ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Advanced academic literacy and the role of academic editors in research writing

Advanced academic literacy often underscores the role of faculty as supervisors and examiners in research and thesis writing processes. Academic editors are unfortunately often not mentioned in these socialization processes. The aim of this paper is to underscore the role of this group of professionals in advanced academic literacy, as it particularly pertains to graduate research writing. I draw on my experiences in offering editorial services to graduate research students in English-medium universities. In doing this, I am guided mainly by my experiences and observation, rather than the theoretical perspectives that inform advanced academic literacy. In this paper I touch briefly on the requirements of research writing and present my brief profile and that of my clients (graduate students). This is followed by a description of my modus operandi in editing the research writing of students. The difficulties graduate students encounter in writing their research is then discussed. The paper concludes with the implications of my findings for the role of academic editors, advanced academic literacy, and graduate research supervision

Source: UCC
Advanced agriculture system

This article addresses the advanced system which improvesagriculture processes like cultivation on ploughed land, based on robotic platform. We have developed a robotic vehicle having four wheels and steered by DC motor. The advanced autonomous system architecture gives us the opportunity to develop a complete new range of agricultural equipment based on small smart machines. The machine will cultivate the farm by considering particular rows and specific column at fixed distance depending on crop. The obstacle detection problem will also be considered, sensed by infrared sensor. The whole algorithm, calculation, processing, monitoring are designed with motors & sensor interfaced with microcontroller. The result obtained through example activation unit is also presented. The dc motor simulation with feedforward and feedback technique shows precise output. With the help of two examples, a DC motor and a magnetic levitation system, the use of MATLAB and Simulink for modeling, analysis and control is designed

Source: UCC
Advances in Therapeutic Targeting of Cancer Stem Cells within the Tumor Microenvironment: An updated Review

Abstract: Despite great strides being achieved in improving cancer patients’ outcomes through better therapies and combinatorial treatment, several hurdles still remain due to therapy resistance, cancer recurrence and metastasis. Drug resistance, culminating in relapse and metastatic disease continue to be associated with fatal disease. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a subpopulation of cancer cells known to be resistant to therapy and cause metastasis. Whilst the debate on whether CSCs are the origins of the primary tumor rages on, CSCs have been further characterised in many cancers with data illustrating that CSCs display great abilities to self-renew, withstand therapies due to enhanced epithelial to mesenchymal (EMT) properties, enhanced expression of ABC membrane transporters, activation of several survival signaling pathways and increased immune evasion DNA repair mechanisms. CSCs also display great heterogeneity with the consequential lack of specific CSC markers presenting a great challenge to their targeting. In this updated review we re-visit CSCs within the tumor microenvironment (TME) and present novel treatment strategies targeting CSCs. These promising strategies include targeting CSCs-specific properties using small molecule inhibitors, immunotherapy, microRNA mediated inhibitors, epigenetic methods as well as targeting CSC niche-microenvironmental factors and differentiation. Lastly, we present recent clinical trials undertaken to try to turn the tide against cancer by targeting CSC- associated drug resistance and metastasis.

Source: UCC
Advancing perspectives of sustainability and large-scale implementation of design teams in Ghana’s polytechnics: Issues and opportunities

Polytechnic staff perspectives are sought on the sustainability and large-scale implementation of design teams (DT), as a means for collaborative curriculum design and teacher professional development in Ghana’s polytechnics, months after implementation. Data indicates that teachers still collaborate in DTs for curriculum design and professional development. Leaders support the sustenance of DTs however internal policies are needed for its official recognition. The local role of DTs in sustaining relevant polytechnic education and training efficient manpower for national development is discussed. Some identified inherent opportunities are examined for sustenance and conclusions drawn based on programme characteristics, contextual features and polytechnic climate.

Source: UCC
Adverse Drug Reaction Reporting among Nurses and Midwives in the Sekondi -Takoradi Metropolis

Drugs administered in hospitals for the treatment of diseases can also produce adverse effects in patients. Therefore, health care professionals should monitor and report adverse reactions when they occur to ensure the safety of patients. This study was conducted to assess Sekondi – Takoradi nurses and midwives knowledge and attitude on the ADR reporting system, ADR reporting rate and barriers to ADR reporting. A quantitative descriptive survey design was used to collect in four Government hospitals in the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis. A census was employed as the sampling procedure and 529 respondents (328 nurses and 201 midwives) were used. Results from this study revealed that nurses and midwives in the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis have moderate knowledge on pharmacovigilance and a negative attitude towards the reporting of adverse drug reaction. ADR reporting among nurses and midwives in the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis was low and majority of the respondents had not received training on ADR reporting. The three top perceived barriers by nurses and midwives to ADR reporting were unawareness of the ADR reporting system, not knowing how to fill an ADR form and not receiving feedback after reporting an ADR. The findings of this study suggests that regular training of nurses and midwives on the ADR reporting system is needed to improve ADR reporting and pharmacovigilance.

