ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Growth Hormone as a Nutritional Adjunct in Cystic Fibrosis.

Growth hormone (GH) stimulates linear growth and improves nitrogen balance in many catabolic states, including sepsis, and in malnutrition associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. In children with cystic fibrosis (CF), these anabolic effects could aid survival and enhance suitability for transplantation. We assessed response to 0.49 IU/kg/week of recombinant human growth hormone (hGH) for 6–12 months in seven children with cystic fibrosis. All showed an initial increase in height velocity (0.33‐4.14 cm/year) and height standard deviation score (P<0.01). Knemometry also demonstrated a significant improvement in lower leg growth [P < 0.05). Weight velocity increased in five patients but there was no change in body mass index or skinfold thickness. The number of respiratory exacerbations decreased during therapy, although there was no measurable improvement in respiratory function. Growth hormone may be a useful adjunct therapy in cystic fibrosis.

Source: UG
Growth of African Economies: Productivity, Policy Syndromes and the Importance of Institutions

The present study employs recent World Bank data to shed light, in a global context, on the transformation of changes in income and inequality into poverty reduction for a large number of countries in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). The study begins by discussing SSA's progress on poverty. Next, it presents data on how various African countries have fared in terms of the incidence of poverty relative to other countries, with special emphasis on the period since the mid-1990s, when SSA generally experienced a growth resurgence. The paper then decomposes performance on poverty into changes in income and inequality for a sample of SSA countries that have the requisite data. The paper finds that recent progress on poverty has been considerable, in contrast to the earlier, 1980-early 1990s, period. Compared with the progress in a global sample of countries, however, progress has been mixed: nonetheless, although African countries lag behind the Brazil, India, China and Russia group of countries as a whole, many of them have outperformed India. Furthermore, while income growth is found to be the main engine for poverty reduction in SSA in general, the role of inequality is crucial in certain countries. Viewed in a global context, moreover, the low levels of income have inhibited the effectiveness of income and inequality improvements in reducing poverty in many African countries.

Source: UG
Growth of African Economies: Productivity, Policy Syndromes and the Importance of Institutions

Recent evidence from an exhaustive political-economy study of growth of African economies—the Growth Project of the African Economic Research Consortium—suggests that ‘policy syndromes’ have substantially contributed to the generally poor growth in Sub-Saharan Africa during post-independence. The current article employs the unique data and insights generated by the Growth Project to further explore the importance of a ‘syndrome-free’ (SF) regime for growth in the region by examining: (i) the channels via which SF affects growth: total factor productivity versus factors of production and (ii) the role of institutions in mediating this impact, with special attention accorded to the efficacy of the restraint on the executive branch of government in mitigating the potentially adverse effect of ethnicity.

Source: UG
Growth of yeasts, lactic and acetic acid bacteria in palm wine during tapping and fermentation from felled oil palm (Elaeis guineensis) in Ghana

Aim: To investigate the microbiological and biochemical changes which occur in palm wine during the tapping of felled oil palm trees. Methods and Results: Microbiological and biochemical contents of palm wine were determined during the tapping of felled oil palm trees for 5 weeks and also during the storage. Saccharomyces cerevisiae dominated the yeast biota and was the only species isolated in the mature samples. Lactobacillus plantarum and Leuconostoc mesenteroides were the dominated lactic acid bacteria, whilst acetic acid bacteria were isolated only after the third day when levels of alcohol had become substantial. The pH, lactic and acetic acid concentrations during the tapping were among 3.5-4.0%, 0.1-0.3% and 0.2-0.4% respectively, whilst the alcohol contents of samples collected within the day were between 1.4% and 2.82%; palm wine which had accumulated over night, 3.24% to 4.75%; and palm wine held for 24 h, over 7.0%. Conclusion: Accumulation of alcohol in palm wine occurs in three stages during the tapping and marketing with the concurrent lactic and acetic acid fermentation taking place as well. Significance and Impact of the study: Yeasts, lactic and acetic acid bacteria are all important in the fermentation of palm wine and influence the composition of the product. © 2007 The Authors.

