ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Re-assessment of selected Baby-Friendly maternity facilities in Accra, Ghana

Abstract Background The Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) has been implemented in Ghana since 1995. At the end of 2011, about 325 maternity facilities in Ghana had been designated Baby Friendly. However, none had been re-assessed for adherence to the Ten Steps to successful breastfeeding (Ten Steps). The current study re-assessed six maternity facilities in Accra for adherence to the Ten Steps and the International Code of Marketing of breast milk substitutes (the Code). Methods Three independent assessors performed the re-assessment using the revised WHO/UNICEF external re-assessment tool (ERT) between April and June, 2011. All sections of the ERT were implemented, except for the HIV/infant feeding section. Assessors interviewed 90 clinical staff of the facilities, 60 pregnant women, and 150 women who had given birth and waiting to be discharged from the hospital. Additionally, observations were completed on neonate feeding and compliance with the Code. Data was analyzed to assess adherence to the Ten Steps and the Code. Results In 2010, the six facilities recorded a total of 26,339 deliveries. At discharge, the weighted exclusive breastfeeding rate was 93.8%. None of the facilities adhered completely to the Ten Steps. Overall, the rate of adherence to the Ten Steps was 42% (range&#8201;=&#8201;30 - 70%). No facility met the criteria for Steps One and Two. Only Step Seven was adhered to by all facilities. Overall compliance with the Code was about 54%. Trained staff attrition, high client-staff ratios, inadequate in-service training for new staff, and inadequate support for regional and national program monitoring were identified as barriers to adherence. Conclusion Poor adherence to Baby-Friendly practices in designated BFHI facilities was observed in urban Accra. Renewed efforts to support monitoring of designated facilities is recommended.

Source: UG
Re-assessment of selected Baby-Friendly maternity facilities in Accra, Ghana

Background: The Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) has been implemented in Ghana since 1995. At the end of 2011, about 325 maternity facilities in Ghana had been designated Baby Friendly. However, none had been re-assessed for adherence to the Ten Steps to successful breastfeeding (Ten Steps). The current study re-assessed six maternity facilities in Accra for adherence to the Ten Steps and the International Code of Marketing of breast milk substitutes (the Code).Methods: Three independent assessors performed the re-assessment using the revised WHO/UNICEF external re-assessment tool (ERT) between April and June, 2011. All sections of the ERT were implemented, except for the HIV/infant feeding section. Assessors interviewed 90 clinical staff of the facilities, 60 pregnant women, and 150 women who had given birth and waiting to be discharged from the hospital. Additionally, observations were completed on neonate feeding and compliance with the Code. Data was analyzed to assess adherence to the Ten Steps and the Code.Results: In 2010, the six facilities recorded a total of 26,339 deliveries. At discharge, the weighted exclusive breastfeeding rate was 93.8%. None of the facilities adhered completely to the Ten Steps. Overall, the rate of adherence to the Ten Steps was 42% (range = 30 - 70%). No facility met the criteria for Steps One and Two. Only Step Seven was adhered to by all facilities. Overall compliance with the Code was about 54%. Trained staff attrition, high client-staff ratios, inadequate in-service training for new staff, and inadequate support for regional and national program monitoring were identified as barriers to adherence.Conclusion: Poor adherence to Baby-Friendly practices in designated BFHI facilities was observed in urban Accra. Renewed efforts to support monitoring of designated facilities is recommended. © 2013 Aryeetey and Antwi; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.

Source: UG
Re-Creating The Academic Library Space In Digital Learning Environments

Abstract Academic libraries have long been an important part of learning experiences in higher education and are not excluded from the threat of technology. Therefore, library management must be more strategic by aligning with the new teaching and learning preference styles. Following the use of an interview schedule and questionnaire for primary data collection, the Case study explores academic libraries’ buildings and spaces to better aligned with the current academic needs of users in higher learning institutions. Our findings show that university libraries repurpose their library spaces to provide electronic-based information and learning resources, information technologies, working environments for different types of learning, digital reference services, information literacy skills, library services and resources at any time. In conclusion, the academic needs of users could be re-examined based on the hierarchy of user needs. Our paper recommends libraries recreate library spaces and library services to accommodate academic needs as well as discover new ways to approach users. Keywords: academic library, learning spaces, digital age, recreating, inclusive library, Ghana.

