ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Verba Africana Video Documentation of Ewe Stories from Ghana

African oral poems, epics and tales, but also proverbs, prayers, incantations and a variety of other oral genres, have been collected and written down to offer material for linguistic, literary and anthropological analyses. As a result, a large amount of ‘oral texts’ in African languages (and their translation in European languages) is nowadays available for research and teaching. However, these ‘oral texts’ are written transcriptions, and, in the printed form, the characteristic orality given by the ‘live’ performance of oral genres fades away. What gets lost in the written form are the intonation and the gestuality, along with the eventual musical accompaniment, the interactions between performer and audience, the clothing and scenography, and the context of the performance. A number of such elements can be recorded on video. Video recording can indeed support the documentation as well as the study and presentation of oral aspects that we miss when dealing exclusively with the written transcription and translation of oral languages and oral literary genres. This series responds to the increasing need for new electronic tools that can integrate the written and audio-visual materials for research, teaching and learning of African languages and oral literatures

Source: UG
Verba Africana Video Documentation of Ewe Stories from Ghana

African oral poems, epics and tales, but also proverbs, prayers, incantations and a variety of other oral genres have been collected and written down for the purposes of linguistic, literary and anthropological analyses. As a result, a large amount of ‘oral texts’ in African languages (and their translation in European languages) is nowadays available for research and teaching. However, these ‘oral texts’ are written transcriptions, and, in printed form, the characteristic orality given by the ‘live’ performance of oral genres fades away. What gets lost in the written form are the intonation and the gestures, along with the eventual musical accompaniment, the interactions between performer and audience, the clothing and scenography, and the context of the performance. A number of such elements can be recorded on video. Video recording can indeed support the documentation as well as the study and presentation of oral aspects that we miss when dealing exclusively with the written transcription and translation of oral languages and oral literary genres. This series responds to the increasing need for new electronic tools that can integrate the written and audio-visual materials for research, teaching and learning of African languages and oral literatures

Source: UG
Verbal Alternations in Akan

It has been recognized (Levin 1993) that the variation in the expression of the arguments of a verb (verbal alternation) is based largely on its meaning. This paper explores the relevant alternations that verbs in Akan, a Kwa language of Ghana, participate in. The following alternations are identified as being applicable to verbs in the language: Causative / Inchoative Alternation, Unexpressed Object Alternations (made up of Understood Object, Unspecified Object, and Reflexive Object Alternations), and Ditransitive Alternations (consisting of Optional Theme Ditransitive and Definite Theme Ascension Alternations). There are also alternations that involve Non-Causative Verbs of Emission and Verbs of Spatial Configuration. An important observation arising out of the study is the interaction between certain types of alternations and a particular form of serial verb construction in the language.

Source: UG
Vertical accountability among ministries of state in an emerging economy: A case study of Ghana

Since 1992, Ghana has implemented several initiatives and reforms such as the National Anti-Corruption Plan (NACAP), Right to Information (RTI) Act, Economic and Organized Crime Office (EOCO), and the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) with the goal of improving accountability while reducing corruption. These policies provide researchers with a lot of opportunities to examine how effective these programs have been as well as their impact on accountability. Hence, the present study seeks to accomplish three main objectives: 1) to explore the factors that facilitate vertical accountability; 2) to explore the limitations to vertical accountability; and 3) to investigate the benefits of vertical accountability in Ghana. To accomplish these objectives, we interviewed twenty directors in seven ministries of state and ten experts across civil society and academia in Ghana. We found that the disclosure of financial income, assets, and interest, the Right to Information (RTI) Act; merit-based recruitment, proper record keeping, performance-based evaluation, training and development, the absence of corruption, and conflicts of interest are major drivers of vertical accountability in Ghana. Additionally, we found that the presence of corruption, nepotism/patron-clientelism, conflict of interest, a lack of political commitment and participation, inadequate resources, and weak complaint and accountability mechanisms limit vertical accountability. Finally, the benefits of vertical accountability include improvements in openness and fairness, effective and efficient utilization of scarce resources, integrity, and trust. These results were extensively discussed, while recommendations for future studies were proffered.

