aged 6-59 months was previously reported from a cluster-randomized controlled trial of insecticide-treated mosquito nets (ITNs) carried out in the Kassena-Nankana District of northern Ghana from July 1993-June 1995. A follow-up until the end of 2000 found no indication in any age group of increased mortality in the ITN group after the end of the randomized intervention. These results should further encourage the use of ITNs as a malaria control tool in areas of high endemicity of Plasmodium falciparum.

Source: UG
Mortality rate and life expectancy in Africa: the role of flood occurrence

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of flood occurrence on mortality rate and life expectancy amongst 53 African countries. Design/methodology/approach – The study utilizes panel data from the period 2000–2018 on 53 African countries and system generalized method of moments (system GMM) for the analysis. Findings – The result indicates that flood occurrence causes the destruction of health facilities and the spread of diseases which reduces life expectancy. In addition, flood occurrence increases mortality rate amongst 53 African countries. Research limitations/implications – Practical implications – The study recommends that governments amongst African countries should implement strategies being enshrined in Conference of Parties (COP, 2021) on climate change. This will help to reduce the level of climate change and flood occurrence. Originality/value – Previous studies focused on the adverse effect of flood occurrence without considering the issue of life expectancy amongst African countries. This study contributes to existing empirical studies by examining the effect of flood occurrence on mortality rate and life expectancy amongst African countries.

Source: UG
Mosquito bites and stage-specific antibody responses against Plasmodium falciparum in southern Ghana

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
Mosquito Breeding Water Parameters Are Important Determinants For Microsporidia MB In The Aquatic Stages Of Anopheles Species

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
Mosquito-Borne Viral Pathogens Detected in Zambia: A Systematic Review

Emerging and re-emerging mosquito-borne viral diseases are a threat to global health. This systematic review aimed to investigate the available evidence of mosquito-borne viral pathogens reported in Zambia. A search of literature was conducted in PubMed and Google Scholar for articles published from 1 January 1930 to 30 June 2020 using a combination of keywords. Eight mosquito-borne viruses belonging to three families, Togaviridae, Flaviviridae and Phenuiviridae were reported. Three viruses (Chikungunya virus, Mayaro virus, Mwinilunga virus) were reported among the togaviruses whilst four (dengue virus, West Nile virus, yellow fever virus, Zika virus) were among the flavivirus and only one virus, Rift Valley fever virus, was reported in the Phenuiviridae family. The majority of these mosquito-borne viruses were reported inWestern and North-Western provinces. Aedes and Culex species were the main mosquito-borne viral vectors reported. Farming, fishing, movement of people and rain patterns were among factors associated with mosquito-borne viral infection in Zambia. Better diagnostic methods, such as the use of molecular tools, to detect the viruses in potential vectors, humans, and animals, including the recognition of arboviral risk zones and how the viruses circulate, are important for improved surveillance and design of effective prevention and control measures.

Source: UG
The most affected in land issues: Women, migrants, urban dwellers, youth and PLWHAs

This study looked at the issue of land and its effect on women, migrants, youth, the urban poor and PLWHAs. Through a literature based search and interview with civil society organizations engaged in land related activities it was emphasized that in addition to putting in systems to support the most affected in land issues adult education is crucial for improving the land situation of the marginalized in society.

Source: UG
‘The Mother Of All Nations’,Gendered Discourses In Ghana’s 2020 Elections

Gendered discourses in Ghana’s politics are not new. Unlike previous years, however, the gendered discourse in the 2020 election was different because the leading opposition party (NDC) selected a female running mate. Considering that the seat has been rotating between the NDC and NPP since 1992, Ghanaians foresaw a “real” possibility of having a female vice president. With data from online news articles and social media, this paper examines the nature of the gendered discourse that characterised Ghana’s 2020 election. We focus on stylistic devices and other linguistic strategies used with a view to understanding how gender either took a centre stage or “seeped” through the political discourse. Underpinned by Ambivalent Sexism Theory and Post-structuralist Discourse Analysis and findings indicate that although the running mate was sometimes represented in ways that challenge traditional gender stereotypes, she was largely represented in stereotypical ways. thereby corroborating findings from other parts of the world. These were done through devices like allusion, sarcasm, simile, metaphor and rhetorical questions. Findings also show that although it was the NDC that actively played the “gender card” to galvanise support, the NPP also played it to dissuade voters from voting for the NDC.

