ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Effect of COVID-19 on antenatal care: experiences of medical professionals in the Netherlands

Background COVID-19 has greatly affected the delivery of all health care services globally. Antenatal care is one area of care that has been impacted, despite the fact that attending antenatal check-ups is essential for pregnant women and cannot be postponed. Little is known about how exactly ANC provision has changed in the Netherlands, or how the changes have impacted midwives and gynaecologists providing those services. Methods This study used a qualitative research design to investigate changes in individual and national practice fol‑ lowing the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The study involved a document analysis of protocols and guidelines for ANC provision to evaluate how those changed following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and semi-structured interviews with ANC care providers (i.e., gynaecologists and midwives). Results Guidance was issued by multiple organizations, during the pandemic, on how to approach the risk of infec‑ tion in pregnant women, recommending several changes to ANC to protect both pregnant women and ANC providers. Both midwives and gynaecologists reported changes in their practice. With less face-to-face consultations hap‑ penning, digital technologies became critical in the care of pregnant women. Shorter and fewer visits were reported, with midwifery practices adjusting their guidelines further than hospitals. Challenges, with high workloads and lack of personal protective equipment were discussed. Conclusions The COVID-19 pandemic has had an immense impact on the health care system. This impact has had both negative and positive effects on the provision of ANC in the Netherlands. It is important to learn from the cur‑ rent COVID-19 pandemic and adapt ANC, as well as health care systems as a whole, to be better prepared for future health crises and ensure continuous provision of good quality care.

Source: UG
Effect Of Covid-19 On Maternal And Child Health Services Utilization In Ghana. Evidence From The National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).

Introduction Covid-19 has had devastating effect on health systems and health utilization globally. Maternal and newborn care were adversely affected but little or nothing is known about the impact it has caused to it. This study seeks to determine the effect of Covid-19 on healthcare utilisation with specifics on Antenatal, Postnatal, Deliveries and Out-patient attendance. Methods The study uses secondary data obtained from the four (4) Claims Processing Centres of the National Health Insurance Authority. Through the use of convenient sampling, a total of 502 facilities were selected for inclusion in the research. The study used a longitudinal claims submitted from a cross-section of health facilities namely Community-Based Health Plan ning and Services, Maternity Homes, Health Centers, Clinics, Primary, Secondary, and Ter tiary Hospitals for Antenatal, Postnatal, Out-patient consultations and Delivery attendances from January 2018 to December 2021. Data before and during the Covid-19 pandemic were compared. Segmented regression analysis as an interrupted time series analysis was employed to assess the effect of the pandemic on utilization of services. Results The results indicate that Covid-19 had a significant impact on healthcare utilization in Ghana. Month-on-month, antenatal and out-patient utilization decreased by 21,948.21 and 151,342.40, respectively. Postnatal and delivery services saw an insignificant monthly increase of 37.76 and 1,795.83 from the onset of the covid-19 pandemic and the introduction of movement restrictions. This decline was observed across all care levels, except for Com munity-Based Health Planning and Services, which showed a slight increase. Also, the results indicate projected average misses of scheduled antenatal, postnatal, out-patient reviews, and deliveries at 21,037.75, 6,428.23, 141,395.30 and 4,745.63 patients respectively. Conclusion The study reveals that Covid-19 led to a decrease in utilization of healthcare which affected pregnant women and newborn care as well. It was evident from the results that community-based healthcare is more resilient and efficient in delivering healthcare amidst the pandemic. In our quest to achieve Universal Health Coverage by 2030, Ghana’s health system should improve on the community-based healthcare system and include technology in its healthcare delivery for the people.

Source: UG
Effect of Cowpea flour fractionation on sensory qualities and acceptability of Kpejigaou (A griddled cowpea paste food)

The particle size (PS) of cowpea flour may have influence on the final product quality and acceptability. This study investigated the effects of cowpea flour fractionation on the quality of kpejigaou (a griddled cowpea paste).Samples of kpejigaou made using whole and fractionated (fine, medium and coarse) flours from both dehulled and undehulled cowpea were evaluated for sensory quality and acceptability. The protein content (23 _ 2.14%) of cowpea flour was not significantly influenced by fractionation. Extractable starches increased with decreasing PS of flour. Fractionation showed significant effects on the functionality of cowpea flour and the quality of processed kpejigaou. Medium PS flour showed higher water absorption and air incorporation during mixing and consequently yielded spongier and less dense kpejigaou that was most preferred and acceptable by the consumers. Coarse flour was the least preferred and was rejected because of poor performance in kpejigaou production. Dehulling improved the color of kpejigaou.

