ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Impacts of the Filoviridae family

Over 40 filovirus disease outbreaks have been reported since the discovery of the first member of the Filoviridae family, and most of the outbreaks have occurred in Africa. In addition to deaths (primary impacts), there have also been health, social, economic, and political effects (secondary impacts) due to the outbreaks. Two large filovirus disease outbreaks have occurred in West and Central Africa in recent times, and direct and indirect repercussions resulting from the outbreaks underscores the need to strengthen the capacity of health services in disease hotspots.

Source: UG
Impacts of Urban Sprawl on Livelihoods and Ecology in Peri-Urban Fringe of the Greater Accra Metropolitan Area

The rapid increase in population and urbanization continue to exert growing pressure on resources in most cities. Accra, the capital city of Ghana, has been attracting migrants from all over the country resulting in escalating congestion and housing shortage in the inner cities. The resultant effect of these phenomena is the sprawl of human settlements to peri-urban areas. As a result natural reserves and farmlands are being converted into residential and non-residential developments in the urban fringes. This study assesses the impact of this trend on livelihoods sustainability and the ecology in the peri-urban areas of Greater Accra Metropolitan Area (GAMA). The study employed primary and secondary sources of data and used stratified sampling in the selection of major road corridors where sprawling was pronounced and intensive. A multi-temporal set of Remote Sensing data was used to classify Landsat images of GAMA for the years 1986, 1991, 2008 and 2016 to know the extent of land use and land cover change. Environment for Visualizing Image 5.1 was used to process, analyse and integrate the spatial data. The findings revealed that between 2008 and 2016, dense vegetation had decreased by 226.98%. Settlements continued to increase to 120.29 percent during that same period. The study also revealed that the land market was lucrative and the resultant implications are on livelihoods and ecology. The study recommends proper planning policies, development of an eco-city model and affordable housing in the inner cities.

Source: UG
Impediments of Accountancy Education Change in Ghana: Institutional Theory Perspective

Accountancy education has been criticised for failing to adequately prepare graduates to handle the myriad of challenges associated with the rapid global changing socio-economic environment. The inability of the profession to prepare graduates can be explained by factors that impede change. Therefore, this study examined the impeding factors of changes in accountancy education in Ghana. The survey approach was adopted and questionnaire was the data collection instrument using a sample of 36 universities and colleges. The study finds only fear of growth in faculty size as the non-existent impeding factor of accountancy education change (AEC). There are statistical differences in the influence of resistance to change resulting from organisational culture on AEC. The study contributes to the institutional isomorphism theory and provides empirical literature to assist global bodies and institutions requiring information on impeding factors to AEC

Source: UG
Implantable magnetic nanocomposites for the localized treatment of breast cancer

Articles you may be interested in Effects of core/shell structure on magnetic induction heating promotion in Fe3O4/γ-Fe2O3 magnetic nanoparticles for hyperthermia Appl. Phys. Lett. 103, 163104 (2013); 10.1063/1.4825270 Effect of the distribution of anisotropy constants on hysteresis losses for magnetic hyperthermia applications Appl. Phys. Lett. 103, 142417 (2013); 10.1063/1.4824649 Size-dependent ferrohydrodynamic relaxometry of magnetic particle imaging tracers in different environments Med. Phys. 40, 071904 (2013); 10.1118/1.4810962 Interface charge transfer in polypyrrole coated perovskite manganite magnetic nanoparticles J. Appl. Phys. 111, 044309 (2012); 10.1063/1.3686662 Poly(caprolactone) based magnetic scaffolds for bone tissue engineering This paper explores the potential of implantable magnetic nanocomposites for the localized treatment of breast cancer via hyperthermia. Magnetite (Fe 3 O 4)-reinforced polydimethylsiloxane composites were fabricated and characterized to determine their structural, magnetic, and thermal properties. The thermal properties and degree of optimization were shown to be strongly dependent on material properties of magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs). The in-vivo temperature profiles and thermal doses were investigated by the use of a 3D finite element method (FEM) model to simulate the heating of breast tissue. Heat generation was calculated using the linear response theory model. The 3D FEM model was used to investigate the effects of MNP volume fraction, nanocomposite geometry, and treatment parameters on thermal profiles. The implications of the results were then discussed for the development of implantable devices for the localized treatment of breast cancer. V C 2014 AIP Publishing LLC.

