ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Wireless motor control

Today, both Direct Current (DC) and Alternating Current (AC) motors are utilized in many different applications in a variety of sectors. Such applications in the automobile and domestic sectors provide the energy required to generate mechanical power. The mechanical utilities such as winches, garbage compactors, auto walks, and elevator shafts use motor power to provide functional mobility at variable speed ranges adjusted as required [1] [2]. However, the mechanism to control motors is not ‘smart,’ as is the case in different electronic applications of today that are controlled by the mechanism of Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) [3] [4]. The listed examples still make use of analog functionalities, i.e., levers and pushbuttons. In the garbage compactor application, controlling the motor uses pushbuttons in the cabin, and, also the levers at the back of the truck. Operating the machine is tedious for the driver or the loader in that they must leave the cabin to operate the auxiliary machine each time. The process is labor-intensive with additional health hazards of having to deal with bad odor from the waste material. There is also an increased risk of physical injury, exposure to dangerous diseases from the dirty working environment; such as cholera and diarrhea as well as exposure to novel viruses not yet known in the medical field. Cases in point include exposure to Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and Covid-19 [5]. In addition to the health hazards inherent in the manual application of the winch machine, the operator faces a further challenge of not being able to keep the back of the truck within the line of sight. The operator has to focus on the operating buttons in the cabin while at the same time trying to manage the auxiliary functionalities at the back.

Source: Ashesi
Workplace attendance management system

An automated time and attendance system is beneficial to the employees and the administrators of an organization because it reduces human errors and streamlines time calculation. The efficiency of this system is known to be determined by the method of recording the attendance. Most organizations in Ghana use identity cards for verifying employees and recording attendance. The manual method of recording attendance using a pen and paper is prone to human errors. These methods do not provide the best solution in terms of security because they are vulnerable to impersonation. This Capstone report explores the use of fingerprint authentication in attendance systems using the Internet of Things and web technologies like HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and PHP to ensure reliability, efficiency, accountability, and productivity at a workplace. A low-cost attendance system that allows employees to sign in to their work environment was built successfully using esp32, OLED display, a hex keypad, and the R307 fingerprint sensor module. The system also enables employers to manage the employees of an organization and generates reports for salary calculation and other purposes.

Source: Ashesi
Yenscrap: Testing the effectiveness of an automobile scrap auction system as a means to reduce the number of abandoned cars in Accra

Abandoned cars have been a major issue in both developed and developing countries and have been identified to be one of the major causes of car accidents in Accra. Though several measures have been put in place to solve the issue, all the measures provided limited results on their success. Thus, this research had three objectives: to develop a bargaining method by benchmarking existing platforms, to develop an auction platform suited to both experts and novices in automobile dealerships and using technology and, to determine if a correlation existed between the use of the developed platform and the number of abandoned cars sold or recycled in Accra. These objectives helped to create two research questions (RQ1 and RQ2). RQ1 focused on testing if an African-inspired bargaining method would improve an auction algorithm in the context of Accra and RQ2 focused on testing if the improved usability and design of the platform would increase the number of abandoned cars sold and recycled in Accra. The results for RQ1 proved that an African-inspired auction algorithm improved the effectiveness of an auction algorithm in the context of Accra while that of RQ2 showed that though the improvement of usability and design of the auction platform was positively related to the number of abandoned cars sold or recycled in Accra, it was not significant enough to infer that the design influenced the sale and recycle of the abandoned cars.

Source: Ashesi
Zer0Clock: An online appointment booking system

Research shows that queuing is a problem in Ghana especially in hospitals and public-sector offices. Due to long queues, most Ghanaians are demotivated to take part in health benefitting activities such as vaccinations. Again, some Ghanaians pay bribes to public sector officials to avoid long queues and multiple visits to public sector offices for a service. This is one of many factors that accounts for the high bribery and corruption rate in Ghana. In this regard, this project sought to develop “zer0Clock”: a generic online appointment booking system that allows prior booking before an appointment. Requirements for this application were gathered from prospective users. On this platform, businesses and individuals can register and schedule their events. Clients can visit this platform and book an appointment to guarantee service completion on the day of visit and to avoid long queues. zer0Clock also has a video and live chat feature for virtual appointment execution. It also has a notification feature that ensures that clients who book appointments do not miss them by sending a reminder (usually 30 minutes before time). There is also a google map functionality that provide detailed direction for clients to navigate venues of appointments. There is a high level of conviction that this application will help reduce long queues if not eliminate them, because there has been a steep increase in internet usage in Africa over the past 10 years and all these vast number of internet users have the opportunity to use this application.

