ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Subject-verb agreement marking by Ghanaian learners of French

In learning French as a foreign language, mastery of agreement marking is indicative of learner progression. In this article, I focus on how subject-verb agreement markers are acquired by Ghanaian learners of French. Based on written data collected from examination scripts, I attempt to present a coherent explanation for the trends noted. The results show that allomorphy characterises the verb stem and influences the production of agreement markers. While verbs with a single stems are strongly associated with first-person singular marking; verbs without an identifiable stem are more strongly associated with third-person singular marking. Interpreting this within the In the item-learning/rule-learning dichotomy, it is argued that both strategies are simultaneously deployed. Consequently, it is suggested that the dichotomy between rule-based versus item-based learning can be impacted by the modality of language.

Source: UG
Subjective well‐being and political participation: Empirical evidence from Ghana

A large, extant literature examines the effect of political factors on individual subjective well-being. These studies have treated political factors as a cause and subjective well-being as an effect. A sparse but growing literature now advances the argument that subjective well-being is a cause and voting or political participation an effect. In this paper we examine whether subjective well-being influences voting and political participation in Ghana. Using data from Wave 6 of the World Values Survey in Ghana, we find that subjective well-being influences neither voting nor protest behavior. © 2019 John Wiley & Sons Ltd

Source: UG
Submicroscopic placental infection by non-falciparum Plasmodium spp

The Epidemiology Department contributes to the mission of the institute through basic and applied epidemiological research on, but not limited to, malaria and other diseases of public health importance. It is also home to the Social Science Unit of the Institute, including the Health Support Centre for HIV/AIDS and other communicable and noncommunicable health problems.

Source: UG
Suboptimal antimicrobial stewardship in the COVID-19 era: is humanity staring at a postantibiotic future?

In the absence of potent antimicrobial agents, it is estimated that bacterial infections could cause millions of deaths. The emergence of COVID-19, its complex pathophysiology and the high propensity of patients to coinfections has resulted in therapeutic regimes that use a cocktail of antibiotics for disease management. Suboptimal antimicrobial stewardship in this era and the slow pace of drug discovery could result in large-scale drug resistance, narrowing future antimicrobial therapeutics. Thus, judicious use of current antimicrobials is imperative to keep up with existing and emerging infectious pathogens. Here, we provide insights into the potential implications of suboptimal antimicrobial stewardship, resulting from the emergence of COVID-19, on the spread of antimicrobial resistance

Source: UG
Subscribers' perception of quality of services provided by Ghana's National Health Insurance Scheme - What are the correlates?

Background Ghana’s National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) has witnessed an upsurge in enrollment since its inception in 2003, with over 40% of the Ghanaian population actively enrolled in the scheme. While the scheme strives to achieve universal health coverage, this quest is derailed by negative perceptions of the quality of services rendered to NHIS subscribers. This paper presents an analysis on perceptions of service quality provided to subscribers of Ghana’s NHIS with emphasis on rural and urban scheme policy holders, using a nationally representative data. Methods The study used data from the 2014 Ghana Demographic and Health Survey. Ordered logistic regressions were estimated to identify the correlates of perceived quality of care of services rendered by the NHIS. Also, chi-square statistics were performed to test for significant differences in the proportions of subscribers in the two subsamples (rural and urban). Results Rural subscribers of the NHIS were found to identify more with better perception of quality of services provided by the NHIS than urban subscribers. Results from the chi-square statistics further indicated that rural subscribers are significantly different from urban subscribers in terms of the selected socioeconomic and demographic characteristics. In the full sample; age, out-of-pocket payment for healthcare and region of residence proved significant in explaining perceived quality of services rendered by the NHIS. Age, out-of-pocket payment for healthcare, region of residence, wealth status, and access to media were found to be significant predictors of perceived quality of services provided to both rural and urban subscribers of the NHIS. The significance of these variables varied among men and women in rural and urban areas. Conclusion Different factors affect the perception of quality of services provided to rural and urban subscribers of Ghana’s NHIS. Health financing policies geared toward improving the NHIS-related services in rural and urban areas should be varied.

