ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Handbook for Heads of Department

This hand book is an update of the older version published in 1993. It has been specially crafted to address all the complexities of the work of the Head of Department. After several years of reforms in our internal processes and with the current direction towards a research-intensive university in the context of a collegiate system, the imperative of having a handbook for the Head of Department cannot be gainsaid. In this handbook, five broad areas of the duties of the Head of Department have been identified. These are: • University Management; • Planning and Financial Management; • Management of Staff of the Department; • Teaching, Learning and Examinations; • Research, Conferences and Grant Management It is expected that Heads of Department would be guided by these and other related roles and responsibilities to effectively run their departments.

Source: UG
Handicrafts in the Primary School

In the Southern Togoland, there are tribal crafts which almost every member is expected to know. The Matse and Kuma tribes are famous pandanus mat weavers. Gbis, round about Hohoe, make raffia bags; Agotimes are excellent kente cloth weavers, Avatimes are noted for simple cotton cloth wearing, and Apkafus are indigenous iron smelters and blacksmiths. Pottery is regarded as a woman’s work, and it is a tribal craft in Kpanda, Anfoe, Tove and Saviefe.

Source: UG
Handing Over Practices among Nurses Using a Structured Communication Tool (SBAR): A Study at 37 Military Hospital

Miscommunication among health care providers is the root cause of errors leading to injury and death of patients. Consequently, handing over communication has become a primary focus of international and national concern. Nurses handing over has been identified to be prone to errors. The use of structured communication tools such as SBAR has been found to improve communication among health care providers and promote a positive outcome on patient safety. The purpose of this study is to observe the handing over practices, implement and assess the use of nurses with the use of SBAR communication tool in Ghana. The study design adopted an interventional sequential explanatory research design. Triangulation was applied in data collection; pre-test and post-test questionnaires were used to collect quantitative data and observation. Semi-structured interviews and document analysis was used to collect qualitative data. Both quantitative and qualitative findings showed that participants were satisfied with handing over using the SBAR, because the SBAR tool is concise, accurate, quick, simple, well-structured and an effective tool for communication. Majority of the nurses (74.5%) recommended the use of SBAR in the hospital because the SBAR is easier to use, contains detailed and vital information, enhances systemic assessment and is more helpful than the existing method of handing over. Nurses expressed satisfaction with the way patients are handed over with the SBAR than the existing method as nurses stated that, important information is not skipped, the SBAR organize the handing over process, the SBAR summarizes handing over information and any nurse can hand over with the SBAR. The study recommended that, 37 Military Hospital should consider using the SBAR, Ghana Health Service should revise patient safety policy to include structured communication and Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) of Ghana should consider adding structured handing over in nursing education.

Source: UG
Handwriting: A Key to Personality

A book on graphology is likely to be accorded a more appreciative reception today, both from the general public and in academic circles, than would have been possible a few years ago. The increasingly widespread acceptance of the dynamic theory of personality has laid the groundwork for a fuller understanding of graphology in America. Yet it is of interest to note that in Europe graphology is among the oldest psychological approaches for the study of personality, and was widely used before the advent of psycboanaiysi), Gestalt theory, social anthropology; or projective techniques. At the present time, the ps-ychologist working with projective techniques and other tests is well equipped not only by a thorough knowledge of dynamic psychology but also by specific professional training. Unfortunately, the graphologist still labors in an undefinable limbo; no specific course of training, no set of academic standards, no degree or certificate in graphology exists to attest the scientific background and reliability of the handwriting analyst. In short, the graphologist is, of necessity, a self-made individual, learning more from his own efforts than from those of others. However, it is important for the graphologist to have dual skills: he must have specific knowledge, and beyond that a profound understanding of personality, if he is to be capable of synthesizing the facts as well as the intangibles into a true personality picture. The author of this book had the privilege of working for more than two decades on research projects instituted by government agencies and clinical institutions in Europe, notably in Budapest. The present study is, however, not a recapitulation of the widely published results of those years

Source: UG
Haplotype analyses of haemoglobin C and haemoglobin S and the dynamics of the evolutionary response to malaria in Kassena-Nankana district of Ghana

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
Haplotype analyses of haemoglobin C and haemoglobin S and the dynamics of the evolutionary response to malaria in kassena-nankana district of Ghana.

