ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Supply-chain Disruptions under COVID: A Window of Opportunity for Local Producers?

Chinese imports replace locally manufactured products in developing countries. The import of consumer goods from China to West Africa is closely linked to commercial travel, and China’s border restrictions during the COVID outbreak put a near-halt to such travel. Furthermore, the pandemic caused a global logistics crisis that disrupted supply chains with production in China. This paper asks whether Ghanaian manufacturers and artisanal producers could take advantage of these disruptions to enhance their competitive position. Did China’s Does the border closure provide space for local Ghanaian producers to thrive? We address this question by drawing on data collected among Ghanaian plastic manufacturers and furniture makers, who have faced tough competition from Chinese imports. Our analysis shows that supply chain disruptions from China led to the substitution of certain products previously imported from China, and these effects were partially sustained after the Covid-induced barriers to imports from China were removed. However, the disruptions were also costly for many Ghanaian producers, as they depended on Chinese intermediary products, tools, and other inputs. This illustrates how economic lives in Ghana and China have become so profoundly intertwined that indiscriminate decoupling is neither possible nor desirable.

Source: UG
Supply-Side Practices and Constraints of the Kola Nut (Cola nitida (Vent) Schott. and Endl.) Value Chain in Ghana: A Descriptive Evidence

The use of kola nut, including natural or alternative medicinal sources, has inevitably created an increased global market demand in excess of its production and provides great prospects for the growth of the kola nut industry in producing countries like Ghana. Nonetheless, there is a great dearth of information on Ghana’s kola nut supply-side practices and constraints that can provide a basis for the development of the industry. &is study fills the research gap by describing the practices and constraints of farmers, processors, and marketers of kola nut in Ghana. Using a survey methodology, results showed that nearly all (99.5%) farmers interviewed had not received any extension training on agronomic practices. Low market price of nuts (61.5%) and pests and diseases (60.4%) were the most reported constraints to kola nut production. Chiefs among motivating factors for cultivating kola nut were alternative livelihood support (58%). Some processors (28.6%) who rinsed nuts after depulping used a solution of Akate Master (bifenthrin) and others (51.0%) used fumigation tablets (aluminium phosphide) (91.0%) for storing the nuts. However, these chemicals may be dangerous to the health of consumers in the long run. &e low selling price of kola nuts was perceived to be the most (74.8%) constraint to kola nut processing and marketing. Respondents noted that the red nuts were preferred for their durability during transportation and longer shelf life, while the white nuts were preferred for their taste. &e results suggest the need for further agronomic, post harvest handling, preservation, and storage, as well as breeding research to provide recommendations to farmers and processors. To overcome some marketing challenges, there is a need for policy support to standardize pricing and grading systems for the mutual benefit of all the stakeholders.

Source: UG
A support programme for caregivers of children with disabilities in Ghana: Understanding the impact on the wellbeing of caregivers

BACKGROUND: Four fifths of the estimated 150 million children with disability in the world live in resource poor settings where the role of the family is crucial in ensuring that these children survive and thrive. Despite their critical role, evidence is lacking on how to provide optimal support to these families. This study explores the impact of a participatory training programme for caregivers delivered through a local support group, with a focus on understanding caregiver wellbeing. METHODS: A qualitative longitudinal study was conducted to investigate the impact of a training programme, "getting to know cerebral palsy," with caregivers on their wellbeing. Eighteen caregivers, from four districts, were interviewed up to three times over 14 months, to assess impact and the reasons for any changes. RESULTS: Low levels of knowledge, high levels of stigma, physical and emotional exhaustion, and often difficult family relationships with social exclusion of the child and caregiver were common themes at the outset. Caregivers struggled to combine their caring and economic activities. This was exacerbated by the common absence of the father. Two months after completion of the training, their reported wellbeing had improved. The reasons for this were an improved understanding about their child's condition, positive attitudinal change towards their child, feelings of hope, and through the group support, a profound realisation that they are "not on their own." While relationships within the family remained complex in many cases, the support group offered an important and alternative social support network. CONCLUSIONS: This study illustrates the many benefits of a relatively simple caregiver intervention, which has the potential to offer a mechanism to provide sustainable social support for caregivers and children with cerebral palsy. Any future programme needs to also address more structural issues, including stigma and discrimination, and strengthen approaches to family engagement.

