ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Survival rate of cervical cancer: a five year review at a Major Teaching Hospital in Ghana, West Africa

Cervical cancer (CC) is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among females in Ghana. Despite the magnitude of the public health challenge posed by CC in Ghana, survival data as well as reported incidence and mortality rates are primarily based on studies conducted in the capital city of the country. Even though age at diagnosis is known to affect the overall survival of CC patients, the role of this factor in the prognosis of CC patients in Ghana has not been sufficiently explored. The aim of this study was to determine the 5-year survival rate of Ghanaian woman treated for CC at a large tertiary healthcare facility in Ghana. This research was a single-institution-based quantitative ret rospective cohort study conducted among patients with histopathologically confirmed CC. Clinical and socio-demographic data were retrieved from patients’ medical records. Data analysis was done using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences software ver sion 23. Kaplan Meier curves were used to present the survival rates and median survival time. The peak age at diagnosis was between 45 and 80 years with the modal age group of patients between 75 and 80 years. The mean age at diagnosis was 63.3 ± 15.7 years ranging from 27 to 104 years. The overall survival rates at 1, 3 and 5 years were 76.5%, 51.5% and 32.4%, respectively. The median survival time was 65.8 months. Age < 50 years was associated with higher survival estimates than age >50 years. The 5-year over all survival rate of CC patients reported in this study (32.4%) is relatively low compared with countries in the developed world but like previous reports at other healthcare facili ties in Ghana as well as in other underdeveloped countries

Source: UG
Survival strategies of international undergraduate students at a public research midwestern university in the United States: A case study

In this qualitative study, I explored the strategies that international undergraduate students at a public research Midwestern university in the United States employ to persist and survive their educational transition to achieve academic excellence. Using Tinto’s (1987) theory of persistence as the theoretical framework, this paper employed a case study method. Five undergraduate international students were interviewed via semi-structured in-depth interviews. The findings indicated that students experienced both academic and non-academic challenges. Strategies adopted included involvement in out-of-classroom activities and dependence on family and friends. Recommendations include requiring academic counsellors and university administrators to devise curriculum and programs to assist international students. Further, the teaching faculty should reach out to students who have English language challenges.

Source: UG
Survivin downregulation is associated with vasectomy-induced spermatogenic damage and apoptosis

Objective: To evaluate the expression of the apoptotic genes survivin, Bax and Bcl-2 in vasectomized rabbits and to determine their relation with vasectomy-induced spermatogenic impairment and germ cell apoptosis. Materials and Methods: Twelve adult rabbits (6-12 months old) were divided into three groups: sham control, unilateral vasectomy or bilateral vasectomy. Six months after vasectomy, testicular tissue was analyzed for germ cell apoptosis and DNA fragmentation by the TUNEL assay and gel electrophoresis, respectively. Spermatogenesis was assessed using the Johnsen score. The relative gene expression of survivin, Bax and Bcl-2 was measured using reverse transcription followed by real-time PCR. Results: Compared to sham animals, a significant decrease in testicular survivin mRNA levels was measured in the two vasectomy animal groups (p < 0.05). This was accompanied by a significant increase in the Bax:Bcl-2 ratio in the vasectomized animals (p < 0.05). In addition, these data showed positive correlation with enhanced apoptotic index, damage to spermatogenesis and DNA fragmentation after vasectomy. Conclusion: These findings demonstrate that vasectomy-induced damage to spermatogenesis due to testicular apoptosis may be associated with survivin downregulation and Bax overexpression.

