ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Developmental morphology of Saxicolella amicorum and S. submersa (Podostemaceae: Podostemoideae) from Ghana

Saxicolella (six spp.) is a podostemoid genus occurring in tropical west Africa (Cameroon, Ghana, Nigeria). Taxonomically used characters such as root (with holdfasts), pollen (dyads in many Podostemoideae), capsules (with ribs) and seeds are demonstrated and discussed. This paper deals with the structure and development of two species, which are endemic to rivers in southern Ghana: Saxicolella amicorum J.B.Hall and Saxicolella submersa (J.B.Hall) C.D.KCook & Rutish. (syn. Polypleurum submersum J.B.Hall). Saxicolella amicorum has simple, one-flowered stems up to 3 cm long, whereas S. submersa has branched, many-flowered stems up to 25 cm long. Vegetative shoots can reach 12 cm (S. amicorum) and even 50 cm (S. submersa) in length. The latter species was previously placed in the Asian genus Polypleurum because the long floating axis was misinterpreted as a root which would be typical for Polypleurum. The long floating axis of S. submersa develops exogenous leaves and is actually a stem. Both S. amicorum and S. submersa have various features in common: vegetative parts (roots, stems, leaves) are elongate and very thin (diameter less than 1 mm); prostrate roots are narrow ribbons (twice as wide as thick); endogenous shoots in opposite pairs along the root; leaves usually simple and filiform; leaf bases with two attached ear-like stipules; spathella club-shaped to ellipsoidal; erect flowers with a solitary stamen; ovary ellipsoidal to fusiform, bilocular; capsules nearly isolobous, with three prominent ribs per valve (i.e. eight ribs per capsule including sutural ribs). Evolutionary dynamics of the root structures in African Podostemoideae such as Saxicolella include: formation of green prostrate ribbons as a result of dorsoventral root flattening; reduction of root caps; occurrence of adhesive hairs and exogenous holdfasts which are disk- or finger-like. Structural diversity and developmental patterns in the Ghanaian Saxicolella species are compared with other African Podostemoideae. © 2002 The Linnean Society of London.

Source: UG
Developments in Public Sector Accounting Practices: The Ghanaian Experience

Purpose – This chapter examines developments in public sector accounting practices using evidence from a developing country (Ghana), and explores the motivations for such developments from post-independence to date. This stems from the limited research in public sector accounting particularly on developing countries despite the rich empirical context that they provide for the global research community. Design/methodology/approach – Advocating for institutional theory, data was gathered from multiple sources including interviews, discussions and documents to achieve the above objectives. Findings – Evidence gathered shows gradual shift from cash accounting to accrual accounting practices (modified), including computerization of the entire public sector accounting and reporting processes. Indeed, the World Bank and IMF sponsored reform (PUFMARP) instigated many of the major developments in the public sector accounting practices, including the adoption of accrual accounting and deployment of integrated financial management information system. Research limitations/implications – Findings on developments during the post-colonial period were only based on the analysis of few documentary sources. Originality/value – The study contributes to the limited studies in public sector accounting from developing countries and Africa in particular. It also extends the application of institutional theory in public sector accounting research. Implications – Findings inform practitioners and policy-makers on the context-specific factors worth considering in the adoption of public sector accounting practices.

Source: UG
DFT + U studies of the electronic and optical properties of ReS2 mono-layer doped with lanthanide atoms

