ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
QTL Mapping Combined With Comparative Analyses Identified Candidate Genes for Reduced Shattering in Setaria italica

Setaria (L.) P. Beauv is a genus of grasses that belongs to the Poaceae (grass) family, subfamily Panicoideae. Two members of the Setaria genus, Setaria italica (foxtail millet) and S. viridis (green foxtail), have been studied extensively over the past few years as model species for C4-photosynthesis and to facilitate genome studies in complex Panicoid bioenergy grasses. We exploited the available genetic and genomic resources for S. italica and its wild progenitor, S. viridis, to study the genetic basis of seed shattering. Reduced shattering is a key trait that underwent positive selection during domestication. Phenotyping of F2:3 and recombinant inbred line (RIL) populations generated from a cross between S. italica accession B100 and S. viridis accession A10 identified the presence of additive main effect quantitative trait loci (QTL) on chromosomes V and IX. As expected, enhanced seed shattering was contributed by the wild S. viridis. Comparative analyses pinpointed Sh1 and qSH1, two shattering genes previously identified in sorghum and rice, as potentially underlying the QTL on Setaria chromosomes IX and V, respectively. The Sh1 allele in S. italica was shown to carry a PIF/Harbinger MITE in exon 2, which gave rise to an alternatively spliced transcript that lacked exon 2. This MITE was universally present in S. italica accessions around the world and absent from the S. viridis germplasm tested, strongly suggesting a single origin of foxtail millet domestication. The qSH1 gene carried two MITEs in the 5'UTR. Presence of one or both MITEs was strongly associated with cultivated germplasm. If the MITE insertion(s) in qSH1 played a role in reducing shattering in S. italica accessions, selection for the variants likely occurred after the domestication of foxtail millet.

Source: UG
Quadratic effects of dynamic decision-making capability on innovation orientation and performance: Evidence from Chinese exporters

This study examines quadratic effects of three export decision-making approaches (planning, creativity and spontaneity) on innovation orientation, and the direct effect of innovation orientation on export market performance. The model, anchored in decision theory and dynamic capabilities, is tested on a sample of Chinese exporting firms using structural equation modelling. Findings indicate that while a greater proclivity to innovate is beneficial for export market performance, a more complex web of relationships is revealed between the three export decision-making approaches and innovation orientation, providing insights on the operationalization of a dynamic decision-making capability. Specifically, while an increasing level of export planning reduces an exporter’s capacity to innovate, creativity has a positive direct effect on exporters’ innovation orientation, which also benefits from extreme spontaneity in export decision-making. We discuss theoretical contributions and export managerial implications of this dynamic decision-making capability for industrial marketing management.

Source: UG
The Quagmire of Juvenile Delinquency: Perspectives of Inmates and Officers in a Correctional Facility in Accra, Ghana

Drawing on Bronfenbrenner’s ecological systems theory, this study explored the experiences and perspectives of juvenile offenders and officers on juvenile delinquency in Accra, Ghana. A descriptive study design with qualitative data collection and analysis methods were employed. A purposive sampling method was used to recruit twenty-six participants, consisting of inmates and officers at a Correctional Facility. Data were gathered through in-depth interviews and the findings showed that parental neglect and abuse; financial constraints; peer influence; and exposure to community social vices influenced juveniles’ delinquent behaviors. Additionally, evidence indicated that the inmates benefited from their stay at the correctional facility with respect to their mental health and opportunity to acquire academic knowledge and vocational skills. Based on the findings, suggestions are provided on how juvenile delinquency could be prevented and controlled in Ghana.

Source: UG
The Quagmire of Return and Reintegration: Challenges to Multi-Stakeholder Co-ordination of Involuntary Returns

The institutional aspect of return migration has received little attention in the theoretical and empirical literature on return migration. This research fills the apparent lacuna by unearthing institutional challenges to multi-stakeholder coordination, at different spatial levels in crisis situations and negative effects on reintegration of forcibly returned migrants. We use the evacuation of Ghanaian migrants from Libya who occupied very low socio-economic positions, experienced racism and discrimination, including physical attacks and arbitrary arrests in 2011, as a case study to understand institutional challenges to forced return when migrants’ carefully tailored plans are thrown into disarray and they are forced to return unprepared. This study employed mainly qualitative research methods among six different categories of actors and engaged an adaptation of Cassarino’s “returnee’s preparedness framework” to expand theoretical understandings of return migration from the institutional perspective and to highlight what can go wrong when institutions are unprepared for involuntary returnees.