Source: UG
Surviving Cervical Cancer: Experiences of Women in the Accra Metropolis

Studies from other countries have provided evidence that women with cervical cancer encounter physical, psychological and social consequences. However, in Ghana, not much is known about the experiences of such women. Thus, the study explored the physical, psychological, social and spiritual well-being of women with cervical cancer in the Accra Metropolis, using the Quality of Life Model Applied to Cancer Survivors as an organising framework to understand their survival experiences. An exploratory descriptive qualitative approach with purposive sampling technique was used to elicit information from 15 survivors receiving treatment at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital. Interviews were conducted face-to-face and audio taped. Interviews lasted between 45 to 90 minutes. Data was transcribed verbatim and analysed using thematic content analysis. Five major themes were derived and described as follows: physical well-being of women with cervical cancer; psychological well-being of women with cervical cancer; social well-being of women with cervical cancer; spiritual well-being and coping strategies of women with cervical cancer; and health system factors. The study found that survivors of cervical cancer experienced both disease related symptoms and treatment consequences which resulted in poor physical well-being. Survivors experienced anxiety, depression, suicidal tendencies as well as impaired relationships, isolation and financial difficulties. Most survivors received support from spouses, family, workplace and health workers. Survivors prayed and had hope in God as a way of coping. Survivors lacked knowledge on the disease symptoms. Again, health workers did not provide information to survivors on the disease and side effects of treatment. There were also instances of misdiagnosis. It was recommended that a multi-disciplinary approach be used in managing cervical cancer survivors. There should be public awareness creation on the early signs and symptoms of cervical cancer.

Source: UG
Surviving in the digital era – business models of digital enterprises in a developing economy

Purpose This study aims to explore the business models and strategies of digital enterprises in a developing economy context to understand the nature of their operations, as well as their survival tactics. Design/methodology/approach A review of literature on digital enterprise models led to the adaptation of a 16 business model archetype for analyzing digital enterprises in Ghana. Using a critical realism perspective, survey data from a sample of 91 digital enterprises were used for the study. Findings The findings suggest that among human, physical and intangible assets, financial assets were the least used assets in the operations of the digital enterprises. This stems from the fact that the online financial business sector is still in its nascent stages in most developing economies. The findings further suggest that all digital enterprises leverage on accessible and low-cost social networking services as part of their operations and use them as an avenue to engage with their target customers. Research limitations/implications The findings from this study provide guidelines to entrepreneurs who wish to venture into the digital ecosystem of Ghana, particularly with regard to the economic, financial and technological factors that enable digital enterprises to survive in the competitive digital economy. Practical implications The findings suggest that it is important for governments to realize that there is an increasing rise in digital enterprises in the developing economies and these enterprises are creating jobs and providing business solutions locally that would hitherto be sought from developed economies. There is therefore the need for the requisite legal infrastructure and financial support that will cushion these enterprises from the fierce competitions that stagnate their growth. Originality/value The study provides a mapping of the digital business models of Ghanaian digital enterprises. This knowledge is arguably the first of its kind in the context of a developing economy. Hence, it serves as a stepping-stone for future studies to explore other areas in the digital economy, especially from a developing economy perspective.

Source: UG
The susceptibilitity of some oil palm Elaes guineensis Jack, Progenies to Coelaenomenodera Berti &amp; Mariau, (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae)

Damage by the oil palm leaf miner C. lameensis has been observed in all oil palm growing countries in Africa causing wide spread defoliation and result to considerable reduction in the yield of fresh fruit bunches (ffb). The understanding of the susceptibility levels of different oil palm progenies to the oil palm leaf miner C. lameensis become highly imperative in the development and incorporation of host plant resistance in the integrated pest management strategy for the management of the oil palm leaf miner. By means of no-choice destructive sampling field experiments, differences in the population levels of the various stages of development and the assessment of damage caused by larval feeding were studied. All the five progenies were averagely susceptible to damage caused by the larvae of C. lameensis. No significant differences (P>05) were observed in the assessed parameters such as percentage egg laid, adult survival in cages, egg hatching, larval and pupal survival on the progenies. However, progeny D supported the least mean population (45.9%) of the larva, pupa and adults of C. lameensis with consequent slight damage of 25%. Progenies C, B and A followed in that order. Progeny E supported the highest mean population of the insect (54%) and suffered the highest damage of 37.4%. The slight variation observed suggests potential differences in the genetic make up of the palm. This can create an opportunity for incorporating host plant resistance for the development of an integrated management strategy for the oil palm leaf miner.