Source: UG
Implantable polymer/metal thin film structures for the localized treatment of cancer by Joule heating

This paper presents an implantable polymer/metal alloy thin film structure for localized post-operative treatment of breast cancer. A combination of experiments and models is used to study the temperature changes due to Joule heating by patterned metallic thin films embedded in poly-dimethylsiloxane. The heat conduction within the device and the surrounding normal/cancerous breast tissue is modeled with three-dimensional finite element method (FEM). The FEM simulations are used to explore the potential effects of device geometry and Joule heating on the temperature distribution and lesion (thermal dose). The FEM model is validated using a gel model that mimics biological media. The predictions are also compared to prior results from in vitro studies and relevant in vivo studies in the literature. The implications of the results are discussed for the potential application of polymer/metal thin film structures in hyperthermic treatment of cancer. © 2015 AIP Publishing LLC.

Source: UG
Implementation and effectiveness outcomes of Community Health Advocacy Teams to improve long-lasting insecticide net distribution and use in six districts in Ghana: A one-group pre-post-test study

Malaria remains a leading cause of illness and death especially among children and pregnant women in Ghana. Despite the efforts made by the National Malaria Elimination Programme (NMEP), including distribution of Long-Lasting Insecticide Nets (LLINs) to households through periodic Point Mass Distribution (PMD) campaigns and continuous channels (antenatal, schools and postnatal), there is a gap between access and use of LLINs in Ghana. An effective and functional community-based group that would seek to improve the effectiveness of LLIN distribution before, during, after PMD Campaigns and continuous distribution at the community level could help address this gap. This paper assesses the implementation outcomes and short-term effectiveness of the pilot implementation of co-created community health advocacy teams (CHAT) intervention in Ghanaian communities to plan and implement campaigns to increase LLIN use. The study employed a one-group pre-post-study design and measured implementation outcomes (acceptability, appropriateness, and feasibility) and effectiveness outcomes (LLIN awareness, LLIN access, willingness to purchase LLIN, and LLIN use) among 800 community households. The CHAT intervention was implemented for four months across six districts in the Eastern and Volta regions of Ghana. The data were downloaded directly from REDCap and analyzed statistically (descriptive and McNemar test of association) using SPSS 22 software. After the implementation period, the majority of respondents in all six districts indicated that the CHAT intervention was acceptable (89.8%), appropriate (89.5%), and feasible (90%). Also, there was a significant association between baseline and end-line assessment on all four effectiveness outcome measures. Household members’ awareness of, access to, willingness to purchase, and use of LLINs increased significantly over the four-month period that the CHAT intervention was implemented. The study concludes that CHAT is an acceptable, appropriate, and feasible intervention for supporting the National Malaria Programme in LLIN PMD and for engaging in Social and Behaviour Change Communication activities through the continuous channels of distribution. Additionally, the CHAT demonstrates short-term effectiveness outcomes in terms of creating LLIN awareness, providing access to LLIN, and encouraging Ghanaian community members to be willing to purchase and use LLINs. Although the activities of CHAT members were largely voluntary, integration into the existing primary health care system will make it sustainable.

Source: UG
Implementation and evaluation of a culturally grounded group-based HIV prevention programme for men who have sex with men in Ghana

This study examined the feasibility and acceptability of an evidence-based HIV prevention programme for men who have sex with men (MSM) in Ghana through a participatory approach. The programme involved 57 self-identified adult cisgender MSM and led by a community-based organisation in collaboration with local nurses. We used an explanatory mixed-method design to evaluate the programme. We computed descriptive statistics, relative frequency, and paired proportionate analysis for the survey data and subjected the focus groups data to summative content analysis. Five key themes from the qualitative data indicated strong evidence of the acceptability and efficacy of the programme among MSM. The programme contributed to building social support networks, a sense of social justice among MSM, and facilitated the development of personalised HIV prevention menus by the participants. We observed increases in HIV testing (from 4% to 17%) and increases in the relative frequency of condom use for anal, oral, and vaginal sex. The programme served as an example of a successfully implemented culturally grounded intervention that has the potential to increase HIV and STI awareness and prevention among MSM in Ghana and other highly stigmatised environments.

