ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Characterising wildlife trade market supply-demand dynamics

The trade in wildlife products can represent an important source of income for poor people, but also threaten wildlife locally, regionally and internationally. Bushmeat provides livelihoods for hunters, traders and sellers, protein to rural and urban consumers, and has depleted the populations of many tropical forest species. Management interventions can be targeted towards the consumers or suppliers of wildlife products. There has been a general assumption in the bushmeat literature that the urban trade is driven by consumer demand with hunters simply fulfilling this demand. Using the urban bushmeat trade in the city of Kumasi, Ghana, as a case study, we use a range of datasets to explore the processes driving the urban bushmeat trade.We characterise the nature of supply and demand by explicitly considering three market attributes: resource condition, hunter behaviour, and consumer behaviour. Our results suggest that bushmeat resources around Kumasi are becoming increasingly depleted and are unable to meet demand, that hunters move in and out of the trade independently of price signals generated by the market, and that, for the Kumasi bushmeat system, consumption levels are driven not by consumer choice but by shortfalls in supply and consequent price responses. Together, these results indicate that supply-side processes dominate the urban bushmeat trade in Kumasi. This suggests that future management interventions should focus on changing hunter behaviour, although complementary interventions targeting consumer demand are also likely to be necessary in the long term. Our approach represents a structured and repeatable method to assessing market dynamics in information-poor systems. The findings serve as a caution against assuming that wildlife markets are demand driven, and highlight the value of characterising market dynamics to informappropriate management.

Source: UG
Characteristics and careers of past post-graduate diploma students of the Department of Library and Archival Studies, University of Ghana, Legon, 1981/82–1987/88

This paper summarises the findings of a survey of the careers and characteristics of past postgraduate diploma students of the Department of Library and Archival Studies, University of Ghana between 1981/82 and 1987/88. It examines issues such as their sex; how they came to choose the profession; what jobs they were doing before enrolling at the library school; job mobility; job satisfaction; and the relevance of the courses at the Department to their present employment and activities. Among the findings are that the Department has produced more males than females; the highest number of graduates are found in special libraries; and most the graduates complained about the theoretical bias of the courses in the Department.

Source: UG
Characteristics and genesis of pisolitic soil layers in a tropical moist semi-deciduous forest of Ghana

In the tropical moist semi-deciduous forests of West Africa, gravelly soil horizons common on the summits and upper slopes in the landscape, are often covered by a thin layer of gravel-free soil. Previous investigations have shown that these top layers are formed by termites transporting gravel-free soil material from the subsoil to fallen logs and branches on the soil surface. The present study located at the upper part of a catena at Kade in Ghana shows that the gravel consists of iron nodules or pisolites of varying degree of cementation, quartz and a few remnants of unweathered metamorphic stones. According to chemical and mineralogical studies of pisolites from E, Bt and Bt/Cg horizons, pisolites in the three horizons consist of well crystallized goethite and hematite, and the pisolite content and hardness decrease with increasing soil depth. Furthermore, the very hard pisolites from the E horizon are richer in total iron oxides, especially hematite, than the pisolites in the horizons below but iron oxide crystallinity is similar in the three horizons indicating that pisolite hardening depends on the total content of iron oxides, in particular hematite. Based on the location of the gravel-rich soil horizon in the landscape, a general route for development of pisolite-rich soil horizons in West Africa is proposed including the following processes: (i) An upward transport of gravel-free material to the soil surface due to termite activity, (ii) ongoing removal of this material by water erosion, (iii) weathering of the rather soft metamorphic bedrock present at shallow depth and (iv) gley formation. These processes will over time lead to a lowering of the land surface and concentration of pisolites at the soil surface or in a layer near the soil surface. © 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Source: UG
Characteristics and Risk Perceptions of Ghanaians Potentially Exposed to Bat-Borne Zoonoses through Bushmeat

Emerging zoonotic pathogens from wildlife pose increasing public health threats globally. Bats, in particular, host an array of zoonotic pathogens, yet there is little research on how bats and humans interact, how people perceive bats and their accompanying disease risk, or who is most at risk. Eidolon helvum, the largest and most abundant African fruit bat species, is widely hunted and eaten in Ghana and also carries potentially zoonotic pathogens. This combination raises concerns, as hunting and butchering bushmeat are common sources of zoonotic transmission. Through a combination of interviews with 577 Ghanaians across southern Ghana, we identified the characteristics of people involved in the bat-bushmeat trade and we explored their perceptions of risk. Bat hunting, selling and consumption are widely distributed across regional and ethnic lines, with hotspots in certain localities, while butchering is predominantly done by women and active hunters. Interviewees held little belief of disease risk from bats, saw no ecological value in fruit bats and associated the consumption of bats with specific tribes. These data can be used to inform disease and conservation management plans, drawing on social contexts and ensuring that local voices are heard within the larger global effort to study and mitigate outbreaks. © 2014, The Author(s).