Source: UG
Susceptibility of Amblyomma variegatum ticks to acaricides in Ghana

The susceptibility of unfed and fed stages of larvae, nymphs and adult females of Amblyomma variegatum ticks were tested using Shaw's filter paper dip method against four acaricides; chlorfenvinphos and dioxathion, chlorfenvinphos, gamma benzene hexachloride and amitraz at four different concentrations including the recommended dose rates. Based on their lethal concentrations (LC50 &amp; LC90) chlorfenvinphos and dioxathion combined and chlorfenvinphos alone placed first and second, respectively, in all stages except at the unfed nymphal stage where gamma benzene hexachloride topped with a LC50 of 0.001629, while chlorfenvinphos and dioxathion combined and chlorfenvinphos alone had LC50 of 0.001794 and 0.002258, respectively. Amitraz appeared to have a quick knock-down effect on larvae and nymphs but at the recommended dose rate, showed no mortality of the ticks at that stage. However, at a concentration of 0.040%, amitraz showed a 100% inhibition of oviposition and hatching of laid eggs. Gamma benzene hexachloride produced only 66% inhibition of oviposition while chlorfenvinphos and dioxathion combined and chlorfenvinphos alone produced 100% inhibition of oviposition at their recommended dose rates. Fed nymphs were more susceptible than the unfed nymphs. Eggs laid by engorged female ovipositing ticks, applied with gamma benzene hexachloride, hatched. © Springer 2005.

Source: UG
Susceptibility of five cabbage varieties to attack by aphids (Hemiptera: Aphididae) in the Accra plains of Ghana

We investigated the susceptibility of five cab bage varieties (‘Oxylus’, ‘Super Cross’, ‘Vantar F1 Hy brid’, ‘Santa’F1 and ‘Fortune’) to aphids. Trials were set up in the Accra plains for two rainy seasons in 2017. The first trial examined aphid infestation and the second included weekly blanket spray of neem oil at 0.48 L/ha (60 ml/15 L water) during the second rainy season. Five systematically sampled cabbage leaves per plot were examined for the numbers of aphids and associated nat ural enemies (predators). Symptoms of aphid attack (in cidence and severity of infestation) were also recorded. Lipaphis erysimi pseudobrassicae (Davis) and Myzus persicae (Sulzer) (Hemiptera: Aphididae) were the two aphid species observed and their numbers differed signif icantly between varieties in both seasons during the first but not the second trial. Few aphids settled on ‘Oxylus’, while more occurred on ‘Fortune’. L. e. pseudobrassicae was the most abundant aphid on all the varieties. Aphid numbers were significantly decreased by neem applica tion. Occurrence of natural enemies did not differ signif icantly between varieties, except for spiders during the major rainy season. There was no significant difference in aphid infestation between varieties during the first season as all of them completely succumbed to the infestation, while in the second season aphid incidence and severity of infestation was highest on ‘Fortune’, with ‘Oxylus’ being the least attacked by aphids. The crop yield was zero during the first season without protection for all the varieties. However, in the second season, lower yields (0.19–3.66 t/ha) was obtained with cabbage without pro tection, and much higher yields (14.8–21.1 t/ha) were obtained on neem-treated plots.

Source: UG
Susceptibility of four field populations of the diamondback moth Plutella xylostella L. (Lepidoptera: Yponomeutidae) to six insecticides in the Sydney region, New South Wales, Australia

Concerns about the failure of insecticides to control the diamondback moth (DBM) Plutella xylostella in the Sydney region of New South Wales, Australia, necessitated the current investigation to establish the susceptibility of four field populations of the DBM to six insecticides. These include two each of organophosphates (OPs), and synthetic pyrethroid insecticides as well as two new products with different modes of action, spinosad and indoxacarb, currently recommended for DBM control in the region. Topical application of the insecticides to the third-instar larvae showed high resistance to pyrethroids (permethrin and esfenvalerate) of 35.0- to 490.0-fold. Resistance to the OPs (methamidophos and chlorpyrifos) and indoxacarb ranged from 12.1- to 36.2-fold and from 11.4- to 34.6-fold, respectively. However, the field populations were susceptible to spinosad (resistance factors only two- to threefold compared with the susceptible strain). A 2 h pre-treatment of the esfenvalerate-resistant strain with the synergists piperonyl butoxide and diethyl maleate increased the toxicity of esfenvalerate by 30.0- and 1.9-fold, respectively, suggesting the involvement of esterases and/or monooxygenases as the key mechanism(s) of insecticide resistance with glutathione S-transferases playing a minor role. © 2008 The Authors.

