ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Twinning rates in Ghana

The incidence of twin births in Accra and Kumasi, the two major cities in Ghana, was investigated. In Accra, data were collected from the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital while data were collected and analyzed from the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital in Kumasi. Both hospitals are the leading teaching hospitals in Ghana. The data consisted mainly of single and twin births recorded in the hospitals over a period of 12 years in Accra (1988-1999) and 15 years in Kumasi (1985-1999). The study revealed an incidence of 33.4 twin births per thousand live births for Accra and 26.6 twin births per thousand live births for Kumasi. Though these values are not as high as those reported among the Yoruba tribe of southwest Nigeria, who are reported to have the highest twin birth rates in the world, the present values still rank among the highest recorded twin birth rates. © 2001 Cambridge University Press.

Source: UG
Two and Three-Dimensional Shoreline Behaviour at a MESO-MACROTIDAL Barred Beach

The present work investigates cross-shore shoreline migration as well as its alongshore variability (with deformation) on timescales of days to years using 6 years of time-averaged video images. The variability of the shoreline is estimated through empirical statistical methods with comprehensive reference to three scales of variability. At the meso-to macro-tidal barred Biscarrosse beach, shoreline responds in decreasing order at seasonal (winter/summer cycles, 52%), event (storms, 28%) and inter-annual scales. Whereas seasonal evolution is dominated by wave climate modulation, short-term evolution is influenced by tidal range and surf-zone sandbar characteristics. The influence of tide range and sandbars increases when timescale decreases. This is even more the case for the alongshore deformation of the shoreline which is dominated by short-term evolution. An EOF analysis reveals that the first mode of shoreline change time series is associated with cross-shore migration and explains 58% of the shoreline variability. The rest of the modes are associated to deformation which explain 42% of shoreline variability.

Source: UG
Two new rapid SNP-typing methods for classifying mycobacterium tuberculosis complex into the main phylogenetic lineages

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
Two promising candidates for paratransgenesis, Elizabethkingia and Asaia, increase in both sexes of Anopheles gambiae mosquitoes after feeding

The Department of Parasitology conducts research into parasitic diseases of public health importance with the overall goal of reducing their transmission and the heavy disease burden that they impose on affected populations. The Department maintains focus on parasitic diseases in general. These include major diseases such as malaria, and others listed under the Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD) control initiative such as, lymphatic filariasis, onchocerciasis, schistosomiasis, soil-transmitted helminthiasis, trypanosomiasis and leishmaniasis.

Source: UG
Two Sides of the Same Coin: Formal and Informal Institutional Synergy in a Case Study of Wildlife Governance in Ghana

There has been the call to forge a synergistic relationship between local ecological knowledge and formal institutions in the governance of natural resources. How do informal institutions complement the efforts of formal state regulation of natural resources? How does this complementation foster a regularized human–wildlife interaction? Adopting an ethnographic design, this study assesses the role of institutional complementation in natural resource governance using the case of Boabeng–Fiema Monkey Sanctuary (BFMS) in Ghana, West Africa. We purposively selected 33 informants relevant to the BFMS governance process. The study observes that the synergy between formal and informal institutions strengthens wildlife protection in BFMS and the surrounding villages. The usefulness of informal rules is enhanced if appropriately complemented with a formal institutional arrangement. Over time, it becomes necessary for informal rules to grow in dynamism to depict the principles of collaboration, inclusivity, and benefit arrangements

Source: UG
Two Steps Forward: An African Relational Account of Moral Standing

This paper replies to a commentary by John-Stewart Gordon on our paper, “The Moral Standing of Social Robots: Untapped Insights from Africa.” In the original In this paper, we set forth an African relational view of personhood and show its implications for the moral standing of social robots. This reply clarifies our position and answers three objections. The objections concern (1) the ethical significance of intelligence, (2) the meaning of ‘pro-social,’ and (3) the justification for prioritizing humans over pro-social robots.