Source: UCC
ADVERSE EVENTS AND THEIR RELATIONSHIP WITH THE DEMOGRAPHIC CHARACTERISTICS OF PATIENTS AT WA, THE UPPER WEST REGIONAL HOSPITAL OF GHANA

Background: Being discharged from the hospital is sometimes associated with complications which may be dangerous to the patient. Adverse events are unintended injuries or complications which may result in death, disability and prolonged hospital stay after discharge or related to the hospital visit. This paper aims at giving an insight into the relationship between patient demographic factors and the incidence, types and severity of adverse events after hospitalization in a secondary hospital in Northern Ghana. Method: A prospective cohort study into the relationship between adverse events and patient demographic factors. This was carried out with patients admitted and discharged from Wa Hospital. A total of 206 patients were recruited from the medical, surgical and emergency wards of the hospital. Findings: Adverse events were found to increase with age. The adverse events at age of less than 20 years was 2.4%, between 31 to 40 was 3.3% , 41 to 50 was 3.8%, 51 to 60 was 7.2% and 61 and above was 7.2%. However, 21 to 30 years age group had 9.2% of adverse events. There were no differences in occurrence of adverse events among sexes and other demographic characteristics of the patient with exception of age groups (p<0.050) which had influence on the type of adverse events. The level of literacy and education did not also influence the occurrences of adverse events. Conclusion: Demographic characteristics of patients might not contribute to the development of adverse events after they are discharged from the hospital. However, the age of patients may influence adverse events development probably because of their weaknesses in old age. Improvement in patients social lives will help to reduce the occurrence of adverse events after patients had been discharged from the hospital.

Source: UCC
Adverse Events And Their Relationship With The Demographic Characteristics Of Patients At Wa, The Upper West Regional Hospital Of Ghana

Background: Being discharged from the hospital is sometimes associated with complications which may be dangerous to the patient. Adverse events are unintended injuries or complications which may result in death, disability and prolonged hospital stay after discharge or related to the hospital visit. This paper aims at giving an insight into the relationship between patient demographic factors and the incidence, types and severity of adverse events after hospitalization in a secondary hospital in Northern Ghana. Method: A prospective cohort study into the relationship between adverse events and patient demographic factors. This was carried out with patients admitted and discharged from Wa Hospital. A total of 206 patients were recruited from the medical, surgical and emergency wards of the hospital. Findings: Adverse events were found to increase with age. The adverse events at age of less than 20 years was 2.4%, between 31 to 40 was 3.3% , 41 to 50 was 3.8%, 51 to 60 was 7.2% and 61 and above was 7.2%. However, 21 to 30 years age group had 9.2% of adverse events. There were no differences in occurrence of adverse events among sexes and other demographic characteristics of the patient with exception of age groups (p<0.050) which had influence on the type of adverse events. The level of literacy and education did not also influence the occurrences of adverse events. Conclusion: Demographic characteristics of patients might not contribute to the development of adverse events after they are discharged from the hospital. However, the age of patients may influence adverse events development probably because of their weaknesses in old age. Improvement in patients social lives will help to reduce the occurrence of adverse events after patients had been discharged from the hospital

Source: UCC
Adverse Obstetric Outcomes among Women with Placental Malaria from Peri-Urban Ghana

Placental malaria (PM) poses a major threat to both the mother and the unborn child. Maternal anemia and intrauterine growth retardation are major consequences of PM. The risk of dying from malaria is also higher among pregnant women than the general population as high levels of parasitaemia, hypoglycemia, acute pulmonary edema, foetal distress, premature labour, spontaneous abortions and still births are common among pregnant women with malaria. This case control study examined maternal outcomes in 420 pregnant women (220 with PM as case and 200 without PM as control) attending antenatal clinics at Pramso, a high malaria transmission area in Ghana. PM was high (12.3%) in the study area despite the implementation of the recommended World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines for interventions. Maternal anemia was significantly higher (p<0.001) in pregnant women with PM than those without PM. Parity (p<0.001), Premature rupture of membranes (PROM) (p< 0.001), foul smelling liquor (FSL) p< 0.05) and Meconium stained amniotic fluid (MSAF (p<0.001) were found to be associated with placental malaria. Primiparous pregnant women were more likely to have PM than multiparous pregnant women. The frequencies of PROM, FSL, MSAF were significantly higher in pregnant women with PM than those without. Ante and Post partum Haemorrhage (APH/PPH) and Pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH) on the other hand had no statistically significant association with PM. Antenatal care should intensify the implementation of the WHO guidelines as well as prevention and prompt management of the adverse obstetric outcomes associated with PM.

