ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
African Ancestry–Associated Gene Expression Profiles in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Underlie Altered Tumor Biology and Clinical Outcome in Women of African Descent

Women of sub-Saharan African descent have disproportionately higher incidence of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) and TNBC-specific mortality across all populations. Population studies show racial differences in TNBC biology, including higher prevalence of basal-like and quadruple-negative subtypes in African Americans (AA). However, previous investigations relied on self-reported race (SRR) of primarily U.S. populations. Due to heterogeneous genetic admixture and biological consequences of social determinants, the true association of African ancestry with TNBC biology is unclear. To address this, we conducted RNA sequencing on an international cohort of AAs, as well as West and East Africans with TNBC. Using comprehensive genetic ancestry estimation in this African-enriched cohort, we found expression of 613 genes associated with African ancestry and 2,000+ associated with regional African ancestry. A subset of African-associated genes also showed differences in normal breast tissue. Pathway enrichment and deconvolution of tumor cellular composition revealed that tumor-associated immunologic profiles are distinct in patients of African descent.

Source: KNUST
Aftermath of a Clinical Trial: Evaluating the Sustainability of a Medical Device Intervention in Ghana

effectively decreases respiratory rate in children presenting to Ghanaian district hospitals with respiratory distress. A follow-up study 16 months later evaluated the extent to which the skills and equipment necessary for CPAP use have been maintained. Seven of eight CPAP machines were functional, but five of eight oxygen concentrators and three of four electric generators were non-functional. Nurses trained by US study personnel (first-generation) and nurses trained by Ghanaian nurses after the study (second generation) were evaluated on CPAP knowledge and skills. Twenty-eight nurses participated in the study, 9 first-generation and 19 second-generation. First-generation trainees scored significantly higher than second-generation trainees on both skills and knowledge assessments (p ¼ 0.003). Appropriate technical support and training must be ensured to address equipment maintenance. Protocolization of the training program, in conjunction with skills and knowledge assessment, may improve acquisition and retention among second- and future-generation trainees.

Source: KNUST
Agile neural expert system for managing basic education

Inadequate experts in managing resources at the lower level of education to enhance effective teaching and learning for quality education is a significant challenge in developing nations. Many basic schools lack basic educational resources such as sitting places and writing places for learners. Inadequate teaching and learning resources negatively affect the educational policies in a country. It is common to see the media projecting the challenges of a school lacking these resources. The use of an Expert System (ES) in Artificial Intelligence (AI) to assist in effective management is a necessity. In this paper, an agile neural expert system is proposed using differential equations with an initial value problem. The technique combines both rule-based and neural net works in handling the problem. The expertise of the Human Expert (HE) is used in a knowledge-based to assist in managing the resources in schools. This has been possible with the use of Data Mining (DM) techniques and modeling of projected population growth, affecting enrolment in schools and necessitating the provision of re sources to cater to the growing population. For efficiency and effectiveness in planning, provision, and management of the resources, smart notification has been embedded in the system to monitor the availability and provision of the resources by prompting the various actors in the requisition, verification, validation, and approval of resources to be supplied to schools. The system proves a higher efficiency demonstrating speed in decision-making, accuracy in decisions and ease to use.

Source: KNUST
The Agbeliza festival in Avenorpedo:- Its implication for aesthetic education

The political and culture history of Avenorpedo has long suffered from inadequate references made to Avenorpedo by Mr. M.A.Y Ahete, a professional teacher, very little was known about the role of Avenora in the political and cultural history of the Eves. Information relatives to this remained the monopoly of the traditional historians. The author’s humble contribution of the documentation of the events surrounding the people of Avenorpedo is to portray a very significant cultural heritage of the Avenorpedo people vis-à-vis the ‘Agbeliza’ festival. It is also to establish the claim that the people of Avenorpedo originated the ‘Agbliza’ festival, the first and only festival of its kind in the Avenor Traditional area. The topic for this long essay has been originated by the writer to concur with what actually goes on during the ‘Agbeliza’ festival. This ‘Agbeliza’ festival has not been referreed to as major festival for the Avenors since its institution. However, it is through its origin and careful study of its celebration that the writer has deduced that it might be the magor festival for the Avenors. One cannot say that the Avenors have realized or recognised the festival as a very important to them, but one can say that they feel it is their civic and cultural duty to comply with all regulations concerning the festival and to participate to make it successful. The author has finally attempted to establish the fact that the people of Avenorpedo have developed concepts of aesthetic which are expressed in the various tenets of their artistic culture. In this regard, he has tried to record all important and informative aspects of the observances and events that are embodied in the ‘Agbeliza’ festival with keenest interest and the aesthetic experience gained from it. Towards this cause, the author has attempted to introduce a background history of the people of Avenorpedo. This, he has done by casting a cursory glance at the origin of the people and the events that led to the celebration of the festival. Through this featival, people get to know the occupation of the Avenors, and also the identification of artistic symbolisms within the Avenor Traditional Area. These artistic symbols have been described and their meanings brought to the fore. The continued celebration of this festival and participation in this festival will help contribute largely to the maintenance of this rich culture heritage of the people of Avenorpedo.