Source: UG
Re-evaluating the cost and cost-effectiveness of rotavirus vaccination in Bangladesh, Ghana, and Malawi: A comparison of three rotavirus vaccines

Introduction Diarrhea is a leading cause of mortality worldwide and rotavirus accounts for many of these deaths. As of August 2018, 96 countries have introduced rotavirus vaccines into their immunization programs. Two rotavirus vaccines, Rotarix® and RotaTeq®, have been WHO-prequalified since 2009, with Rotarix® being the preferred product of most Gavi-supported countries. ROTAVAC® and ROTASIIL® have both been prequalified recently. Materials and methods We reevaluated the costs and cost-effectiveness of rotavirus vaccination in Bangladesh, Ghana, and Malawi and compared Rotarix®, ROTAVAC®, and ROTASIIL® in each country. For consistency with previously published analyses in these countries, we used the same Excel-based cohort model and much of the same data as the original analyses. We varied the expected price (with and without Gavi subsidy), wastage, and incremental health system costs associated with each vaccine. We assumed the same efficacy and waning assumptions following administration of two or three doses for the respective product. Results The discounted cost per DALY averted compared to no vaccination ranged from 0.3 to 1.3 times GNI per capita for each vaccine. With the Gavi subsidy, the average cost-effectiveness ratios were below 0.3 times GNI per capita in all three countries. Though critical empirical cost data are not yet available, Rotarix® is the least costly and most cost-effective product in the countries examined in this modelling study. However, small decreases in the incremental health system cost for other products could result in cost and cost-effectiveness outcomes that match or surpass those of Rotarix®. Conclusion Countries may wish to consider new rotavirus vaccines entering the market. Countries should carefully examine multiple product attributes including price and the incremental health system costs associated with each vaccine. These costs will vary by country and may be a defining factor in determining the least costly and most cost-effective product for the population.

Source: UG
Re-examining the financial development and openness nexus: A nonparametric evidence for developing countries

This paper re-examines the nexus between financial development and openness in developing countries. Specifically, we test whether both financial and trade openness explain financial development and its variations across 44 developing economies. Questioning the functional specifications in previous studies, we propose a fully nonparametric modelling approach to validate the simultaneous openness hypothesis. Our findings from the parametric approach suggest that both openness dimensions positively impact financial development, providing a loose support for the simultaneous openness hypothesis. The results based on the nonparametric approach suggest a negative effect of closed economies (economies with relatively closed trade and capital accounts) on financial development, supporting the strong version of the simultaneous openness hypothesis. Correct model specification test results support the nonparametric model relative to the parametric model as appropriate for the sampled data. Our conclusion is therefore based on the nonparametric finding, which supports the simultaneous openness hypothesis for the selected developing countries.

Source: UG
Re-examining the fluctuations in language in-education policies in post-independence Ghana

Abstract Language- in- education policy in Ghana has been in a flux since British colonial rule but particularly so after independence. A close examination of post independence language in education policies shows these fluctuating policies have moved from one form of bilingual education policy to another. Many tensions and paradoxes that arise from bilingual education policies in multi-ethnic/multilingual communities stem from a conflict between policy decisions that are rooted in a particular linguistic tradition and the sociolinguistic realities such policies are to address. In this article, I present a brief historical account of the developments of language policy in education in Ghana since independence and argue that while the flux may have been caused in part by instability in government leadership, it may have also occurred as a result of possible tensions between the set objectives and the implementation of such policies, i.e. that the policies may have been based on assumptions that do not reflect the sociolinguistic practices in Ghana.

Source: UG
Re-Framing Ghana-Korea People to People Solidarity

Movements of people between Africa and Asia have exponentially increased beyond diplomatic exchanges and development aid under neo-liberal globalisation. Similarly, Ghana-Korea encounters have expanded to people-to-people engagement, including sports and entertainment in recent years. This chapter explores new forms of people-to-people exchanges that go beyond ‘Ghana as the football nation’ and ‘Korea as the Samsung Republic’. The focus is to explore innovative ways of bridging cultures and transcending boundaries. This paper relies on primary data (participation observation, interviews) and secondary data (published academic, government and ephemeral material) to highlight new areas of collaboration, ranging from commerce and investment, academic exchanges, collaboration in art and cultural endeavours, and the merging of these areas in a mutually beneficial way. Korea can learn from Ghana’s cultural diversity and tolerance; Ghana can benefit from Korea’s success in turning its art and cultural industries into an important export. In considering new forms of Ghanaian-Korean cooperation that transcends the traditional paradigm, starting from the grassroots, critical perspectives and approaches are examined for building a sustainable partnership based on mutual respect and understanding.