The structural, electronic and optical properties of various elements in the lanthanide series as dopant atoms in the triclinic mono-layered rhenium disulphide (ReS2) structure was evaluated using density functional theory with the Hubbard U correction. The Hubbard U correction term was introduced to account for the presence of the electron-electron correlation in the partial filled 4f orbitals of the lanthanide dopant atoms. The calculated lanthanide ion substitutional dopant energies in the ReS2 mono-layer under both the Re-rich and S-rich conditions show that the synthesis of the lanthanide metal doped ReS2 mono-layer is feasible. The pristine ReS2 mono-layer has an electronic band gap of 1.43 eV with a non-magnetic ground state. The introduction of lanthanide atoms (Ce, Pr, Nd, Pm, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er and Tm) with partial filled 4f orbital modifies the ReS2 mono-layer from non-magnetic to magnetic ground state. The La atom without 4f as well as the Yb and Lu atoms with completely filled 4f orbitals retains its non-magnetic ground state. The presence of the lanthanide dopant atoms in the ReS2 mono-layer modifies the electronic ground structure leading to the introduction of defect states within the energy gap and minute changes in their overall density of states profiles. The calculated optical reflectivity spectra and absorption spectra was modified with significant red-shift observed in the absorption spectra as a result of the dopant atoms. These lanthanide doped ReS2 mono-layer could find potential applications in spintronic and optoelectronic devices.

Source: UG
Diabetes and depression comorbidity and socio-economic status in low and middle income countries (LMICs): a mapping of the evidence

Abstract Non-communicable diseases account for more than 50% of deaths in adults aged 15&#8211;59 years in most low income countries. Depression and diabetes carry an enormous public health burden, making the identification of risk factors for these disorders an important strategy. While socio-economic inequalities in chronic diseases and their risk factors have been studied extensively in high-income countries, very few studies have investigated social inequalities in chronic disease risk factors in low or middle-income countries. Documenting chronic disease risk factors is important for understanding disease burdens in poorer countries and for targeting specific populations for the most effective interventions. The aim of this review is to systematically map the evidence for the association of socio-economic status with diabetes and depression comorbidity in low and middle income countries. The objective is to identify whether there is any evidence on the direction of the relationship: do co-morbidities have an impact on socio-economic status or vice versa and whether the prevalence of diabetes combined with depression is associated with socio-economic status factors within the general population. To date no other study has reviewed the evidence for the extent and nature of this relationship. By systematically mapping the evidence in the broader sense we can identify the policy and interventions implications of existing research, highlight the gaps in knowledge and suggest future research. Only 14 studies were found to analyse the associations between depression and diabetes comorbidity and socio-economic status. Studies show some evidence that the occurrence of depression among people with diabetes is associated with lower socio-economic status. The small evidence base that considers diabetes and depression in low and middle income countries is out of step with the scale of the burden of disease.

Source: UG
Diabetic patients' response to oral administration of aqueous extract of indigofera arrecta

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
Diagnosing Ethiopia’s Tigray War: Reverberations in the Horn of Africa

The flare-up of hostilities in Ethiopia’s Tigray district in November 2020 is simply the aftereffect of a forced battle between so-called reformist Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s central government and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF). This previous revolutionary development ruled Ethiopian legislative issues for over 25 years before Abiy’s rise to control of power in 2018. Numerous Ethiopians con sidered the TPLF’s rule authoritative, and misconducts executed under its authority stirred up scorn in several groups. The fight additionally displays ethnic strains in the country, which have been exacerbated as of late as the nation goes through political and financial modifications. The advancing battle has effectively brought about outrage, expanded the flow of refugees, and stressed territorial relations. This research article provides an account of the origins of the TPLF and the Tigrayans, Eritrea’s involve ment in the conflict, the sources of tension, and the paths to war. Finally, the repercus sions of Ethiopia’s Tigray conflict and its corollaries on the Horn of Africa. Specifically, the article draws on the Protracted Social Conflict Theory to explain Ethiopia’s Tigray conflict. The answer stipulates a hint at addressing the current problem.

