ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Utilizing the social cognitive career theory in understanding students’ choice in selecting auditing as a career: evidence from Ghana

Purpose – The study uses social cognitive career theory (SCCT) to explore the driving and restraining factors that students consider in selecting auditing as a career. Design/methodology/approach – Considering the aim of this study, a qualitative research was preferred with the objective of gathering in-depth and enriched empirical data; hence, semi-structured interviews were conducted with seventy-five fourth-year undergraduate accounting students of six top-ranked universities in Ghana that offer accounting programmes. Findings – The findings of the current study unearth the constructs of the SCCT that students’ decision to consider a career in audit is driven by outcome expectations (high earnings/monetary incentives and social prestige associated with the job), as well as self-efficacy belief (possession of ethical values). Further, the study finds that self-efficacy beliefs (job stress and accounting stereotype) were the factors restraining students from considering auditing as a career. The results finally show that the students who would choose auditing as a career in future are in one way or the other, preparing for the achievement of their goals. Research limitations/implications – The SCCT framework utilized focuses on the three main constructs: self efficacy, outcome expectations and goals. There are a number of related factors that may influence students’ career choice decisions. These may include personal characteristics and contextual influences; a change of the theoretical framework may help discover other important personal and contextual factors that this current study could not unearth. Practical implications – The study indicates, on the contrary, that students have negative perceptions about auditing as a career option; they consider the career as stressful, tedious and monotonous. These misconceptions make it less likely for a student to pursue auditing as a career. Educators can aid students in their decision to pursue a study in accounting and become auditors by displaying and reinforcing the positive outcomes that come with the position of an auditor. Originality/value –The findings of this study add to the existing literature by delving deeper into the self-selection factors that influence a student’s desire to become an auditor. Furthermore, the current research is exceptional in that it applies the SCCT to the aim of becoming an auditor. Although other research studies have looked into factors that may influence a student’s decision to pursue a profession as an accountant, these studies have mostly been quantitative, limiting the students’ ability to explain why those factors encourage or dissuade them.

Source: UG
V beta profiles in African children with acute cerebral or uncomplicated malaria: very focused changes among a remarkable global stability

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
A vaccine candidate from the sexual stage of human malaria that contains EGF-like domains.

Malaria vaccines are being developed against different stages in the parasite's life cycle, each increasing the opportunity to control malaria in its diverse settings. Sporozoite vaccines are designed to prevent mosquito-induced infection; first generation recombinant or synthetic peptide vaccines have been tested in humans. Asexual erythrocytic stage vaccines, developed to prevent or reduce the severity of disease, have been tested in animals and in humans. A third strategy is to produce sexual stage vaccines that would induce antibodies which would prevent infection of mosquitoes when ingested in a bloodmeal containing sexual stage parasites. Although not directly protective, the sexual stage vaccine combined with a sporozoite or asexual stage vaccine (protective component) could prolong the useful life of the protective component by reducing transmission of resistant vaccine-induced mutants. In areas of low endemnicity, the sexual stage vaccine could reduce transmission below the critical threshold required to maintain the infected population, thereby assisting in the control or eradication of malaria. Transmission of Plasmodium falciparum, the major human malaria, can be blocked by monoclonal antibodies against three sexual stage-specific antigens. We have cloned the gene encoding the surface protein of relative molecular mass M(r) 25,000 (25K; Pfs25), expressed on zygotes and ookinetes of P. falciparum. The deduced amino-acid sequence consists of a signal sequence, a hydrophobic C-terminus, and four tandem epidermal growth factor EGF-like domains.

Source: UG
Vaccine value profile for norovirus

The main research focus of the Electron Microscopy and Histopathology Department in the past 20 years has been in the areas of enteric diarrhoeas with special emphasis on rotavirus. Through its diarrhoea surveillance studies, the Department has helped to firmly establish rotaviruses as a major cause of diarrhoea in children, and document the circulation of unusual rotavirus genotypes in Ghana. The Department has also recently expanded its diagnostic repertoire to include the identification and characterization of noroviruses, astroviruses, and other enteric viruses.