Source: UG
Two suites of gabbros in the Buem Structural Unit, of the Pan-African Dahomeyide orogen, southeastern Ghana: Constraints from new field and geochemical data

The Buem Structural Unit (BSU) of the Pan-African Dahomeyide orogenic belt, southeastern Ghana, is characterized by the occurrence of clastic and chemical sedimentary rocks, volcanic rocks and mafic-ultramafic rocks. The mafic rocks, comprising mainly gabbros occur in smaller proportion within the BSU. Representative samples of the gabbros have been analyzed petrographically and geochemically to infer their mode of emplacement, petrogenesis and tectonic setting. Two distinct gabbro types have been identified from petrography and whole-rock major and trace elements geochemistry, namely the B1 and B2 gabbros. The gabbros are generally phaneritic, holocrystalline and composed of plagioclase and clinopyronexe which have been replaced either completely or partially by sericite, chlorite and epidote. On the whole, B1 gabbros are deformed, altered, alkaline in nature, show no significant effect of crustal contamination and has affinity to OIB/E-MORB. The B2 gabbros, are relatively less deformed, subalkaline, akin to N-MORB and show arc signatures with minimal crustal contamination. The geochemical characteristics of the B1 gabbros are similar to the Buem volcanic rocks. The similarity of the B1 gabbros to the volcanic rocks may suggest a similar source and tectonic setting. Thus, the B1 gabbros may be related to rifting and emplacement at the eastern margin of the West African Craton (WAC). The effect of minimal crustal contamination and the arc nature of the B2 gabbros may suggest subduction related magmatism. Taken together, the occurrence of the gabbros may be related to rifting and subduction-collision at the eastern margin of the WAC. © 2016 Elsevier Ltd

Source: UG
Two Suites Of Gabbros In The Buem Structural Unit, Of The Pan-African Dahomeyide Orogen, Southeastern Ghana: Constraints From New Field And Geochemical Data.

The Buem Structural Unit (BSU) of the Pan-African Dahomeyide orogenic belt, southeastern Ghana, is characterized by the occurrence of clastic and chemical sedimentary rocks, volcanic rocks and mafic ultramafic rocks. The mafic rocks, comprising mainly gabbros occur in smaller proportion within the BSU. Representative samples of the gabbros have been analyzed petrographically and geochemically to infer their mode of emplacement, petrogenesis and tectonic setting. Two distinct gabbro types have been identified from petrography and whole-rock major and trace elements geochemistry, namely the B1 and B2 gabbros. The gabbros are generally phaneritic, holocrystalline and composed of plagioclase and clinopyronexe which have been replaced either completely or partially by sericite, chlorite and epidote. On the whole, B1 gabbros are deformed, altered, alkaline in nature, show no significant effect of crustal contamination and has affinity to OIB/E-MORB. The B2 gabbros, are relatively less deformed, subalkaline, akin to N-MORB and show arc signatures with minimal crustal contamination. The geochemical characteristics of the B1 gabbros are similar to the Buem volcanic rocks. The similarity of the B1 gabbros to the volcanic rocks may suggest a similar source and tectonic setting. Thus, the B1 gabbros may be related to rifting and emplacement at the eastern margin of the West African Craton (WAC). The effect of minimal crustal contamination and the arc nature of the B2 gabbros may suggest subduction related magmatism. Taken together, the occurrence of the gabbros may be related to rifting and subduction collision at the eastern margin of the WAC.

Source: UG
Two susceptibility loci identified for prostate cancer aggressiveness.

Most men diagnosed with prostate cancer will experience indolent disease; hence, discovering genetic variants that distinguish aggressive from nonaggressive prostate cancer is of critical clinical importance for disease prevention and treatment. In a multistage, case-only genome-wide association study of 12,518 prostate cancer cases, we identify two loci associated with Gleason score, a pathological measure of disease aggressiveness: rs35148638 at 5q14.3 (RASA1, P=6.49 × 10(-9)) and rs78943174 at 3q26.31 (NAALADL2, P=4.18 × 10(-8)). In a stratified case-control analysis, the SNP at 5q14.3 appears specific for aggressive prostate cancer (P=8.85 × 10(-5)) with no association for nonaggressive prostate cancer compared with controls (P=0.57). The proximity of these loci to genes involved in vascular disease suggests potential biological mechanisms worthy of further investigation.