Source: UG
Diagnosing constraints to market participation of small ruminant producers in northern Ghana: An innovation systems analysis

This paper assesses why participation in markets for small ruminants is relatively low in northern Ghana by analysing the technical and institutional constraints to innovation in smallholder small ruminant production and marketing in Lawra and Nadowli Districts. The results show that the limitations experienced by smallholders, i.e., water shortages during the dry season, high mortality and theft of livestock, persist because of institutional constraints. These include structural limitations related to availability of arable lands, weak support systems for animal production and health services delivery, community values that are skewed towards crop production more than animal husbandry, ineffective traditional and formal structures for justice delivery, and gaps in the interaction between communities and district and national level organizations such as the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, district assemblies, rural banks, and non-governmental organizations as well as traders and butchers. Confronted with such constraints, the strategies that most smallholders have adopted to be resilient entail diversified sources of livelihood, low input use in small ruminant production, and maintaining the herd as a capital stock and insurance. Only a few smallholders (i.e., ‘positive deviants’) engage in market or demand-driven production or exhibit successful strategies in small ruminant husbandry. It is argued in this paper that for the majority of smallholders, market production, which requires high levels of external inputs or intensification of resource use, is not a viable option. The main implications of the study are (1) that other institutional constraints than market access constraints should be addressed, (2) that commercial livestock production should not be idealized as the best or only option (as is being done in many contemporary interventions that aim at incorporating smallholders into commodity value chains), and (3) that different types of small ruminant system innovation pathways should be explored by making use of local positive deviants.

Source: UG
Diagnosing the scope for innovation: Linking smallholder practices and institutional context: Introduction to the special issue

The article introduces the diagnostic studies reported in this special issue and prepares the reader for understanding their full portent, not only as stand-alone articles but also as an expression of a research programme with a common purpose and scientific objective. As such, the article introduces the focus of the CoS-SIS programme on the nexus between farmer practices and institutional context, and primes the reader on the special challenges posed by diagnosis of this nexus. The diagnostic studies scoped the landscape and the regime but mainly as these might impact the niche. What is reported is 'the view from the niche'. The article explains the structure of the research programme and the role of the PhD researchers in it. It further describes a number of methodological issues common to all. © 2012 Royal Netherlands Society for Agricultural Sciences.

Source: UG
Diagnosis of dual human immunodeficiency virus types 1 and 2 infections in a resource-limited setting.

Background: The presence of dual HlV-l/HIV-2 infection in Ghana and the different drug requirements for the treatment of HlV-1 and HIV-2 presents difficulties for the treatment of dual infections with both viruses. Objectives: To determine the prevalence of the dual sero-positive profile in treatment naive patients at a principal ART Clinic in Accra, Ghana and to investigate if rapid screening assays could be useful for diagnosis. Design: A cross-sectional study. Setting: A principal antiretroviral treatment centre in Accra, Ghana. Subjects: Three hundred and twenty eight antiretroviral treatment naive patients. Results: A total of 12 (3.7%) of patients seen were dual seropositive. There was a slight tendency of dual seropositive females being older than their HIV-l counterparts (p=0.088, CI=-l 0.833 to 0.753). Eight of the 12 of the dual seropositives were reactive for Genie II and were considered as possibly infected with both HIV-I and HIV-2. Seven (87.5%) of Genie II dual seropositives had strong intensities (> 1+) on both HIV-2 specific bands (sgp105 and gp36) on Innolia. CD4 counts were not significantly different in dual seropositives as compared to HIV-1 infected patients. Conclusions: Dual HIV-l/HIV-2 seropositives (and possibly infections) may be common especially in older women. The Genie II will be useful as a supplemental rapid test for rapid and accurate differentiation of HIV-l and HIV-2 antibodies at treatment centres.

Source: UG
Diagnosis of mycobacterium ulcerans infection (buruli ulcer) at a treatment centre in Ghana: A retrospective analysis of laboratory results of clinically diagnosed cases

The Bacteriology Department aims to improve the quality of life first for Ghanaians and the world at large by conducting research into bacterial diseases of public health importance to Ghana and globally. In addition to working on enteric pathogens and sexually transmitted diseases, the department’s current main focus is on the two most important mycobacterial diseases of public health importance to Ghana, namely Buruli ulcer (BU) and tuberculosis (TB).

