ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Electronic waste is a mess: awareness and pro environmental behavior among university students in Ghana

E-waste contains hazardous chemicals and materials that threaten the environment and human health, when improperly disposed. This study examined levels of awareness of e-waste disposal among university students in Ghana, and their pro environmental decision-making using two outcome variables: knowledge on environmental impact and policy issues (EIPI) and environmental behavior and sustainability (EBS). Reliability estimates (Cronbach’s alpha) for the two outcomes variables were 0.91 and 0.72, respectively. Exploratory and conﬁrmatory factor analyses were used to explore and determine the underlying factor structure for the latent constructs employed as dependent variables; and to verify the factor structure while testing the relationships between observed indicators and their underlying latent constructs. Ordinary Least Square techniques were then used to examine the effects of theoretically relevant covariates on the selected dependent variables. Results indicate satisfactory model adequacy, (χ2 =33.59, df=29; p < 0.255; RMSEA=0.01). Awareness of e-waste among the students was generally low. Students’ awareness of e-waste contamination of air and soil (effects) was higher than their awareness of acceptable e-waste practices (change strategies) or environmental policy (vision). Gender and level of study were both positively related to environmental behavior and sustainability (EBS). Compared to females, males scored higher (b=0.192) on EBS. Students in the lower levels of their university education scored higher (b=0.256) on EBS, compared to those in upper years of university. Also, students in the lower levels of university scored higher on knowledge of environmental impact and policy (b=.0175), compared to those in upper years of university

Source: UCC
Electronic Waste is a Mess: Awareness and Pro environmental Behavior Among University Students in Ghana

E-waste contains hazardous chemicals and materials that threaten the environment and human health, when improperly disposed. This study examined levels of awareness of e-waste disposal among university students in Ghana, and their proenvironmental decision-making using two outcome variables: knowledge on environmental impact and policy issues (EIPI) and environmental behavior and sustainability (EBS). Reliability estimates (Cronbach’s alpha) for the two outcomes variables were 0.91 and 0.72, respectively. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were used to explore and determine the underlying factor structure for the latent constructs employed as dependent variables; and to verify the factor structure while testing the relationships between observed indicators and their underlying latent constructs. Ordinary Least Square techniques were then used to examine the effects of theoretically relevant covariates on the selected dependent variables. Results indicate satisfactory model adequacy, (χ2 = 33.59, df = 29; p < 0.255; RMSEA = 0.01). Awareness of e-waste among the students was generally low. Students’ awareness of e-waste contamination of air and soil (effects) was higher than their awareness of acceptable e-waste practices (change strategies) or environmental policy (vision). Gender and level of study were both positively related to environmental behavior and sustainability (EBS). Compared to females, males scored higher (b = 0.192) on EBS. Students in the lower levels of their university education scored higher (b = 0.256) on EBS, compared to those in upper years of university. Also, students in the lower levels of university scored higher on knowledge of environmental impact and policy (b = .0175), compared to those in upper years of university

Source: UCC
Electrophoretic mobility of some tropical soil clays: effect of iron oxides and organic matter

Ž. The effect of organic matter and iron oxides on the electrophoretic mobility EM behavior of some colloidal clay fractions of some tropical soils was studied. The clays from the A-horizon of Ž. the soils were treated to remove organic matter oxidation by Na hypochlorite treatment, Ž . Ž ferrihydrite by acid ammonium oxalate and better crystalline iron oxides reductive dissolution. by dithionite–citrate–bicarbonate treatment. Organic matter and iron oxides particularly better crystalline ones contributed to the pH-dependent charge. The removal of organic matter resulted in Ž. an increase in the EM and isoelectric point iep. Defer ration decreased both the EM and iep of the soil clays. Increase in pH resulted in negative EM while salt concentration did not have consistent effect on the EM and iep values. q1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved

Source: UCC
Electrospun polyacrylic acid polymer fibers functionalized with metallophthalocyanines for photosensitizing and gas sensing applications

