ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Indoor Air Pollution Monitoring for Urinary Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons, Phenols, Phthalates and Some Metabolites of Fish Smokers from Three Coastal Regions of Ghana

Exposure to biomass combustion has been linked to increased risk for a suite of negative health outcomes such as acute and chronic respiratory diseases. The objective of this study was to assess the levels and risk of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, phenols, phthalates, 1-hydroxypyrene and 9- phenanthrenol from urine samples of fish smokers in three coastal regions (Western, Central and Volta regions) of Ghana due to their exposure to indoor air pollution. Urine samples of 155 fish smokers were analysed using QuEChERS method and gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometer for analysis. The micro-environment indoor levels of particulate matter (PM 2.5), carbon monoxide and ozone were also measured using low-cost air quality monitors. In addition, personal PM 2.5 and CO were measured using MicroPEM (ECM) and Lascar EL-USB-CO respectively. The eyes of the fish smokers were also screened by qualified and practicing optometrists from Optometry Department, University of Cape Coast. Risk assessment on urinary contaminants showed high health risk values in the study areas. Fish smokers suffered from cataract and other eye diseases. Self-reported health symptoms were headache, cough, wheezing breathlessness, asthma and pneumonia. Personal CO was strongly correlated with benz[a]anthracene and benzo[a]pyrene. Also, personal PM 2.5 was strongly correlated with benz[a]anthracene, benzo[a]pyrene, 9-phenanthrenol and 1-hydroxypyrene. In conclusion, biomass fuel usage by the fish smokers could affect their health greatly. It is recommended that the fish smokers should be encouraged to use personal protective equipment such as respirators, googles and face masks to minimize the harmful effect of their work on their health.

Source: UCC
Induced hall-like current by acoustic phonons in semiconductor fluorinated carbon nanotube

We show that Hall-like current can be induced by acoustic phonons in a nondegenerate, semiconductor fluorine-doped single-walled carbon nanotube (FSWCNT) using a tractable analytical approach in the hypersound regime q 1 (q is the modulus of the acoustic wavevector and  is the electron mean free path). We observed a strong dependence of the Hall-like current on the magnetic field, H, the acoustic wave frequency, ωq , the temperature,T, the overlapping integral, ∆ , and the acoustic wavenumber, q. Qualitatively, the Hall-like current exists even if the relaxation time τ does not depend on the carrier energy but has a strong spatial dispersion, and gives different results compared to that obtained in bulk semiconductors. For 12 10 Hz And 6 2H = 10 Wb m , the Hall-like current is 2 0.09 A cm AMEy−= ⋅ in the absence of an electric field and 20.90 A cm AME y−= ⋅ in the presence of an electric field at 300 K. Similarly, the surface electric field ESAME due to the Hall-like current is ESAME = 0.21 V m in the absence of an external electric field. In the presence of an external electric field, max E = +0.74 V m and min ESAME = −0.77 V m for 6 2 H = × 10 Wb m at 300 K. q and ∆ can be used to tune the Hall-like current and ESAME of the FSWCNT. This offers the potential for room temperature application as an acoustic switch or transistor, as well as a material for ultrasound current source density imaging (UCSDI) and AE hydrophone device in biomedical engineering

Source: UCC
Inducible Nitric Oxide Synthase 2 Promoter Polymorphism and Malaria Disease Severity in Children in Southern Ghana

Objective We assessed the association of mutant allele frequencies of nitric oxide synthase 2 (NOS2) gene at two SNPs (-954 and -1173) with malaria disease severity in children from a malaria endemic area in Southern Ghana. Method Using children recruited at the hospital, assigned into clinical subgroups of uncomplicated and severe malaria and matching with their ªhealthy controlº counterparts, we designed a case control study. Genomic DNA was extracted and genotyping using Restriction Fragment Polymorphism was done. Result A total of 123 malaria cases (91 uncomplicated, 32 severe) and 100 controls were sampled. Their corresponding mean Hbs were 9.6, 9.3 and 11.2g/dl and geometric mean parasite densities of 32097, 193252 and 0 parasites/ml respectively. Variant allele frequencies varied from 0.09 through 0.03 to 0.12 for G-954C and 0.06 through 0.03 to 0.07 for C-1173T in the uncomplicated, severe and healthy control groups respectively. There was a strong linkage disequilibrium between the two alleles (p<0.001). For the -954 position, the odds of developing severe malaria was found to be 2.5 times lower with the carriage of a C allele compared to those without severe malaria (χ2; p< 0.05) though this isn't the case with -1173. Conclusion The carriage of a mutant allele in the -954 NOS2 gene may have a protective effect on malaria among Southern Ghanaian children.