Source: UG
Two-step optimization of solid-state fermentation conditions of heilong48 soybean variety for maximum chlorogenic acid extraction yield with improved antioxidant activity

This study sought to establish an optimized solid-state fermentation (SSF) conditions for extraction of chlorogenic acid (CA) from heilong48 soybean (HS) variety using two-step process: Plackett–Burman Design (PBD) and Box-Behnken Design (BBD) systematically. Both designs revealed the significant screened and optimum SSF conditions as pH (5.02), incubation time (11.52 h), inoculation size (5.00 %) and liquid-solid ratio (0.67). CA yield (8.80 ± 0.08 mg/g), fermentation efficiency (31.29 ± 0.28 %), and antioxidant activity (DPPH) (77.45 ± 0.60 μmol AA eq/g dry sample) obtained were acceptable (desirability, 1.00). Both the relative errors and the residual standard errors obtained for the predicted and experimental values were less than 5%. Higher (p < 0.05) CA yield and DPPH were obtained for the Lactobacillus casei fermented HS variety (LCFHS) than that of the unfermented HS variety (RHSF). The effectiveness of the optimized SSF conditions on the degradation of the cell wall of HS variety was affirmed by Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Atomic force microscopy (AFM) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) results. The optimized extraction process was feasible, and HS variety could be used for CA extraction.

Source: UG
Two-year evaluation of Intermittent Preventive Treatment for Children (IPTc) combined with timely home treatment for malaria control in 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
Two-year evaluation of intermittent preventive treatment for children (IPTc) combined with timely home treatment for malaria control 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
Type 2 diabetes mellitus management among Ghanaian migrants resident in three European countries and their compatriots in rural and urban Ghana – The RODAM study

Aims To compare Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) awareness, treatment and control between Ghanaians resident in Ghana and Europe. Methods Comparisons were made for the 530 participants of the Research on Obesity and Diabetes among African Migrants (RODAM) study with T2DM (25–70 years) living in Amsterdam, Berlin, London, urban Ghana and rural Ghana. We used logistic regression to assess disparities with adjustment for age, sex and education. Results T2DM awareness was 51% in rural Ghana. This was lower than levels in Europe ranging from 73% in London (age-sex adjusted odds ratio (OR) = 2.7; 95%CI = 1.2–6.0) to 79% in Amsterdam (OR = 4.7; 95%CI = 2.3–9.6). T2DM treatment was also lower in rural Ghana (37%) than in urban Ghana (56%; OR = 2.6; 95%CI = 1.3–5.3) and European sites ranging from 67% in London (OR = 3.4; 95%CI = 1.5–7.5) to 73% in Berlin (OR = 6.9; 95%CI = 2.9–16.4). In contrast, T2DM control in rural Ghana (63%) was comparable to Amsterdam and Berlin, but higher than in London (40%; OR = 0.4; 95%CI = 0.2–0.9) and urban Ghana (28%; OR = 0.3; 95%CI = 0.1–0.6). Conclusions Our findings suggest that improved detection and treatment of T2DM in rural Ghana, and improved control for people with diagnosed T2DM in London and urban Ghana warrant prioritization. Further work is needed to understand the factors driving the differences.