The photophysical and photochemical properties of tetraaminophthalocyanine complexes of lutetium and zinc covalently linked to polyacrylic acid were studied alongside those of unsubstituted zinc phthalocyanine within the same polymeric fiber matrix. All three phthalocyanines within the solid fber matrices showed photoactivity by the generation of singlet oxygen as was observed in solution. The fluorescence behaviors of the composite fbers equally parallel those in solution. For the unsubstituted zinc phthalocyanine composite, the fiber showed fluorescence quenching on interaction with gaseous nitrogen dioxide similar to that in DMF and, thus could be a promising nanofabric material in developing optoelectronic devices that are responsive to the gas

Source: UCC
Elements of Folklore in Efua Sutherland’s Plays: The Marriage of Anansewa and Edufa

Oral literature in Africa began with the study of folklore (Finnegan, 1970). Folklore as a field of study covers many areas including Geography, Anthropology, History and Literature. Folklore as an important aspect of literature is not only spoken but also written and thus, reflects in literary works of African writers in general. It is perceived also as one of the best ways of passing a living culture or tradition onto future generations. In view of this, this thesis set out to examine the elements of folklore in Sutherland’s two texts: The Marriage of Anansewa and Edufa through the New Historicism theory. The specific objectives of this study were to identify the folkloric elements in The Marriage of Anansewa and Edufa and explore the literary and didactic effects of these folkloric elements in the two texts. Data was collected from two sources: primary and secondary sources. After a thorough reading of the two drama texts, the major folkloric elements identified and discussed were marriage, songs and the use of supernatural. The analysis revealed that the folkloric elements employed in the texts are not just for aesthetic purposes, but they also have didactic functions. Some other functions include the development of plot, creating comic relief and revealing other practices in the Akan culture, specifically Fante. The study provides insight into the folkloric elements in the Akan culture, specifically, the Fante culture, in relation to the two texts: The Marriage of Anansewa and Edufa.

Source: UCC
Elephant grass (pennisetum purpureum): a potential source of biomass for power generation in Ghana

The Government of Ghana has introduced into its energy mix many thermal generation plants, which utilize natural gas and light crude oil to augment the electric power need of the country. However, these come with high fueling cost and frequent interruption in the supply chain. One area which has not been explored is the use of biomass for electrical power generation. Pennisetum purpureum K. Schumach grows in the wild as grass in the dry semideciduous forest zone and the distributional range covers an area of approximately 2.1 million hectares. The grass has potential as a biofuel feedstock for power generation. This paper gives an overview of the potential use of pennisetum purpureum as a cheap and readily available source of biomass or biofuel for electric power generation in Ghana

Source: UCC
Elevated adiponectin but varied response in circulating leptin levels to falciparum malaria in type 2 diabetics and non-diabetic controls

Background: To investigate effects of falciparum malaria on circulating levels of leptin and adiponectin in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and non-diabetic controls in relation to measures of adiposity. Methods: Levels of leptin and adiponectin were measured in 100 type 2 diabetics and 100 age-matched controls before and during falciparum malaria in a 2-year prospective study. Also, waist circumference (WC), weight, height and hip circumference were measured. Body mass index (BMI) and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) were computed. Results: At baseline, diabetics had significantly (p < 0.05) higher WC and BMI but lower WHR, leptin and adiponectin levels. Baseline leptin correlated positively with WC (r = 0.633; p < 0.001) and BMI (r = 0.63; p < 0.001) in diabetics but only BMI (0.562; p < 0.001) in non-diabetic controls. Baseline leptin and adiponectin correlated positively (r = 0.249; p = 0.029) in non-diabetic respondents only. Adiponectin correlated negatively with WC (r = -0.58; p = 0.006) in diabetic males only. During malaria, mean levels of leptin and adiponectin were comparable (p > 0.05) between diabetics and controls. However, compared to baseline levels, significant (p < 0.001) elevation of adiponectin was found in both study groups. In respect of leptin, significant (p < 0.001) rise but decline was observed in diabetics and controls respectively. Malaria-induced leptin correlated negatively with adiponectin (r = -0.694; p < 0.001) in non-diabetic controls only. Conclusion: Diabetics and controls exhibited increased adiponectin levels due to falciparum malaria but differed in response in terms of leptin levels.