Source: UG
Vaccine-modified measles in previously immunized children in Accra, Ghana: Clinical, virological and serological parameters.

Despite rapidly increasing measles immunization coverage, epidemics of measles occurred from January to March 2000 in some parts of Accra, the capital of Ghana. 44 cases of acute measles were diagnosed at three health facilities during the outbreaks, which we examined clinically and serologically. The peak incidence occurred among 6-12-year-olds, clinical symptoms were milder than the typical symptoms of measles, and fever was significantly less common. None of the cases developed complications and all recovered completely. Thirty-eight (86.4%) were tested serologically; IgM antibodies were detected in 73.7% and IgG antibodies in 84.2% during the acute phase. Milder symptoms in a significant number of cases with measles IgG antibodies suggest that these are vaccine-modified measles, attributable to waning antibodies and low circulation of wild type virus in an area of high vaccine coverage. Serological confirmation will be required for accurate diagnosis, if measles is to be eradicated or kept under control. It also seems likely that multiple dose immunization schedules will be needed in the future to maintain protective antibody levels and to protect children against measles in Ghana. This will eliminate the frequent outbreaks of measles involving immunized children.

Source: UG
Vaginal birth after cesarean delivery in the West African setting.

Objective To determine the fetal weight beyond which women with one previous cesarean delivery (CD) are most likely to have a repeat CD. Methods A retrospective cohort study of 586 women who had one previous CD and were undergoing trial of labor was conducted in Accra, Ghana. Following delivery, the women were allocated to one of three groups according to whether they had a successful vaginal delivery, underwent a CD for cephalopelvic disproportion, or underwent a CD for another indication. The groups were then compared using analysis of variance or Kruskal–Wallis tests. Multiple logistic regression was used to assess the effect of fetal weight on the odds of having a repeat CD. Results A fetal weight greater than 3.45 kg tripled the odds of having a repeat CD, and the probability of having a repeat CD were 50% for a fetal weight of 3.70 kg. Conclusion In settings similar to those in Ghana, women who have undergone a previous CD whose fetuses weigh more than 3.70 kg are likely to have less than a 50% chance of having a successful vaginal delivery.

Source: UG
Validation and application of quality assurance methods developed for artemisinin-based antimalarial drugs to assess the quality of a selection of such drugs distributed in Accra, Ghana

A recently developed rapid semi-quantitative Thin Layer Chromatographic (TLC) assay method was applied in the determination of the existence of substandard or counterfeit artemisinin-based antimalarial drugs in the Ghanaian market and also tested for its suitability for rapid assessment of drug quality prior to more rigorous analysis of any suspected counterfeit or substandard drugs. Three methods were employed – Basic Tests, Semi-quantitative TLC assay and High Performance Liquid Chromatographic (HPLC) assay. The basic tests showed that each drug contained the requisite active pharmaceutical ingredient (API). Of the 49 samples (24 single-dose and 25 fixed dose combination formulations) assayed by TLC, only 14 (28.6%) were found to comply with pharmacopoeial specifications. Of the 24 single-dose formulations, 9 of which had been found by the TLC assay to be likely within pharmacopoeial limits, only 4 were eventually found to be fully compliant by HPLC analyses. Two others were marginal. On the basis of the TLC assay, only 5 out of the 25 fixed dose combination formulations that are yet to be accurately assayed by HPLC, appear likely to meet pharmacopoeial specifications. The results of the semi-quantitative TLC technique compare favourably with those of the HPLC and hence can be used for rapid assessment of the quality of antimalarial drugs. The results also indicate that the problem of distribution of substandard and possibly counterfeit artemisinin-based antimalarial drugs exists in Ghana.