Source: UG
Vertical integration for climate change adaptation in the water sector: lessons from decentralisation in Africa and India

Vertical integration, which creates strategic linkages between national and sub-national levels, is being promoted as important for climate change adaptation. Decentralisation, which transfers authority and responsibility to lower levels of organisation, serves a similar purpose and has been in place for a number of decades. Based on four case studies in semi-arid regions in Africa and India, this paper argues that vertical integration for climate change adaptation should reflect on lessons from decentralisation related to governing natural resources, particularly in the water sector. The paper focuses on participation and flexibility, two central components of climate change adaptation, and considers how decentralisation has enhanced or undermined these. The findings suggest that vertical integration for adaptation will be strengthened if a number of lessons are considered, namely (i) actively seek equitable representation from marginal and diverse local groups drawing on both formal and informal participation structures, (ii) assess and address capacity deficits that undermine flexibility and adaptive responses, especially within lower levels of government, and (iii) use hybrid modes of governance that include government, intermediaries and diverse local actors through both formal and informal institutions to improve bottom-up engagement.

Source: UG
Very late relapses in patients with Burkitt's lymphoma: Clinical and serologic studies.

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
Viability Analysis of Enterprise I

The study derives the conditions for profitability of any enterprise. So long as all the products produced by an enterprise are sold or will be bought, in theory, there are no bounds on the profit and enterprise can make. In practice bounds exists, and it shown that the region of profitability declines if some products are not sold or bought and that an optimal profit can still be attained in this case with proper combination of products produced

Source: UG
Viability of Deficit Irrigation Pre-Exposure in Adapting Robusta Coffee to Drought Stress

Coffea canephora has high but inadequately exploited genetic diversity. This diversity, if well exploited, can sustain coffee productivity amidst climate change effects. Drought and heat stress are major global threats to coffee productivity, quality, and tradable volumes. It is not well understood if there is a selectable variation for drought stress tolerance in Robusta coffee half-sibs as a result of watering deficit pre-exposure at the germination stage. Half-sib seeds from selected commercial clones (KR5, KR6, KR7) and a pipeline clone X1 were primed with deficit watering at two growth stages followed by recovery and later evaluated for tolerance to watering deficit stress in three different temperature environments by estimation of plant growth and wilt parameters. Overall, the KR7 family performed the best in terms of the number of individuals excelling for tolerance to deficit watering. In order of decreasing tolerance, the 10 most promising individuals for drought and heat tolerance were identified as: 14.KR7.2, 25.X1.1, 35.KR5.5, 36.KR5.6, 41.KR7.5, 46.KR6.4, 47.KR6.5, 291.X1.3, 318.X1.3, and 15.KR7.3. This is the first prospect into the potential of C. canephora half-sibs’ diversity as an unbound source of genetic variation for abiotic stress tolerance breeding.

Source: UG
Vibrio cholerae O1 from Accra, Ghana carrying a class 2 integron and the SXT element

Objectives Vibrio cholerae O1 from a 2006 outbreak in Accra were commonly resistant to multiple antimicrobials and, in particular, to trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, drugs commonly used in the treatment of cholera. We sought to determine the genetic basis for trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole resistance in outbreak isolates. Methods Twenty-seven isolates from the outbreak were screened by PCR and sequencing for class 1 and 2 integrons and for the SXT element. Results Twenty-one of the 27 isolates examined, all from the Accra metropolitan area, carried both SXT, an integrated chromosomal element, and a class 2 integron bearing dfrA1, sat and aadA1 cassettes. All these isolates had identical random amplification of polymorphic DNA profiles and two of them also carried a class 1 integron. Conclusions Most strains characterized carried multiple elements conferring resistance to trimethoprim. This suggests that trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole should not be used empirically in cholera treatment.

Source: UG
The vicissitudes of political science in Ghana

The discipline of Political Science has had intriguing vicissitudes since its inception largely because of its relevance to the development of states in both the developed and developing countries. The several concepts that it deals with-such as the state, society power, authority, sovereignty, leadership, democracy, governance, conflict, policy and globalization-are germane not only to the seminal and current literature but also progress and transformation. Against this background, the chapter discusses the evolution of Political Science as an academic discipline in Ghana and its nature and scope. Specifically, it deals with curriculum transformation, ideology and philosophy, methods, empirical underpinnings and policy relevance. The chapter concludes that the future of Political Science is bright because it has a clear trajectory and will continue to contribute to the debate over the needs and concerns of the man in the street, the changing role of the state in all jurisdictions and the realization of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). © 2014 Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht. All rights reserved.

Source: UG
Victim or Villain: Italy’s Response to the Influx of Irregular Migrants from North Africa?.