Source: UG
Substance Use among Street-Connected Children and Adolescents in Ghana and South Africa: A Cross-Country Comparison Study

Using two cross-sectional surveys with a purposive sample of 376 homeless children and adolescents in both Ghana and South Africa, this study was conducted to examine the prevalence, sociodemographic and psychosocial correlates of substance use among street children and adoles cents. An interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to obtain information on substance use, sociodemographic and psychosocial variables. Both bivariate and multivariate analyses showed that street-connected adolescents in Ghana reported higher prevalence of lifetime alcohol use and past-month alcohol use than those in South Africa. The protective effect of male gender was not observed in South Africa but significantly more pronounced in Ghana for all substances except past-month marijuana use. Sexual assault, indirect sexual victimization, physical beating, robbery, assault with a weapon and survival sex increased the odds of lifetime alcohol use and past-month alcohol use in Ghana. However, in South Africa, only robbery and assault with a weapon increased the odds of lifetime alcohol use while robbery and sexual assault increased the odds of past-month alcohol use. These results have implications for the development of harm reduction interventions, taking into consideration both the psychosocial and cultural context of substance use.

Source: UG
Substance use and suicide among men in Ghana: A qualitative study

A known risk factor for suicide globally is substance use. Despite being public health problems across the globe, research on the association between suicide and substance use have often ignored the socio-cultural context in which these behaviors play out. This qualitative study examines bereaved persons’ perception of the roles of substance use in the lifestyles and the suicides of their deceased relations. We conducted an in-depth qualitative interview with between two to seven close relations of nine men who killed themselves in Ghana in the period 2014 and 2015. A qualitative content analysis of bereaved persons’ accounts shows three themes: Behavioral changes connected with substance use, Consequences of substance use and misuse, and Alcohol presence in the suicide act. Thus, novel and excessive alcohol or drug use followed economic, financial, or relational stressors faced by the men. Personal disruption and social disintegration occurring as consequences of continued substance use triggered suicidal behaviors, which in turn appeared to have shaped in particular, use of alcohol as ingredients or tools in the suicide acts itself in some of the suicides. Contextual nuances shaping a dynamic interrelationship between substance use and suicide calls attention to viewing substances as ingredients with shifting functions during the suicidal process. We propose that encouraging emotional disclosure, supporting men with problem-solving skills, and regulating the availability and use of substances through effective alcohol and drug policies may be vital for an integrative public health approach towards suicide prevention in Ghana.

Source: UG
Substance use disorders among adults during imprisonment in a medium security prison: Prevalence and risk indicators

Background: Research shows that the prevalence of substance use disorders among the prison population is high globally. Although prisons are highly controlled environments, access to drugs and other substances in prison remains a major problem. Yet, previous research is focused mainly on the Western context, with the studies gener ally reporting on lifetime prevalence without reference to whether the disorders are manifest even within the controlled environment. Aims: To estimate the prevalence of substance use disorders evident while in prison in Ghana and associated risk indicators. For these purposes, substance use disorder was defined by any indication of dependency, or escalating use or socially problematic use during the 12 months of imprisonment prior to the interview. Methods: The study involved 500 adults (443 men and 57 women) in a medium-security prison in Ghana who had served at least 1 year of a prison sentence. Participants' alcohol use disorder was assessed separately from other substance use disorders which included cannabis, cocaine and other stimulants using the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI); it is a structured interview and diagnostic tool for major psychiatric and substance use disorders in DSM-5 and ICD-10. Results: Two percent of the 500 participants had used alco hol to the level of alcohol use disorder, and 6% had other substance use disorders in 12 months prior to interview and while in prison. Cannabis (4%) and stimulants (3%) were the most frequently reported substance use disorders. Logistic regression model estimates indicate that younger age, prior offending and alcohol use dependence were significantly associated with such disorders in prison. Conclusion: In spite of efforts to prevent substance use in prison, nearly one in 10 of these prisoners were using alcohol or illicit drugs to a level indicative of substance use disorders. Our findings suggest that prioritising brief assessment may help identify those in most need of clinical help to limit their alcohol and illicit substance use problems.

Source: UG
Substitution phonological patterns in the English speech of Ghanaian children

When children find the production of a speech sound difficult, they tend to substitute it with another easier one, a phenomenon described as Substitution Phonological Pattern (SPP). This study investigated SPP in Ghanaian preschoolers, who spoke their individual Ghanaian languages like Akan and Ga as their first languages (L1) but were learning to speak English as a second language, to understand and document how these children pro nounced English speech sounds. Thirty preschoolers in a privately-owned basic school in Kumasi were selected and voice recorded as they mentioned twenty English lexical items from their textbooks after their teacher. Both the participants’ and their teacher’s productions of the stimulus words were transcribed according to the In ternational Phonetic Alphabet. The data was analysed using both qualitative and quantitative research ap proaches and within the framework of Natural Phonology Theory. Findings indicated that the children exhibited Fronting, Backing, and Stopping. The participants’ L1 and age among other factors were observed to be responsible for the processes identified: English sounds that were absent in the L1 of the children were difficult to produce for some of the children, while older children exhibited fewer cases of substitution. This study might serve as a documented material and a reference point for future researchers and Ministry of Education of the Republic of Ghana on Ghanaian children phonological experiences as regards the speaking of English.