Source: UG
Support, networks, and relationships: Findings from a mixed-methods evaluation of a mentorship programme for early career women researchers in sexual and reproductive health and rights

Low research output among women researchers in health research has been linked to inad equate mentorship opportunities for early career women researchers and particularly in sex ual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) field. Mentorship has been recognized as a contributor to strengthening research capacity and as beneficial for both mentors and men tees. Women researchers oftentimes experience negative impacts of organizational and structural gender inequities related to formal and informal mentoring. In 2020, the UNDP/ UNFPA/UNICEF/WHO/World Bank Special Programme of Research, Development and Research Training in Human Reproduction at WHO launched a mentorship programme for early career SRHR women researchers from low- and middle-income countries. The pro gramme sought to provide professional skill-building, promote and share networking oppor tunities, and offer support in navigating personal and professional life. We conducted a convergent parallel mixed-methods evaluation of the 2020 pilot programme, which included 26 participants, through an online survey and semi-structured in-depth interviews (IDIs). Data collection occurred between March and May 2022. Nineteen responded to the online survey (12 mentees, 7 mentors) and 11 IDIs (7 mentees, 4 mentors) were completed. Based on a preliminary framework, we used deductive and inductive methods to identify six themes: views on mentorship; reasons for applying and expectations of participation in the programme; preferred aspects of programme implementation; challenges with the pro gramme implementation; perceived lasting benefits of the programme; and recommenda tions for improvement. All participants found the initial training useful, most discussed work life prioritization throughout the mentorship relationship, and most planned to continue with the relationship. There appear to be ample benefits to mentorship, especially when planned and implemented in a structured manner. These attributes can be particularly beneficial when they are conceived as a two-way relationship of mutual learning and support, and especially for women at the start of their research careers as they navigate structural gender inequities.

Source: UG
Supporting to be Credible: Investigating Perceived Social Support as a Determinant of Perceived Credibility

Technological systems can be equipped with persuasive design principles that influence user perceptions. For instance, earlier research showed that Perceived Social Support can influence user perceptions such as effectiveness and knowledge sharing intentions. However, to our knowledge, how Perceived Social Support affects Perceived Credibility has not been investigated. This study investigates the influence of Perceived Social Support on Perceived Credibility. A survey questionnaire was employed to gather user perceptions of social support and credibility in the context of Academic Social Networking Sites (ASNSs). Analysis using Partial Least Square Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) confirmed Perceived Social Support as a determinant of Perceived Credibility. Also, Dialogue Support and Primary Task Support were identified to be predictors of Perceived Social Support. The study recommends that designers improve the social support features (e.g., through integrating machine learning and data mining techniques).

Source: UG
Supporting visually impaired students in virtual learning environments in Ghana

Distance education (DE) has been in existence in Ghana for almost three decades guided by the philosophy of making quality education more accessible and relevant to all students. In line with best practices across the globe, Ghanaian institutions providing DE have been integrating digital technologies to augment traditional forms of delivery over the last decade. However, specific gaps have been identified in the provision for students with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). To address this, the current study involves a multi-site exploratory case study using Accessibility4Equity principles to explore the challenges that distance providers face when enrolling visually impaired students (VIS). Fourteen participants comprising eight DE administrators and six IT personnel from four DE public higher educational institutions in Ghana were selected for this study. Findings identified several key themes, including access and equity, participation and imperatives for the inclusion of VIS. Based on this novel research approach, several implications emerged to drive the agenda for strategies to admit VIS into DE programmes in Ghana. Arising from this, recommendations suggest that future research is needed to address the gaps in the Accessibility4Equity supportive framework for VIS in virtual learning spaces.