The Epidemiology Department contributes to the mission of the institute through basic and applied epidemiological research on, but not limited to, malaria and other diseases of public health importance. It is also home to the Social Science Unit of the Institute, including the Health Support Centre for HIV/AIDS and other communicable and noncommunicable health problems.

Source: UG
Haptoglobin 1-1 is associated with susceptibility to severe Plasmodium falciparum malaria

The Epidemiology Department contributes to the mission of the institute through basic and applied epidemiological research on, but not limited to, malaria and other diseases of public health importance. It is also home to the Social Science Unit of the Institute, including the Health Support Centre for HIV/AIDS and other communicable and noncommunicable health problems.

Source: UG
Haptoglobin phenotypes and malaria infection in pregnant women at delivery in western Cameroon

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
Haptoglobin phenotypes in HIV-1-seropositive patients in Ghana: Decreased risk for Hp0 individuals

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
Haptoglobin phenotypes with weak antioxidant capacity increase risk factors of cardiovascular disease in Ghanaian HIV-infected patients on highly active antiretroviral therapy

OBJECTIVE: Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) has considerably reduced HIV/AIDS-related morbidity and mortality; however, the therapy has been associated with the development of cardiovascular disease (CVD), and genetic predisposition factors may aggravate disease outcome. This study was aimed at investigating the relationship between haptoglobin phenotypes and risk factors of CVD in HIV patients. METHODS: A total of 105 HIV sero-positive patients on HAART and 75 HIV-infected HAART-naïve individuals were enrolled in the study. Socio-demographics and clinical characteristics of the participants were obtained using a well-structured questionnaire. Lipid profile, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and haptoglobin (Hp) phenotypes were analysed from serum whiles haemoglobin (Hb) level, CD4+ cell count and HIV viral RNA load were determined using whole blood. RESULTS: Atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) was significantly higher in patients on HAART than the naïve group (P < 0.05). Age, BMI, visceral fat, systolic blood pressure LDH and lipid variables strongly and positively correlated with AIP (P < 0.05), with the exception of HDL-c (P < 0.001) which showed a negative correlation. HAART was associated with hypertension (χ2 = 4.33, P = 0.037), hypercholesterolaemia (χ2 = 10.99, P < 0.001), elevated LDL-c (χ2 = 10.30, P < 0.001) and decreased HDL-c (χ2 = 3.87, P = 0.09). Hp2-2 and Hp0 collectively was strongly associated with hypertension (OR = 2.54, P = 0.011), obesity (OR = 5.97, P < 0.001) and hypercholesterolaemia (OR = 2.99, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: HIV/AIDS patients on HAART expressing Hp phenotypes with weak antioxidant capacity have an increased risk of developing CVD.

Source: UG
Haptoglobin Polymorphism and Association with Complications in Ghanaian Type 2 Diabetic Patients.

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
Haptoglobin polymorphism in human immunodeficiency virus infection: Hp0 phenotype limits depletion of CD4 cell counts in HIV-1-seropositive individuals

The Clinical Pathology Department conducts research that contributes to intervention strategies and safeguards of public health in Ghana. In view of this the Department carries out research into plant medicine development, drug interactions and regulation, bio-monitoring and prevention of poisoning from environmental toxicants (e.g. mycotoxins specifically aflatoxins and toxic heavy metals). The Department also provides specialized laboratory services in support of public health programmes.

Source: UG
Hard work and hazard: Young people and agricultural commercialisation in Africa

An emerging orthodoxy supports the proposition that the rural economy – built around agriculture but encompassing much more – will serve as sweet spot of employment opportunities for many millions of young people into the foreseeable future. However, our understanding of how rural young people in Africa take advantage of processes of rural transformation or engage with the rural economy is limited. Drawing on qualitative research conducted with 117 rural young people in three country contexts (Ghana, Zimbabwe and Tanzania), this paper reports the findings on the steps and pathways through which young people construct livelihoods in hotspots of agricultural commercialisation. Overall what emerges from a diversity of backgrounds, experiences and pathways is that the commercialised rural economy within which they operate offer them a variety of income earning opportunities. Family and broader social relations are key in enabling young people to access the needed resources in the form of land, capital, and inputs to begin their ventures. Between family and rental markets, there is little evidence that young people’s engagement with crop production is limited by their inability to access land. We also find evidence of asset accumulation by young people in the form of housing, furniture and savings among others, which reflects the combination of relatively dynamic rural economies, enabling social relations, and hard work. However, for many it is a struggle to stay afloat, requiring effort, persistence, and an ability to navigate setbacks and hazards. Our findings challenge a number of assumptions underlying policy and public discourse around rural young people and employment in Africa. We highlight some key implications for policy seeking to promote youth employment in rural Africa.