Source: UG
Characteristics of asymptomatic Plasmodium spp. parasitaemia in Kwahu-Mpraeso, a malaria endemic mountainous district in Ghana, West Africa

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
Characteristics of hepatitis B virus in Ghana: Full length genome sequences indicate the endemicity of genotype E in West Africa.

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) genotypes from A to H have distinct geographical distributions and have been shown to affect the clinical features as well as the course of the HBV infection. HBV genotype E has been found only in Africa. However, the complete genomes of this genotype, which were isolated mainly from West Africa, were available only for a few samples. In this study, five full-length genomes and seven other small S genes of HBV strains from Ghanaian blood donors were sequenced and investigated. Following phylogenetic analysis, all of the Ghanaian HBV strains were clustered closely in genotype E. All of the 12 small S genes showed the same characteristic of subtype ayw4. The complete genomes of the five Ghanaian strains showed marked similarity with each other and with the reported genotype E strains (96.7%-99.1%). Genotype E strains showed low intra-genotypic diversity (1.8%) and carried the conserved signature pattern in pre-S1 as well as in the full genome sequence. Of note, the finding of the G145R escape mutant in an unvaccinated Ghanaian blood donor might raise concern as to the ongoing nation-wide hepatitis B vaccination program in Ghana.

Source: UG
Characteristics of latrine promotion participants and non-participants; inspection of latrines; and perceptions of household latrines in Northern Ghana

Objectives: To examine characteristics of household heads in two districts of Northern Ghana who had or had not participated in latrine promotion programmes; to inspect latrines; and to explore perceptions of latrine ownership. Methods: One hundred and twenty latrine owners and 120 non-owners were randomly selected from all trachoma-endemic villages and interviewed. Structured questionnaires assessed demographics, household data, wealth indicators, and perceptions of latrine ownership. Latrines were inspected. Results: Latrine owners and non-owners were similar demographically, but owners were more likely to report any education or wealth indicators: any education OR ¼ 2.0, (95% CI 1.2–3.4); large family size OR ¼ 4.6 (2.6–8.2); children in school OR ¼ 3.8 (1.3–10.5); and metal roof OR ¼ 9.1 (2.0–40.0). All 120 latrine owners were participating in promotion programmes; no latrines had been self-built without programme support. Inspection showed 73/120 (60.1%) latrines were completed and used. Of the uncompleted latrines 41/47 (87.2%) were more than a year old. Programme participants (regardless of whether they had a completed latrine) had contributed cash (mean $16.74 S.D.18.09) and 117/120 had provided labour and/or construction materials. The most frequently reported advantages of latrine ownership were convenience, cleanliness and health benefits; reported disadvantages were the need for maintenance and cleaning and bad odour. Conclusions: Current latrine promotion programmes do not reach all households equally. Joining a latrine programme was expensive and did not guarantee latrine ownership; this may cause people to lose trust in such programmes. Latrines were perceived to be useful, suggesting unmet demand. Reliable and inclusive programmes that provide low cost latrines may receive community support.

Source: UG
Characteristics of packaged water production facilities in Greater Accra, Ghana: implications for water safety and associated environmental impacts

Packaged water (sold in bags or bottles) is widely consumed in many countries and is the main drinking-water source for most urban Ghanaian households. There are, however, few studies of packaged water production. This study aims to assess the source water, treatment, and manufacturing characteristics of sachet water (vended in 500 mL plastic bags), together with pointof- manufacture risks to hygienic production. A sample of 90 sachets was collected of brands sold in four neighbourhoods in Accra, Ghana, their packaging and physical characteristics recorded, and a risk score calculated from these. Production processes were observed at 60 associated sachet factories, producers interviewed, and surrounding neighbourhoods surveyed for contamination hazards. 80% of producers packaged groundwater from boreholes and all treated water via reverse osmosis. Almost all manufacturers (95%) reported site visits by regulators in the previous year and few risks to hygienic production were observed at factories. Sanitary risk scores were 9.2% higher at the seven factories never visited by a regulator, though this difference was not significant (t ¼ 1.81; p ¼ 0.07). This survey suggests most Ghanaian sachet water originates from groundwater and is comparatively safe, though a minority remains unregulated. Groundwater governance policy could support this industry in meeting Greater Accra’s growing water demand through the designation of protected municipal wellfields.

Source: UG
Characteristics of severe anemia and its association with malaria in young children of the Kassena-Nankana district of northern Ghana.