Source: UG
Implementation and Evaluation of WLAN 802.11ac for Residential Networks in NS-3

Wi-Fi has been an amazingly successful technology. Its success may be attributed to the fact that, despite the significant advances made in technology over the last decade, it has remained backward compatible. 802.11ac is the latest version of the wireless LAN (WLAN) standard that is currently being adopted, and it promises to deliver very high throughput (VHT), operating at the 5 GHz band. In this paper, we report on an implementation of 802.11ac wireless LAN for residential scenario based on the 802.11ax task group scenario document. We evaluate the 802.11ac protocol performance under different operating conditions. Key features such as modulation coding set (MCS), frame aggregation, and multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) were investigated. We also evaluate the average throughput, delay, jitter, optimum range for goodput, and effect of station (STA) density per access point (AP) in a network. ns-3, an open source network simulator with features supporting 802.11ac, was used to perform the simulation. Results obtained indicate that very high data rates are achievable. The highest data rate, the best mean delay, and mean jitter are possible under combined features of 802.11ac (MIMO and A-MPDU).

Source: UG
Implementation dynamics of local economic development: Comparative empirical experiences from Ghana’s local governance system

There has been an age old assertion that once public policies are formulated, the policies will automatically be implemented to achieve their stated objectives. To unravel this, the article through comparative empirical analysis discussed the dynamics that influenced local economic development implementation in Ghana. It emerged that four key dynamics: politics, leadership commitment and will, land tenure system and administrative, institutional and procedural mech anisms differently shaped local economic development implementation in the three local govern ment units. Whereas these factors promoted local economic development implementation in some of the assemblies, it hindered its successful implementation in others. The findings of this article are of significance to local economic development and local governance practitioners and politicians as they strife to implement local economic development policies.

Source: UG
Implementation of a National Identification System in Ghana: Lessons from the Indian Aadhaar System.

This study explores the implementation of national identification system through a comparative study of national identification in India and Ghana. The study is situated in the theory of organizing vision by Swanson and Ramiller. Data for the study was obtained from primary sources, mainly through interviews and secondary sources of information included internets, journal articles, books, reports etc. The study revealed that lack of central database poses a major challenge to the implementation national identification projects in Ghana. The study also revealed that strong legislative instrument is critical to protect both citizens’ identity and national identification databases. The study also identified the best practices in the Indian Identification system that could be incorporated in the ongoing national identification project in Ghana, including the outsourcing of certain identification projects to the private sector to ensure cost effectiveness, efficiency and to make the project financially viable. The study recommends that there should be registration and issuance of national identity cards at birth. The national identity card should be the main requirement for the acquisition of any national document such as passport, driving license etc. It should also be the legitimate document to be used to access other government services like school enrollment, pension entitlements, among others, to serve as motivation for citizens with the aim of enhancing enrollment.

Source: UG
Implementation of a nutrition assessment, counseling and support program and its association with body mass index among people living with HIV in Accra, Ghana

Ghana’s status as a new oil producer raises questions about the developmental effects of resources, and the role of political institutions in these processes. The conundrum this paper addresses is the rather limited impact of oil exploitation in Ghana despite the country’s strong democratic record and internationally acclaimed oil governance legislation. The reasons for this lie in the nature of elite-based political coalitions and we root our analysis of Ghana’s hydrocarbons in the political settlements literature, which moves us beyond the ‘good governance’ approaches so often linked to ‘resource curse’ thinking. We also move beyond the instrumentalism of political settlements theory to examine the role political ideas play in shaping resource governance. We argue that inter-coalitional rivalry has generally undermined the benefits of Ghana’s oil but that a crude interests-based interpretation is insufficient to explain differences between these coalitions. © 2017 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.

Source: UG
Implementation of a Transform-Minutiae Fusion-BasedModel for Fingerprint Recognition

Biometrics consists of scientific methods of using a person’s unique physiological or behavioral traits for electronic identification and verification. The traits for biometric identification are fingerprint, voice, face, and palm print recognition. However, this study considers fingerprint recognition for in-person identification since they are distinctive, reliable, and relatively easy to acquire. Despite the many works done, the problem of accuracy still persists which perhaps can be attributed to the varying characteristic of the acquisition devices. This study seeks to improve the issue recognition accuracy with the proposal of the fusion of a two transform and minutiae models. In this study, a transform-minutiae fusion-based model for fingerprint recognition is proposed. The first transform technique, thus wave atom transform, was used for data smoothing while the second transform, thus wavelet, was used for feature extraction. These features were added to the minutiae features for person recognition. Evaluating the proposed design on the FVC 2002 dataset showed a relatively better performance compared to existing methods with an accuracy measure of 100% as to 96.67% and 98.55% of the existing methods

Source: UG
Implementation of distance learning IMCI training in rural districts of Tanzania