Source: UG
Susceptibility of four mango varieties to the Africa Invader fly, Bactrocera invadens Drew, Tsuruta and White (Diptera: Tephritidae) in Ghana

The susceptibility of four economically important mango varieties (Kent, Keith, Palmer and Haden) in Ghana to the attack by Bactrocera invadens was assessed through a series of laboratory-based choice and no-choice experiments, as well as some fruit quality parameters. The developmental periods of immature stages of flies in the varieties were also determined. Susceptibility was determined by counting and comparing the number of puparia recovered from the different varieties after exposure to the flies in cages. Kent was found to be the most susceptible, followed by Palmer, Haden and Keith. Flies took significantly longer periods to complete development on the least susceptible variety (Keith) (25.53 ± 2.3 days), than on the most susceptible variety (Kent) (19 ± 2.3 days). Significant differences (P < 0.05) were also observed in the peel thickness, firmness, Percent Titratable Acidity (% T.A.) and Total Soluble Solids (TSS) of the four varieties. Keith was found to be the least susceptible variety to B. invadens followed by Haden, Palmer and Kent was the most susceptible variety. The differences observed in varietal susceptibility suggest that potentials exist for further genetic improvement to develop mango varieties that may be more tolerant to B. invadens, and could be incorporated into an integrated management strategy against the pest because of the added advantages of it being easy to use, economical and compatible with other methods of control.

Source: UG
Susceptibility of four mango varieties to the Africa Invader fly, Bactrocera invadens Drew, Tsuruta and White (Diptera: Tephritidae) in Ghana

The susceptibility of four economically important mango varieties (Kent, Keith, Palmer and Haden) in Ghana to the attack by Bactrocera invadens was assessed through a series of laboratory-based choice and no-choice experiments, as well as some fruit quality parameters. The developmental periods of immature stages of flies in the varieties were also determined. Methodology and results: Susceptibility was determined by counting and comparing the number of puparia recovered from the different varieties after exposure to the flies in cages. Kent was found to be the most susceptible, followed by Palmer, Haden and Keith. Flies took significantly longer periods to complete Development on the least susceptible variety (Keith) (25.53 ± 2.3 days), than on the most susceptible variety (Kent) (19 ± 2.3 days). Significant differences (P _ 0.05) were also observed in the peel thickness, firmness, Percent Titratable Acidity (% T.A.) and Total Soluble Solids (TSS) of the four varieties.Conclusion and application: Keith was found to be the least susceptible variety to B. invadens followed by Haden, Palmer and Kent were the most susceptible variety. The differences observed in varietal susceptibility suggest that potentials exist for further genetic improvement to develop mango varieties that may be more tolerant to B. invadens, and could be incorporated into an integrated management strategy against the pest because of the added advantages of it being easy to use, economical and compatible with other methods of control.

Source: UG
Susceptibility of selected maize seed genotypes to Sitophilus zeamais (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)