Source: UG
Hardware Module Design and Software Implementation of Multisensor Fire Detection and Notification System Using Fuzzy Logic and Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs)

)is paper presents the design and development of a fuzzy logic-based multisensor fire detection and a web-based notification system with trained convolutional neural networks for both proximity and wide-area fire detection. Until recently, most consumer-grade fire detection systems relied solely on smoke detectors. )ese offer limited protection due to the type of fire present and the detection technology at use. To solve this problem, we present a multisensor data fusion with convolutional neural network (CNN) fire detection and notification technology. Convolutional Neural Networks are mainstream methods of deep learning due to their ability to perform feature extraction and classification in the same architecture. )e system is designed to enable early detection of fire in residential, commercial, and industrial environments by using multiple fire signatures such as flames, smoke, and heat. )e incorporation of the convolutional neural networks enables broader coverage of the area of interest, using visuals from surveillance cameras. With access granted to the web-based system, the fire and rescue crew gets notified in real-time with location information. )e efficiency of the fire detection and notification system employed by standard fire detectors and the multisensor remote-based notification approach adopted in this paper showed significant improvements with timely fire detection, alerting, and response time for firefighting. )e final experimental and performance evaluation results showed that the accuracy rate of CNN was 94% and that of the fuzzy logic unit is 90%.

Source: UG
Hardware module design of a real-time multi-sensor fire detection and notification system using fuzzy logic

Notwithstanding massive fire safety campaigns being carried out, incidents of fire outbreaks continue to increase annually. The alarming rate of these fire outbreaks requires an engineered solution system that detects fire in its early stages and contributes to the firefighting effort. Current research efforts have been directed towards the development of multi-sensor fire detection algorithms to increase the sensitivity of fire detection devices and reduce nuisance alarms. This paper presents the design and implementation of a multi-sensor fire detection and notification system using fuzzy logic. The microcontroller processes data from an MQ2 smoke sensor, a TMP102 temperature sensor and a DFRobot flame sensor using a fuzzy logic algorithm to determine the fire status. © 2014 IEEE.

Source: UG
Harmattan dust deposition and particle size in Ghana

In Ghana, a dust-laden Harmattan wind blows from the Sahara from November to March. Some of the dust is trapped in the vegetation, in the lakes and other inland waters, while the rest is blown further away into the Ivory Coast or into the Atlantic Ocean. Several methods have been used to trap the Harmattan dust, mainly bowls with or without water, but also plates or sheets of various materials have been used. This paper compares three different methods to trap the Harmattan dust and describes the differences in amount and particle size distribution of dust trapped in various agroecological zones. The investigation shows that bowls with water trap more dust than plastic mats with 1.5 cm straw which again trap more dust than wooden plates. The bowl values can be used as a measure of the total Harmattan dust deposition, the mat values can be used as a measure of how much Harmattan dust is retained by vegetation, while the plates provide a measure of how much dust is retained on vegetation free areas. The amount of Harmattan dust captured is largest in the north, the amount of dust retained differs significantly from year to year, and a severe Harmattan in the north is not necessary coincident with severe Harmattan in the south. The dust particle size becomes finer towards the south and with increasing amounts of organic matter, and the particle size distribution shows that the major part of the dust trapped is long-term suspended material with a significant input of local dust. The dust particle size is coarser on the mats than in the bowls due to re-suspension from the mats. The presence of diatoms in the samples from Bawku indicates that a substantial part of the dust originates from former lakes in the Sahara. The amount of dust retained in the north gives a deposition rate of about 15 mm per 1000 years. This may explain why loess layers have not developed in Ghana. © 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Source: UG
Harmonizing procedures for the evaluation of compost in two compost types in Ghana