Source: UG
Growth, inequality, and poverty reduction in developing countries: Recent global evidence

Various forms of body modification may be observed in sub-Saharan Africa. Hypotheses and theories of scarification and tribal marking in sub-Saharan Africa are described, plus the procedure of scarification, examples from several African countries, assumed effects in prevention and treatment of diseases, and the medical risks resulting from unsterile manipulation. © 2017 John Wiley & Sons Ltd

Source: UG
Growth, inequality, and poverty reduction in developing countries: Recent global evidence

The study presents comparative global evidence on the transformation of economic growth to poverty reduction in developing countries, with emphasis on the role of income inequality. The focus is on the period since the early-mid-1990s when growth in these countries as a group has been relatively strong, surpassing that of the advanced economies. Both regional and country-specific data are analyzed for the $1.25 and $2.50-level poverty headcount ratios using World Bank Povcalnet data. The study finds that on average income growth has been the major driving force behind both the declines and increases in poverty. The study, however, documents substantial regional and country differences that are masked by this ‘average’ dominant-growth story. While in the majority of countries, growth was the major factor behind falling or increasing poverty, inequality, nevertheless, played the crucial role in poverty behavior in a large number of countries. And, even in those countries where growth has been the main driver of poverty-reduction, further progress could have occurred under relatively favorable income distribution. For more efficient policymaking, therefore, idiosyncratic attributes of countries should be emphasized. In general, high initial levels of inequality limit the effectiveness of growth in reducing poverty while growing inequality increases poverty directly for a given level of growth. It would seem judicious, therefore, to accord special attention to reducing inequality in certain countries where income distribution is especially unfavorable. Unfortunately, the present study also points to the limited effects of growth and inequality-reducing policies in low-income countries.

Source: UG
A Guide to the historical records of the Asante people of Ghana at the Manhyia archives

The establishment of functional records management systems in Ghana to manage the records of some traditional authorities is a recent development. After independence some parastatale, financial institutions, corporations and private business firms began to recognize the importance of recorded information as a vital organizational resource. With this realization came the recognition that a system for managing this resource is essential. This awareness led to the establishment of what is usually referred to as special archives. In the case of the traditional authorities the archives were set up with the aim of preserving the cultural and historical heritage of their traditional areas. As noted by Adams (2005) in a study on the management of chieftaincy records in Ghana, the chiefs perform administrative, judicial and advisory roles to government on traditional issues. These functions are performed through committees and this leads to the generation of very valuable records which require professional management and preservation. There are already some developments in this direction: the Manhyia Archive in Kumasi; the Akim Abuakwa State Archive located in the Paramount Chief's Palace at Kibi (Ofori Panyin Fie); the Konor's Depository (Krobo Odumasi Traditional Council Collection) and the Ga Mantse's Collection in Accra. They serve as sources of material for conflict resolution, records on judgements, customs, inheritance or succession to stools and stool land demarcation. Maps demarcating boundaries of lands in dispute and photographs of chiefs and important events in the society are also preserved. Very few works have been carried out on chieftaincy records in Ghana (Adams, 1998; Acheampong, 2003). The main aim of this article is to bring to light information on the wealth of archives in the Manhyia Archives. The holdings constitute valuable sources for research into Asante history and culture as well as materials for dispute and conflict resolution, particularly on matters relating to chieftaincy, stool lands and properties in the Ashanti and Brong Ahafo Regions of Ghana

Source: UG
Guidelines for Using the Turnitin Software to Determine Plagiarism in University Of Ghana

Following the approval of the UG Plagiarism policy, the TURNITIN software was introduced in University of Ghana (UG) to facilitate the implementation of the policy. The introduction of the software at UG is one of the means to encourage faculty members, staff and students to abide by one of the core values of University of Ghana, which is Integrity. The use of the software is not intended to be punitive, but rather to provide faculty members, students and staff with the opportunity to identify portions of their work that can be deemed as plagiarized so they can effect the necessary corrections. It is intended to facilitate the process of ensuring academic integrity, which includes duly acknowledging the work or ideas of others. Its use will allow academic staff, students and other members of the University community to gain confidence that work which they submit as original meets the criterion of having a high level of originality.

Source: UG
Guidelines in lower-middle income countries

Guidelines include recommendations intended to optimize patient care; used appropriately, they make healthcare consistent and efficient. In most lower-middle income countries (LMICs), there is a paucity of well-designed guidelines; as a result, healthcare workers depend on guidelines developed in Higher Income Countries (HICs). However, local guidelines are more likely to be implemented because they are applicable to the specific environment; and consider factors such as availability of resources, specialized skills and local culture. If guidelines developed in HICs are to be implemented in LMICs, developers need to incorporate local experts in their development. Involvement of local stakeholders may improve the rates of implementation by identifying and removing barriers to implementation in LMICs. Another option is to encourage local experts to adapt them for use in LMICs; these guidelines may recommend strategies different from those used in HICs, but will be aimed at achieving the best practicable standard of care. Infrastructural deficits in LMICs could be improved by learning from and building on the successful response to the human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome pandemic through interactions between HICs and LMICs. Similarly, collaborations between postgraduate medical colleges in both HICs and LMICs may help specialist doctors training in LMICs develop skills required for guideline development and implementation. © 2017 John Wiley & Sons Ltd

Source: UG
Guidelines To Manage Women With Infertility: An E-Delphi Study.