Source: KNUST
Agricultural biodiversity and sustainable child nutrition in Dormaa West District of the Brong Ahafo Region

The study assessed diversities of crops and animals, and the relationship between agricultural biodiversity, dietary diversity, and malnutrition prevalence of children between 24-60 months using a cross-sectional survey in the Dormaa West District between April-May 2015. A sample size of 217 households was targeted with 10 communities conveniently selected. Thereafter systematic sampling was used until the required sample was reached. Agricultural biodiversity was measured by counting plants and animals kept, grown and obtained from the wild. Dietary diversity was also measured using data from 24 hour recalls and their food groups calculated using dietary diversity score. Weight and height measurement of children were taken and their Z scores calculated for stunting, wasting and underweight. Pearson correlation was used to test the relationships between variables. The study revealed agricultural biodiversity to be high in the District but low among households. The household's dietary diversity level was medium with 24.5% of the households consuming from ten different food groups. Underweight (WAZ) prevalence was the highest rate (20.3%) and was (2.3%) and (7.9%) more than stunting (HAZ) and wasting (WHZ) rates respectively. There was a positive correlation between agricultural biodiversity (AB) and dietary diversity (DD) (p<0.01). However, agricultural biodiversity did not correlate with HAZ, WHZ, and WAZ (p> 0.05). With the exception of HAZ and WHZ, higher dietary diversity explained 21% of severe WAZ. Regardless of sex and age, agricultural biodiversity and high dietary diversity have a relationship with severe underweight among children in the Dormaa West District. Underweight should be given attention for children between the ages of 24-48 months through highly diversified diets.

Source: KNUST
Agricultural Technical Aid Project Peki

The average farmer in Ghana with the help of family labour and relatively little capital works a crop area of 1½ to 4 acres a year; using traditional husbandry methods. The opportunities for a high rate of capital formation and technological advance under this system are limited. Moreover the traditional farmer faces other problems such as long distances to farms, the total dependence on the weather and soil fertility, lack of storage and marketing facilities. Farming in general, until recently in Ghana, was considered a profession for the rural illiterate folks. The young middle School Leavers who should take up farming for their livelihood to leave the rural areas for the urban centres in search for “white collar” jobs. This drift from the rural to urban centers has dual effects. As the towns and cities continue to experience yearly influx of unwanted Middle School Leavers, the villages on the other hand suffer from depopulation. The growth of the average Ghanaian village is therefore at a stand-still. The above mentioned problems are not alien to the Peki District. Between 300 to 400 pupils complete Middle Form Four yearly in the district. Out of this number only few find their way into training Colleges and Commercial Schools. The rest drift to the cities and big towns especially Accra and Kumasi in search of jobs.

Source: KNUST
Agrochemical usage and environmental contamination: a case study of Agogo vegetable farming project in Ashanti Region of Ghana

A survey was conducted at Agogo in the Asante Akirn North District of the Ashanti Region of Ghana to assess the perception, attitude and use of pesticides and fertilizers by farmers. The common pesticides used were Karate (Larnbdaccylathine) an insecticide: Thiodan (Endosulfan) an insecticide: Dithane (Mancozeb). a fungicide: Kocide (Cupric Hydroxide), a fungicide and Sammpi No 3, a fertilizer. All farmers interviewed used inorganic fertilizer and the only means to combat pest resurgence is by application of synthetic pesticides. Majority of them are semi-illiterate and the decision on amount of pesticide to he applied is based on the level of pest infestation. Turbidity of all rivers exceeded the W.H.O. guideline limits, while phosphate, nitrate and nitrite were not detected in any of the rivers. Alkalinity was far below the W.H.O. guideline value in all the rivers but its presence was significant with Kowire recording the highest level of 44.3 mg/I CaCO3. The mean levels of the heavy metals in water ranged as follows: Cd, 0.086-0.1 19mg/l: Pb. 0.18- 0.43mg/l: Zn, 0.25 0.40mg/l: Ni, 0.48- 0.59mg/l and Cu, 0.24 - 0.86mg/l. The mean Cd and Pb concentrations in water exceeded the W.H.O. guideline limits, while Cu and Zn were below the recommended safe values. Cadmium’ lead and zinc levels in sediment were higher than in unpolluted sediments, while copper was lower. Heavy metal residue in soil in both 0 - 15cm and 15 - 30cm depths were compared to levels reported for unpolluted arable soil. Cd, and Zn levels were above the guideline value reported for unpolluted arable soil. Pb and Cu were below, while Ni was within this range. Soil analysis of phosphorus recorded a range of 15.7kg/ha to 40.3/ha at pH range of 5.3 to 7.2, which is within the range of values reported in similar soils. Lead and cadmium concentration in the rivers were high above W.H.O. guideline hence the rivers were contaminated by these metals, so were sediments in their respective rivers. The soils were also contaminated with cadmium. It is recommended that Pesticides and heavy metals levels should be determined in some of the vegetables such as tomatoes, cabbages and aquatic biota. Also, Ministry of Food and Agriculture im collaboration with other relevant institutions should organize educational and training programmes on pesticides handling, application and proper farming practices for the farmers at Agogo.