Source: UG
A qualitative analysis of the effect of a community-based primary health care programme on reproductive preferences and contraceptive use among the Kassena-Nankana of northern Ghana

Background: In 2000, Ghana launched the Community-based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) initiative to improve access to health and family planning services. This initiative was based in part on research, known as the Navrongo Project, conducted in the Kassena-Nankana district (KND) between 1994 to 2003 which demonstrated significant impact on fertility and child mortality. This paper examines current contraceptive perceptions in communities that were exposed to the Project's service models over the 1994 to 2003 period, and the post-experimental policies of the CHPS era. Methods: Qualitative study was conducted in the KND of Ghana from June to September, 2012, by convening 8 male and 8 female FGD panels as well as 8 in-depth interviews of community leaders. Data collection was stratified by original experimental cell of the Navrongo Project to permit appraisal of social effects of contrasting experimental conditions. Inductive content analysis was performed with QSR Nvivo 10 to identify predominant themes. Results: While findings show that exposure to community-based services was associated with enhanced approval of birth spacing and limitation, this view is grounded in perceptions that childhood survival has improved. Nonetheless, concerns were expressed about contraceptive side effects, prominently permanent sterility. Strategies for male outreach and community engagement originally introduced during the Navrongo Project have not been sustained with CHPS scale-up. The apparent atrophy of attention to the needs of men may explain the resistance of some males to the notion of female reproductive autonomy and the practice of some women to adopt contraception in secret. Despite this apparent programmatic dearth of male engagement, there is evidence to suggest that social impact of the original male engagement strategy persists in communities where male mobilization was combined with doorstep provision of family planning care during the Navrongo Project. Conclusion: Community-based services fostered attitudinal change towards family planning in a traditional sub-Saharan African setting. Sustained exposure to primary health care that have improved the survival of children has made the use of contraception more acceptable. Efforts should be embedded in primary health care programmes that address concerns about child survival while also consigning sustained priority to the information needs of men.

Source: UG
A qualitative appraisal of stakeholder reactions to a tool for burden of disease based health system budgeting in Ghana

BACKGROUND: In 2010, the Ghana Health Service launched a program of cooperation with the Tanzania Ministry of Health and Social Welfare that was designed to adapt Tanzania's PLANREP budgeting and reporting tool to Ghana's primary health care program. The product of this collaboration is a system of budgeting, data visualization, and reporting that is known as the District Health Planning and Reporting Tool (DiHPART). OBJECTIVE: This study was conducted to evaluate the design and implementation processes (technical, procedures, feedback, maintenance, and monitoring) of the DiHPART tool in northern Ghana. DESIGN: This paper reports on a qualitative appraisal of user reactions to the DiHPART system and implications of pilot experience for national scale-up. A total of 20 health officials responsible for financial planning operations were drawn from the national, regional, and district levels of the health system and interviewed in open-ended discussions about their reactions to DiHPART and suggestions for systems development. RESULTS: The findings show that technical shortcomings merit correction before scale-up can proceed. The review makes note of features of the software system that could be developed, based on experience gained from the pilot. Changes in the national system of financial reporting and budgeting complicate DiHPART utilization. This attests to the importance of pursuing a software application framework that anticipates the need for automated software generation. CONCLUSIONS: Despite challenges encountered in the pilot, the results lend support to the notion that evidence-based budgeting merits development and implementation in Ghana.

Source: UG
A qualitative appraisal of stakeholders’ perspectives of a community-based primary health care program in rural Ghana