Source: UG
Mother’s Demand for Preventive Healthcare for Children aged Under-Five Years: The Case of Utilization of Insecticide Treated Bednets in Ghana

Child health outcomes remain one of the most important barometers for measuring the overall social and economic well being of a country. Malaria is endemic in sub-Saharan Africa, being the major cause of under-five mortality in Ghana. An effective strategy to combat the widespread malaria morbidity among children aged under-five is the utilization of preventive health care via Insecticide Treated Bednets (ITNs). This paper examines the socio-economic factors influencing the adoption and usage of ITNs by mothers or care-givers for children aged under-five years. Logistic regression is employed for the empirical estimation. The study finds that low-income households, age of the child, area of residence, distance to the nearest health facility and distance to food market inter alia significantly predict mother’s adoption and utilization of ITN among children aged-under five. It is also worth-noting that women who had experienced childhood mortality in the last five years preceding the survey were 37 percentage points more likely to have their children sleep under ITN. In addition, mothers who profess the Catholic faith were 2.4 times more likely to have their children sleep under ITN compared to their counterparts who are traditionalist. The paper contributes to the general debate on preventive health care.

Source: UG
Mother-to-child transmission of hepatitis B: Extent of knowledge of physicians and midwives in Eastern region of Ghana

Background: Mother -to -Child transmission of hepatitis B infection remains a major public health concern particularly in Africa. Adequate knowledge of physicians and midwives is crucial in averting most of the hepatitis B viral transmissions from mothers to their new-borns. However, there is a dearth of evidence on extent of knowledge of physicians and midwives in Ghana inspite of the increasing incidence of hepatitis B infection in the country. This study therefore assessed the knowledge level of physicians and midwives regarding Mother-to-Child transmission of hepatitis B in the Eastern region of Ghana. Methods: A Cross sectional survey was conducted between August to November, 2015 using semi-structured self-administered questionnaire. Study participants were recruited from five health facilities and their level of awareness and knowledge about Mother-to-Child transmission of hepatitis B were assessed. The level of statistical significance was set at 0.05 alpha level. Results: The findings showed that both physicians and midwives had good knowledge on Mother-to-Child transmission of hepatitis B infection. However, there were some knowledge gaps regarding effective hepatitis B prevention from mother to their newborns such as the use of hepatitis B vaccine and immunoglobulin. Additionally, 49.2 % (n = 62) of the participants had never attended any workshop on Mother-to-Child transmission of hepatitis B since completion of formal training. Conclusions: Developing appropriate periodic training programmes on current issues of hepatitis B for physicians and midwives in Eastern region will further enhance their knowledge. It is recommended that, further study examine if the knowledge of the respondents is translated into practice.

Source: UG
Motherhood, The Model of Beauty in a Woman in The Ancient Arab Society: An Analytical Study.

The usual depiction of a beautiful woman in ancient Arab literature is that she is tall, fat, and fair, with thick and long black hair. The size in particular is considered as a sign of fertility. The ancient Arabs looked at the woman as the source of life. She was therefore regarded as the human symbol of the god sun, worshipped and revered. This study seeks to establish the role of thoughts or ideas in describing women. It highlights the divine attributes of ladies such as motherhood, young age, virginity and modesty which are considered as the hallmark of chastity. They are sometimes compared with dulls, and their saliva compared with wine, which were key items used in the pagan religious rituals.

Source: UG