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
Characteristics of users and implications for the use of complementary and alternative medicine in Ghanaian cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy and chemotherapy: a cross- sectional study

Abstract Background There is widespread use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) in Ghana, driven by cultural consideration and paradigm to disease causation. Whether there is concurrent use of conventional medicine and CAM in cancer patients is unknown. This study investigates the prevalence, pattern and predictors of CAM use in cancer patients. Overlapping toxicity, sources of information, and whether users inform their doctor about CAM use is examined. Method Cross-sectional study using a questionnaire administered to cancer patients, who were receiving radiotherapy and or chemotherapy or had recently completed treatment at a single institution was used. Results Ninety eight patients participated in the study with a mean age of 55.5 (18&#8211;89), made up of 51% females. Married individuals formed 56% of the respondents, whilst 49% had either secondary or tertiary education. Head and neck cancer patients were 15.3%, breast (21.4%), abdomen/pelvic cancers constituted (52%).Seventy seven (78.6%) patients received radiotherapy only, 16.3% received radiation and chemotherapy and 5.3% had chemotherapy only.Ninety five patients were diagnosed of cancer within the past 24 months,73.5% were CAM users as follows; massage(66.3%), herbal(59.2%), mega vitamins(55.1%), Chinese medicine(53.1%),and prayer(42.9%). Sixty eight percent were treated with curative intent. Overlapping toxicity was reported. Majority (83.3%) of users had not informed their doctor about CAM use.On univariate analysis, female (p=0.004) and palliative patients, p=0.032 were more likely to be CAM users. Multivariate analysis identified female (p&lt;0.01), as significant for use, whilst head and neck site was significant for non use (p&lt;0.028). Young, married and highly educated individuals are more likely to use CAM.Friends and Media are the main sources of information on CAM. There was increase in CAM use after the diagnosis of cancer mainly for Chinese Medicine and vitamins. Conclusion There is high CAM usage among Cancer patients, comparable to use in the general population, there is concurrent use of CAM and conventional medicine with reported overlapping toxicity but without informing Oncologist about use. Women and palliative patients are more likely to use CAM. Doctor patient communication on herbal-radiotherapy and drug treatment interaction needs to be strengthened. Standardization and regulation of CAM use is paramount.

Source: UG
Characteristics of users and implications for the use of complementary and alternative medicine in Ghanaian cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy and chemotherapy: A cross- sectional study.

Background: There is widespread use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) in Ghana, driven by cultural consideration and paradigm to disease causation. Whether there is concurrent use of conventional medicine and CAM in cancer patients is unknown. This study investigates the prevalence, pattern and predictors of CAM use in cancer patients. Overlapping toxicity, sources of information, and whether users inform their doctor about CAM use is examined.Method: Cross-sectional study using a questionnaire administered to cancer patients, who were receiving radiotherapy and or chemotherapy or had recently completed treatment at a single institution was used.Results: Ninety eight patients participated in the study with a mean age of 55.5 (18-89), made up of 51% females. Married individuals formed 56% of the respondents, whilst 49% had either secondary or tertiary education. Head and neck cancer patients were 15.3%, breast (21.4%), abdomen/pelvic cancers constituted (52%).Seventy seven (78.6%) patients received radiotherapy only, 16.3% received radiation and chemotherapy and 5.3% had chemotherapy only.Ninety five patients were diagnosed of cancer within the past 24 months,73.5% were CAM users as follows; massage(66.3%), herbal(59.2%), mega vitamins(55.1%), Chinese medicine(53.1%),and prayer(42.9%). Sixty eight percent were treated with curative intent. Overlapping toxicity was reported. Majority (83.3%) of users had not informed their doctor about CAM use.On univariate analysis, female (p=0.004) and palliative patients, p=0.032 were more likely to be CAM users. Multivariate analysis identified female (p<0.01), as significant for use, whilst head and neck site was significant for non use (p<0.028). Young, married and highly educated individuals are more likely to use CAM.Friends and Media are the main sources of information on CAM. There was increase in CAM use after the diagnosis of cancer mainly for Chinese Medicine and vitamins.Conclusion: There is high CAM usage among Cancer patients, comparable to use in the general population, there is concurrent use of CAM and conventional medicine with reported overlapping toxicity but without informing Oncologist about use. Women and palliative patients are more likely to use CAM. Doctor patient communication on herbal-radiotherapy and drug treatment interaction needs to be strengthened. Standardization and regulation of CAM use is paramount. © 2013 Yarney et al.; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.