Source: UCC
ADVERSE OBSTETRIC OUTCOMES AMONG WOMEN WITH PLACENTAL MALARIA FROM PERI-URBAN GHANA.

Placental malaria (PM) poses a major threat to both the mother and the unborn child. Maternal anemia and intrauterine growth retardation are major consequences of PM. The risk of dying from malaria is also higher among pregnant women than the general population as high levels of parasitaemia, hypoglycemia, acute pulmonary edema, foetal distress, premature labour, spontaneous abortions and still births are common among pregnant women with malaria. This case control study examined maternal outcomes in 420 pregnant women (220 with PM as case and 200 without PM as control) attending antenatal clinics at Pramso, a high malaria transmission area in Ghana. PM was high (12.3%) in the study area despite the implementation of the recommended World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines for interventions. Maternal anemia was significantly higher (p<0.001) in pregnant women with PM than those without PM. Parity (p<0.001), Premature rupture of membranes (PROM) (p< 0.001), foul smelling liquor (FSL) p< 0.05) and Meconium stained amniotic fluid (MSAF (p<0.001) were found to be associated with placental malaria. Primiparous pregnant women were more likely to have PM than multiparous pregnant women. The frequencies of PROM, FSL, MSAF were significantly higher in pregnant women with PM than those without. Ante and Post partum Haemorrhage (APH/PPH) and Pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH) on the other hand had no statistically significant association with PM. Antenatal care should intensify the implementation of the WHO guidelines as well as prevention and prompt management of the adverse obstetric outcomes associated with PM.

Source: UCC
Adverse pregnancy outcomes and imbalance In angiogenic growth mediators and oxidative Stress biomarkers is associated with advanced Maternal age births: A prospective cohort Study in Ghana

Advanced maternal age (AMA) has been associated with negative pregnancy outcomes. Oxidative stress (OS) and defective placental dysfunction are contributing factors. This study determined the association between AMA and adverse pregnancy outcomes, OS biomarkers and angiogenic growth mediators (AGMs) in normal pregnancies.

Source: UCC
Adverse pregnancy outcomes and imbalance in angiogenic growth mediators and oxidative stress biomarkers is associated with advanced maternal age births: A prospective cohort study in Ghana

Background Advanced maternal age (AMA) has been associated with negative pregnancy outcomes. Oxidative stress (OS) and defective placental dysfunction are contributing factors. This study determined the association between AMA and adverse pregnancy outcomes, OS bio- markers and angiogenic growth mediators (AGMs) in normal pregnancies. Methods This prospective cohort study conducted at the Obstetrics and Gynaecology (O&G) Depart- ment of the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) finally included 175 normal pregnant women comprising, 58 AMA (35–45 years), 55 (30–34 years) and 62 optimal childbearing age (20–29 years). Venous blood samples were collected at 28–32 weeks for soluble fms- like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt-1), placental growth factor (PIGF), 8-epiprostaglandinF2-α (8- epi-PGF2α) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) assays. Results Pregnancies of AMA had a significantly higher levels of sFlt-1, 8-epi-PGF2α and 8-epi- PGF2α: PIGF ratio but a reduced level of PIGF, TAC and PIGF: sFlt-1 ratio compared to 20–29 years (p<0.0001). A significant negative correlation between AMA and PIGF (r = -0.294; p = 0.038); TAC (r = -0.215; p = 0.001) and PIGF: sFlt-1 ratio (r = -0.457; p<0.0001) and a positive correlation with sFlt-1 (r = 0.269; p = 0.017), 8-epiPGF2α (r = 0.277; p =0.029) and 8-epi-PGF2: PIGF ratio (r = 0.461; p<0.0001) levels were observed. The adjusted odds ratio (aOR), and 95% confidence interval, and p value for the significant inde- pendent adverse outcomes associated with AMA were emergency caesarean section [21.7 (5.9–121.3), p<00001], elective caesarean section [2.7(0.9–5.8), p = 0.0105], stillbirth [12.6 (1.4–82.1), p<0.0001], post-partum haemorrhage [4.3(1.1–18.5), p = 0.0094], preterm deliv- ery [8.2(3.5–28.4), p<0.0001], low birth weight babies [9.7(2.8–29.3), p<0.0001], birth asphyxia [3.8(1.6–12.7), p = 0.0054], Apgar score 7 after 5 min for babies [10.1(4.7– 23.2), p<0.0001], placental abruption [3.5(1.3–8.4), p = 0.0117] and intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) [4.6(2.3–12.9), p = 0.0001]. Conclusion AMA pregnancies correlate with adverse pregnancy outcomes and imbalance in OS bio- markers and AGMs. It is incumbent on health care givers to provide effective antenatal care among AMA mothers as early identification of these imbalance and treatment can prevent adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Source: UCC
Advertisement Time of Alcohol Beverages and Its Influence on Consumer Behaviour Among Young People