Background: The Ghana Community-based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) initiative is a national strategy for improving access to primary health care services for underserved communities. Following a successful trial in the North Eastern part of the country, CHPS was adopted as Ghana’s flagship programme for achieving the Universal Health Coverage. Recent empirical evidence suggests, however, that scale-up of CHPS has not necessarily replicated the successes of the pilot study. This study examines the community’s perspective of the performance of CHPS and how the scale up could potentially align with the original experimental study. Method: Applying a qualitative research methodology, this study analysed transcripts from 20 focus group discussions (FGDs) in four functional CHPS zones in separate districts of the Northern and Volta Regions of Ghana to understand the community’s assessment of CHPS. The study employed the thematic analysis to explore the content of the CHPS service provision, delivery and how community members feel about the service. In addition, ordinary least regression model was applied in interpreting 126 scores consigned to CHPS by the study respondents. Results: Two broad areas of consensus were observed: general favourable and general unfavourable thematic areas. Favourable themes were informed by approval, appreciation, hard work and recognition of excellent services. The unfavourable thematic area was informed by rudeness, extortion, inappropriate and unprofessional behaviour, lack of basic equipment and disappointments. The findings show that mothers of children under the age of five, adolescent girls without children, and community leaders generally expressed favourable perceptions of CHPS while fathers of children under the age of five and adolescent boys without children had unfavourable expressions about the CHPS program. A narrow focus on maternal and child health explains the demographic divide on the perception of CHPS. The study revealed wide disparities in actual CHPS deliverables and community expectations. Conclusions: A communication gap between health care providers and community members explains the high and unrealistic expectations of CHPS. Efforts to improve program acceptability and impact should address the need for more general outreach to social networks and men rather than a sole focus on facility-based maternal and child health care.

Source: UG
A qualitative description of how Ghanaian radiographers identify suspected child physical abuse

Introduction: Child physical abuse is intentionally inflicted injury of a child and presents a challenging diagnosis to clinicians mostly as a result of doubts about whether the findings were perpetrated by carers of these children. Suspected child physical abuse cannot be reported without its initial identification, substantiation and reporting. Imaging findings is one way of providing evidence of abuse in court. Methods: A qualitative design was used to gather data. Twenty (20) radiographers were recruited using purposive criterion sampling to share their experiences of mode of identification of suspected child physical abuse. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to gain deeper insight into their experiences. Results: Radiographers' suspicion or identification of child physical abuse was based on four (4) constructs: pre-radiographic observation; child's physical signs; caregiver secrecy and imaging findings. These observations provoked further investigations through questioning of the child (if of verbal age), parent or both. Their initial suspicion through assessment of cases was sometimes strengthened by the imaging findings. Conclusion: Radiographers suspected child physical abuse using several approaches some of which were found to be unacceptable although it led to other important information, such as additional imaging performed by the radiographers without doctor consultation. However, being able to identify child physical abuse is important in child protection activities. Implication for practice: Identification and reporting of suspected abuse to the appropriate child protection authorities are imperative for child protection. The possibility that some experienced radiographers may fail to deal with serious instances of child abuse exist. A radiographer's inability to identify such cases, could that the victim would miss the required protection from the professional

Source: UG
A qualitative enquiry into the challenging roles of caregivers caring for children with Autism Spectrum Disorders in Ghana

Background: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a condition commonly characterized by challenges with social interaction, repetitive atypical behaviour, and restricted interest. It is estimated that about 1 in 160 children has ASD. Caring for children with ASD is challenging for many parents or caregivers. Objectives: The study aims at exploring the challenges experienced by caregivers of children with ASD. Methods: A qualitative phenomenological study was employed using an exploratory descriptive research design. A total of 10 participants were recruited in this study using a purposive sampling technique. Data were analysed using content analysis procedures. Result: Caregivers of children with ASD face social, financial, and emotional challenges, challenges in accessing health care, education and training of their children in mainstream school settings. Conclusion: The numerous challenges have implications for the quality of life of the caregivers and their children. The financial challenges and inaccessibility of specialist health services have serious implications for the contin uous medical care and monitoring of children with ASD. The challenges in education and training of children with ASD has negative consequences for enrolment and retention of children with ASD in mainstream school settings.

Source: UG
A qualitative evaluation of stakeholder perspectives on sustainable financing strategies for ‘priority’ adolescent sexual and reproductive health interventions in Ghana

Background Adolescent sexual and reproductive health (ASRH) interventions are underfunded in Ghana. We explored stakeholder perspectives on innovative and sustainable financing strategies for priority ASRH interventions in Ghana. Methods Using qualitative design, we interviewed 36 key informants to evaluate sustainable financing sources for ASRH interventions in Ghana. Thematic content analysis of primary data was performed. Study reporting followed the consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research. Results Proposed conventional financing strategies included tax-based, need-based, policy-based, and implementation-based approaches. Unconventional financing strategies recommended involved getting religious groups to support ASRH interventions as done to mobilize resources for the Ghana COVID-19 Trust Fund during the global pandemic. Other recommendations included leveraging existing opportunities like fundraising through annual adolescent and youth sporting activities to support ASRH interventions. Nonetheless, some participants believed financial, material, and non-material resources must complement each other to sustain funding for priority ASRH interventions. Conclusion There are various sustainable financing strategies to close the funding gap for ASRH interventions in Ghana, but judicious management of financial, material, and non-material resources is needed to sustain priority ASRH interventions in Ghana.