Source: UCC
Inducible nitric oxide synthase 2 promoter polymorphism and malaria disease severity in children in Southern Ghana

Objective We assessed the association of mutant allele frequencies of nitric oxide synthase 2 (NOS2) gene at two SNPs (-954 and -1173) with malaria disease severity in children from a malaria endemic area in Southern Ghana. Method Using children recruited at the hospital, assigned into clinical subgroups of uncomplicated and severe malaria and matching with their “healthy control” counterparts, we designed a case control study. Genomic DNA was extracted and genotyping using Restriction Fragment Polymorphism was done. Result A total of 123 malaria cases (91 uncomplicated, 32 severe) and 100 controls were sampled. Their corresponding mean Hbs were 9.6, 9.3 and 11.2g/dl and geometric mean parasite densities of 32097, 193252 and 0 parasites/ml respectively. Variant allele frequencies varied from 0.09 through 0.03 to 0.12 for G-954C and 0.06 through 0.03 to 0.07 for C-1173T in the uncomplicated, severe and healthy control groups respectively. There was a strong linkage disequilibrium between the two alleles (p<0.001). For the -954 position, the odds of developing severe malaria was found to be 2.5 times lower with the carriage of a C allele compared to those without severe malaria (χ2; p< 0.05) though this isn’t the case with -1173. Conclusion The carriage of a mutant allele in the -954 NOS2 gene may have a protective effect on malaria among Southern Ghanaian children.

Source: UCC
Inducible nitric oxide synthase 2 promoter polymorphism and malaria disease severity in children in Southern Ghana

Objective We assessed the association of mutant allele frequencies of nitric oxide synthase 2 (NOS2) gene at two SNPs (-954 and -1173) with malaria disease severity in children from a malaria endemic area in Southern Ghana. Method Using children recruited at the hospital, assigned into clinical subgroups of uncomplicated and severe malaria and matching with their “healthy control” counterparts, we designed a case control study. Genomic DNA was extracted and genotyping using Restriction Frag- ment Polymorphism was done. Result A total of 123 malaria cases (91 uncomplicated, 32 severe) and 100 controls were sampled. Their corresponding mean Hbs were 9.6, 9.3 and 11.2g/dl and geometric mean parasite densities of 32097, 193252 and 0 parasites/ml respectively. Variant allele frequencies var- ied from 0.09 through 0.03 to 0.12 for G-954C and 0.06 through 0.03 to 0.07 for C-1173T in the uncomplicated, severe and healthy control groups respectively. There was a strong linkage disequilibrium between the two alleles (p<0.001). For the -954 position, the odds of developing severe malaria was found to be 2.5 times lower with the carriage of a C allele compared to those without severe malaria (χ2; p< 0.05) though this isn’t the case with -1173. Conclusion The carriage of a mutant allele in the -954 NOS2 gene may have a protective effect on malaria among Southern Ghanaian children.

Source: UCC
Induction for teacher retention: A missing link in teacher education policy in Ghana

The metaphor of ‘sink or swim’ that has for many years been used to describe entry into teaching is gradually changing. In its place is emerging the notion of induction, which holds that novice teachers should be supported in developing their practice, just like other novitiate professionals. While this idea has been widely accepted in many countries, it is rarely mentioned in teacher education discourse in Ghana, a country that is struggling to retain teachers in its basic schools. This paper discusses the concept of induction and argues for its formal introduction in teacher education in Ghana. The case is made that a strong induction program that is geared to the needs of individual new teachers provides a crucial link between formal preparation and expert practice and an important tool for teacher retention. The paper also proposes a model of induction, which could be implemented in Ghana to reduce attrition and retain teachers in basic schools.

Source: UCC
Induction programme and job performance of newly appointed teachers in the Oforikrom municipality, Ghana

This study assessed the influence of induction programme on job performance of newly appointed teachers at Weweso cluster of schools in the Oforikrom Municipality of the Ashanti Region of Ghana. A case descriptive study research design was employed. A total of 76 respondents were selected based on a census method. Primary data were collected using structured questionnaires. Data were analysed with descriptive statistical tools using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26 analytical software. The findings indicated that, at a whole, the induction programme organised for newly recruited teachers was not very encompassing in that certain essential components were not captured. The study further revealed that the induction programme organised for newly recruited teachers in the Oforikrom Municipality was besieged with numerous challenges which often hampers the realisation of the intended performance target of the sampled schools in the Municipality. Finally, the study found that induction programme has had positive influence on job performance of newly recruited teachers across the Weweso cluster of school in the Oforikrom Municipality. The study concluded that, there is a positive influence of induction programme on the job performance of newly recruited teachers in the Oforikrom Municipality. The study recommended that Ghana Education Service together with other relevant stakeholders should devote ample time and resource towards the execution of induction programme since it has the tendency of improving job performance of newly recruited teachers.

