ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Integrated Assessment of Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining in Ghana-Part 1: Human Health Review

This report is one of three synthesis documents produced via an integrated assessment (IA) that aims to increase understanding of artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) in Ghana. Given the complexities surrounding ASGM, an IA framework was utilized to analyze economic, social, health, and environmental data, and co-develop evidence-based responses with pertinent stakeholders. The current analysis focuses on the health of ASGM miners and community members, and synthesizes extant data from the literature as well as co-authors’ recent findings regarding the causes, status, trends, and consequences of ASGM in Ghana. The results provide evidence from across multiple Ghanaian ASGM sites that document relatively high exposures to mercury and other heavy metals, occupational injuries and noise exposure. The work also reviews limited data on psychosocial health, nutrition, cardiovascular and respiratory health, sexual health, and water and sanitation. Taken together, the findings provide a thorough overview of human health issues in Ghanaian ASGM communities. Though more research is needed to further elucidate the relationships between ASGM and health outcomes, the existing research on plausible health consequences of ASGM should guide policies and actions to better address the unique challenges of ASGM in Ghana and potentially elsewhere. © 2015 by the authors; licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.

Source: UG
An integrated assessment of the ecological health status of coastal aquatic ecosystems of Ada in Ghana

This paper aims at assessing the ecological health status of aquatic ecosystems in the coastal area of Ada in Ghana. Healthy aquatic ecosystems are characterized by high species diversity, good water and habitat quality among others. An ecological assessment was conducted to describe the landuse pattern, water quality and habitat quality of critical aquatic ecosystems. Physicochemical parameters of water were monitored for three months each in the dry and wet seasons. Biological components which composed of macroinvertebrate and aquatic macrophyte were studied to determine the biodiversity status. The results revealed that 70% of the sampled aquatic ecosystems have concentrations of water parameters within the limits of natural background levels. However, the concentrations of nitrates and phosphates were significantly higher than the recommended World Health Organization (WHO) standards for healthy aquatic ecosystems. With regards to landuse and habitat quality, seventy percent (70%) of the sampled ecosystems were found to be in poor condition. Increasing effort on awareness programmes is needed to improve community participation to ensure proper disposal of domestic and industrial waste.

Source: UG
An integrated database of stream macroinvertebrate traits for Australia: concept and application

Traits provide key ecological information that can be applied to understanding the mechanisms which drive community assembly and persistence. In recent years, trait information has provided important insights into the responses of communities to stressors including pollutants and climatic extremes. Outside of Europe and North America, the use of stream macroinvertebrate traits has generally been hindered by the lack of a national database assigning traits to taxa. Here, we present an integrated database for Australian stream macroinvertebrates, which for the first time brings together data from multiple jurisdictions to facilitate the use of traits in both theoretical and applied studies. We describe the database and discuss its applications as well as challenges and limitations of this and other trait databases. The Australian trait database provides new opportunities for research and application in freshwater management.

Source: UG
Integrated Financial Management Information System Project Implementation in Ghana Government Ministries

This study investigates the factors impeding successful implementation of integrated financial management information system (IFMIS) project in Ghana. When successfully implemented, IFMIS can bring about a reform in the country's financial management by reduce corruption and financial mismanagement. The study uses stratified and purposeful sampling methods and a questionnaire to collect from 346 employees in selected government departments. The study employs descriptive statistics to both assess IFMIS effectiveness and the effect of information and communications technology (ICT) competency in IFMIS implementation. Moreover, multiple regression analysis is used to determine the extent of top management support on IFMIS implementation success. The findings reveal that IFMIS is an effective tool in public financial management; however, the lack of ICT competency and top management support systems are the major factors required for a successful implementation of IFMIS. Recommendations are made to reduce the challenges associated with IFMIS implementation

Source: UG
Integrated maps in quail (Coturnix japonica) confirm the high degree of synteny conservation with chicken (Gallus gallus) despite 35 million years of divergence