Source: UG
Substrates most preferred for black soldier fly Hermetia illucens (L.) oviposition are not the most suitable for their larval development

Larvae of black soldier fly (BSF), Hermetia illucens (L.1758) (Diptera: Stratiomyidae), are increasingly being used as animal feed ingredients. Larvae are usually produced by placing eggs, obtained from adult rearing on growing substrates but can also be obtained by exposing substrates to naturally occurring BSF females. In the latter system, the substrate needs not only to be nutritious for the larvae but also attractive to the females for oviposition. The ‘preference-performance principle’ suggests that female insects prefer to oviposit in substrates that maximise offspring fitness. In this study conducted in Ghana, six organic substrates known to be suitable for BSF production were evaluated for their suitability as oviposition attractants and larval development: pito mash (waste from a locally brewed sorghum drink), millet porridge mash, pig manure, chicken manure, fruit waste, and waste from roots and tubers. These were first exposed outdoors to measure the quantity of eggs laid on them by naturally occurring BSF females. In a second experiment, the quality of the substrates as larval rearing media was tested by placing a standard amount of young larvae to measure the individual and total weights of prepupae obtained, their number, and their development time. The nutritional profiles of both the prepupae and the substrates were determined. The substrate used significantly influenced the quantity of eggs laid and the development of the resulting prepupae, but the substrates most favourable for larval development were not the most favoured by gravid BSF for oviposition. In the oviposition tests, millet porridge mash was the most attractive substrate, whereas only a few eggs were recovered from the other substrates. All substrates allowed the successful development of larvae but pig manure was more productive than the others.

Source: UG
Successful penile reimplantation and systematic review of world literature

Introduction There is paucity of case reports that describe successful non-microscopic penile reimplantation. We report a case of a self-inflicted penile amputation in an apparently normal patient with first psychotic break. Observation To report on a case of successful macrosurgical penile reimplantation, discuss the etiologies, surgical techniques and outcomes of world literature on penile reimplantation and an update of current trends in penile surgery. A 40 year-old male, father of 3 children and a proprietor of a nursery school with no prior pschiatric disorder was rushed to our trauma centre following a self-inflicted total penile amputation at its base with incomplete laceration of the scrotum due to command hallucination. He was immediately resuscitated and underwent a non-microscopic penile reimplantation and scrotal closure by an experienced urologist (JEM) by reattaching the dorsal vein, urethra, corporal, fascial and skin layers. A functional outcome with respect to voiding, penile erection and cosmesis was excellent. Conclusion Self-inflicted penile amputation may manifest as first psychotic break in apparently normal subjects. Though microscopic neurovascular reconstruction is the gold standard, macrosurgical reimplantation of penis by an experienced surgeon in the absence of a microscope yields satisfactory results. © 2017

Source: UG
A Successful Pregnancy in a Patient with a Solitary Kidney

A 24-year old woman. AM. with a tuberculosis right kidney was treated with right nephrectomy and anti-tuberculosis drugs including. rifampicin. Irregular periods 18 months after nephrectomy prompted investigation including. diagnostic dilatation and curettage (in the second half of her cycle) which yielded Normal secretory endometrium. Six months later. I,e. 2 years after the nephrectomy she presented with an 8-weeks intrauterine pregnancy. investigation revealed that she was in good health: blood urea and Creatinine were normal at 4m.moles and 86 micromoles per liter respectively. She received regular ante-natal care and all parameters remained normal. At 36 weeks she was admitted for closer monitoring and at 38 weeks a 3kg female live baby was delivered by cesarean section. The post-operative period was uneventful and she was discharged home on the tenth post-operative day, The patient has subsequently remained healthy and presented with a second pregnancy 2 years after the above delivery.

Source: UG
Succession Planning Practices among Nurse Managers at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital

The pivotal role nurse managers’ play in hospitals cannot be overemphasized and as with most roles of similar nature, a great deal of knowledge and skill is needed for effective and efficient outcomes. Many nurse managers however, assume managerial positions without adequate formal preparation due to the absence of clear cut lines of succession and are therefore, faced with numerous challenges which affect patient outcomes and staff satisfaction. This study hence sought to explore the practice of succession planning among nurse managers at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, using the exploratory descriptive design. Twelve (12) nurse managers were purposely selected and interviewed using a semi-structured interview guide. The study was guided by the Leadership Succession Planning and Development framework. Data was analysed using thematic content analysis. The study found out that, succession planning increases nurses’ sense of career planning, helps retain intellectual capital and also helps in organizational vision attainment. The ranking system of progression is the main criteria nurse managers use in the appointment of potential successors. Challenges nurse managers encounter or perceive to encounter in the practice of succession planning include; frequent reshuffling, the tendency to generate conflict, a lack of incentives for nurse managers, and the ranking system of progression in nursing. Strategies that can be used to enhance the practice of succession planning include; promotion with preparation, provision of incentives for nurse managers, transparency in the succession planning process and talent identification. Potential nurse managers need to be identified at an early stage in their career and given the necessary preparation through a structured succession planning program to ensure efficiency and effectiveness when they assume managerial roles.