Source: UG
Re-inventing traditional land tenure in the era of land commoditization: Some consequences in periurban northern ghana

In northern Ghana periurban areas are encroaching on rural areas and agricultural land ends up being sold for residential purposes mainly by chiefs and "earth" priests. The changing customary land tenure systems have generated a state of uncertainty and tension as the title and responsibilities of titleholders are subject to the interpretation by those who administer custom. Increasing commodification is taking place that benefits an emerging political-traditional and economic elite. The centralized systems restrict the benefits of the commoditization process mainly to chiefs and their collaborators, whiles acephalous systems allow more space for objections and struggles by those whose land is expropriated. Neoliberal development policies have shaped the commodification of land and entrenched existing socio-economic inequalities that marginalize the poor who are unable to seize the opportunities of the emerging urban economy. © 2012 Swedish Society for Anthropology and Geography.

Source: UG
Re-Positioning University Libraries for Relevance in a Dynamic Learning Environment

During the COVID-19 pandemic, university libraries are characterised as highly responsive and receptive to technological innovation, and emergent teaching and learning paradigms in the educational landscape. The exploratory design was adopted to gain insight from library leaders/directors in Ghana. A purposive sampling method was used to sample library directors from four universities in Ghana. Our paper found that libraries in Ghana provide virtual services including libguides, e-resources, online chat systems, etc. to support the changing user needs in the information environment. However, major innovations instituted during the pandemic are discovery services, web 3.0-based, multimedia technology services and research data management. Our paper revealed that, major shifts in pedagogy and technology have occurred in education, demanding effective communication, collaboration, and teamwork by library staff in meeting universities' teaching, learning, and research mandate. Consequently, providing innovative library services and facilities aligned with university pedagogy must be strongly emphasised by the library leaders.

Source: UG
Re-refining and recycling of used lubricating oil: An option for foreign exchange and natural resource conservation in Ghana

The paper reviews the re-refining of used automotive engine lubricating oils to obtain lube stock with the right characteristics and additives' response suitable for blending automotive engine lubricating oil. The caustic treatment and subsequent vacuum distillation method for re-refining of used automotive gasoline engine lubricating oils was used in this investigation. A lube stock with the appropriate properties and characteristics including additive response for the formulation of SAE 40 grade lubricating oil suitable for an automotive gasoline engine was obtained from a blend of rerefined used lubricating oil and virgin bright lube stock in the ratio 3:1. The lube stock had a viscosity index (VI) of 105. © 2006-2015 Asian Research Publishing Network (ARPN).

Source: UG
Re-Thinking “Non-Response” To Wasting Treatment: Exploratory Analysis From 14 Studies.

Children who receive therapeutic feeding for wasting treatment but do not reach the anthropometric definitions of recovery (usually within 12–16 weeks) are categorised as ‘non-responders’ and considered as treatment failures. We conducted a pooled analysis to explore the growth trajectories of non-responders and the appropriateness of the definition of ‘non-response’. We pooled 14 studies of children aged 6–59 months receiving treatment for wasting. We included children classified by their studies as recovered or as non-responders. Observing the pooled data of non-responders’ mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC), weight, weight-for-age z-score, weight-for-height z-score and daily weight gain rate, we found that the first quartile differentiated those who did not grow at all versus those that demonstrated some growth. We therefore defined ‘low growth non-responders’ as < 25th percentile anthropometric gain between admission and exit using the non-responders’ pooled study data, and ‘high growth non-responders’ as ≥ 25th percentile gain. We plotted the growth trajectories of MUAC-, weight- and height-related indices of the recovered, high growth and low growth non-responder groups over time using mixed effects generalised additive models. We compared age, sex and anthropometric characteristics of the three groups and explored predictors of non-response category using a multivariate multinomial logistic regression model. For all outcomes, the high-growth non-responders started with a worse anthropometric status compared to those who recovered, but then tracked along a near-parallel growth trajectory. The low-growth non-responders showed limited growth throughout treatment. High growth non-responders are better viewed as ‘delayed responders’ and may need to be kept longer under treatment to recover and reduce the risks from early discharge. Low growth non-responders are the true treatment failures and should be referred for further investigations as quickly as possible. In conclusion, non-responders are not a homogenous group; ~75% of them respond well to treatment and ~25% are treatment failures.