Abstract Background By comparing the quail genome with that of chicken, chromosome rearrangements that have occurred in these two galliform species over 35 million years of evolution can be detected. From a more practical point of view, the definition of conserved syntenies helps to predict the position of genes in quail, based on information taken from the chicken sequence, thus enhancing the utility of this species in biological studies through a better knowledge of its genome structure. A microsatellite and an Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphism (AFLP) genetic map were previously published for quail, as well as comparative cytogenetic data with chicken for macrochromosomes. Quail genomics will benefit from the extension and the integration of these maps. Results The integrated linkage map presented here is based on segregation analysis of both anonymous markers and functional gene loci in 1,050 quail from three independent F2 populations. Ninety-two loci are resolved into 14 autosomal linkage groups and a Z chromosome-specific linkage group, aligned with the quail AFLP map. The size of linkage groups ranges from 7.8 cM to 274.8 cM. The total map distance covers 904.3 cM with an average spacing of 9.7 cM between loci. The coverage is not complete, as macrochromosome CJA08, the gonosome CJAW and 23 microchromosomes have no marker assigned yet. Significant sequence identities of quail markers with chicken enabled the alignment of the quail linkage groups on the chicken genome sequence assembly. This, together with interspecific Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization (FISH), revealed very high similarities in marker order between the two species for the eight macrochromosomes and the 14 microchromosomes studied. Conclusion Integrating the two microsatellite and the AFLP quail genetic maps greatly enhances the quality of the resulting information and will thus facilitate the identification of Quantitative Trait Loci (QTL). The alignment with the chicken chromosomes confirms the high conservation of gene order that was expected between the two species for macrochromosomes. By extending the comparative study to the microchromosomes, we suggest that a wealth of information can be mined in chicken, to be used for genome analyses in quail.

Source: UG
Integrated maps in quali (Coturnix japonica) confirm the high degree of synteny conservation with chicken (Gallus gallus) despite 35 million years of divergence

Background: By comparing the quail genome with that of chicken, chromosome rearrangements that have occurred in these two galliform species over 35 million years of evolution can be detected. From a more practical point of view, the definition of conserved syntenies helps to predict the position of genes in quail, based on information taken from the chicken sequence, thus enhancing the utility of this species in biological studies through a better knowledge of its genome structure. A microsatellite and an Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphism (AFLP) genetic map were previously published for quail, as well as comparative cytogenetic data with chicken for macrochromosomes. Quail genomics will benefit from the extension and the integration of these maps. Results: The integrated linkage map presented here is based on segregation analysis of both anonymous markers and functional gene loci in 1,050 quail from three independent F2 populations. Ninety-two loci are resolved into 14 autosomal linkage groups and a Z chromosome-specific linkage group, aligned with the quail AFLP map. The size of linkage groups ranges from 7.8 cM to 274.8 cM. The total map distance covers 904.3 cM with an average spacing of 9.7 cM between loci. The coverage is not complete, as macrochromosome CJA08, the gonosome CJAW and 23 microchromosomes have no marker assigned yet. Significant sequence identities of quail markers with chicken enabled the alignment of the quail linkage groups on the chicken genome sequence assembly. This, together with interspecific Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization (FISH), revealed very high similarities in marker order between the two species for the eight macrochromosomes and the 14 microchromosomes studied. Conclusion: Integrating the two microsatellite and the AFLP quail genetic maps greatly enhances the quality of the resulting information and will thus facilitate the identification of Quantitative Trait Loci (QTL). The alignment with the chicken chromosomes confirms the high conservation of gene order that was expected between the two species for macrochromosomes. By extending the comparative study to the microchromosomes, we suggest that a wealth of information can be mined in chicken, to be used for genome analyses in quail. © 2006 Kayang et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.

Source: UG
Integrated organic-inorganic fertilizer management for rice production on the Vertisols of the Accra Plains of Ghana

Studies were conducted at the Agricultural Research Centre, Kpong, of the University of Ghana, to find solution to the problem of low rice yields on the Vertisols of the Accra Plains. Rice yields from continuously cropped fields have been observed to decline with time, even with the application of recommended levels of inorganic fertilizers. The decline in yield has been attributed to low inherent soil fertility, which is partly the result of low levels of soil organic matter (OM). As part of the study, cow dung (CD) and poultry manure (PM) were separately applied to the soil at 20 t ha-1 solely and also 5, 10 and 15 t ha-1, in combination with urea fertilizer at 90, 60 and 30 kg N ha-1, respectively. Other treatments included a control and urea fertilizer at 30, 60, 90 and 120 kg N ha-1. There was a basal application of phosphorus and potassium to all plots at 45 kg P2O5 ha-1 and 35 kg K2O ha-1, respectively, based on the recommended fertilizer rate of 90 kg N ha-1, 45 kg P2O5 ha-1 and 35 kg K2O ha-1, on the Vertisols of the Accra Plains. Studies were also conducted on the redox potential of CD, PM and rice straw (RS). The application of 10 t ha-1 CD and urea fertilizer (at 45 kg N ha-1) and 10 t ha-1 PM and urea (at 60 kg N ha-1) both gave paddy yields of 4.7 t ha-1, which did not differ significantly from the yield of 5.3 t ha-1, obtained under the recommended inorganic nitrogen fertilizer application of 90 kg N ha-1. This indicates a synergistic effect of OM and urea on soil fertility. The redox potential studies showed that RS had greater propensity to bring about reduced soil condition in paddy fields than CD and PM, while PM brought about greater reduction than CD.