Source: UG
Type 2 diabetes stigma and its association with clinical, psychological, and behavioral outcomes: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Aim: To synthesize quantitative research evidence on the association between type 2 diabetes (T2D) stigma and psychological, behavioral, and clinical outcomes. Methods: We searched APA PsycINFO, Cochrane Central, Scopus, Web of Science, Medline, CINAHL and EMBASE through November 2022. Peer-reviewed observational studies examining the association between T2D stigma and psychological, behavioral, and/or clinical outcomes were eligible for inclusion. Risk of bias was assessed with the JBI critical appraisal checklist. Correlation coefficients were pooled in random effect meta-analyses. Results: Our search produced 9642 citations, 29 met the inclusion criteria. Included articles were published between 2014 and 2022. We found a weak positive correlation between T2D stigma and HbA1C (r = 0.16, 95% CI:0.08 to 025, I 2 = 70%, N = 7 studies), a moderate positive correlation between T2D stigma and depressive symptoms (r = 0.49, 95% CI: 0.44 to 0.54, I 2 = 26.9%, n = 5 studies) and diabetes distress (r = 0.54, 95% CI: 0.35 to 0.72, I 2 = 96.9%, n = 7studies). Persons with T2D stigma who experienced stigma tended to have less engagement in diabetes self-management, though this association was weak (r = -0.17, 95% CI: − 0.25 to − 0.08, I 2 = 79.8%, n = 7studies). Conclusions: T2D stigma was associated with negative health outcomes. Further studies are required to disentangle the underlying causal mechanisms to inform the development of appropriate stigma-reduction interventions.

Source: UG
Type 2 diabetes stigma and its association with clinical, psychological, and behavioral outcomes: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Aim: To synthesize quantitative research evidence on the association between type 2 diabetes (T2D) stigma and psychological, behavioral, and clinical outcomes. Methods: We searched APA PsycINFO, Cochrane Central, Scopus, Web of Science, Medline, CINAHL and EMBASE through November 2022. Peer-reviewed observational studies examining the association between T2D stigma and psychological, behavioral, and/or clinical outcomes were eligible for inclusion. Risk of bias was assessed with the JBI critical appraisal checklist. Correlation coefficients were pooled in random effect meta-analyses. Results: Our search produced 9642 citations, 29 met the inclusion criteria. Included articles were published between 2014 and 2022. We found a weak positive correlation between T2D stigma and HbA1C (r = 0.16, 95% CI:0.08 to 025, I 2 = 70%, N = 7 studies), a moderate positive correlation between T2D stigma and depressive symptoms (r = 0.49, 95% CI: 0.44 to 0.54, I 2 = 26.9%, n = 5 studies) and diabetes distress (r = 0.54, 95% CI: 0.35 to 0.72, I 2 = 96.9%, n = 7studies). Persons with T2D stigma who experienced stigma tended to have less engagement in diabetes self-management, though this association was weak (r = -0.17, 95% CI: − 0.25 to − 0.08, I 2 = 79.8%, n = 7studies). Conclusions: T2D stigma was associated with negative health outcomes. Further studies are required to disen tangle the underlying causal mechanisms to inform the development of appropriate stigma-reduction interventions.

Source: UG
Type II diabetes and oral health: Perceptions among adults with diabetes and oral/health care providers in Ghana

Objective: This study sought to examine oral health beliefs and attitudes, and utilisation of oral health care services among individuals with diabetes and health professionals who serve them in Ghana. Basic Research Design: A qualitative study using grounded theory was conducted. Clinical Setting: University of Ghana Dental School at Korle Bu, University of Ghana School of Public Health, National Diabetes Research and Management Centre at Korle Bu, and New York University College of Dentistry. Participants: A convenience sample of 59 patients comprised 7 focus groups conducted in either Twi or English. Seven key informant interviews with healthcare professionals and one spiritual leader were completed. Results: Data from the focus groups and interviews reveal: 1, half of the participants with diabetes have oral manifestations (e.g., bleeding gums) and participants are generally unaware of interrelationship between diabetes and oral health; 2, dental treatment utilisation is minimal and associated almost exclusively with reparative and emergency care; and 3, medical health providers do not acknowledge the interrelationship between oral health and diabetes nor do they incorporate oral health issues into diabetes screening/treatment. Conclusion: Oral health knowledge and practices are limited among patients with diabetes in Accra, Ghana. Collaborative efforts for in-service education and training for oral health and medical professionals may be beneficial in serving the oral and general health care needs as well as improving the oral health-related quality of life of Ghanaians with diabetes. © BASCD 2014. All rights reserved.