Source: KNUST
Agroforestry adoption by small-scale farmers: a case study of Pioneer Tobacco Company’s Agroforestry Programme

Access to and control of resources by households affect their interest in and adoption of effective land use technologies which may enhance natural resource development and expansion of household’s production capacities. The analysis of the resource base of households, thus, becomes imperative in an attempt to introduce any innovation to a group of people. In pursuit of this, the study has taken a close look at the acceptance and adoption of Pioneer Tobacco Company’s (PTC) Agroforestry programme being extended to the people in its operational area. This was done by using a questionnaire guide to interview sixty households randomly selected from each of four districts covered by the programme. The households selected were categorised into tree farmers and non-tree farmers or households. Simple statistical techniques including the use of Frequency Distribution Tables, Means, Standard Deviation and percentages were employed. The study revealed that interest in and adoption of the tree planting exercise was dependent on the objectives of households, principally food and cash and their control over resources such as land, labour, credit and managerial ability. On the whole, households which had planted or were planting trees owned almost all the land they cultivated or had access to vast tracts of land averaging 21 .76 acres, relatively high annual incomes of C41 1 ,670, large household size of about 1 2 members and more males than households which have not planted trees. Tree species cultivated include Leucaena leucocephala, Senna siamea, Anacardium occidentale and Gmellna arborea. The majority of farmers cultivating trees also grew tobacco which was purchased by PTC at reasonably high and stable prices. The predominant farming system was bush and grass fallowing. Farmers maintained about 3 different plots of land totalling about 3 acres. It was also found out that adoption rate had been quite high in the communities (53%) but relatively low among tobacco farmers (43%) and PTC was continuously sustaining the programme and making it more farmers centered by responding quickly and addressing the perceived needs of farmers including excessive weed growth.

Source: KNUST
Agronomic and economic benefits of integrated nutrient management options for cowpea production

The limitation of soil amendments and insufficient and irregular rainfall are the main factors accounting for the decline in crop yields in the Sahelian low-input cropping systems. This study explored the agro nomic and economic responses of integrated use of millet glume-derived compost with synthetic fertilizer in cowpea-based cropping system. A two-year field experiment was laid out as factorial design arranged in randomized complete blocks with three rates of compost (0, 4000, and 8000 kg ha−1) and three rates of recommended synthetic fertilizer (0, 50, and 100%). Cowpea grain yield increased markedly with com bined application of compost and synthetic fertilizer. The combined use of compost applied at 8000 kg ha−1 and 50% of the recommended rate of synthetic fertilizer increased cowpea grain yield by 51% compared to the application of 100% of the recommended rate of synthetic fertilizer. The rainwater use efficiency (RaUE) increased by 52 and 49% with the combined application of compost at 8000 kg ha−1 along with 50% of the recommended rate of synthetic fertilizer when compared to the application of 100% of the recommended rate of synthetic fertilizer in 2013 and 2014, respectively. All treatments induced a positive net income, and the highest value/cost ratio was achieved with combined application of compost and syn thetic fertilizer. This study highlights the possibility of improving cowpea productivity through combined use of composted locally available organic input with half of the recommended rate of synthetic fertilizer. This combination would reduce the investment in mineral fertilizer currently made by smallholder farmers in the Sahelian low-input cowpea cropping system and reduce environmental pollution resulting from the current practice of burning the millet glume.