Composting is one of the most favoured options for municipal solid waste recycling for waste streams with high content of biodegradable materials. Compost has many uses including its use in agriculture for soil structure and fertility improvement. However, non-mature composts when applied to soils could present immical phytotoxic problems to crops. Despite this reality, many developing countries including Ghana, fact simple and reliable compost maturity tests, and run the risk of producing and/or using composts that have not reached maturation stage. This study was conducted to validate some chemical and biological procedures for testing the maturity of composts prepared from agricultural residues (AR) and municipal solid wastes (MSW) in Ghana. Three maturity indices – humus colour, CO2 respspirometry, and germination index – were considered for this validation study. For composts produced from crop residues, the optimal values for humus colour test, CO2 evolution test, and germinationindex were 0.36-0.59, 1.24-1.80gCO2 Kg-1, day-1159.5-259.4, respectively. Similarly for the MSW composts the optimal maturity index ranges were 0.41-0.51 for humus colour test, 0.43-0.56g Co2 kg-1 day-1 for CO2 evolution test and 0-59.1 for germination index. The MSW composts appeared mature under humus colour and CO2 evolution tests, but inhibited germination. Agricultural residue composts on the other hand were found to be mature when subjected to all three maturity tests. This is indicative that composts may pass certain maturity parameters, yet fail germination test. It is therefore concluded that the germination test index is able to discriminate better between mature and non-mature composts.

Source: UG
Harmonizing procedures for the evaluation of compost maturity in two compost types in Ghana

Composting is one of the most favoured options for municipal solid waste recycling for waste streams with high content of biodegradable materials. Compost has many uses including its use in agriculture for soil structure and fertility improvement. However, non-mature composts when applied to soils could present inimical phytotoxic problems to crops. Despite this reality, many developing countries including Ghana, lack simple and reliable compost maturity tests, and run the risk of producing and/or using composts that have not reached maturation stage. This study was conducted to validate some chemical and biological procedures for testing the maturity of composts prepared from agricultural residues (AR) and municipal solid wastes (MSW) in Ghana. Three maturity indices - humus colour, CO2 respirometry, and germination index - were considered for this validation study. For composts produced from crop residues, the optimal values for humus colour test, CO2 evolution test, and germination index were 0.36-0.59, 1.24-1.80 gCO2 kg-1 day-1, 159.5-259.4, respectively. Similarly for the MSW composts the optimal maturity index ranges were 0.41-0.51 for humus colour test, 0.43-0.56 g CO2 kg-1 day-1 for CO2 evolution test and 0-59.1 for germination index. The MSW composts appeared mature under humus colour and CO2 evolution tests, but inhibited germination. Agricultural residue composts on the other hand were found to be mature when subjected to all three maturity tests. This is indicative that composts may pass certain maturity parameters, yet fail germination test. It is therefore concluded that the germination test index is able to discriminate better between mature and non-mature composts. © 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Source: UG
Harnessing genetic resources and progress in plant genomics for fonio (Digitaria spp.) improvement

Fonio plays an important role in food security and in income generation, in drought prone areas of West Africa. This review aimed at highlighting fonio production constraints, breeding objectives and available genetic resources for fonio improvement. Lack of institutional support to research, lack of improved seeds, parasitic weed infestation, grain shattering, lodging and toilsome of the post-harvest handling are the major constraints limiting fonio production. These factors lead to negligence of the crop notwithstanding its high nutritional and market values. Breeding programs on fonio should first focus on solving these problems to improve overall yield. We explored the potential of mutation breeding, somaclonal variation, somatic hybridization, molecular markers, comparative genomics, individualized targeting induced local lesions in genomes (iTILLING), genotype by sequencing and genomic selection to develop improved fonio varieties. Determination of ploidy level, wide collection and characterization of fonio genetic resources, definition of core reference set collection, and exploitation of heterosis are some key research areas that would be of great interest in fonio improvement. However, this can only be achieved with adequate funding and institutional support.

Source: UG
Harnessing remittances for the poor: the role of institutions

This paper investigates the direct effect of institutions on poverty and explores whether the remittances and poverty link can be strengthened by institutions in Sub-Saharan Africa. The results suggest that a country characterized by sound financial development and good and stable government with systems to control corruption and attracting investment will provide the enabling environment to reduce the rate, depth and severity of poverty. Such quality institutional attributes reinforce the effectiveness of international remittances in reducing poverty.

Source: UG