Source: UCC
Elevated adiponectin but varied response in circulating leptin levels to falciparum malaria in type 2 diabetics and non-diabetic controls

Background: To investigate effects of falciparum malaria on circulating levels of leptin and Received 10 January 2015adiponectin in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and non-diabetic controls in relation to measures of adiposity. Methods: Levels of leptin and adiponectin were measured in 100 type 2 diabetics and 100 age-matched controls before and during falciparum malaria in a 2-year prospective study. and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) were computed. T2DMResults: At baseline, diabetics had significantly (p < 0.05) higher WC and BMI but lower LeptinWHR, leptin and adiponectin levels. Baseline leptin correlated positively with WC Adiponectin(r ¼ 0.633; p < 0.001) and BMI (r ¼ 0.63; p < 0.001) in diabetics but only BMI (0.562; p < 0.001) in BMInon-diabetic controls. Baseline leptin and adiponectin correlated positively (r ¼ 0.249; p ¼ 0.029) in non-diabetic respondents only. Adiponectin correlated negatively with WC (r ¼ #0.58; p ¼ 0.006) in diabetic males only. During malaria, mean levels of leptin and adiponectin were comparable (p > 0.05) between diabetics and controls. However, compared to baseline levels, significant (p < 0.001) elevation of adiponectin was found in both study groups. In respect of leptin, significant (p < 0.001) rise but decline was observed in diabetics and controls respectively. Malaria-induced leptin correlated negatively with adiponectin (r ¼ #0.694; p < 0.001) in non-diabetic controls only. Conclusion: Diabetics and controls exhibited increased adiponectin levels due to falciparum malaria but differed in response in terms of leptin levels.

Source: UCC
Elevated IL-12, TNF-α, and TNF-α/IL-10 Ratios in Stored Plasmodium falciparum-Infected Whole Blood: Implications for Safe Haemotransfusion

Although Plasmodium falciparum infections in blood donors have been reported, the impact of parasitaemia on cytokine levels in stored whole blood has not been explored. This study evaluated the eﬀect of P. falciparum parasitaemia on circulating cytokines and their relationship with haematological parameters in banked blood. In this case-control study, two groups of donor whole blood were recruited: P. falciparum-infected donors (parasitaemia: 515–1877 parasites/μL) and noninfected blood donors (control). At day 0 (baseline), 7, 14, 21, and 35 of banking circulating cytokine levels of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin- (IL-) 12, IL-10, and IL-6 levels and haematological parameters were determined. Kruskal-Wallis test determined diﬀerences in weekly cytokine levels while Dunn’s post hoc test determined exact signiﬁcant points. At baseline, the mean TNF-α (33.81 pg/mL vs. 22.70 pg/mL), IL-12 (28.39 pg/mL vs. 16.15 pg/mL), IL-10 (51.04 pg/mL vs. 18.95 pg/mL), and IL-6 (71.03 pg/mL vs. 30.89 pg/mL) levels were signiﬁcantly higher in infected donor whole blood. Signiﬁcant rate of increase was observed in TNF-α, IL-12 levels, and TNF-α/IL-10 ratios in infected blood, while decreased levels were observed in IL-10. IL-6 peaked at day 21 and fell below baseline level at day 35. Signiﬁcant changes in TNF-α, IL-12, IL-10, IL-6 levels, and TNF-α/IL- 10 ratios in infected donor blood were observed 7 days after storage. Unlike in noninfected stored whole blood, TNF-α, IL-6, IL- 12, and TNF-α/IL-10 ratio levels in infected stored whole blood related inversely to haematological parameters (white cells, red cells, platelets, and haemoglobin levels) during storage. However, in both groups, signiﬁcant direct relationship was observed in IL-10 and haematological parameters. In conclusion, banking of P. falciparum-infected donor whole blood may lead to infusion of large quantities of inﬂammatory cytokines with potential adverse immunological response in recipients.

Source: UCC
Elevated IL-12, TNF-α, and TNF-α/IL-10 Ratios in Stored Plasmodium falciparum-Infected Whole Blood: Implications for Safe Haemotransfusion