Source: Ashesi
1-methylcyclopropene (1-mcp) effects on natural disease resistance in stored sweet potato

BACKGROUND: The potential of 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) to maintain postharvest storage of sweet potato was studied. In two separate experiments, the orange-fleshed sweet potato cv. Covington was treated with 1-MCP (1.0 𝛍L L−1, 24 h) and roots stored at 15 ∘C. During storage, samples were evaluated for the respiration rate, sprout growth, weight loss, incidence of decay and changes in dry matter. The roots were further assayed for the temporal changes in individual non-structural carbohydrates and phenolic compounds in the skin and flesh tissues of the proximal (stem end), middle and distal (root end) regions. RESULTS: 1-MCP treatment reduced root weight loss and decay but respiration rate and non-structural carbohydrates were not affected. No sprouting was recorded irrespective of the treatment. 1-MCP transiently suppressed the accumulation of individual phenolic compounds, especially in the middle and distal segments. This accentuated the proximal dominance of phenolic compounds. Isochlorogenic acid A and chlorogenic acid were the dominant phenolics in the skin and flesh tissues, respectively. CONCLUSION: 1-MCP treatment may have an anti-decay effect and reduce weight loss. Therefore, storage trials that involve the use of continuous ethylene supplementation to inhibit sprout growth may be combined with 1-MCP to alleviate ethylene-induced weight loss and decay in sweet potato

Source: UCC
21st Century Distance Learning in Sub-Saharan Africa: Distance and Blended Learning in Ghana

Distance education in Ghana is rapidly gaining recognition as a result of the increasing demand for higher education by qualified applicants, most of whom are denied admission due to the limited space and resources. Distance education promotes cross-national, multi-disciplinary perspectives in educational practice and equips students, faculty, and administrators with resources to compete in the academic world of the 21st century. Universities in Ghana have opted for distance learning as an alternative measure to reduce congestion and help remedy student admissions to the few universities available (Dzisah, 2006). However, little is known about the trend of distance and blended learning education in Ghana. This chapter addresses the trend of distance learning and university education; distance and blended learning in Ghana; information on African Virtual University and distance education, benefits, challenges, recommended strategies of distance and blended learning programs in Ghana; and a conclusion.

Source: UCC
3D DNA origami designed with caDNAno

For about three decades, DNA-based nanotechnology has been undergoing development as an assembly method for nanostructured materials. The DNA origami method pioneered by Rothemund paved the way for the formation of 3D structures using DNA self-assembly. The origami approach uses a long scaffold strand as the input for the self-assembly of a few hundred staple strands into desired shapes. Herein, we present a 3D origami “roller” (75 nm in length) designed using caDNAno software. This has the potential to be used as a template to assemble nanoparticles into different pre-defined shapes. The “roller” was characterized with agarose gel electrophoresis, atomic force microscopy (AFM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM)

Source: UCC
A 56-Day Oral Toxicity Study of the queous Extract of Rapanea melanophloeos (L.) Mez in Rats

Rapanea melanophloeos is a tropical tree that is extensively utilized in African traditional medicine to treat helminthiases, tuberculosis, and heart-water. As with many other medicinal plants, there is insufficient information regarding the safety of therapeutic R. melanophloeos extracts. An aqueous extract of R. melanophloeos stem bark was administered to Sprague Dawley rats at doses of 100 mg/kg, 300 mg/kg, and 1000 mg/kg for 56 days to characterize its potential toxicity after prolonged dosing. Blood samples were obtained fortnightly for serum chemistry and hematology, while organs were collected at the end of the study. The extract caused an increase in organ weight indices of the kidneys and testis at 300 mg/kg and 1000 mg/kg. Hematological and biochemical examination revealed a drop in leukocyte counts and the hematocrit at 1000 mg/kg dose level, while there was a general but nondose-related elevation in alkaline phosphatase activity. There were time-associated ariations in the hematological and clinical chemistry parameters at days 28, 42, and 56 in all dose levels, but most alues remained within physiological limits. No pathological lesions were evident at histopathology after treatment with the extract. Our data shows that the aqueous extract of R. melanophloeos is not likely to be toxic at the doses tested and provides support to its medicinal use