The year 2011 witnessed a massive influx of irregular migrants from North Africa, using the central Mediterranean to cross into Europe. Libya, which had a Memorandum of Understanding with the southern European country Italy, suffered a civil crisis, creating a vacuum of authority, which failed to prevent journeys from the coasts of Libya into Italy. The Italian government on the other hand reacted by policing its waters to locate irregular sea migrants, sending boats back to places of departure, and ignoring distress calls made by migrants at sea. After several deaths and missing persons, the international community including European neighbouring states, protested against Italy’s responses, pointing out the humanitarian concerns they had caused. In 2013 Italy, through its Operation Mare Nostrum, decided to address the humanitarian concerns by rescuing irregular migrants and reducing deaths in the central Mediterranean. This however did not sit well with some EU neighbours who accused Italy of encouraging irregular migration into Europe. Italy as an EU member, is vilified unfairly for first honouring the wider European policy of controlling the European border and preventing irregular migration, and second, for dealing with the humanitarian emergency the European Union and the international community criticize Italy of. This dissertation outlines first and foremost, European policies towards irregular migrants from Libya as well as Italy’s independent responses in the period 2011 to 2014. Second, the study determines if Italy through its individual responses violated the human rights of irregular migrants from Libya. This is done by comparing the effect of Italy’s policies on irregular migrants to its regional human rights convention, the European Convention on Human Rights. The study, in conclusion, points out that though Italy through its individual responses had violated the rights of irregular migrants from North Africa, these policies were a wider representation of the EU and its member states. Thus, vilifying Italy individually for mistreating migrants during 2011 - 2014 was unjust. The study recommends a long term, well-thought solution and organized cooperation among EU member states and source and transit countries to better solve issues pertaining to irregular migration, especially, from North Africa.

Source: UG
Videos in learning in higher education: assessing perceptions and attitudes of students at the University of Ghana

Video is one of the most diversified and distinct virtual learning mediums that capture and present information and offer a sensory learning environment, which enables learners to understand more and retain information better. This study sought to assess the perceptions and attitudes of students at the University of Ghana towards the use of videos as a medium for teaching and learning. Qualitative data was collected using semi structured interviews. Participation was entirely voluntary and was conditional, based on students’ verbal consent. A convenience sample of 20 students responded to a request to participate, and data was analyzed using content analysis. Students perceived videos in general as being of some benefit to their learning activities. Overall, comments on videos as a medium of teaching and learning were positive. However, students had negative perceptions about the nature of the videos they watched. Almost all the participants indicated that they had issues with the content and the format of all the videos they watched. But, majority of the participants perceived that the videos they watched enhanced their learning outcomes and improved their learning approach. Therefore, learning outcomes of students and instructors should be dependent on the manner in which videos are used, as part of the overall academic process. This study is one of the first articles to explore in detail, students’ perceptions and attitudes towards video based teaching in Ghana, and provides interesting insights with regard to the concept and its application in tertiary institutions.

Source: UG
Vie ET Mort De Lumumba

De fa tombe au berceau UN fameux colis pour vous, Elisabethville ville La tour de controle de la capitale de M. MOise TshomM -Ia capitale du cuivre et de l'uraniumest un blltiment grisatre, utilitaire et fonctionnel, herisse d'antennes, tel que les Belges en ant seme sur taus les aerodromes du Congo. Nous sommes Ie 18 janvier 1961. Au bout du tarmac, la brousse baigne dans une chaleur marne qui ternit tout ce qu' elle touche comme Ie soleil voile de la saison des pluies. Dans la tour, trois hommes, deux Blanes et un Nair massif aux levres fortes, boudine dans son complet-veston, ant un sourire bizarre. lis regardent l'avion qui fonce vers la piste en bourdonnant comme une mouche. - Cette fois, dit Ie gros homme nair, je tiens rna revanche. C’est M. Godefroid Munongo, ministre de l'Interienr du gouvemement katangais.

Source: UG
Viewing gender through the eyes of proverbs: Reflections of gender ideology in the Akan and Swahili societies

In this study, we compare gendered proverbs in the Akan society of Ghana and Swahili society of Tanzania, focusing on convergences and divergences in their worldviews on conceptualisation of gender roles and functions. Our analyses of data from written and oral sources within the theoretical concepts of gender ideology and intertextuality establish that largely, gendered proverbs in Akan and Swahili are convergent and express similar gender ideologies. Gendered proverbs in the two societies typically refer to females, and even when they mention males, they often critically expose the subjugation of women in relation to male superiority. The main divergent feature between gendered proverbs in Akan and Swahili societies is the perception of females as sex objects and the use of explicit expressions of sex organs and sexual acts by Akan proverbs. In contrast, Swahili gendered proverbs rarely address sexuality, and when they do, they do so discreetly by implication.