Source: UG
Validation of Malaria Predictive Model with Missing Covariates

This study develops a statistical methodology for validating a predictive clinical malaria model when data has missing values in predictor variables. Using the logistic regression framework, multiple imputation techniques for missing values and a penalized likelihood approach to avoid overfitting of the data were adopted. Models with different functional forms were built using known predictors (age, sickle cell, blood group, parasite density, and mosquito bed net use) and some malaria antibody specific antigens and FCGR3B polymorphism. Models were assessed through visualization and differences between the Area Under the Receiver Operating Characteristic Curve (AUROC) and Brier Score (BS) estimated by suitable internal cross-validation designs. The contributions of this research are in three folds: (i) addresses the statistical question on how to build and validate a risk prediction model in the presence of missing explanatory variables (ii) improves the general statistical approach for malaria epidemiology (iii) identifies potential malaria antibodies and FCGR3B polymorphism which should be the research focus in the search for potential malaria vaccine candidate

Source: UG
Validation of Microsatellite Molecular Markers linked with resistance to Bipolaris Sorokiniana in Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

Spot blotch disease caused by Bipolaris sorokiniana (Sacc.) Shoem causes yield losses and reduces grain quality in wheat. Molecular markers reported to be linked with resistance to B. sorokiniana could accelerate the identification of resistant genotypes as they are independent of the environmental effect. However, before they can be utilized for marker assisted selection (MAS), validation in an independent population is required. The objective of the present study was therefore to validate three simple sequence repeat (SSR) molecular markers (Xwgm570, Xgwm544 and Xgwm437) linked with resistance to B. sorokiniana. The markers were validated using 66 wheat genotypes comprising 11 parental genotypes and 55 F2 progenies. Single marker analysis was performed using simple linear regression to ascertain the relationship between the marker and the trait. All the markers were confirmed to be associated with resistance. They all gave significant association with resistance to B. sorokiniana. The markers amplified DNA fragments in the resistant parental genotypes that were similar to those observed in resistant F2 progenies, but absent in the susceptible ones. Hence, these markers could be useful in increasing the efficiency of selection for resistance to B. sorokiniana in wheat breeding. Since the R2 values are low, a combination of two or three SSR markers can be employed during MAS. This was evident by the multiple linear equation which gave a combined R2 value of 18·0%, obtained from the inclusion of all three markers.

Source: UG
Validation of Microsatellite Molecular Markers Linked With Resistance to Bipolaris Sorokiniana in Wheat (Triticum Aestivum L.)

Spot blotch disease caused by Bipolaris sorokiniana (Sacc.) Shoem causes yield losses and reduces grain quality in wheat. Molecular markers reported to be linked with resistance to B. sorokiniana could accelerate the identification of resistant genotypes as they are independent of the environmental effect. However, before they can be utilized for marker assisted selection (MAS), validation in an independent population is required. The objective of the present study was therefore to validate three simple sequence repeat (SSR) molecular markers ( Xwgm570, Xgwm544 and Xgwm437 ) linked with resistance to B. sorokiniana. The markers were validated using 66 wheat genotypes comprising 11 parental genotypes and 55 F 2 progenies. Single marker analysis was performed using simple linear regression to ascertain the relationship between the marker and the trait. All the markers were confirmed to be associated with resistance. They all gave significant association with resistance to B. sorokiniana. The markers amplified DNA fragments in the resistant parental genotypes that were similar to those observed in resistant F 2 progenies, but absent in the susceptible ones. Hence, these markers could be useful in increasing the efficiency of selection for resistance to B. sorokiniana in wheat breeding. Since the R² values are low, a combination of two or three SSR markers can be employed during MAS. This was evident by the multiple linear equation which gave a combined R² value of 18·0%, obtained from the inclusion of all three markers.

Source: UG
Validation of Mobile Artificial Intelligence Technology–Assisted Dietary Assessment Tool Against Weighed Records and 24-Hour Recall in Adolescent Females in Ghana

The overall goal of the department is to conduct research and provide solutions to nutritional problems in Ghana. In pursuance of this goal, the Nutrition Department since its inception has focused its research in the areas of maternal, infant and young child nutrition, food consumption and food security and micronutrient deficiency and interventions. These are priority food and nutrition problems in Ghana.