Source: UCC
5′-UTR of malS increases the invasive capacity of Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi by influencing the expression of bax

Aim: An RNA-seq analysis recently identified a 236-nucleotide transcript upstream from malS in Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi. Here, we investigated its molecular characteristics and function. Materials & methods: RACE and northern blotting were used to determine the molecular characteristics of the sequence, and mutagenesis, microarray, immunoblotting and an invasion assay were used to investigate the functions of the transcript. Results: The transcript was identified as the malS 5′-untranslated region (UTR), which could influence the expression of the flagellar and SPI-1 genes and the invasion of HeLa cells by S. Typhi. Deletion of bax increased the expression of the invasion genes and the invasive capacity of S. Typhi, whereas the expression of the malS 5′-UTR reduced the expression of bax. Conclusion: The malS 5′-UTR reduces the expression of bax and increases the invasive capacity of S. Typhi.

Source: UCC
A 61C and C 101G Hp gene promoter polymorphisms are, respectively, associated with ahaptoglobinaemia and hypohaptoglobinaemia in Ghana

We have investigated the genetic basis for the Hp0 phenotype amongst 123 randomly selected Ghanaians. A total of 17 individuals were determined to be Hp0 phenotype, based on the classical method for Hp phenotyping of Hb-supplemented plasma. Out of the 17 Hp0 individuals, nine subjects were further classified as ahaptoglobinaemic and eight as hypohaptoglobinaemic byWestern blots and double immunodiffusion.We identified three previously known base substitutions (A 55G,A 61C and T 104A) and three new ones (C 101G, T 191G and C 242T)within the 50 flanking region of the Hp gene. The A 61C base substitution significantly decreased transcriptional activity and was associated strongly with Hp2 allele and ahaptoglobinaemia. The C 101G substitution was similar in transcriptional activity to the wild-type and was associated with Hp1S allele and hypohaptoglobinaemia. The Hpdel allele seen in Asian populations was absent.We conclude that the Hp0 phenotype in Ghana has a genetic basis that differs significantly from that seen in Asia.

Source: UCC
7 Genetics & Epigenetics 2016:8 A STAT6 Intronic Single-Nucleotide Polymorphism is Associated with Clinical Malaria in Ghanaian Children

ABSTRACT: Malaria pathogenesis may be influenced by IgE responses and cytokine cross-regulation. Several mutations in the IL-4/STAT6 signaling pathway can alter cytokine cross-regulation and IgE responses during a Plasmodium falciparum malarial infection. This study investigated the relationship between a STAT6 intronic single-nucleotide polymorphism (rs3024974), total IgE, cytokines, and malaria severity in 238 Ghanaian children aged between 0.5 and 13 years. Total IgE and cytokine levels were measured by ELISA, while genotyping was done by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP). Compared with healthy controls, heterozygosity protected against clinical malaria: uncomplicated malaria (odds ratios [OR] = 0.13, P , 0.001), severe malarial anemia (OR = 0.18, P , 0.001), and cerebral malaria (OR = 0.39, P = 0.022). Levels of total IgE significantly differed among malaria phenotypes (P = 0.044) and rs3024974 genotypes (P = 0.037). Neither cytokine levels nor IL-6/IL-10 ratios were associated with malaria phenotypes or rs3024974 genotypes. This study suggests a role for rs3024974 in malaria pathogenesis and offers further insights into an IL-4/STAT6 pathway mutation in malaria pathogenesis.