Source: UG
Integrated value-chain and risk assessment of Pig-Related Zoonoses in Ghana

The marked increase in the pig-trade in Ghana has raised concerns about increased transmission of related zoonotic diseases. A study on pig-related zoonoses along the pork valuechain was conducted in Greater Accra and Upper East Regions of Ghana. Results showed significant taenia (60%) and trichinella (8%) seroprevalence in pigs in Upper East with little evidence of transmission to humans. Sero-prevalence of HEV was high in both pigs (85%) and humans (37%). Sero-prevalence rates were significantly higher in Upper East than Greater Accra. Pig handlers in Accra had significantly higher sero-prevalence rates (58%) than other community members (18%) but there was no such association in the Upper East. Given the high rates of mortality, miscarriage and stillbirth associated with HEV in pregnancy, it is a cause for concern that 31% women of child-bearing age tested sero-positive for HEV.

Source: UG
Integrating biomedical and herbal medicine in Ghana - experiences from the Kumasi South Hospital: A qualitative study

Background: Over the past decade there has been growing interest in the use of herbal medicine both in developed and developing countries. Given the high proportion of patients using herbal medicine in Ghana, some health facilities have initiated implementation of herbal medicine as a component of their healthcare delivery. However, the extent to which herbal medicine has been integrated in Ghanaian health facilities, how integration is implemented and perceived by different stakeholders has not been documented. The study sought to explore these critical issues at the Kumasi South Hospital (KSH) and outline the challenges and motivations of the integration process. Methods: Qualitative phenomenological exploratory study design involving fieldwork observations, focus group discussion, in-depth interviews and key informants' interviews was employed to collect data. Results: Policies and protocols outlining the definition, process and goals of integration were lacking, with respondents sharing different views about the purpose and value of integration of herbal medicine within public health facilities. Key informants were supportive of the initiative. Whilst biomedical health workers perceived the system to be parallel than integrated, health personnel providing herbal medicine perceived the system as integrated. Most patients were not aware of the herbal clinic in the hospital but those who had utilized services of the herbal clinic viewed the clinic as part of the hospital. Conclusions: The lack of a regulatory policy and protocol for the integration seemed to have led to the different perception of the integration. Policy and protocol to guide the integration are key recommendations.

Source: UG
Integrating cervical cancer screening with HIV care in a district hospital in Abuja, Nigeria

Background: Human immunodeficiency virus positive (HIV+) women have a higher risk of developing invasive cervical cancer compared with uninfected women. This study aims to document programmatic experience of integrating cervical cancer screening using Visual Inspection and Acetic Acid (VIA) into HIV care as well as to describe patients’ characteristics associated with positive VIA findings amongst HIV+ women. Materialsand Methods:Across‑sectional study analysed routine service data collected at the antiretroviral therapy (ART) and cervical cancer screening services. Our program integrated screening for cervical cancer using VIA technique to HIV care and treatment services through a combination of stakeholder engagement, capacity building for health workers, creating a bi‑directional referral between HIV and reproductive health (RH) services and provider initiated counselling and screening for cervical cancer. Information on patients’ baseline and clinical characteristics were captured using an electronic medical records system and then exported to Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). Logistic regression model was used to estimate factors that influence VIA results. Results: A total of 834 HIV+ women were offered VIA screening between April 2010 and April 2011, and 805 (96.5%) accepted it. Complete data was available for 802 (96.2%) women. The mean age at screening and first sexual contact were 32.0 (SD 6.6) and 18.8 (SD 3.5) years, respectively. VIA was positive in 52 (6.5%) women while 199 (24.8%) had a sexually transmitted infection (STI). Of the 199 who had a STI, eight (4.0%) had genital ulcer syndrome, 30 (15.1%) had lower abdominal pain syndrome and 161 (80.9%) had vaginal discharge syndrome. Presence of lower abdominal pain syndrome was found to be a significant predictor of a positive VIA result (P = 0.001). Women with lower abdominal pain syndrome appeared to be more likely (OR 47.9, 95% CI: 4.8‑480.4, P = 0.001) to have a positive VIA result. Conclusion: The high burden of both HIV and cervical cancer in developing countries makes it a necessity for integrating services that offer early detection and treatment for both diseases. The findings from our study suggest that integrating VIA screening into the package of care offered to HIV+ women is feasible and acceptable.

Source: UG
Integrating geo-spatial information infrastructure into conservation and management of wetlands in Ghana

Most data infrastructure tend to focus on data access and not particularly spatial aspects of data and services especially data relating to natural resource management. This project will conceptualise and implement a geospatial information infrastructure to facilitate conservation and management of wetlands in Ghana, where a scalable, accessible and robust solution is urgently needed. Critically, rather than relying on governmental agency as a sole means of continued and current data provision, the approach will link technical advances in mobile telephone services, global positioning systems and concepts of citizen science with advanced developments in semantics and interoperability to formalise a spatial infrastructure system capable of weighing assertion and achieving authority. This paper attempts to propose the use of the following technology in developing a Ghana Wetland Information System: remote sensed imagery plus scripting and database, e-Governance frameworks and Protégé OWL for the management of semantics. © 2011 IEEE.