Source: UG
Validation of novel fluorescence assays for the routine screening of drug susceptibilities of Trichomonas vaginalis

Objectives: To evaluate existing protocols, based on Alamar blue (resazurin), for the routine determination of drug susceptibility in trichomonads, develop new ones and validate these by screening small antiprotozoal libraries. Methods: The resazurin-based assay was evaluated by determining fluorescence development in Trichomonas media with various cell densities after various intervals and in the presence of metronidazole. Similar investigations were performed with the alternative fluorophores propidium iodide (PI) and resorufin. The optimized protocols were used to screen for new antitrichomonal compounds. Results: Anaerobic cultures of Trichomonas vaginalis rapidly reduced blue resazurin to red, fluorescent resorufin. However, the ascorbic acid in the culture medium produced similar effects, even in the absence of cells, causing high background fluorescence and variability. Moreover, T. vaginalis rapidly metabolized resorufin to the non-fluorescent and colourless metabolite dihydroresorufin, making the fluorescent signal transient. In contrast, resorufin proved to be an excellent viability probe for Trichomonas due to its chemical stability in media and rapid metabolism by the parasite. We also show that staining with PI after cell permeabilization similarly constitutes a reliable measurement of trophozoite numbers. Using the PI and resorufin assays we determined reproducible EC 50 values and identified potent antitrichomonal compounds from a limited screen of phosphodiesterase inhibitors and phosphonium salts. Conclusions: The resorufin- and PI-based assays are suitable for routine and high-throughput drug screening, whereas resazurin-based assays are not. These assays constitute a major advance in the current protocols as demonstrated by a successful screen for new antitrichomonal lead compounds. © The Author 2012. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the British Society for Antimicrobial Chemotherapy. All rights reserved.

Source: UG
Validation of Performance Homogeneity of Chan-Vese Model on Selected Tumour Cells

This study aims to analyze the Chan-Vese model’s performance using a variety of tumor images. The processes involve the tumors’ segmentation, detecting the tumors, identifying the segmented tumor region, and extracting the features before classification occurs. In the findings, the Chan-Vese model performed well with brain and breast tumor segmentation. The model on the skin performed poorly. The brain recorded DSC 0.6949903, Jaccard 0.532558; the time elapsed 7.389940 with an iteration of 100. The breast recorded a DSC of 0.554107, Jaccard 0.383228; the time elapsed 9.577161 with an iteration of 100. According to this study, a higher DSC does not signify a well-segmented image, as the breast had a lower DSC than the skin. The skin recorded a DSC of 0.620420, Jaccard 0.449717; the time elapsed 17.566681 with an iteration of 200.

Source: UG
Validation of QuEChERS method for the determination of 36 pesticide residues in fruits and vegetables from Ghana, using gas chromatography with electron capture and pulsed flame photometric detectors

In this study, “Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged and Safe” ‘QuEChERS’ method was modified for the determination of 36 pesticides fortified at (0.01–1.0) mg kg−1 in three vegetables and a fruit (lettuce, carrot, tomatoes and pineapples respectively) from Ghana. The method involved extraction with acetonitrile, phase separation with primary secondary amine and magnesium sulfate; the final injection solution was reconstituted in ethyl acetate. Organochlorine and synthetic pyrethroids residues were detected with electron capture detector whereas organophosphorus, pulsed flame photometric detector was used. The recoveries at different concentration levels (0.01, 0.1 and 1.0 mg kg−1) were in the range of 83% and 93% with relative standard deviation ranging from 2% to 10% (n = 5) and the coefficient of determination (R2) was greater than 0.99 for all the 36 pesticides. The method was successfully tested on 120 real samples from Accra markets and this proved to be useful for monitoring purposes particularly in laboratories that have no gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. © 2015, Copyright © Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.