Source: UCC
Industrial Attachment: Perspectives, Conceptions and Misconceptions of Students at Cape Coast Polytechnic, Ghana

The general objective of the study was to evaluate the perspectives, conceptions and misconceptions of students on Industrial Attachment. The study employed the descriptive research design. In all one hundred and seventyone (171) students participated in the study. Questionnaire was the main instruments for data collection. Descriptive statistics and inferential statistics including chi-square tests and correlation analysis were used to ascertain the associations and relationships between variables.The study revealed that students benefit immensely from industrial attachment. The study also found out that students were interested, happy and also had good perception about the Industrial Attachment activity, however; they wished that the duration for Industrial Attachment could be extended to two months or more. Moreover, the study discovered a strong positive correlation between student field of study and industrial experience. Notwithstanding the benefits, it was discovered that greater percentage of the students had difficulty getting an industry for attachment. It is therefore recommended that the polytechnic review and extend the period or duration for attachment to enable students familiarize themselves better with the operations of the industry. Since the study revealed that students found difficulty in securing industrial placement, it is recommended that the polytechnic take-up the responsibility by assisting students to search for places for attachment. This can be achieved through a closer working relationship with the industry. Beside, the polytechnic should also ensure that students are placed in institutions or industries where they can have a practical feel of their study fields.

Source: UCC
Industrial Attachment: Perspectives, Conceptions and Misconceptions of Students at Cape Coast Polytechnic, Ghana

The general objective of the study was to evaluate the perspectives, conceptions and misconceptions of students on Industrial Attachment. The study employed the descriptive research design. In all one hundred and seventy-one (171) students participated in the study. Questionnaire was the main instruments for data collection. Descriptive statistics and inferential statistics including chi-square tests and correlation analysis were used to ascertain the associations and relationships between variables. The study revealed that students benefit immensely from industrial attachment. The study also found out that students were interested, happy and also had good perception about the Industrial Attachment activity, however; they wished that the duration for Industrial Attachment could be extended to two months or more. Moreover, the study discovered a strong positive correlation between student field of study and industrial experience. Notwithstanding the benefits, it was discovered that greater percentage of the students had difficulty getting an industry for attachment. It is therefore recommended that the polytechnic review and extend the period or duration for attachment to enable students familiarize themselves better with the operations of the industry. Since the study revealed that students found difficulty in securing industrial placement, it is recommended that the polytechnic take-up the responsibility by assisting students to search for places for attachment. This can be achieved through a closer working relationship with the industry. Beside, the polytechnic should also ensure that students are placed in institutions or industries where they can have a practical feel of their study fields.

Source: UCC
Industrialization, Economic Growth, and Health Status in Ghana

ABSTRACT Changes and issues surrounding standards of living, fertility rates (increasing fertility rate) and high levels of mortality have an effect on the decision of couples. Knowledge about the mortality rate and changes in standards of living influences the decision making of couples. The research aimed to identify the association that exist amongst industrialization, health status and economic growth. The study used vector error correction model and impulse response function to analyze the data. The findings showed that there is an upward association between industrialization and economic growth in the long run. The vector error correction model output showed that there is a positive association between life expectancy rate and GDP growth rate as well as agricultural sector. The findings of this study confirm the Preston Curve model by obtaining a positive relationship between GDP growth rate and life expectancy. The impulse response shows that GDP growth rate does not show an upward or downward continues change when there is a shock life expectancy rate. The research commends that government must ensure the three sectors of the economy perform well and invest in better health systems and other infrastructures that improve the health system in the country since poor health status will lead to a fall in the GDP growth rate.

Source: UCC
Inequality and Returns to Education in Ghana

The study investigated: 1) the effect of infrastructural inequality on academic performance in Ghana; 2) the effect of education inequality on labour returns in Ghana; 3) the effect of gender inequality on labour returns in Ghana and; 4) the moderating role of culture in the relationship between gender inequality and labour returns. Firstly, based on Education Statistics (2018), ANOVA was used to estimate whether district-level academic performance differs at various distributions of infrastructure. The study further assessed the relationship between infrastructure inequality measured by “Infrastructure Quintiles” and academic performance using the Dynamic General Methods of Moments technique. It found that difference in district-level academic performance in Ghana is conditioned on infrastructure inequality. Secondly, based on a generated education Gini, a Heckman estimation technique and quantile regression, the study assessed the effect of education inequality on labour returns using the last two rounds of the Ghana Living Standard Surveys (GLSS 6 and 7). It was observed that education inequality and earnings were negatively related. It suggests that education inequality reduces wages by 6.25%. Lastly, using GLSS 6 and 7, the study examined whether discriminations, sticky floors and glass ceiling exist in the labour market of Ghana, from the perspective of gender differences, while considering the moderating role of culture. The results showed a mean wage of 8.1 and 7.6 for males and females respectively, representing about 6 percent wage differential. The results support the existence of wage discrimination against women across all wage distributions and the assertion that individualism moderates wage discrimination. There is evidence of the presence of sticky floors and glass ceiling in the labour market of Ghana. It is recommended that the government of Ghana pursue policies aimed at bridging the education infrastructure gap and accelerating equity in male-female education towards improved academic performance, fair wage returns and sustainable development.