Source: UG
A qualitative examination of how accountability manifests itself in a circular economy

Purpose – Accountability within the framework of circular economy (CE) is unknown even though the concept of CE is increasingly gaining momentum among governments, policymakers and academics. The purpose of this study is to investigate how accountability expresses itself in the CE. Design/methodology/approach – This study draws on the institutional logics theory and adopted an exploratory qualitative study aimed at eliciting stakeholders’ perspectives on how accountability manifests in the context of CE. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews of cross section of Ghanaians. Respondents were recruited using the purposeful sampling method, and data saturation was reached with 35 respondents. Concurrent data collection and analysis were carried out, and emerging themes were investigated as the research progressed. Findings – The results indicate that accountability manifestations take on a variety of forms and shapes through both formal and informal processes within the circularity space. The specific areas of accountability manifestations are through the social system embedded in the society, through the organization’s responsibility and transparency, through regular reporting to stakeholders using appropriate metrics, through agency and answerability to relevant stakeholders and through governance systems embedded within social interaction. Additionally, this study discovered that accountability manifestations would contribute to the firm’s sustainability by enhancing competitive advantage through stakeholder engagement, improving risk management and promoting creativity and innovation. Originality/value – Given an apparent gap in the literature on circularity and accountability, as well as a call for further studies on the reflections of accountability within the CE, this study provides empirical evidence to fill these gaps.

Source: UG
A qualitative exploration of cognitive and sociocultural influences on postoperative pain among urological patients in Ghana

Background: Patients ascribe diverse meanings to postoperative pain (POP), usually based on personal beliefs. However, patients’ perceptions about the causes of pain are usually influenced by their traditional beliefs and misconceptions, and cultural factors such as ethnic background serve as barriers to effective pain control. The study sought to explore the cognitive and sociocultural aspects of postoperative pain experience after urological surgeries. Methods: The study employed exploratory descriptive qualitative research design. Twelve male participants who had undergone urological surgery in a teaching hospital were recruited using purposive sampling. Data were collected through individual face-to-face in-depth interviews, conducted in English and Akan languages. The interviews were audio-taped and transcribed verbatim. Ethical considerations such as informed consent, anonymity, and confidentiality were ensured. Concurrent data analysis was done engaging the processes of content analysis. Findings: Cognitive aspects of the POP revealed three themes; the knowledge of the pain, attitude, and beliefs of the patients, and meanings the patients ascribed to the pain. Similarly, sociocultural aspects revealed two emerging themes; the family dynamics and roles influencing pain experience, and individual cultural background and belief systems. The participants’ diverse views and experiences influenced their pain expression and experience after urological surgery. Conclusions: Postoperative pain is a multidimensional experience and includes socio-cultural and cognitive aspects. Therefore, contemporary pain management strategies should focus on client-centered and culturally sensitive interventions.

Source: UG
Qualitative exploration of nurses’ perspectives on clinical oxygen administration in Ghana

Background: Oxygen therapy is an integral part of emergency and immediate post-operative management. Objectives: The study sought to gain full understanding on nurses’ perspectives on clinical administration of oxygen within the emergency and immediate post-operative environment. Methods: The study employed a descriptive qualitative design to achieve its objectives. The study was conducted at the adult emergency unit, Surgical Medical Emergency, and the Cardiothoracic Intensive Care Unit of the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH). The target population was nurses. A purposive sample of 12 nurses; six from each unit were involved in the study. Data was collected through individual face-to-face interviews which were audiotaped and transcribed verbatim. Data was analyzed concurrently applying the principles of content analysis. Results: Themes generated on commencement and monitoring of oxygen therapy included initiation of oxygen therapy, and assessment and monitoring of patient. Other themes on challenges of oxygen therapy were knowledge and information gap, lack of protocol, availability and cost of delivery devices, and oxygen supply. Conclusion: Nurses require further training in oxygen therapy and there is the need to develop appropriate protocols to guide oxygen therapy. 2015 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license

Source: UG