Source: UCC
A-61C and C-101G Hp gene promoter polymorphisms are, respectively, associated with ahaptoglobinaemia and hypohaptoglobinaemia in Ghana

We have investigated the genetic basis for the Hp0 phenotype amongst 123 randomly selected Ghanaians. A total of 17 individuals were determined to be Hp0 phenotype, based on the classical method for Hp phenotyping of Hb-supplemented plasma. Out of the 17 Hp0 individuals, nine subjects were further classified as ahaptoglobinaemic and eight as hypohaptoglobinaemic byWestern blots and double immunodiffusion.We identified three previously known base substitutions (Aÿ55G, Aÿ61C and Tÿ104A) and three new ones (Cÿ101G, Tÿ191G and Cÿ242T) within the 50 flanking region of the Hp gene. The Aÿ61C base substitution significantly decreased transcriptional activity and was associated strongly with Hp2 allele and ahaptoglobinaemia. The Cÿ101G substitution was similar in transcriptional activity to the wild-type and was associated with Hp1S allele and hypohaptoglobinaemia. The Hpdel allele seen in Asian populations was absent. We conclude that the Hp0 phenotype in Ghana has a genetic basis that differs significantly from that seen in Asia.

Source: UCC
AAV1/2-induced overexpression of A53T-α- synuclein in the substantia nigra results in degeneration of the nigrostriatal system with Lewy-like pathology and motor impairment: a new mouse model for Parkinson’s disease

α-Synuclein is a protein implicated in the etiopathogenesis of Parkinson’s disease (PD). AAV1/2-driven overexpression of human mutated A53T-α-synuclein in rat and monkey substantia nigra (SN) induces degeneration of nigral dopaminergic neurons and decreases striatal dopamine and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH). Given certain advantages of the mouse, especially it being amendable to genetic manipulation, translating the AAV1/2-A53T α-synuclein model to mice would be of significant value. AAV1/2-A53T α-synuclein or AAV1/2 empty vector (EV) at a concentration of 5.16 x 1012 gp/ml were unilaterally injected into the right SN of male adult C57BL/6 mice. Post-mortem examinations included immunohistochemistry to analyze nigral α-synuclein, Ser129 phosphorylated α-synuclein and TH expression, striatal dopamine transporter (DAT) levels by autoradiography and dopamine levels by high performance liquid chromatography. At 10 weeks, in AAV1/2-A53T α-synuclein mice there was a 33% reduction in TH+ dopaminergic nigral neurons (P < 0.001), 29% deficit in striatal DAT binding (P < 0.05), 38% and 33% reductions in dopamine (P < 0.001) and DOPAC (P < 0.01) levels and a 60% increase in dopamine turnover (homovanilic acid/dopamine ratio; P < 0.001). Immunofluorescence showed that the AAV1/2-A53T α-synuclein injected mice had widespread nigral and striatal expression of vector-delivered A53T-α-synuclein. Concurrent staining with human PD SN samples using gold standard histological methodology for Lewy pathology detection by proteinase K digestion and application of specific antibody raised against human Lewy body α-synuclein (LB509) and Ser129 phosphorylated α-synuclein (81A) revealed insoluble α-synuclein aggregates in AAV1/2-A53T α-synuclein mice resembling Lewy-like neurites and bodies. In the cylinder test, we observed significant paw use asymmetry in the AAV1/2-A53T α-synuclein group when compared to EV controls at 5 and 9 weeks post injection (P < 0.001; P < 0.05). These data show that unilateral injection of AAV1/2-A53T α-synuclein into the mouse SN leads to persistent motor deficits, neurodegeneration of the nigrostriatal dopaminergic system and development of Lewy-like pathology, thereby reflecting clinical and pathological hallmarks of human PD.

Source: UCC
Abnormal coagulation profile in people living with HIV-AIDS On combined Antiretroviral Therapy: findings from a case-control Study in the Ho municipality, Ghana