Source: UG
Diagnosis of O. volvulus infection via skin exposure to diethylcarbamazine: Clinical evaluation of a transdermal delivery technology-based patch

Background Elimination of onchocerciasis in Africa is now regarded as an achievable goal in many areas. This makes monitoring changes in infection prevalence a key component of control programmes. Monitoring is currently based on determining the presence of O. volvulus microfilariae in skin snips, an invasive, labour-intensive method. The Onchocerciasis Control Programme (OCP) had established procedures to detect O. volvulus infections via the localized skin reaction induced by killing of microfilariae upon skin exposure to diethylcarbamazine via a patch (OCP-patch). Large scale OCP - patch use is difficult due to labour-intensive patch preparation. At the request of TDR, a manufacturer specialized in transdermal-delivery systems developed a ready-to-use diethylcarbamazine (DEC) containing patch (LTS-2 patch). To qualify this patch for large scale studies of its sensitivity and specificity, this study evaluated its ease of application, ability to detect infection and DEC exposure related adverse reactions compared to the OCP-patch in 30 infected individuals. Go to: Methods Each participant with 0.2–36.8 O. volvulus microfilariae/mg skin received the OCP-patch and 4 days later the LTS-2 patch at the left and right iliac crest, respectively, for 24 h. Presence and characteristics of local skin reactions were assessed at patch removal and 6 h later. Skin reaction and Mazzotti reaction rates were compared with Fisher’s exact and a paired t-test, respectively. Go to: Results The LTS-2 patch could be applied within 10 s. Mild itching occured at 63.3 % of OCP-patch (duration 8.9 ± 11.8 h) and 26.7 % of LTS-2 patch sites (duration 1.0 ± 2.5 h) and was the most frequent Mazzotti reaction. At patch removal after 24 h, a diagnostic local skin reaction was present under 90 % of OCP-patches and 83 % of LTS-2 patches; 6 h later, it was present at 93 % of OCP-patch and 100 % of LTS-2 patch sites. Go to: Conclusions The data suggest that safety, tolerability and ability to detect infections of the LTS-2 patch are comparable to those of the OCP-patch. They qualify the LTS-2 patch for field studies to determine LTS-2 patch sensitivity, specificity and utility during large scale use and thus to inform use of the LTS-2 patch by onchocerciasis control programmes to determine prevalence of infection.

Source: UG
Diagnosis of Tuberculosis among COVID-19 Suspected Cases in Ghana

The Bacteriology Department aims to improve the quality of life first for Ghanaians and the world at large by conducting research into bacterial diseases of public health importance to Ghana and globally. In addition to working on enteric pathogens and sexually transmitted diseases, the department’s current main focus is on the two most important mycobacterial diseases of public health importance to Ghana, namely Buruli ulcer (BU) and tuberculosis (TB).

Source: UG
Diagnosis of Tuberculosis in Ghana: The Role of Laboratory Training

The Bacteriology Department aims to improve the quality of life first for Ghanaians and the world at large by conducting research into bacterial diseases of public health importance to Ghana and globally. In addition to working on enteric pathogens and sexually transmitted diseases, the department’s current main focus is on the two most important mycobacterial diseases of public health importance to Ghana, namely Buruli ulcer (BU) and tuberculosis (TB).

Source: UG
Diagnosis patterns of sickle cell disease in Ghana: a secondary analysis