Source: UG
Viewing teacher motivation in the Ghana education service through a postcolonial lens

In recent times, quality teaching has become the focus of many education systems including that of Ghana, and yet little attention has been given to teacher motivation that could ensure quality teaching and improved learning outcomes. Drawing on contemporary literature on issues associated with teacher motivation, this conceptual paper critically examines and analyses the context of teacher motivation and professional practice in the Ghana Education Service. It addresses the questions: What are the working conditions that are causing a lack of motivation among teachers in public pre-tertiary schools in Ghana? How can teacher motivation in the Ghanaian context be analyzed using postcolonial theoretical concepts? It concludes with some recommendations that can lead to improvements in teacher conditions and motivation in Ghana.

Source: UG
Viewing the global health system as a complex adaptive system – implications for research and practice [version 1; peer review: 1 approved]

The global health system (GHS) is ill-equipped to deal with the increasing number of transnational challenges. The GHS needs reform to enhance global resilience to future risks to health. In this article we argue that the starting point for any reform must be conceptualizing and studying the GHS as a complex adaptive system (CAS) with a large and escalating number of interconnected global health actors that learn and adapt their behaviours in response to each other and changes in their environment. The GHS can be viewed as a multi-scalar, nested health system comprising all national health systems together with the global health architecture, in which behaviours are influenced by cross-scale interactions. However, current methods cannot adequately capture the dynamism or complexity of the GHS or quantify the effects of challenges or potential reform options. We provide an overview of a selection of systems thinking and complexity science methods available to researchers and highlight the numerous policy insights their application could yield. We also discuss the challenges for researchers of applying these methods and for policy makers of digesting and acting upon them. We encourage application of a CAS approach to GHS research and policy making to help bolster resilience to future risks that transcend national boundaries and system scales.

Source: UG
Viewpoint: plotting a way forward for service research in and out of Africa

Purpose – This study aims to critically evaluate and reflect on the current state of service research in Africa. The purpose is to develop a roadmap to guide future service research in and out of Africa. Design/methodology/approach – This study is a conceptual reflection and in situ observation of service research and practice in Africa. Findings – This study delineates scholarly, policy and managerial pathways for further service research in the African context. Service research in Africa is often experience-based rather than concept-based, and such research is often conducted in close collaboration with the local business community. Theoretical development and empirical exploration through collaboration initiatives among institutions with mutual research interests are encouraged. Research limitations/implications – This study is a theoretical analysis of service research in Africa. Further empirical exploration is needed to delineate service research priorities and methodological directions so as to balance local needs and global relevance. Practical implications – Africa represents fertile terrain for experience-based insights regarding financial behavior, ecosystem services and nation branding. Grassroots-level involvement in research represents a key component of managerial relevance. Social implications – This study highlights the role of service research in and about Africa. The discussion demonstrates that the African Ubuntu values of community involvement and a collectivist orientation can expand the relevance of research from the academic business field to broader society. Originality/value – This study represents a unique perspective on service research in the African context. In doing so, this paper lays the groundwork for more meaningful participation on the part of African-based researchers in the global service research domain. Experience-based research projects focusing on the empirical starting point complement theory development and serve as useful anchors for theory implementation in practice.

Source: UG
Viewpoint: Rigorous monitoring is necessary to guide food system transformation in the countdown to the 2030 global goals

Food systems that support healthy diets in sustainable, resilient, just, and equitable ways can engender progress in eradicating poverty and malnutrition; protecting human rights; and restoring natural resources. Food system activities have contributed to great gains for humanity but have also led to significant challenges, including hunger, poor diet quality, inequity, and threats to nature. While it is recognized that food systems are central to multiple global commitments and goals, including the Sustainable Development Goals, current trajectories are not aligned to meet these objectives. As mounting crises further stress food systems, the consequences of inaction are clear. The goal of food system transformation is to generate a future where all people have access to healthy diets, which are produced in sustainable and resilient ways that restore nature and deliver just, equitable livelihoods. A rigorous, science-based monitoring framework can support evidence-based policymaking and the work of those who hold key actors accountable in this transformation process. Monitoring can illustrate current per formance, facilitate comparisons across geographies and over time, and track progress. We propose a framework centered around five thematic areas related to (1) diets, nutrition, and health; (2) environment and climate; and (3) livelihoods, poverty, and equity; (4) governance; and (5) resilience and sustainability. We hope to call attention to the need to monitor food systems globally to inform decisions and support accountability for better governance of food systems as part of the transformation process. Transformation is possible in the next decade, but rigorous evidence is needed in the countdown to the 2030 SDG global goals.

Source: UG