Source: UG
Integrating MATLAB/simulink technical computing environment into engineering education pedagogy in Ghanaian Universities: - A case study for university of Ghana, computer engineering department

In this paper we proposed a joint model of simultaneous instruction with laboratory sessions to reinforce and enrich the learning experience so as to train better engineers able to compete globally. In accomplishing this, we integrated MATLAB/Simulink, the de facto standard for technical computing into the university curriculum for teaching four Computer Engineering courses namely Numerical Methods, Signals and Systems, Digital Control Systems and Digital Signal Processing during the 2010/2011 academic year at the University of Ghana. The course modules were developed in consultation with others and taught over the period of 13 weeks. The semester examinations consisted of laboratory and written exams sessions of three hours duration. After grading and collating of examinations results, it was clearly demonstrated by students that they have learnt the key requirements in engineering education. The statistics was staggering and interesting; for example 90 students registered the Numerical Methods, one withdrew due to ill-health and 89 students passed the seemingly difficult course with good grades. © 2012 IEEE.

Source: UG
Integrating Qualitative Techniques in Model Development: A Case Study Using the Framework Approach

BACKGROUND: Despite their potential, there is limited uptake of formal qualitative methods in model development by modellers and health economists. The aim of this case study was to highlight in a real-world context how a qualitative approach has been applied to gain insight into current practice (delineating existing care pathways) for typhoid fever in Ghana, which can then assist in model structure conceptualisation in a model-based cost-effectiveness analysis. METHODS: The perspectives of a range of healthcare professionals working in different settings and across different practices in the Eastern region of Ghana were captured with a self-administered survey using open-ended questions and analysed using the framework method. RESULTS: A total of 51 completed questionnaires were retrieved representing a 73% response rate. It was found that two main care pathways for typhoid fever exist in Ghana and there was no consensus on how a new test might be applied to the existing pathways. CONCLUSION: The two settings in Ghana have different care pathways and any cost-effectiveness analysis should consider the alternative pathways separately. This study demonstrated that framework analysis is a qualitative methodology that is likely to be accessible and feasible across a wide range of health economic settings.

Source: UG
Integrating Remote Sensing, GIS, Census and Socio-economic data in studying the Population-land use/cover Nexus in Ghana

Land is a very important asset and a means to sustain livelihood. In the face of a rapidly growing global population, increase in technological capacity, and affluence, the earth’s land cover has been transformed especially in developing countries. At the same time, social organization, attitudes, and values have also undergone profound changes. In contemporary times, issues of sustainable development, pollution prevention, global environmental change and related issues of human-environment interaction have been a major concern globally. This concern has largely been sparked by the phenomenon of global warming and its consequences, which are threatening the very existence of humans on the surface of the earth. Remotely sensed data (mainly from aerial photographs and satellite images) in combination with Geographical Information Systems (GIS) have been observed to have potential scientific value for the study of population-environment interaction. This paper provides an account of how Remote Sensing, GIS, census (mainly population and agricultural) and socio-economic (household, district and regional) survey data have been integrated in studying the population land-use/cover nexus in Ghana. It also identifies the major methodological challenges, and solutions.

Source: UG
Integrating top-down with bottom-up conservation policy in Africa

Developed nations intervened in conservation policy across Africa during the 20th century to address needs to protect species and biodiversity that were based on their own perceptions and priorities. In the 21st century, conservationists in Africa have revised these perceptions and begun the process of identifying conservation priorities from an African perspective and in consideration of Africans' priorities. Although foreign conservation interveners struggled to identify mechanisms to which local people would respond, African conservationists are now demonstrating how to integrate the continent's unique socioeconomic circumstances into efforts to protect biodiversity. In Africa effective conservation policy must include the generation of wealth, reduction of disease and hunger, and support of traditional land-use practices. © 2009 Society for Conservation Biology.

Source: UG
Integration between emerging market equity and global markets; is it fundamental or noisy? Evidence from wavelet denoised volatility spillover analysis in time and frequency domain

The study investigates the integration between the five largest emerging stock markets, Morgan Stanley Capital Emerging Market Index, and global financial markets like the US S&P 500, Brent Crude Oil and Dollar Index based on wavelet denoised volatility spillover in time and frequency domain using forecasted error variance decomposition framework. It is found that the impact of noise on connectedness is more pronounced in the short run and declines in the longer term. Further, long-term connectedness which is much higher than that of short-term connectedness confirms the existence of fundamental (noisy) concernedness in the long (short) term. The impact of noise varies by time and frequency. The policy implications are discussed.

Source: UG