Source: UG
Validation of the multidimensional WHOQOL-OLD in Ghana: A study among population-based healthy adults in three ethnically different districts

Objectives: Study of well-being of older adults, a rapidly growing demographic group in sub-Saharan Africa, depends on well-validated tools like the WHOQOL-OLD. This scale has been tested on different populations with reasonable validity results but has limited application in Africa. The specific goal of this paper was to examine the factor structure of the WHOQOL-OLD translated into three Ghanaian languages: Ga, Akan, and Kasem. We also tested group invariance for sex and for type of community (distinguished by ethnicity/language). Methods: We interviewed 353 older adults aged 60 years and above, selected from three ethnically and linguistically different communities. Using a cross-sectional design, we used purpose and convenience methods to select participants in three geographically and ethnically distinct communities. Each community was made up of selected rural, peri-urban, and urban communities in Ghana. The questionnaire was translated into three languages and administered to each respondent. Results: The results showed moderate to high internal consistency coefficient and factorial validity for the scale. Using confirmatory factor analysis, we found that the results supported a multidimensional structure of the WHOQOL-OLD and that it did not differ for males and females, neither did it differ for different ethnic/linguistic groups. Conclusions: We conclude that the translated versions of the measure are adequate tools for evaluation of quality of life of older adults among the respective ethnic groups studied in Ghana. These results will also enable comparison of quality of life between older adults in Ghana and in other cultures.

Source: UG
Validation of the Revised Quick Cognitive Screening Test

In an effort to examine the reliability and validity of the RQCST, participants were administered the revised QCST with a number of standardized measures. The results revealed that the RQCST discriminated between healthy controls and the neuropsychiatric participants. Additionally, the RQCST significantly correlated with other standardized measures confirming the RQCST’s reliability and validity as a screening instrument for individuals with cognitive deficits. The RQCST provides the clinician with a short, yet reliable screening instrument in detecting cognitive deficits in individuals with dementia and other neurological conditions

Source: UG
Validation of two parent-reported autism spectrum disorders screening tools M-CHAT-R and SCQ in Bamako, Mali

Background:Early screening is crucial for early autism spectrum disorders (ASD) diagnosis and intervention.ASD screening tools have mostly been constructed based on the Western cultural context. We hypothesized thattheir use in Mali may require a prior validation.Objective:To validate the modified checklist for autism in toddlers-Revised (M-CHAT-R) and the social com-munication questionnaire (SCQ) in the Malian sociocultural context for ASD screening.Study design:We administered M-CHAT-R and SCQ in 947 toddlers aged 16–30 months old at the district andcommunity health centers in Bamako and 120 patients (60 autistic and 60 age and sex matched controls) aged≥4 years old at the psychiatry department in Bamako. Toddlers at moderate to high risk of ASD underwent M-CHAT-R/F and clinical evaluation by an ASD multidisciplinary team. M-CHAT-R and SCQ were evaluated forcultural appropriateness by Malian anthropologists. The sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV were determined forboth M-CHAT-R and SCQ. Health professionals have been trained during ASD seminary on how to use M-CHAT-Rand SCQ for ASD screening in Bamako.Results:We found for the M-CHAT-R a sensitivity of 50%, a specificity of 100%, a PPV of 100% and a NPV of87%. The SCQ had a sensitivity of 71%, a specificity of 72%, a PPV of 73% and a NPV of 70%. We have foundfour out of 20 items on the M-CHAT-R that were culturally inappropriate in the Malian context.Discussion:M-CHAT-R and SCQ can be used for early autism screening in Mali. In the future, we plan to train adescent number of Malian physicians in chief and pediatricians at the district hospitals across the country tointegrate the early ASD screening into the national health system.Conclusion:M-CHAT-R has a perfect specificity and SCQ a fair diagnostic accuracy for ASD in Mali.

Source: UG