Source: UG
Suppurative corneal ulcers in Ghana: Outcome of management

Aim: A multi·centre study was conducted in Ghana to determine the clinical outcome of suppurative keratitis cases with available antimicrobial therapy. Methods: Patients with Suppurative keratitis were recruited at three ophthalmic centres. Clinical examination and corneal scrapes were performed for microbiological investigation. Initial treatment was guided by microscopy results and later modified if necessary when culture and sensitivity results became available. The ulcer size was measured and recorded daily. Patient details, clinical findings and predisposing risk factors were documented. Results: A total of 290 patients were entered into the study over a period of 20 months. The majority of the corneal ulcers either resolved completely or improved by day 21. Conclusion: With adequate laboratory support and availability of antifungals. most corneal ulcers can be successfully treated. especially if patients report early for treatment

Source: UG
Surface energy of Si(110)- and 3C-SiC(111)-terminated surfaces

We perform total-energy electronic-structure calculations based on density functional theory in the framework of the local density approximation to discuss the surface energy convergence of non-polar Si(110)- and polar 3C-SiC(111)-terminated surfaces. Whilst the non-polar surface show monotonic convergence in surface energy, the polar surface is oscillatory. The relaxations of 3C-SiC(111)- and α-6H(0001)-terminated surfaces are very similar; however, the two structures are electronically different due to differences in the relative energetic positions of their dangling bonds. Comparing the energetic positions of the dangling bonds, the calculation revealed that the carbon dangling bond is about 1.32eV lower in energy than that of silicon in the 3C-terminated surface. Again, the presence of these dangling bond states makes both polar and non-polar surfaces show metallic behaviour, as indicated in their respective dispersion curves. © 2014 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Source: UG
Surface marker patterns of T cells and expression of interleukin-2 receptor in measles infection

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
Surgical Care and Health Systems

BACKGROUND: While surgical care impacts a wide variety of diseases and conditions with non-operative and operative services, both preventive and curative, there has been little discussion concerning how surgery might be integrated within the health system of a low and middle-income country (LMIC), nor how strengthening surgical services may improve health systems and population health. METHODS: We reviewed reports from several meetings of the working group on health systems strengthening of the Global Initiative for Emergency and Essential Surgical Care, and also performed a review of the literature including the search terms "surgery," "health system," "developing country," "health systems strengthening," "health information system," "financing," "governance," and "integration." RESULTS: The literature search revealed no reports which focused on the integration of surgical services within a health system or as a component of health system strengthening. A conceptual model of how surgical care might be integrated within a health system is proposed, based on the discussions of our working group, combined with sources from the medical literature, and utilizing the World Health Organization's conceptual model of a health system. CONCLUSIONS: Strengthening the delivery of surgical services in LMICs will require inputs at multiple levels within a health system, and this effort will require the coalescence of committed individuals and organizations, supported by civil society.

Source: UG
Surgical intervention for intestinal typhoid perforation.

AIM: Typhoid perforation is the most fatal complication of typhoid fever in developing countries and is most often caused by the bacteria Salmonella Typhi. There are conflicting views as to which type of surgical intervention gives the best outcome. The aim of this study was to determine the mortality associated with the different types of surgical interventions employed in patients with typhoid perforation. METHOD: This was a retrospective review of the medical records of adult and paediatric surgical patients treated in the general and paediatric surgical units of the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital. Information was obtained from medical records at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital in Accra, Ghana, between January 2009 and April 2012. The data was analysed using IBM SPSS Statistics version 20 and 22. RESULTS: 133 patients (median age of 21 years, 72.2% males) with typhoid perforation were included in the study. The typhoid perforation specific mortality rate was 12.8%. Males had a significantly lower mortality rate (7.3%) compared to females (27%). Simple bowel closure (85.7% of total) was the most common surgical intervention performed and patients operated upon with this method had a significantly lower mortality rate (9.6%) compared to patients with bowel resection (31.6%). CONCLUSIONS: In this study, patients treated with intestinal resection were more likely to die from typhoid perforation and female gender was a risk factor for death. Simple bowel closure was the predominant surgical procedure.