Source: UG
Sucrose treatment and explant water content: Critical factors to consider in development of successful cryopreservation protocols for shoot tip explants of the tropical species dioscorea rotundata (YAM)

A study was conducted to determine the optimum methods for conditioning explants to be used in the development of a simple protocol for long-term conservation of the germplasm of Dioscorea rotundata via cryopreservation. Shoot tips from cultures maintained in vitro were exposed to high concentrations of sucrose prior to silica gel-based dehydration and vitrification solution-based cryopreservation protocols. Explant water contents were determined, and ultrastructural studies were also carried out. Initially, culturing explants on medium supplemented with 0.3 M sucrose for 3-5 d considerably reduced tissue water content from about 12.2 g g-1 dry mass to between 4.8 and 5.5 g g-1 dry mass before cryoprotection with modified PVS2 (MPVS2) or silica gel dehydration. Ultrastructural studies indicated that cells had deposits of starch in plastids following sucrose treatments. Survival for D. rotundata shoot tips treated with MPVS2 vitrification solution, unloaded with 1.0 M sucrose medium and cooled to -70°C, was 16% for 15 min treatment and 44% for 40 min. After the 40 min MPVS2 treatment the TTZ test indicated 88% viability retention of explants cooled to -70°C, and 44% at -196°C. Plantlet development was obtained for -70°C-cooled shoot tips, whereas only callus development occurred from tissues exposed to liquid nitrogen. Explant regeneration was not obtained with air-dehydration techniques. It was concluded that vitrification-solution based cryopreservation presently offers the best option for conservation of this Dioscorea species. © CryoLetters.

Source: UG
Suffering yet surviving: narratives of women living with obstetric fistula in the Northern Region of Ghana

Drawing on the insights of Bronfenbrenner’s ecological systems and Lazarus’ coping theories, this article highlights the challenges and coping strategies of women living with obstetric fistula in the Northern Region of Ghana. Employing the convenience sampling technique, 55 women were purposively recruited to participate in the study. Focus group discussions (FGDs) and in-depth interviews (IDIs) were conducted to collect data. With the permission of participants, the FGDs and IDIs were audio-recorded and transcribed. The data were analyzed to identify emerging themes that addressed the objectives of the study. The findings indicated that participants encountered varied challenges (physiological issues; abandonment and divorce; psychological problems; financial constraints; and difficulty accessing healthcare). Furthermore, it was found that the women included in this study adopted both problem-focused and emotion-focused coping strategies. Evidence showed that the problem-focused strategies were begging for assistance and seeking support from the Fistula Kpandai support group. Maintaining personal hygiene and optimistic motivation were the emotion-focused strategies employed by the participants. Based on the findings of the study, implications are discussed.

Source: UG
Sugar metabolism in expanding husk leaves of flint corn (Zea mays L.) genotypes differing in husk leaf size

Relationships between leaf expansion and MeOH-soluble (cytosol) and cell-wall fractions, and their sugar composition prior to silking in flint corn lines were studied. A greater husk leaf area of one genotype, X-15 is mainly due to prolonged and higher rate of expansion. Prior to rapid expansion of husk leaf area, neutral sugars in the cytosol fraction accounted for most of the non-starch carbohydrates (56-62%), while hemicellulose and cellulose fractions accounted for less than 20%. In mature leaf parts, however, sugars in the cytosol fraction decreased but those in hemicellulose and cellulose fractions increased by 30% and 42%, respectively. The predominant sugar in the cytosol fraction was glucose (Glc), while in the hemicellulose fraction xylose (Xyl) and arabinose (Ara) dominated. During rapid expansion of husk leaves, 13C was incorporated at a higher rate into hemicellulose than cellulose, and this process was more active in X-15 than in other genotypes. During an identical period, 13C atom % excess in Xyl increased markedly in the hemicellulose fraction, however it remained low in the cytosol one. The current results suggest that synthesis of Xyl and xylan plays an important role in renewal of hemicellulose, which may be required for expansion.

Source: UG