Source: UG
Re-thinking relationships between environmental attitudes and values for effective coastal natural resource management in Ghana

The coastal zone of Ghana is home to about a quarter of the total population of the country and its importance has been well emphasised in policy documents, such as the Ghana Shared Growth and Development Agenda, the National Climate Change Policy as well as the National Environmental Policy. However, environmental degradation remains a critical issue as dependence on coastal natural resources continues to increase, and its effect is being felt more strongly by certain groups than others. This paper identiﬁes women as key stakeholders, and through an empirical assessment highlights the need to factor their environmental attitudes and values into efforts to manage the coast in an integrated manner. The results show that respondents generally had positive environmental attitudes, which did not translate to good environmental behaviour. Respondents placed the greatest importance on the coastal natural resources as sources of wealth creation and of food, values which are often described as being “anthropocentric”. Hence, initiatives that could win the support of the local people and also help manage coastal resources effectively are those that link the livelihoods and well-being to coastal natural resource management.

Source: UG
Re-viewing Studies on Africa, #Black Lives Matter, and Envisioning the Future of African Studies

This article considers what African Studies needs to look like in order for it to retain its disciplinary relevance for the next generation and in the larger context of the Black Lives movement globally. It asks questions about where we have come from in terms of race consciousness in our discipline and why this issue matters today. It begins by tracing the development of African Studies’ epistemic journey, and follows this with an examination of the recent Black student movements in South Africa and the U.S. It concludes by suggesting where we should be going.

Source: UG
Re: Neuro-ophthalmic and clinical characteristics of brain tumours in a tertiary hospital in Ghana

The tumour frequencies quoted in the article are markedly different from prior reports published from Ghana. The prior published reports put Astrocytoma at 42%; meningioma 19% and pituitary adenoma at 11%.1 This poses a severe limitation on the article's results and conclusions that pituitary adenoma and meningioma are the commonest brain tumours as less than 50% of the pituitary adenomas and only 30% of the meningiomas were confirmed histologically. The article states that only 13 out of a total of 36 brain tumours that presented at the tertiary centre that has a dedicated neurosurgical department (and a training program for neurosurgical residents) were operated on during a 12 month period. It is stated that only 13 of the patients could afford surgery.

Source: UG
Reaching Adolescents With Health Services: Systematic Development Of An Adolescent Health Check-Ups And Wellbeing Programme In Ghana (Y-Check, Ghana).

Background Routine health check-ups may improve adolescent health, but global guidelines are lacking. Phase 1 of the WHO-coordinated Y-Check Research Programme involved three African cit ies to co-produce a programme of adolescent health check-ups. We describe a systematic approach to developing a routine adolescent health check-ups and wellbeing programme (Y-Check) to contribute evidence on whether adolescent health check-ups should be part of routine health services in Ghana. Methods Y-Check Phase 1 was conducted in four communities in Cape Coast Ghana, over two stages using a variety of methods: (a) needs assessment and landscape analysis on the health of adolescents (existing policies/programmes, school system, adolescent health con ditions) was conducted through desk-review and interviews with key informants to identify the potential content, delivery strategy and settings for adolescent health check-ups in this context; (b) co-designing the Y-Check intervention framework through person-centred par ticipatory workshops and a consensus-building workshop with multiple stakeholders, includ ing adolescents (10–19 years) and their parents. The study was conducted between January 2020 and October 2020. Results The Y-Check intervention consists of two check-ups with content that is tailored to the needs of younger adolescents and older adolescents; delivered at both school and community settings by a team of trained staff in multiple steps involving up to four stations. Y-Check includes a referral system for adolescents with any problems that cannot be investigated or treated on-the-spot. Conclusions Our systematic approach to co-producing Y-Check has resulted in an intervention whose content and structure is determined by the local context, and which was adjudged by multi ple stakeholders to be likely to be both useful and acceptable, and which builds on best prac tice. As a logical next step, the Y-Check will be subjected to pilot testing and implementation research to rigorously evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, coverage, yield of previously undiagnosed conditions and cost of these health check-ups.

Source: UG
Reaching every child with rotavirus vaccine: Report from the 10th African rotavirus symposium held in Bamako, Mali

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
Reaching for the “Cloud”: The Case of an SME in a Developing Economy

Cloud computing adoption and utilization is gaining prominence in most developing countries. Its adoption is influenced by several factors, which can constitute a limitation rather than an advantage for firms. This research, therefore, explored the issues surrounding the adoption of cloud computing by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in a developing economy. An SME operating in Ghana for over five years was purposively selected as the case for the study. Technology-organization environment (TOE) framework served as a guiding lens. Interviews were held with selected staff of the case firm. Data were analyzed using the Miles and Huberman’s transcendental realism technique. It was discovered that the motivation for cloud computing adoption is the possibility of getting a state of-the-art IT infrastructure at the lowest cost possible. The study presents the factors that influenced cloud computing adoption in the SME. The study contributes to improving the present understanding of cloud computing as an SME’s strategic tool for operating within a developing economy.

Source: UG