Although combined Anti-Retroviral Therapy (cART) has improved the quality of life and survival in people living with HIV-AIDS (PLWHA), there have been reports of increased non-AIDS related co-morbidities such as coagulopathies. The objective of this study was to assess the effect of cART on the coagulation profile of PLWHA. Methods: This case-control study recruited 110 PLWHA (65 patients on cART, and 45 cART naïve patients) from the antiretroviral therapy unit of Volta Regional Hospital, Ho. Blood was collected for prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT)and platelet count. Results: cART naïve individuals had a high PT (p <0.001; 17.2 vs 13.8) and APTT (p = 0.081; 59.7 vs 55.3) compared to their counterparts on cART. Also, INR was significantly lower in cART-treated PLWHA (p<0.001). Platelet count was high in participants on therapy compared to their naïve counterparts (204.7 vs 193.6, p = 0.402). Patients on zidovudine + nevirapin + efavirenz therapy had a significantly lower PT compared to those on zidovudine + lamivudine + efavirenz therapy {p = 0.02, 13.23 vs 14.66}. Additionally, PLWHA on zidovudine + nevirapin + efavirenz had reduced APTT compared to those on zidovudine + lamivudine + efavirenz therapy, or zidovudine + lamivudine+ nevirapine therapy (p = 0.058; 47.55 vs 56.81 vs 56.85 respectively). Conclusion: HIV infection adversely affects the coagulation profile in PLWHA which improves with cART. Barring the existence of other comorbidities, cART with zidovudine + nevirapin + efavirenz combination could be the treatment of choice as it significantly improves the coagulation profile in PLWHA

Source: UCC
Abnormal coagulation profile in people living with HIV-AIDS on combined Antiretroviral Therapy: findings from a case-control study in the Ho municipality, Ghana

Introduction: Although combined Anti-Retroviral Therapy (cART) has improved the quality of life and survival in people living with HIV-AIDS (PLWHA), there have been reports of increased non-AIDS related co-morbidities such as coagulopathies. The objective of this study was to assess the effect of cART on the coagulation profile of PLWHA. Methods: This case-control study recruited 110 PLWHA (65 patients on cART, and 45 cART naïve patients) from the antiretroviral therapy unit of Volta Regional Hospital, Ho. Blood was collected for prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT)and platelet count. Results: cART naïve individuals had a high PT (p <0.001; 17.2 vs 13.8) and APTT (p = 0.081; 59.7 vs 55.3) compared to their counterparts on cART. Also, INR was significantly lower in cART-treated PLWHA (p<0.001). Platelet count was high in participants on therapy compared to their naïve counterparts (204.7 vs 193.6, p = 0.402). Patients on zidovudine + nevirapin + efavirenz therapy had a significantly lower PT compared to those on zidovudine + lamivudine + efavirenz therapy {p = 0.02, 13.23 vs 14.66}. Additionally, PLWHA on zidovudine + nevirapin + efavirenz had reduced APTT compared to those on zidovudine + lamivudine + efavirenz therapy, or zidovudine + lamivudine+ nevirapine therapy (p = 0.058; 47.55 vs 56.81 vs 56.85 respectively). Conclusion: HIV infection adversely affects the coagulation profile in PLWHA which improves with cART. Barring the existence of other comorbidities, cART with zidovudine + nevirapin + efavirenz combination could be the treatment of choice as it significantly improves the coagulation profile in PLWHA.

Source: UCC
Abnormal Glucose Metabolism and Infertility

Background: Several studies have suggested that abnormal glucose metabolism, caused by the easy availability of calories and an increasingly sedentary lifestyle, is a cause of infertility. Indeed, specific foods have been shown to affect fertility by influencing related signaling pathways. Excess insulin has been shown to induce hormonal imbalances, which in turn can disrupt ovulation, egg quality, and conception, and women exhibiting insulin resistance often develop polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). Similarly, a majority of diabetic individuals also suffer from infertility. Recently, our understanding of the relationship between glucose metabolism and fertility has greatly improved. Methods: The published literature was systematically reviewed for case-controlled and cohort studies investigating infertility and glucose metabolism. A meta-analysis was then performed on all studies meeting well-defined selection criteria, as determined by two independent reviewers. The studies were critically evaluated using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale for non-randomized studies, before data were pooled and analyzed. Main findings: Twenty-one articles were included in the final analysis, all of which provided the age, BMI, and ovulatory status of the subjects. A significant association between impaired glucose metabolism and infertility was observed. Additionally, impaired glucose metabolism was significantly more likely to occur where subjects were over 30 years of age, had a BMI of over 25 kg/m2, or had metabolic syndrome. Impaired glucose metabolism was also associated with PCOS and infertility in women. Conclusion: We have systematically pooled the available evidence, and we find a convincing causative link between altered glucose metabolism and serious fertility complications.

Source: UCC