Source: KNUST
Ahwiaa Wood Carving Industry: New Trends and Their Implication for Art Education

Asantes are noted for their expertise in variety of specialized visual arts such as wood carving. Ahwiaa wood carving industry has developed; though production techniques have remained stereotyped. Tools have greatly remained simple, materials the same, variations in form have not changed much and conventional treatment has not promoted creativity and originality, yet some new trends, new approaches are noticeable today. At present, globalization, trade, education, Islam and Christianity, changes in societal values and cultural practices, political and economic challenges, technology, knowledge explosion have generated new approaches to the Ahwiaa wood carving industry. Besides, no organized documentation has been done on the Ahwiaa wood carving industry, so that the researchers almost always have to rely on oral tradition to source information from wood carvers. Therefore, there is a need to study new trends in the wood carving industry at Ahwiaa. The researcher employed qualitative method of research to carry out the study. The data were collected using interviews and observation. The researcher found out that simple tools are made by the local blacksmiths. Tools are sharpened and maintained by oiling and storing after use. The main material is wood, formerly acquired by felling special trees from the forest. Today the log for carving is bought from Timber contractors. The carving of an item follows specific processes, according to tradition. Women were prevented from carving in the past. Today women are free to carve if they so wish. The researcher recommends that the departments of Sculpture and Integrated Rural Art and Industry at KNUST should organize workshops for carvers at Ahwiaa and introduce them to modern wood carving technologies. The two departments should further adopt Ahwiaa carving village and initiate new ideas in wood sculpture to them. The wood carvers should iv acquire appropriate skills in proper seasoning of the wood for carving. This can be done in collaboration with the department of Sculpture College of Art, K.N.U.S.T and Forest Research Institute of Ghana (FORIG) at Fumesua, Kumasi. The wood carvers should encourage the youth to get involved in the carving trade. Since the future of the carving industry depends on the youth. The female youth should be encouraged to carve, so that both males and females will come together to rejuvenate the wood carving industry.

Source: KNUST
Alcohol and drug rehabilitation center, Nyinahin

Psychiatric rehabilitation is the second stage in mental health delivery. Ghana has three psychiatry hospital but no rehabilitation facility. Many of the homeless in our urban areas are ex-psychiatric in patients who receive little or no follow-up outpatient care. There is need for supportive housing and/or treatment facilities for ex-psychiatric patients. There is also a great need for effective treatment of drug addiction and alcoholism. The genesis of drug and alcohol addiction is the perception as being a social and moral problem instead of been clinical sickness. Developing countries face many challenges in trying to establish and offer psychiatric rehabilitation services. Many of these countries cannot commit to health the minimum of US$12 per capita recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) and also face severe human resource constraints, making the running of a Western style psychiatric rehabilitation service virtually impossible, few established are more like prison in disguise. Ghana as developing country cannot boast of alcohol and drug rehabilitation through abuse of these drugs is sky rocketing and its adverse effecting is visibly devastating. Successive Government has over the years turn blind eye to the implementation of the mental bill. Added to this, is the phenomenon of ex-psychiatric patients relapsing due to absence of psychiatry after care (rehabilitation centre).also there is the absence of community intergeration; hence mentally-ill patients are stigmatized Mentally-ill patients and facilities that accommodate them are of two conflicting of thought within psychiatry fraternity, the traditionalist who recommends institutionalization of mentally-ill (secluded from the society). The other approach which is out-patient system blends both medical and community integration to help the mentally-ill patient recover to their normal state. Basically, the later approach is much efficient and medically proven. This project seeks to bridge these conflicting schools of thought in psychiatry accommodate and help establish conducive standards to help provide a therapeutic environment for people with mental and drug addiction problems.

Source: KNUST
Alignment between nationally determined contributions and the sustainable development goals for West Africa

The UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the 2015 Paris Agreement are two of the most important policy frameworks of the twenty-first century. However, the alignment of national commitments linked to them has not yet been analysed for West African states. Such analyses are vital to avoid perverse outcomes if states assess targets and develop SDG implementation plans, and Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) under the Paris Agreement, without integrated planning and cross-sectoral alignment. This article provides a situation analysis guided by the following questions: (a) Which priority sectors are mentioned in relation to adaptation and mitigation in West African NDCs? (b) Are the NDCs of West African states well aligned with the SDGs? (c) What are the co-benefits of NDCs in contributing towards the SDGs? and (d) How are West African states planning to finance actions in their NDCs? The study uses iterative content analysis to explore key themes for adaptation and mitigation within NDCs of 11 West African states and their alignment to selected SDGs. A national multi-stakeholder workshop was held in Ghana to examine the co-benefits of the NDCs in contributing towards the SDGs and their implementation challenges. Results show that agriculture and energy are priority sectors where NDCs have pledged significant commitments. The analysis displays good alignment between mitigation and adaptation actions proposed in NDCs and the SDGs. These represent opportunities that can be harnessed through integration into national sectorial policies. However, cross sectorial discussions in Ghana identify significant challenges relating to institutional capacity, a lack of coordination among institutions and agencies, and insufficient resources in moving towards integrated implementation of national planning priorities to address successfully both NDC priorities and the SDGs.

Source: KNUST