Source: UG
The characteristics, knowledge, beliefs and practices of parent/guardians of children with asthma in Accra, Ghana

All over the world the morbidity and mortality from asthma is increasing. Though the reason for this trend is not dear, most studies have shown that the failure of patients, parents, carers and health personnel to recognize the severity of asthma attacks, delay in seeking medical help and the subsequent delay in initiating treatment are major contributing factors. Education of parents of children with asthma is an essential step to reduce this trend in asthma. In order to formulate an appropriate and locally relevant health education programme in Ghana, a prospective study was conducted to determine the characteristics, knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, and practices of parents/guardians of children with asthma presenting to the Department of Child Health, Korle Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH), Accra, Ghana. Person to person interview using a pre-tested questionnaire was administered to parents/guardians of children with asthma. A total of 69 patients were recruited. Sixty-one (97.1%) fathers and 66(98.6%) mothers had attained at least primary level occupations. Questions assessing the respondents' knowledge about the cause and natural history of asthma were correctly answered by 56. 1% to 91.2% of the respondents. The level of education of the parents/guardians did not influence the number of correct answers. Breathlessness was the commonest symptom (95.5%) attributed to asthma while cough was regarded as the commonest first sign (68.3%) of exacerbation of asthma. Seventy-seven percent of parents/guardians would give a bronchodilator and/or consult a doctor when their child develops breathlessness. Only 2 1.5% and 7.7% would give a bronchodilator or consult a doctor. respectively for cough. It was concluded that parents/guardians of children with asthma were quite knowledgeable about asthma but their recognition of acute asthma was poor and they did not take appropriate action at the onset of exacerbations. On the basis of these results recommendations were made to improve the health education of parents/guardians

Source: UG
Characterization and appraisal of facets influencing geochemistry of groundwater in the Kulpawn sub-basin of the White Volta Basin, Ghana

Groundwater composition in the Kulpawn basin is largely controlled by aluminosilicates dissolution and cation exchange resulting in mainly Ca-Mg-HCO3 and NaHCO3 water types. Principal component analysis, Piper graphical classification, and stable isotope (18O and 2H) of groundwater and surface-water samples were used to delineate geochemical processes and groundwater facies. The groundwater is mildly acid to neutral and low in conductivity. Chemical constituents except HCO3- and SiO2 have low concentration. No cation shows clear majority, however, the order of relative abundance is Na+ &gt; Ca2+ &gt; Mg2+ &gt; K+. HCO3- is the predominant anion and the order of abundance is HCO3- &gt; NO3- &gt; SO42- &gt; Cl-. SiO2 concentration is high compared with the major cations. Dissolution of plagioclase, pyroxene and biotite and cation exchange are responsible for groundwater composition. Isotopic data suggest integrative, smooth and rapid recharge from meteoric origin. The groundwater quality is generally good for domestic usage; however, 18 and 47% of boreholes respectively have NO3- and F- levels outside WHO recommended limits suggesting potential physiological problems in some localities. The groundwater has low sodium absorption ratio and low to moderate salinity hazard but significant magnesium hazard partially limiting its use for irrigation. © Springer-Verlag 2008.

Source: UG
Characterization and diversity of rhizobia nodulating selected tree legumes in Ghana

The study was conducted to assess the characteristics and diversity of the rhizobia that nodulate some prominent tree legumes in three soils of Ghana. Five introduced and/or indigenous tree legumes were initially assessed for nodulation in three Ghanaian soils. After 12 weeks of growth in nursery pots the 200 rhizobial strains isolated from their nodules were characterized culturally, metabolically and phenotypically. Sixty of these isolates were selected randomly and their genotypic characteristics determined using PCR-RFLP of 16S rRNA and intergenic spacer (ITS) genes. Each tree legume was nodulated by isolates classified as fast or very fast-growers or by isolates classified as slow- or very slow-growers with 54 % of all the 200 isolates belonging to fast- or very fast-growers. Morphologically, eighty five percent of the colonies formed on yeast extract mannitol agar were wet and gummy while 70 % were acid tolerant, i.e. they were able to grow at a pH of 3.5. Combined restriction of the 16S rRNA genes of the 60 rhizobial isolates with five restriction enzymes clearly distinguished seven different clusters at 80 % similarity level. The majority of A. lebbeck isolates were distinct from those of the Acacias and L. leucocephala. The M. thonningii isolates were related to L. leucocephala isolates. Simple PCR of the ITS DNA provided several distinct band sizes indicating great variation among the isolates and restriction of the ITS with three different enzymes did not yield many further differences. Molecular techniques revealed a great diversity among the rhizobia that nodulate tree legumes in the tropics and this may explain why many introduced and/or indigenous trees are able to form nodules with indigenous rhizobia in this region. © 2016, The Author(s).

Source: UG