Introduction: The psychosocial health problems associated with infertility is compounded in African women when prevail ing cultural expectations emphasize the value of parenthood. Despite the social stigma these women endure, they are still mostly managed from a biomedical approach, especially in Ghana, the context of the study. Objective: This study explored the views of a panel of experts to reach consensus on holistic guidelines to manage women with infertility in Ghana. Methods: An e-Delphi technique was employed to retrieve information using a panel of 20 experts. Data collection was conducted in two rounds, and each participating expert was emailed the preliminary guidelines to rate based on certain crite ria. Data analysis was done in accordance with the expert participants’ rating of and comments on the guidelines. Results: The final guidelines for holistic healthcare to manage women with infertility include the following interventions: Holistic healthcare assessment, psychological interventions, health education, spiritual support, relevant support from signif icant others; all within a therapeutic relationship. Conclusion: When healthcare providers use the final set of guidelines to manage women diagnosed with infertility, these women will receive holistic healthcare to attain optimal health and improved chances of conceiving.

Source: UG
&quot;Guilty with explanation&quot;: Rethinking the destiny of landfills in a Millennium City in Ghana

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to interrogate the fate of landfills as waste disposal option in Accra. This becomes imperative since for a long time, efficient disposal of waste remains a neglected issue and potential source environmental hazard. Design/methodology/approach: The study adopted content analysis of literature, in-depth interview schedules with key stakeholders and direct field observations. Findings: Landfills in Accra are in a state of ambivalence due to mismanagement. Improper designing and siting of dumpsites, often in close proximity to water sources and human settlements have created aesthetic and odour nuisances and increase health risks, attracting the wrath, disaffection and distrust of residents. Research limitations/implications: The study provides an insight into broader issues of landfills and demonstrates Accra's vulnerability to health hazard due to improper waste disposal, which becomes apparent with the least downpour and the subsequent flooding which exposes most drains as de facto receptacles for waste. Practical implications: From all indications, Accra appears to be on the brink of a landfill void. Though this issue has been an open secret since 2000, it remains unattended to till date and calls for an immediate, well-planned and concerted attention. Originality/value: This paper adopts qualitative research techniques to delve into a subject matter whose implication has citywide consequences. The method allows for in-depth assessment of the intent and commitment of all key stakeholders, which brings to the fore that landfills will no longer be the cheapest or simplest waste disposal option.

Source: UG
Gurus and Griots: Revisiting the research informed consent process in rural African contexts

Background: Researchers conducting community-based participatory action research (CBPAR) in highly collectivistic and socioeconomically disadvantaged community settings in sub-Saharan Africa are confronted with the distinctive challenge of balancing universal ethical standards with local standards, where traditional customs or beliefs may con fict with regulatory requirements and ethical guidelines underlying the informed consent (IC) process. The unique ethnic, socioeconomic, and cultural diversities in these settings have important implications for the IC process, such as individual decisional autonomy, beneficence, confidentiality, and signing the IC document. Main text: Drawing on insights and field observations from conducting CBPARs across several rural, highly communal, low literate, and low-income communities in Ghana, we discuss some theoretical, ethico-cultural, and methodological challenges associated with applying the universal, Western individualistic cultural value-laden IC process in sub-Saharan Africa. By citing fled situations, we discuss how local cultural customs and the socioeconomic adversities prevalent in these settings can influence (and disrupt) the information disclosure process, individual decisional authority for consent, and voluntariness. We review the theoretical assumptions of the Declaration of Helsinki’s statement on IC and discuss its limitations as an ultimate guide for the conduct of social science research in the highly communal African context. We argue that the IC process in these settings should include strategies directed at preventing deception and coercion, in addition to ensuring respect for individual autonomy. We urge Universities, research institutions, and institutional review boards in Africa to design and promote the use of context-appropriate ethical IC guidelines that take into consideration both the local customs and traditional practices of the people as well as the scientific principles underpinning the universal IC standards. Conclusion: We recommend that, rather than adopt a universal one-size-fts-all IC approach, researchers working in the rural, highly collectivistic, low literate, socioeconomically disadvantaged settings of sub-Saharan Africa should deeply consider the roles and influence of cultural values and traditional practices on the IC and the research process. We encourage researchers to collaborate with target communities and stakeholders in the design and implementation of context-appropriate IC to prevent ethics dumping and safeguard the integrity of the research process.