Source: UG
The effect of decahydronaphthalin on the mechanical properties of montmorillonite reinforced polypropylene nanocomposites

The exceptional property exhibited by nanoparticles such as carbon nanotubes and silicate layers has been the major drive for research into advanced nanocomposites. The solution method is used to prepare polypropylene/clay nanocomposites with loadings of 2% and 5%. Decahydronaphthalin was used to disperse the clay and dissolution of the polypropylene matrix. The intercalation of macromolecular chains into the organoclay was evident from XRD and confirmed by SEM studies. Decahydronaphthalin was observed to have a considerable effect on the polymer matrix properties and the tensile moduli of the nanocomposites compared to the pristine polypropylene. Tensile moduli of nanocomposite treated with decahydronaphthalin have been observed to be lower than those of pristine polypropylene. The moduli of both the 2% and 5% PP/clay nanocomposite was 528 MPa and 547 MPa respectively. The pristine PP had a modulus of 794 MPa and that of the PP dissolved in decahydronaphthalin alone was found to be 639 MPa. © 2006-2012 Asian Research Publishing Network (ARPN).

Source: UG
Effect of delivery care user fee exemption policy on institutional maternal deaths in the central and Volta regions of Ghana

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

Source: UG
Effect of Desmodium gangeticum extract on blood glucose in rats and on insulin secretion in vitro

Desmodium gangeticum is widely used in the indigenous system of medicine in India and is reported to contain flavone and isoflavonoid glycosides. It forms the ingredient of many Ayurvedic formulations used for diabetes. The present study was thus aimed at evaluating the insulin secretion and antidiabetic activity of Desmodium gangeticum. Treatment of diabetic rats with aerial parts of D. gangeticum extract (DG, 100 and 250 mg/kg body weight) for 3 weeks showed a significant reduction in blood glucose. D. gangeticum extract caused a significant increase in insulin secretion from MIN6 cells grown as monolayers and as pseudoislets, indicating that the antidiabetic activity may be as a result of increased insulin secretion. It also had a role on the lipid profile of the rats by causing reductions in cholesterol and triglycerides and increasing the HDL significantly (p < 0.05). This works supports the traditional use of D. gangeticum in the treatment of diabetes and this is likely to be due, at least in part, to its stimulation of insulin secretion by pancreatic islet cells.

Source: UG
Effect of different biochars on phosphorus (P) dynamics in the rhizosphere of Zea mays L. (maize)

AimTo investigate the effects of biochar on biological and chemical phosphorus (P) processes and identify potential interactive effects between P fertilizer and biochar on P bioavailability in the rhizosphere of maize. Methods We conducted a pot-experiment with maize in a sandy loam soil with two fertilizer levels (0 and 100 mg P kg −1) and three biochars produced from soft wood (SW), rice husk (RH) and oil seed rape (OSR). Sequential P fractionation was performed on biochar, bulk soil, and rhizosphere soil samples. Acid and alkaline phosphatase activity and root exudates of citrate, glucose, fructose, and sucrose in the rhizosphere were determined. ResultsRH and OSR increased readily available soil P, whereas SW had no effect. However, over time available P from the biochars moved to less available P pools (Al-P and Fe-P). There were no interactive effects between P fertilizer and biochar on P bioavailability. Exudates of glucose and fructose were strongly affected by especially RH, whereas sucrose was mostly affected by P fertilizer. Alkaline phosphatase activity was positively correlated with pH, and citrate was positively correlated with readily available P. Conclusion Biochar effects on biological and chemical P processes in the rhizosphere are driven by biochar properties.

Source: UG
Effect of Different Drying Techniques on the Functionality and Digestibility of Yellow-Fleshed Cassava Flour and Its Performance in Food Application

The impact of different drying techniques on the properties of yellow cassava flour and its food application was investigated in this study. Flour was made from three cultivars of yellow cassava by solar-, hot air oven-, or drum- drying. Their functionality was determined by standard methods, and their digestibility was evaluated in vitro. The flours were used in the preparation of fufu, which was evaluated by sensorial and instrumental methods. The digestibility of drum-dried flours was higher (69.4–79.7%) than solar- (60.4–70.7%) or air oven-dried flours (60.3–70.4%), whereas β-carotene concentration was higher in air oven-dried samples compared to the others. Significant differences (p < 0 05) due to cultivar and/or drying technique were observed in the hydration and pasting properties of the flours. Instrumental texture analysis of fufu made from yellow cassava flours showed both drying technique and cultivar to affect the hardness, adhesiveness, and cohesiveness of the product. Acceptability scores for the fufu ranged from 4 to 6, with a decisive preference for samples produced from drum-dried flours. The study has shown the successful utilization of different drying techniques in the production of flour from yellow cassava variants for the preparation of fufu.