Source: UG
Surgical leadership in Africa – challenges and opportunities

Surgical care has been described as one of the Cinderellas in the global health development agenda, taking a backseat to public health, child health, and infectious diseases. In the midst of such competing health-care needs, surgical care, often viewed by policy makers as luxurious and the preserve of the rich, gets relegated to the bottom of priority lists. In the meantime, infectious disease, malnutrition, and other ailments, viewed as largely affecting the poor and disadvantaged in society, get embedded in national health plans, receiving substantial funding and public health program development. It is often stated that the main reason for this sad state of affairs in surgical care is the lack of political will to improve matters in the health sector. Indeed, in 2001, the Commission on Macroeconomics and Health concluded that the lack of political will to sufficiently increase spending on health at the sub-national, national, and international levels was perhaps the most critical barrier to improving health in low-income countries. However, at the root of this lack of political will is a lack of political priority for surgical care.

Source: UG
Surgical Management of Constrictive Pericarditis

Background: Constrictive pericarditis is a disease characterized by marked thickening and dense scarring of the pericardium with pericardial sac obliteration, or calcification of the pericardium. Without treatment this disease is characterized by high morbidity and mortality. Objective: To review the surgical management of constructive pericarditis and the post operative challenges. Methods: Eleven patients who had pericardiectomy for constructive pericarditis between 2000 and 2005 were studied. Data was obtained from the operating theatre register, histopathological reports and patient’s case notes. Results: The mean age was 33 years with a range of 14 to 53 years. There were seven males (63.6%) and four females (36.4%). Seven (63.6%) out of the eleven patients operated were treated for pulmonary tuberculosis. The cause of pericardial constriction in four patients (36.4%) was undetermined. Follow up period was between 4-59 months. The mean follow up was 17.5 months. Seven patients (63.6%) were off diuretics and had no exercise intolerance. Patients were classified using the New York Heart Association (NYHA) n (NYHA) functional and therapeutic classification in class I-V. Two patients preoperatively in class III are now in class I after surgery on low dose diuretics. One patient who had calcific constrictive pericarditis and came in class III was now in class II with diuretics after 3 years of follow up. There was no postoperative mortality. One patient was lost to follow up. Conclusion: Pericardiectomy is a useful procedure for constrictive pericarditis and was beneficial to all the patients in this study with an improvement in their functional capacity. Intensive peri-operative monitoring and management reduced morbidity and mortality.

Source: UG
Surgical Patients’ Perception of Spirituality on the Outcome of Surgery in Northern Ghana

Purpose: To explore surgical patients’ perception of spirituality on the outcome of surgeries in the northern part of Ghana. Methods: A qualitative explorative descriptive design was adopted for the study. A purposive sampling technique was used to recruit participants. Data were saturated with 15 participants aged between 23 and 65 years. All the interviews were audiotaped and transcribed verbatim. Data analysis was done using the processes of content analysis. Findings: Many participants felt that surgery was a threat to their lives, or felt that they may lose some parts of their body. Participants perceived spirituality (faith) to be a major contributor to their successful surgeries. Participants believed that God’s intervention had led to successful surgery outcomes for their surgeries. However, just a few of the participants stressed that they believed in the competencies of the various health professionals (doctors and nurses) for their successful surgeries. Conclusions: The study showed that surgical patients perceived threat, harm, or loss when they had to undergo surgery. Participants’ perceived that a successful surgical outcome will depend on divine intervention from their religious faith. Hence, nurses must observe patients’ spirituality and respect them during nursing care

Source: UG
Surveillance for Peri-Elimination Trachoma Recrudescence: Exploratory Studies in Ghana

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

Source: UG
Surveillance for rotavirus gastroenteritis in children less than 5 years of age in Togo

The main research focus of the Electron Microscopy and Histopathology Department in the past 20 years has been in the areas of enteric diarrhoeas with special emphasis on rotavirus. Through its diarrhoea surveillance studies, the Department has helped to firmly establish rotaviruses as a major cause of diarrhoea in children, and document the circulation of unusual rotavirus genotypes in Ghana. The Department has also recently expanded its diagnostic repertoire to include the identification and characterization of noroviruses, astroviruses, and other enteric viruses.

Source: UG
Surveillance of antimicrobial resistance in human health in Tanzania: 2016–2021

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

Source: UG
Surveillance of molecular markers of plasmodium falciparum resistance to sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine 5 years after the change of malaria treatment policy 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
Surveillance of molecular markers of Sulphadoxine-Pyrimethamine resistance in Ghana after the change of malaria treatment policy

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