Although Plasmodium falciparum infections in blood donors have been reported, the impact of parasitaemia on cytokine levels in stored whole blood has not been explored. This study evaluated the effect of P. falciparum parasitaemia on circulating cytokines and their relationship with haematological parameters in banked blood. In this case-control study, two groups of donor whole blood were recruited: P. falciparum-infected donors (parasitaemia: 515–1877 parasites/μL) and noninfected blood donors (control). At day 0 (baseline), 7, 14, 21, and 35 of banking circulating cytokine levels of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin- (IL-) 12, IL-10, and IL-6 levels and haematological parameters were determined. Kruskal-Wallis test determined differences in weekly cytokine levels while Dunn’s post hoc test determined exact significant points. At baseline, the mean TNF-α (33.81 pg/mL vs. 22.70 pg/mL), IL-12 (28.39 pg/mL vs. 16.15 pg/mL), IL-10 (51.04 pg/mL vs. 18.95 pg/mL), and IL-6 (71.03 pg/mL vs. 30.89 pg/mL) levels were significantly higher in infected donor whole blood. Significant rate of increase was observed in TNF-α, IL-12 levels, and TNF-α/IL-10 ratios in infected blood, while decreased levels were observed in IL-10. IL-6 peaked at day 21 and fell below baseline level at day 35. Significant changes in TNF-α, IL-12, IL-10, IL-6 levels, and TNF-α/IL- 10 ratios in infected donor blood were observed 7 days after storage. Unlike in noninfected stored whole blood, TNF-α, IL-6, IL- 12, and TNF-α/IL-10 ratio levels in infected stored whole blood related inversely to haematological parameters (white cells, red cells, platelets, and haemoglobin levels) during storage. However, in both groups, significant direct relationship was observed in IL-10 and haematological parameters. In conclusion, banking of P. falciparum-infected donor whole blood may lead to infusion of large quantities of inflammatory cytokines with potential adverse immunological response in recipients.

Source: UCC
Elevated Proangiogenic Markers are Associated with Vascular Complications within Ghanaian Sickle Cell Disease Patients

Abstract: Sickle cell disease (SCD) is an inherited blood disorder that can result in vasculopathy and end organ damage. Angiogenesis has been implicated as a key contributing factor to vascular mediated tissue injury in SCD. The relative plasma levels of angiopoietin-1 (Ang-1), angiopoietin-2 (Ang-2), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) greatly influence angiogenesis. Dysregulation of these growth factors, leading to a pro-angiogenic state in SCD patients, has been documented in the developed world but there is very little data in Africa. There is the need, therefore, for studies in Ghanaian SCD patients. The aim of this study was to assess plasma levels of Ang-1, Ang-2, and VEGF in homozygous (HbSS) SCD patients with or without complications and healthy controls (HbAA) in Ghana. The study was a case-control study involving 544 participants: 396 HbSS SCD patients and 148 HbAA healthy controls. The study was conducted at the Center for Clinical Genetics (Sickle Cell Clinic) and Accra Area Blood Centre for National Blood transfusion at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, Accra, Ghana. The plasma levels of Ang-1, Ang-2, and VEGF of study participants were measured with a double sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique. Complete blood count (CBC) was measured with an autoanalyser. The mean plasma Ang-1, Ang-2, and VEGF were significantly higher in HbSS SCD patients with or without complications than healthy controls (p < 0.001). The Ang-2/Ang-1 ratio was significantly lower in the controls than the HbSS patients (p < 0.001). The Ang-2/Ang-1 ratio was higher in the HbSS patients with leg ulcers as compared with patients with other complications and healthy controls (p < 0.001). There were higher leucocyte counts in HbSS patients than healthy controls. Overall, there was elevated plasma levels of Ang-1, Ang-2, and VEGF in SCD patients. The higher Ang-2/Ang-1 plasma levels in patients with leg ulcers suggests a possible ongoing angiogenesis and response to inflammatory stimuli. The study provides a first report on plasma levels of angiopoietin-1, angiopoietin-2, and vascular endothelial growth factors in homozygous sickle cell disease patients in Ghana.

Source: UCC
Elevated Proangiogenic Markers are Associated with Vascular Complications within Ghanaian Sickle Cell Disease Patients