Background: Despite having the highest prevalence of sickle cell disease (SCD) in the world, no country in Sub Saharan Africa has a universal screening program for the disease. We sought to capture the diagnosis patterns of SCD (age at SCD diagnosis, method of SCD diagnosis, and age of first pain crisis) in Accra, Ghana. Methods: We administered an in-person, voluntary survey to parents of offspring with SCD between 2009 and 2013 in Accra as a part of a larger study and conducted a secondary data analysis to determine diagnosis patterns. This was conducted at a single site: a large academic medical center in the region. Univariate analyses were performed on diagnosis patterns; bivariate analyses were conducted to determine whether patterns differed by participant’s age (children: those < 18 years old whose parents completed a survey about them, compared to adults: those > = 18 years old whose parents completed a survey about them), or their disease severity based on SCD genotype. Pearson’s chi-squared were calculated. Results: Data was collected on 354 unique participants from parents. Few were diagnosed via SCD testing in the newborn period. Only 44% were diagnosed with SCD by age four; 46% had experienced a pain crisis by the same age. Most (66%) were diagnosed during pain crisis, either in acute (49%) or primary care (17%) settings. Children were diagnosed with SCD at an earlier age (74% by four years old); among the adults, parents reflected that 30% were diagnosed by four years old (p < 0.001). Half with severe forms of SCD were diagnosed by age four, compared to 31% with mild forms of the disease (p = 0.009). Conclusions: The lack of a robust newborn screening program for SCD in Accra, Ghana, leaves children at risk for disease complications and death. People in our sample were diagnosed with SCD in the acute care setting, and in their toddler or school-age years or thereafter, meaning they are likely being excluded from important preventive care. Understanding current SCD diagnosis patterns in the region can inform efforts to improve the timeliness of SCD diagnosis, and improve the mortality and morbidity caused by the disease in this high prevalence population.

Source: UG
Diagnostic accuracy of the rapid urine lipoarabinomannan test for pulmonary tuberculosis among HIV-infected adults in Ghana-findings from the DETECT HIV-TB study

Background: Rapid diagnostic tests are urgently needed to mitigate HIV-associated tuberculosis (TB) mortality. We evaluated diagnostic accuracy of the rapid urine lipoarabinomannan (LAM) test for pulmonary TB and assessed the effect of a two-sample strategy. Methods: HIV-infected adults eligible for antiretroviral therapy were prospectively enrolled from Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital in Ghana and followed for minimum 6 months. We applied the LAM test on urine collected as a spot and early morning sample. Diagnostic accuracy was analysed for a microbiological TB reference standard based on sputum culture and Gene Xpert MTB/RIF results and for a composite reference standard including clinical follow-up data. Performance of sputum smear microscopy was included for comparison. Results: Of 469 patients investigated for TB, the LAM test correctly identified 24/55 (44 %) of microbiologically confirmed TB cases. Sensitivity of the LAM test was positively associated with hospitalisation (67 %), Modified Early Warning Score > 4 (57 %) and subsequent death (71 %). LAM test specificity was 95 % increasing to 98 % for the composite reference standard. A two-sample LAM test strategy did not improve test performance. Using concentrated sputum for Ziehl-Neelsen and fluorescence microscopy in combination yielded a sensitivity of 31/55 (56 %) that increased to 35/55 (64 %) when the LAM test was added. Surprisingly, nontuberculous mycobacteria were cultured in 34/469 (7 %) and associated with a positive LAM test (p = 0.008). Conclusions: LAM test sensitivity was highest in patients with poor prognosis and subsequent death and did not increase with a two-sample strategy. A rigorous sputum microscopy strategy had superior sensitivity, but the simplicity of the LAM test holds operational possibilities as a TB screening method among severely sick patients.

Source: UG
Diagnostic accuracy of the rapid urine lipoarabinomannan test for pulmonary tuberculosis among HIV-infected adults in Ghana–findings from the DETECT HIV-TB study

The Bacteriology Department aims to improve the quality of life first for Ghanaians and the world at large by conducting research into bacterial diseases of public health importance to Ghana and globally. In addition to working on enteric pathogens and sexually transmitted diseases, the department’s current main focus is on the two most important mycobacterial diseases of public health importance to Ghana, namely Buruli ulcer (BU) and tuberculosis (TB).

Source: UG
Diagnostic accuracy of urine filtration and dipstick tests for Schistosoma haematobium infection in a lightly infected population of Ghanaian schoolchildren

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