Source: UG
Gut Content of Cattle Egrets (Bubulcus ibis) in Three Distinct Habitats in the Accra Metropolitan Area, Ghana

Cattle egrets are considered as some of the most successful bird species globally. They are opportunistic with respect to both habitat type and availability of food resources. This study was carried out in three distinct habitat types (Grassy habitat, Landfill site and Silted waterway) in the Accra Metropolitan Area of the Greater Accra Region of Ghana to assess the preferred food items of cattle egrets. As ‘wholly protected’ birds in Ghana, permission was granted by the Wildlife Division of the Forestry Commission to use six cattle egrets. Gut contents of two cattle egrets from each habitat type were analysed. Cattle egrets at the landfill and silted drain sites fed mainly on insects particularly dipteran larvae. Birds at the landfill site fed predominantly on houseflies (Muscidae) and blue bottle flies (Calliphoridae) larvae which dominated in both weight (74.3 %) and number (84.3 %). While cattle egrets at the silted waterway fed on Syrphidae (51.4 % and 71.3 % by weight and number respectively). Those at the grassy habitat consumed a variety of prey including anurans which constituted 35.5 % by weight. This study revealed that cattle egrets are important biological control agents in the ecosystem. Without predation on the dipteran larvae (Syrphidae, Calliphoridae, Muscidae), they would metamorphose into adults and further exacerbate public health problems to neighbouring communities.

Source: UG
Gut Microbiota Signature of Pathogen‑Dependent Dysbiosis in Viral Gastroenteritis

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
H2O2 rejuvenation-mediated synthesis of stable mixed-morphology Ag3PO4 photocatalysts

Ag3PO4 photocatalyst has attracted interest of the scientific community in recent times due to its reported high efficiency for water oxidation and dye degradation. However, Ag3PO4 photo-corrodes if electron accepter such as AgNO3 is not used as scavenger. Synthesis of efficient Ag3PO4 followed by a simple protocol for regeneration of the photocatalyst is therefore a prerequisite for practical application. Herein, we present a facile method for the synthesis of a highly efficient Ag3PO4, whose photocatalytic efficiency was demonstrated using 3 different organic dyes: Methylene Blue (MB), Methyl orange (MO) and Rhodamine B (RhB) organic dyes for degradation tests. Approximately, 19 % of Ag3PO4 is converted to Ag0 after 4.30 hours of continuous UV-Vis irradiation in presence of MB organic dye. We have shown that the Ag/Ag3PO4 composite can be rejuvenated by a simple chemical oxidation step after several cycles of photocatalysis tests. At an optimal pH of 6.5, a mixture of cubic, rhombic dodecahedron, nanosphere and nanocrystals morphologies of the photocatalyst was formed. H2O2 served as the chemical oxidant to re-insert the surface metallic Ag into the Ag3PO4 photocatalyst but also as the agent that can control morphology of the regenerated as-prepared photocatalyst without the need for any other morphology controlling Agent (MCA). Surprisingly, the as- regenerated Ag3PO4 was found to have higher photocatalytic reactivity than the freshly made material and superior at least 17 times in comparison with the conventional Degussa TiO2, and some of TiO2 composites tested in this work.

Source: UG
H2S donor molecules against cold ischemia-reperfusion injury in preclinical models of solid organ transplantation

Cold ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) is an inevitable and unresolved problem that poses a great challenge in solid organ transplantation (SOT). It represents a major factor that increases acute tubular necrosis, decreases graft survival, and delays graft function. This complicates graft quality, post-transplant patient care and organ transplantation outcomes, and therefore undermines the success of SOT. Herein, we review recent advances in research regarding novel pharmacological strategies involving the use of different donor molecules of hydrogen sulfide (H2S), the third established member of the gasotransmitter family, against cold IRI in different experimental models of SOT (kidney, heart, lung, liver, pancreas and intestine). Additionally, we discuss the molecular mechanisms underlying the effects of these H2S donor molecules in SOT, and suggestions for clinical translation. Our reviewed findings showed that storage of donor organs in H2S-supplemented preservation solution or administration of H2S to organ donor prior to organ procurement and to recipient at the start and during reperfusion is a novel, simple and cost-effective pharmacological approach to minimize cold IRI, limit posttransplant complications and improve transplantation outcomes. In conclusion, experimental evidence demonstrate that H2S donors can significantly mitigate cold IRI during SOT through inhibition of a complex cascade of interconnected cellular and molecular events involving microcirculatory disturbance and microvascular dysfunction, mitochondrial injury, inflammatory responses, cell damage and cell death, and other damaging molecular pathways while promoting protective pathways. Translating these promising findings from bench to bedside will lay the foundation for the use of H2S donor molecules in clinical SOT in the future.

Source: UG