Source: UCC
Infection risk factors associated with seropositivity for Toxoplasma gondii in a population-based study in the Central Region, Ghana

About 20–90% of the world’s population has had contact with Toxoplasma gondii parasites. The aim of this study was to determine the seroprevalence and risk factors associated with T. gondii infection in the Central Region, Ghana. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in three selected communities. Serum samples were tested for the presence of anti-T. gondiiIgG and IgM antibodies by ELISA. A serological criterion for seropositivity was a positive test result for any of the two anti-Toxoplasma IgG or IgM antibodies or a combination of both. In all, 390 participants of mean age 47•0 years consisting of 118 (30•3%) males and 272 (69•7%) females were tested. The overall seroprevalence of T. ondiiwas 85% (333/390) were fishermen, farmers and fishmongers, respectively, had the highest seropositivity. IgG and IgM antibodies were detected in 329 (84%) and 25 (6%), respectively, while both IgG and IgM antibodies were detected in 21 (5%) of the participants. Respectively, 1% (4/390) and 79% (308/390) of participants tested positive for IgM-only and IgG-only antibodies. There was a significant relationship between Toxoplasma seropositivity and contact with soil, presence of a cat in the surrounding area, age, sources of drinking water, level of formal education, and socioeconomic status. The results suggest that the seashore may serve as a good ground for sporulation and survival of Toxoplasma oocysts

Source: UCC
Infection risk factors associated with seropositivity for Toxoplasma gondii in a population-based study in the Central Region, Ghana

About 20–90% of the world’s population has had contact with Toxoplasma gondii parasites. The aim of this study was to determine the seroprevalence and risk factors associated with T. gondii infection in the Central Region, Ghana. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in three selected communities. Serum samples were tested for the presence of anti-T. gondii IgG and IgM antibodies by ELISA. A serological criterion for seropositivity was a positive test result for any of the two anti-Toxoplasma IgG or IgM antibodies or a combination of both. In all, 390 participants of mean age 47·0 years consisting of 118 (30·3%) males and 272 (69·7%) females were tested. The overall seroprevalence of T. gondii was 85% (333/390) where ﬁshermen, farmers and ﬁshmongers, respectively, had the highest seropositivity. IgG and IgM antibodies were detected in 329 (84%) and 25 (6%), respectively, while both IgG and IgM antibodies were detected in 21 (5%) of the participants. Respectively, 1% (4/390) and 79% (308/390) of participants tested positive for IgM-only and IgG-only antibodies. There was a signiﬁcant relationship between Toxoplasma seropositivity and contact with soil, presence of a cat in the surrounding area, age, sources of drinking water, level of formal education, and socioeconomic status. The results suggest that the seashore may serve as a good ground for sporulation and survival of Toxoplasma oocysts.

Source: UCC
Infiltration of alternatively activated macrophages in cancer tissue is associated with mdsc and th2 polarization in patients with esophageal cancer

Myeloid derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) expand in cancer bearing hosts and contribute to tumor immune evasion. M2 macrophages constitute a major cellular component of cancer-related inflammation. However, the correlation between circulating MDSCs and infiltrating M2 macrophages in tumor tissues from patients with esophageal cancer (ECA), and its potential relationship with the polarization of h2 cells remain unclear. In the present study, we showed the level of MDSCs in PBMC and Arg1 in plasma were significantly elevated in ECA patients, and the increased ratio of MDSC in PBMC was closely related to the expression of CD163 in cancer tissues. In addition, the ECA patients exhibited remarkable increases in the mRNA levels of IL-4 and GATA3, as well as the protein levels of IL-13 and IL-6, but IFN-c and IL-12 in peripheral blood were decreased. Our data indicate that the increased h2 cytokines are associated with MDSCs and M2 macrophages polarization, and foster the infiltration of CD163+ M2 macrophages in cancer tissues, which promote the formation of immunosuppressive microenvironment in ECA patients

Source: UCC
Infinitism and dispositional beliefs

In articulating his theory of epistemic infinitism, Klein argues that a belief is justified only if it is supported by an infinite and non-repeating series of reasons subjectively available to the subject in a form of dispositional beliefs. Klein offers about three standard conditions of subjective availability of dispositional beliefs. I submit that the first condition confuses the disposition to believe with dispositional beliefs and the other two yield unpalatable consequences for Klein’s theory of epistemic infinitism. Although this problem is not insurmountable, I argue that it poses a serious challenge to Klein’s theory of infinitism and the only safe way out is a serious modification to his version of infinitism

Source: UCC