The study investigated the effect of time-based advertisement of alcoholic beverage on the consumer behaviour of young people and was aimed specifically at investigating the effect of time-based advertisement on the attitude towards alcoholic beverage advertisement and brand awareness. Data was sampled from 200 respondents within the age range of twenty and forty-nine years. Using explanatory study design, the study used SPSS version 21 to achieve factor analysis and inferential statistical techniques. The study revealed that the relationship between time-based advertisement and attitude of young people towards alcoholic beverage advertisement is a mixed one depending on the component of attitude under consideration. The study also found that time-based advertisement is inversely related to two dimensions of attitude towards advertisement whilst time based-advertisement was found to be positively related to one dimensions of attitude towards alcoholic beverage advertisement. The study also revealed that time-based advertisement is inversely related to brand image awareness, however, the other dimensions of brand awareness were found to be insignificantly related to time-based advertisement. In relation to the relationship between attitude towards advertisement and brand awareness, the study revealed that some dimensions of purchase intention are positive and significantly related to time-based advertisement whilst other dimensions are not significantly related to time-based advertisement. The study therefore concluded that generally time-based advertisement adversely affect young people’s behaviour towards alcoholic beverage. The study therefore recommends that players in the alcoholic beverage industry must find other means to communicate brand information to young people.

Source: UCC
Advertising and performance of Lacdan Roofing Company, Kumasi

Advertising has become a powerful marketing tool in increasingly competitive business environment. This study explored the effect(s) of advertising strategies on sales performance of Lacdan Roofing Company in Kumasi, Ghana. Three constructs measuring advertising strategies including informative, persuasive and reminder advertisements were employed in this study. There were two objectives of the study. The first objective was to determine the effectiveness of advertising tactics employed by Lacdan Roofing Company. The second objective was to investigate the effect(s) of advertising strategies (constructs) on sales performance. The study employed exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses along with structural equation modeling to evaluate a proposed model for understanding the relationships. The results showed that customer perceives local language advertisements tactics employed by the company as the most effective, while newspaper advertisement in the least effective advertising tactics of Lacdan Roofing Company. Again, the findings indicated that informative advertisements, persuasive advertisements and reminder advertisements have a significant effect on sales performance of Lacdan Roofing Company. The study therefore recommends that Management of Lacdan Roofing Company should develop creative advertisements that are persuasive and informative in order to influence consumers purchase decision, hence to improve sales of the company.

Source: UCC
Adzesaw: A Contemporary Dance Choreography Based on Adzewa Dance Movements

Ghana is gifted with numerous traditional dance forms but unfortunately many of such dance forms are endangered. Some of such dance forms are totally out of the traditional setting or its participation is limited to the aged. The youth who are the transporters of traditional to the future generation, do not take interest in the participation in those traditional dance forms. The reason, I believe, lays in the artistic and aesthetic nature of the dance forms. To rejuvenate these endangered dances for participation of all regardless of age, religious affiliation and social status, one of the main instruments to use to achieve that purpose is choreography. This thesis discusses a contemporary dance choreography Adzesaw, which takes inspiration from Adzewa, a predominantly female music and dance ensemble found among the Fantes along the coast of the Central Region of Ghana. The study critically examines all activities undertaken in the process of choregraphing the dance. These included pre-production, production and post-production stages and the theatrical elements applied. The study further outlines the daily activities of the two Asafo Companies of Winneba during their annual Aboakyer festival. The study employs qualitative research design in its execution and interviews and participant observation as data collection instruments. Data was analyzed through the use of transcription, coding, theme development and interpretation of data. The study engages three concepts as framework. Creative Thinking model as propounded by Webster (1990), ethnography and gender as a guideline for the dance choreography. The study reveals that conversion to Christianity has led to the reduced participation of the youth and some folks in the central coastal of Ghana in Adzewa performance. The prohibition of Christians in participating is linked to the practice of performing libation which is associated with pagan or devil worship. It is worth noting that some churches in Winneba and Apam, who found their members engaging in traditional activities in the community, suspended or placed extreme restrictions on their participation in church services. It is therefore recommended that knowledge and performance of traditional ritual dance be revitalized and integrated into the curriculum of higher learning at specialized institutions. Enhancing capacities to teach such dances and performances within institutions such as the School of Performing Arts at the University of Ghana, Centre for Cultural and African Studies at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, the Department of Music and Dance and the Department of Film and Theatre Studies at the University of Cape Coast, as well as the Department of Theatre Arts and the Department of Music at the University of Education, Winneba, through invitations to traditional performers will be a first step to reviving long lost traditional dance forms and performances. Additionally, new dance repertoires could be added to ensure the sustainability and continuity of Ghanaian traditional dance.

Source: UCC