Background The standard face-to-face training for the integrated management of childhood illness (IMCI) continues to be plagued by concerns of low coverage of trainees, the prolonged absence of trainees from the health facility to attend training and the high cost of training. Consequently, the distance learning IMCI training model is increasingly being promoted to address some of these challenges in resource-limited settings. This paper examines participants’ accounts of the paper-based IMCI distance learning training programme in three district councils in Mbeya region, Tanzania. Methods A cross-sectional qualitative descriptive design was employed as part of an endline evaluation study of the management of possible serious bacterial infection in Busokelo, Kyela and Mbarali district councils of Mbeya Region in Tanzania. Key informant interviews were conducted with purposefully selected policymakers, partners, programme managers and healthcare workers, including beneficiaries and training facilitators. Results About 60 key informant interviews were conducted, of which 53% of participants were healthcare workers, including nurses, clinicians and pharmacists, and 22% were healthcare administrators, including district medical officers, reproductive and child health coordinators and programme officers. The findings indicate that the distance learning IMCI training model (DIMCI) was designed to address concerns about the standard IMCI model by enhancing efficiency, increasing outputs and reducing training costs. DIMCI included a mix of brief face-to-face orientation sessions, several weeks of self-directed learning, group discussions and brief face-to-face review sessions with facilitators. The DIMCI course covered topics related to management of sick newborns, referral decisions and reporting with nurses and clinicians as the main beneficiaries of the training. The problems with DIMCI included technological challenges related to limited access to proper learning technology (e.g., computers) and unfriendly learning materials. Personal challenges included work-study-family demands, and design and coordination challenges, including low financial incentives, which contributed to participants defaulting, and limited mentorship and follow-up due to limited funding and transport.

Source: UG
The implementation of FAIR data principles in the IPCC AR6 assessment process

The IPCC Task Group on Data Support for Climate Change Assessments (TG-Data) recommends the implementation of FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable) data principles and best practices for the documentation and curation of data that is assessed by the IPCC. The motivation to implement FAIR in the IPCC is to increase transparency and accessibility of the assessment, the implementation of the IPCC Error Protocol, and the long-term curation of the assessed digital information. This document introduces the implementation of FAIR data principles into the IPCC process and reflects the four elements of FAIR to find the data, produce and reproduce figures and, finally, to document the provenance for reusability. It presents standard (basic) measures that are recommended for all digital data that is assessed, intermediate measures that achieve reproducibility of assessed digital information, for example through the use of collaborative platforms for figure development, and also full (advanced) measures to achieve reusability of digital products with complete provenance documentation.

Source: UG
Implementation of Fourier Transform in Image Processing

For a realistic radio interferometer for flat-sky approximation, the basic observation is a set of complex visibilities, which is defined in 2D Fourier Transform (FT) as Radio Measurement Interferometer Measurement Equation (RIME). The Discrete Fourier Transform (DFT) is a specific form of Fourier analysis that is widely employed in signal processing and related fields to analyze frequencies contained in a sample signal to solve partial differential equations and to perform other operations such as convolutions. The presentation will focus on the implementation of the algorithm of Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) by converting a 2D image to the frequency domain and back to the image domain (Inverse FFT). The technique will then be related to RIME.

Source: UG
Implementation of Genomics Research in Africa: Challenges and Recommendations

BACKGROUND: There is exponential growth in the interest and implementation of genomics research in Africa. This growth has been facilitated by the Human Hereditary and Health in Africa (H3Africa) initiative, which aims to promote a contemporary research approach to the study of genomics and environmental determinants of common diseases in African populations. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this article is to describe important challenges affecting genomics research implementation in Africa. METHODS: The observations, challenges and recommendations presented in this article were obtained through discussions by African scientists at teleconferences and face-to-face meetings, seminars at consortium conferences and in-depth individual discussions. RESULTS: Challenges affecting genomics research implementation in Africa, which are related to limited resources include ill-equipped facilities, poor accessibility to research centers, lack of expertise and an enabling environment for research activities in local hospitals. Challenges related to the research study include delayed funding, extensive procedures and interventions requiring multiple visits, delays setting up research teams and insufficient staff training, language barriers and an underappreciation of cultural norms. While many African countries are struggling to initiate genomics projects, others have set up genomics research facilities that meet international standards. CONCLUSIONS: The lessons learned in implementing successful genomics projects in Africa are recommended as strategies to overcome these challenges. These recommendations may guide the development and application of new research programs in low-resource settings.

Source: UG