Source: UG
Effect of different fertilization and irrigation methods on nitrogen uptake, intercepted radiation and yield of okra (Abelmoschus esculentum L.) grown in the Keta Sand Spit of Southeast Ghana

Three seasons' experiments were conducted in the Keta Sand Spit to test if current use of sprinkler irrigation and animal manure can be substituted by water saving drip fertigation with reduced P supply to okra. The treatments compared were: (i) irrigation by sprinkler, fertilized with manure spread, (ii) irrigation by sprinkler, fertilized with localized manure, (iii) irrigation by drip, fertilized with localized manure, (iv) irrigation by drip, fertigated with N-K chemical fertilizers (twice during the crop season in the first experiment, weekly in the second and third experiment). Nitrogen uptake, crop interception of solar radiation, yield and water productivity were compared among treatments. The crop did not respond well when fertigation was done only twice, probably due to N-leaching. However, in the second and third experiments, when fertigation was done weekly for eight weeks, the yield of drip fertigated okra was as high as or better than sprinkler irrigated okra with manure spread on the soil, sprinkler and drip with localized manure. In the second experiment, though nitrogen applied was the same (89kgNha-1), for all treatments, the highest N uptake, intercepted radiation and water productivity were obtained under drip fertigated treatment and these parameters were significantly (P≤0.05) higher than the other treatments. Under sprinkler irrigation, yield was higher with localized manure compared to manure evenly spread on the soil, even though the difference was not significant during the last season. The economic optimal crop N-uptake was estimated to be 125kgha-1 independent of season and adequate N-supply seemed especially important for ensuring sufficient light interception during the fruiting stage of okra. Drip irrigation treatments saved almost 30% of water compared to sprinkler irrigation. Therefore, drip irrigation with frequent fertigation allow reduced P-load and more efficient use of nitrogen, water and radiation than with sprinkler irrigation. © 2014 Elsevier B.V.

Source: UG
Effect of Dipole Corrections and Spin Orbit Coupling on Tungsten Dichalcogenides Monolayer: A in Silico First Principles Study

The structural and electronic properties of tungsten dichalogenides compounds (WS 2 , WSe 2 , WTe 2 ) were investigated from first principles calculations. We found that the structural and electronic properties changed both as a function of the dipole corrections and spin-orbit coupling (SOC). Comparing the calculated results with experimental values, we found that introducing SOC by itself in these 2D materials grossly underestimates the electronic band gap. Adding the self-consistent dipole correction results in larger electronic band gap for these tungsten dichalogenide compounds. Thus, the influence of dipole corrections in these 2D WX 2 materials was found to be significant. The SOC are not relevant for these materials and care should be taken on application of these dipole corrections.

Source: UG
Effect of Drug Pressure on Promoting the Emergence of Antimalarial-Resistant Parasites among Pregnant Women in Ghana

The Department of Immunology conducts research in the field of immunology of infectious and non-infectious diseases. The Department has the overall goal of contributing knowledge to better diagnosis, management, control and prevention of infectious and non-infectious diseases in Ghana and worldwide. This is consistent with the overall strategy of the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR) and in line with the strategy of the College of Health Sciences of the University of Ghana.

Source: UG
Effect of Education and Social Factors on Hygiene and Prevention Behavior of Women in Ghana

Women’s hygiene and prevention behavior was analyzed using the 2003 Ghana Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) couple’s dataset. Effects of education, residence, lineage, self-determination and social support networks were examined. Results revealed a consistent positive educational effect on hygiene and prevention behaviors. Urban living provided consistent positive results for hygiene and malaria prevention but did not significantly improve responsible sexual behavior. There were mixed results for matriliny. There was evidence that the self determination and social support variables added explanatory power in the models. For malaria prevention, these variables added explanatory power but did not mediate any effects of education, residence, or lineage. With hygiene behavior the, self determination and support network variables explained additional variance and mediated some of the effects of the demographic variables.

Source: UG
Effect of Education on Migration decisions in Ghana: a rural-urban perspective.

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of education on migration decisions focusing on rural and urban in-migrants by comparing the 2005/2006 and 2012/2013 rounds of the Ghana Living Standards Survey (GLSS5 and GLSS6). After correcting for selectivity bias, the authors observed that anticipated welfare gain and socio-economic variables such as sector of employment, sex, experience, age, educational level and marital status significantly affect an individual’s migration decision. Design/methodology/approach – The authors made use of Sjaastad’s (1962) human capital framework as a basis for examining the impact of education on migration. The migration decision equation was based on the Heckman two stage procedure. Findings – While educational attainment is observed to have a positive effect on migration decision in the period 2005/2006, the authors find a negative effect of educational attainment on migration decision in the period 2012/2013. The effect of educational attainment on migration decision in 2005/2006 for urban in-migrant is higher than the effect for rural in-migrant, with its significance varying for the different stages of educational attainment. In absolute terms, whereas the effect of secondary educational attainment on migration decisions for urban in-migrant is higher than that of rural in-migrant, the reverse holds for higher educational attainment during the period 2012/2013. Social implications – Based on the mixed effect of education on migration decision as evident from the study, policies to enhance the educational system in Ghana should be complemented with job creations in the entire country. Moreover, special attention should be given to the rural sector in such a way that the jobs to be created in the sector do not require skilled workers. With quality education and job creation, the welfare of individuals living in urban and rural areas will be enhanced. Originality/value – In spite of the importance of education in migration decisions, there is scanty literature on the rural-urban dimension. To the best of the author’s knowledge there is no literature in the Ghanaian context which examines the rural and urban perspective of the impact of education on migration with a much recent data. Further, the author consider how the determinants of migration decision have changed over time focusing on rural and urban perspectives.