Studies were carried out under laboratory conditions of 25 ± 2 °C and 70 ± 5% RH in an incubator to determine the relative susceptibility of eighteen maize genotypes to attack by the maize weevil, Sitophilus zeamais Motschulsky. The experiment was laid out in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with three replications. Adult mortality, number of F1 progeny, weevil development time, susceptibility index, percentage seed damage, percentage weight loss, and weight of powder produced were determined after storage period of three months. The susceptibility index was determined using Dobie’s formula and the genotypes were classified into different susceptibility groups. The genotypes exhibited varying degrees of susceptibility to S. zeamais attack. Only Aseda was regarded as resistant and TZE-Y POP STR as moderately resistant to S. zeamais. Kpari-Faako, Tintim, WACCI-M-1215, WACCI-M-1594 and Wang-Dataa were regarded as moderately susceptible to S. zeamais. However, Abontem, Bihilifa, Ewul-Boyu, Sanzal-Sima, TZE-I 17, WACCI-M-1205, WACCI-M-1508 and WACCI-M-1510 were regarded as susceptible genotypes. Furthermore, Aburohemaa, Obaatanpa and Omankwa were regarded as highly susceptible to S. zeamais. Number of F1 progeny, seed damage, seed weight loss, weight of dust produced and seed moisture content had positive relationship with varietal susceptibility while adult weevil mortality, median development period and seed germination after infestation had an inverse relationship with susceptibility in maize. The use of insect resistant genotypes would offer a sustainable way of minimizing postharvest losses of seeds in storage especially for smallholder farmers who keep harvested grains for future use as food and seed.

Source: UG
Susceptibility pattern of uropathogens to ciprofloxacin at the ghana police hospital

Introduction: Reports of increasing resistance of uropathogens to antimicrobials is of global concern. Culture and drug susceptibility tests remain a vital guide to effective therapy. The aim of this study was to determine the susceptibility pattern of isolated uropathogens to ciprofloxacin at the Ghana Police Hospital. Methods: A total of 705 mid-stream urine samples were collected from patients suspected of having urinary tract infection, and visited the Ghana Police Hospital's laboratory from December 2013 to March 2014. Samples were cultured and isolates identified by standard methods, after which isolates susceptibility to ciprofloxacin was determined. Results: Prevalence of urinary tract infection among patients' whose samples were analyzed was 15.9%. Predominant uropathogens isolated were E.coli (46.4%), Coliform (41.1%) and Coliform spp. with Candida (6.2%). Other isolates were Pseudomonas spp. (2.7%), Salmonella spp. (1.8%), Candida spp. (0.9%) and Klebsiella spp (0.9%). The overall resistance among the top three isolated uropathogens to ciprofloxacin was 35.9%. Resistance pattern demonstrated by respective isolates to ciprofloxacin were: E. coli (38.5%), Coliform (54.3%), and Coliform spp. with Candida (15%). The other isolates showed 100% sensitivity. Conclusion: This study revealed a relatively high ciprofloxacin resistance among isolated uropathogens, hence, the need for prudent prescribing and use of ciprofloxacin in urinary tract infection management. ï¿½ Daniel Kwame Afriyie et al.

Source: UG
Susceptibility profiles of mycobacterium Ulcerans isolates to streptomycin and Rifampicin in two districts of the Eastern Region of Ghana

Background. Drug resistance is a major challenge in antibiotic chemotherapy. Assessing resistance profiles of pathogens constitutes an essential surveillance tool in the epidemiology and control of infectious diseases, including Buruli ulcer (BU) disease. With the successful definitive management of BU using rifampicin and streptomycin, little attention had been paid to monitoring emergence of resistant Mycobacterium ulcerans (M. ulcerans) isolates in endemic communities. This study investigated the susceptibility profiles of M. ulcerans isolates from two BU endemic areas in Ghana to streptomycin and rifampicin. Methods. The antibiotic susceptibility of seventy (70) M. ulcerans isolates to rifampicin and streptomycin was determined simultaneously at critical concentrations of 40 μg/mL and 4 μg/mL, respectively, by the Canetti proportion method. Results. Resistance to rifampicin was observed for 12 (17.1%) M. ulcerans isolates tested, whilst 2 (2.9%) showed resistance to streptomycin. None of the isolates tested showed dual resistance to both rifampicin and streptomycin. Conclusion. Outcomes from this study may not be reflective of all BU endemic communities; it, however, provides information on the resistance status of the isolates, which is useful for monitoring of M. ulcerans, as well as BU disease surveillance and control. © 2016 Enid Owusu et al.

Source: UG