Source: UG
Type-I HTLV antibody in urban and rural Ghana, West Africa.

Most research activities involve the use of molecular methods such as regular PCR (PCR), quantitative PCR (Q-PCR), genomic sequence and analysis using different software, genetic engineering, probe hybridization techniques, biological and molecular cloning, evaluation of immune markers for laboratory diagnosis of infections, serological assays involving the use of rapid tests, ELISA-based evaluations and immunofluorescent assay techniques.

Source: UG
The Types and Incidence of Stressors Among Students in the University of Ghana-Legon

This study examined the types of stressors and their incidence among the students in the University of Ghana. One hundred students were randomly chosen to participate in the study. They were from the five traditional halls and five private hostels of residence on Legon Campus. A stratified random sampling technique was used in which ten students were selected from a block in each of the halls and hostels of residence. The University Student Stress Questionnaire adapted from Burge (2009), was used to collect the data. ANOVA and Independent t tests were used to analyze the data. The main findings were that all students encounter equal numbers of stressors irrespective of their gender, level of education, and residential status. It was also found out that married students encounter more stressors than unmarried students and they encounter equal numbers of stressors throughout the semester. Finally, academic stressors were the most encountered stressor encountered by the students in the sample. It is recommended that programs should be organized by the counseling and placement center on stress management for all students especially freshmen’s orientation.

Source: UG
The Types and Occurrence of Psycho-social Problems of Distance Education Students: A Study of a University in Ghana

This study is aimed at finding out the occurrence and types of psychosocial problems of DE students at the University of Ghana Legon. The data was collected from 190 DE students drawn from all the seven centres in Ghana through a self designed questionnaire. ANOVA, t test and regression were used to analyse the results. The results indicated that the main types of psychosocial problems reported by the students included problems of the modules, ineffective tutorials, academic, administrative and socio-economic problems.67.9% of the students reported moderate levels whilst 27.9% reported severe levels of psychosocial problems. There were no differences in the level of psychosocial problems in the students with regards to gender, age and centres. Level 400 students reported the highest level of psychosocial problems, followed by levels 300 and 100 and level 200 had the least. The psychosocial problems account for 98% of the total psychosocial problems encountered by the students. Recommendations centred on the authorities opening counseling centres in all the centres and making attempt to solve all the psychosocial problems identified.

Source: UG
Typology and performance of inter-organizational relationships among Ghanaian farmers

This study explored inter-organizational relationships (IOR) between farmers and agri-food processors in Ghana and their relative effect on participating farmers’ performance. The IOR were organized into three broad types: governance (formal/informal); orientation (price, quality, or quantity); and structure (direct-to-buyer). farmer-based organization (FBO)/agent). The study showed that about 44% of farmers participated in IOR. and 72% of them use direct-to-buyer relationships compared to 25% and 5% who use FBO and agents. The total exceeds 100% because some farmers used multiple IOR structures. Likewise, more than half of farmers involved in IOR use multiple orientations, with 29%, 81% and 54% of them using orientations involving quantity, quality, and price specifications, respectively. Formal governance (IOR) accounted for 31% of IOR by governance. On performance, the average farm income of farmers involved in IOR was GHS 3,947, which was 3.1 times higher than non-IOR farmers, and those with formal arrangements had 6.4 times higher average farm income than farmers in informal relationships. IOR with formal governance and quality-price orientation presented positive and statistically significant effects on marginal benefits, while producer demographics and socio-economic characteristics did not. These results provide instruction for policymakers and practitioners in helping inform farmers’ participation in IOR that produces superior outcomes.

Source: UG