Source: UG
The effect of electronic reminders on risk management among diabetic patients in low resourced settings

BACKGROUND: Information technology has potential to improve health care delivery particularly among individuals with chronic diseases such as diabetes in low and middle-income countries (LMIC). Research on the usefulness of information technology to manage persons living with chronic diseases is scarce in LMIC. We sought to evaluate the effect of an electronic reminder system on cardiovascular risk factors (blood pressure, heart rate, and fasting plasma glucose) and adherence to clinical appointments among persons living with diabetes. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: A randomized controlled design was used to recruit 200 diabetic patients (intervention n=100, control n=100) from the National Diabetes Management Research Centre, Accra. All patients received usual diabetes care. The intervention group was given electronic reminders for their clinical appointments and their physicians were prompted with abnormal laboratory results for six months. RESULTS: Baseline characteristics were largely similar for both groups. At six months follow up, the mean reductions of all the cardiovascular risk factors in the intervention group were significantly greater than in the control group: -1.7 kg/m(2) versus -1.1 kg/m(2)(p=0.002) for BMI; -4.7 mmHg versus -2.8 mmHg (p=0.002) for SBP; -5.3 mmH versus -3.1 mmHg (p=0.001) for DBP; -1.7 bpm versus -0.1 bpm (p=0.001) for heart rate and -2.3 mmol/L versus -1.6 mmol/L (p=0.001) for fasting plasma glucose, respectively. Adherence to appointment schedules was also significantly higher in the intervention group compared with the control group (97.8% versus 89.4%, p=0.010). CONCLUSIONS: Locally developed electronic initiatives such as this resulted in improved cardiovascular risk factors and effective compliance to clinical practices and improved quality of care for persons living with diabetes.

Source: UG
Effect of exchange rate volatility on the Ghana Stock Exchange

The study looked at the relationship between Stock Markets and Foreign Exchange market, and determined whether movements in exchange rates have an effect on stock market in Ghana. The Exponential Generalised Autoregressive Conditional Heteroskedascity (EGARCH) model was used in establishing the relationship between exchange rate volatility and stock market volatility. It was found that there is negative relationship between exchange rate volatility and stock market returns – a depreciation in the local currency leads to an increase in stock market returns in the long run. Where as in the short run it reduces stock market returns. Additionally, there is volatility persistence in most of the macroeconomic variables; current period’s rate has an effect on forecast variance of future rate. It was also revealed that an increase (decrease) in trade deficit and expectation in future rise in trade deficit will decrease (increase) stock market volatility. In addition, the consumer price index has a strong relationship with stock market volatility. This means that an increase in consumer price will lead to a rise in stock market volatility. Finally, there is the presence of leverage effect and volatility shocks in stock returns on the Ghana Stock Exchange.

Source: UG
The effect of exercise training on balance in adult patients with post-stroke hemiplegia

Stroke patients with balance problems are prone to falls. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of exercise training on balance and incidence of falls in adult patients with post-stroke hemiplegia. The study was conducted with 23 patients with first episode, single stroke (14 men, 9 women; mean age=57.56 ±10.40 years, range 43–78). Ten of the participants had right-sided hemiplegia and 13 had left-sided hemiplegia; mean time since stroke was 28.88 ± 21.64 months (range 3–60). The patients underwent balance-specific exercise training for 8 weeks. Participants were assessed for balance before and after the intervention using the Berg Balance Scale (BBS). In addition, reports of falls among the patients were tracked for the period of intervention and compared with the history of falls in the 8 weeks preceding the start of exercise training. Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to evaluate the significance of the difference between the pre-training and post-training balance scores on the BBS, and to determine whether significant difference existed between the mean values of history of falls and incidence of falls (P<0.05). Exercise training resulted in significant improvement in balance and non-significant reduction in incidence of falls of adult stroke patients. It was concluded that balance deficits should be addressed with individualized balance training programmes in order to reduce the incidence of falls in stroke patients. © MA Healthcare Limited 2014.

Source: UG