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is an inherited blood disorder that can result in vasculopathy and end organ damage. Angiogenesis has been implicated as a key contributing factor to vascular mediated tissue injury in SCD. The relative plasma levels of angiopoietin-1 (Ang-1), angiopoietin-2 (Ang-2), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) greatly influence angiogenesis. Dysregulation of these growth factors, leading to a pro-angiogenic state in SCD patients, has been documented in the developed world but there is very little data in Africa. There is the need, therefore, for studies in Ghanaian SCD patients. The aim of this study was to assess plasma levels of Ang-1, Ang-2, and VEGF in homozygous (HbSS) SCD patients with or without complications and healthy controls (HbAA) in Ghana. The study was a case-control study involving 544 participants: 396 HbSS SCD patients and 148 HbAA healthy controls. The study was conducted at the Center for Clinical Genetics (Sickle Cell Clinic) and Accra Area Blood Centre for National Blood transfusion at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, Accra, Ghana. The plasma levels of Ang-1, Ang-2, and VEGF of study participants were measured with a double sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique. Complete blood count (CBC) was measured with an autoanalyser. The mean plasma Ang-1, Ang-2, and VEGF were significantly higher in HbSS SCD patients with or without complications than healthy controls (p < 0.001). The Ang-2/Ang-1 ratio was significantly lower in the controls than the HbSS patients (p < 0.001). The Ang-2/Ang-1 ratio was higher in the HbSS patients with leg ulcers as compared with patients with other complications and healthy controls (p < 0.001). There were higher leucocyte counts in HbSS patients than healthy controls. Overall, there was elevated plasma levels of Ang-1, Ang-2, and VEGF in SCD patients. The higher Ang-2/Ang-1 plasma levels in patients with leg ulcers suggests a possible ongoing angiogenesis and response to inflammatory stimuli. The study provides a first report on plasma levels of angiopoietin-1, angiopoietin-2, and vascular endothelial growth factors in homozygous sickle cell disease patients in Ghana.

Source: UCC
Elicitation and response strategies in courtroom crossexamination: A critcal discourse analysis

The right to fair hearing as enshrined in the Universal Declaration for Human Rights is one of man’s fundamental need. However, this right may be repressed due to power embedded in the language. The strategic role of language in promoting or repressing the rights of the individual to fair hearing as actualized in Ghanaian law courts was the thrust of this study. The study investigated how the linguistic structures inherent in counsels’ elicitation strategies and defendants/witnesses’ response strategies aid in promoting unequal power relations in trial cross-examination. The study, which was rooted in qualitative research design, was based on 50 official court transcripts obtained from three courtsin Ghana: Circuit Court One and High Court One, both in Cape Coast, as well as Commercial Court ‘A’ in Accra. The study was anchored on the theory of Ideology and Grice’s Cooperative Principle. The method of analysis was based on Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) and Fairclough’s Three-Dimension Model was adopted. The findings revealed that counsels promote power imbalance in the courtroom, especially, during cross-examination, through the use of embedded complex sentences and coercive question types. Correspondingly, the study also revealed that defendants and witnesses contribute to power imbalance by submitting to and resisting counsels’ talk. It was recommended that elicitation strategies used by counsels in cross-examination should beregulated. The study also recommended that more studies into the responses ofdefendants and witnesses be conducted.

Source: UCC
Elite Athletes’ In-event Competitive Anxiety Responses and Psychological Skills Usage under Differing Conditions

Even though the assessment of competitive anxiety responses (intensity, interpretation, and frequency) using the time-to-event paradigm has gained much attention, literature on the account of these same experiences inevent and their corresponding psychological skills adopted under differing conditions is limited. This is a follow up investigation to establish the extent to which associated anxiety responses are stable or dynamic and whether this pattern could be related to reported psychological skills under low or high stressful conditions across gender. Twenty-three high level (N = 13 males and 10 females) Ghanaian Table Tennis players provided data through completion of modified versions of Competitive State Anxiety Inventory-2, incorporated with directional and frequency of intrusion scales and the Test of Performance Strategies inventory during breaks within competitive fixtures. MANCOVAs (gender stress condition) with follow-up analyses revealed no significant interactions and no main effect for gender but significant main effects were realized for all anxiety dimensions and psychological skills for only the second factor. Specifically, the intensity and frequency of cognitive and somatic state anxiety symptoms increased and were interpreted as debilitative under the high stress condition, although self-confidence and other array of psychological skills were highly displayed under the same stressful condition. Findings highlight the dynamic characteristics of in-event associated anxiety responses and ineffectiveness of deployed psychological skills regardless of gender. These perhaps show the exceptionality of affective experiences in an African setting, suggesting a culturally diversified approach to psychological skills application, if desirable effects are to be attained.

Source: UCC