ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of a national digital location infrastructure: Stakeholders’ perspectives in Ghana

This paper seeks to understand how different stakeholder groups evaluate national digital location infrastructure in a developing country of Ghana. Information Systems literature has discussed the digital infrastructure phenomenon extensively, however, little is known about evaluating the performance of digital infrastructures. To address this gap, this paper employs a qualitative interpretive case study methodology to understand how different stakeholder groups evaluate performance of a national digital location infrastructure implemented in Ghana. Findings show how effective evaluation of digital infrastructure can be achieved through independent analysis of stakeholders’ interests and their corresponding interpretation of the success or failure of national digital location infrastructures. The study also shows that meeting stakeholder groups’ expectations is not enough grounds for national digital infrastructures to gain favorable evaluation. The findings have implication for policy, practice, and research.

Source: UG
Evaluation Of A Tea Bag Formulation Of Tapinanthus Bangwensis (Engl. And K. Krause) Danser Leaves, Meant For The Management Of Diabetes

The incorporation of traditional medicine into the mainstream health care delivery system particularly in some developing countries such as Ghana, has resulted in reliable access to herbal medicines and their safe use. This has also led to a surge in the search for herbal alternatives. reformulation, and development of herbal medications in treating and managing diseases such as diabetes. Currently, the surging price of orthodox antidiabetics and their reported adverse effects Long-term use has contributed to many Ghanaians switching to the use of phytomedicines as alternatives. The aim of this study is to formulate tea from the leaves of Tapinanthus bangwensis. family Loranthaceae to serve as an additional remedy for the management of diabetes. For standardization, quality control, and authentication of the formulation, FTIR, and HPLC analysis were conducted. The safety profile of the tea was determined via determination of median lethal dose (LD50), microbial load, essential elements, and toxic metal contents were also assessed. In addition, the pH and uniformity of mass, total water extraction, and optimization of the extraction method were also investigated. The FTIR showed the presence of alcohols, esters, phenols, and aromatic compounds. The HPLC fingerprint also showed 23 peaks, with the highest peak having a retention time of 15.4 min. The extract also recorded a pH of 7.43 ± 0.02 at 26.1 ◦C and total water extractive of 39.37 ± 0.05 %w/w. The tea passed the uniformity of mass test with an average net mass of 3.0 ± 0.02 g. Optimum extraction of the tea was realised with 250 mL of freshly boiled water. The formulated Tea was found to be safe since the determined LD50 was 50 times more than the daily dose. The microbial load and elemental and toxic metal contents were also within acceptable limits. This study has shown the possibility of introducing this tea at a safe dose as an additional herbal remedy for the management of diabetes.

Source: UG
Evaluation of AFP surveillance indicators in polio-free Ghana, 2009¿2013

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
Evaluation of Agronomic Performances and Fruit Quality of Improved Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) lines under greenhouse conditions

A B S T R A C T Although agriculture is the driving force of Ghana’s economy, accounting for one third of GDP and employing more than half of the workforce, Ghana is still far from achieving food security due to serious challenges facing the sector. If agriculture is to fulfill its promise of achieving food and nutrition security in Ghana by 2030, it must take drastic steps towards enhancing vegetable crop production. Greenhouse technology is fast gaining recognition in urban and peri-urban areas. Low tomato production in Ghana is a problem owing to the lack of improved and high-yielding varieties. Evaluation of improved lines of tomato under greenhouse condition which is a fast-growing technology in Ghana can help identify adaptable and promising lines for cultivation. This can lead to increased tomato production as well as meeting consumer demands. In this study, 12 improved lines and 2 local checks of tomato were evaluated under greenhouse conditions to determine their agronomic performances, and fruit quality traits using a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. The results indicate that Lines J138 and B24 recorded the highest yields (20.05 t/ha and 23.03 t/ha respectively) whiles the check varieties, Anna F1 and Nkansah HT gave yields of 18.77 t/ha and 16.96 t/ha, respectively. Lines B24, B25, J138, B45 and B46 also exhibited good fruit quality traits such as pH, pericarp thickness, fruit firmness and shelf life. These promising lines of tomato could be useful germplasm in tomato breeding programmes in Ghana and for cultivation under greenhouse conditions.

Source: UG
Evaluation of alternative school feeding models on nutrition, education, agriculture and other social outcomes in Ghana: rationale, randomised design and baseline data

Abstract Background ‘Home-grown’ school feeding programmes are complex interventions with the potential to link the increased demand for school feeding goods and services to community-based stakeholders, including smallholder farmers and women’s groups. There is limited rigorous evidence, however, that this is the case in practice. This evaluation will examine explicitly, and from a holistic perspective, the simultaneous impact of a national school meals programme on micronutrient status, alongside outcomes in nutrition, education and agriculture domains. The 3-year study involves a cluster-randomised control trial designed around the scale-up of the national school feeding programme, including 116 primary schools in 58 districts in Ghana. The randomly assigned interventions are: 1) a school feeding programme group, including schools and communities where the standard government programme is implemented; 2) ‘home-grown’ school feeding, including schools and communities where the standard programme is implemented alongside an innovative pilot project aimed at enhancing nutrition and agriculture; and 3) a control group, including schools and households from communities where the intervention will be delayed by at least 3 years, preferably without informing schools and households. Primary outcomes include child health and nutritional status, school participation and learning, and smallholder farmer income. Intermediate outcomes along the agriculture and nutrition pathways will also be measured. The evaluation will follow a mixed-method approach, including child-, household-, school- and community-level surveys as well as focus group discussions with project stakeholders. The baseline survey was completed in August 2013 and the endline survey is planned for November 2015. Results The tests of balance show significant differences in the means of a number of outcome and control variables across the intervention groups. Important differences across groups include marketed surplus, livestock income, per capita food consumption and intake, school attendance, and anthropometric status in the 2–5 and 5–15 years age groups. In addition, approximately 19 % of children in the target age group received some form of free school meals at baseline. Conclusion Designing and implementing the evaluation of complex interventions is in itself a complex undertaking, involving a multi-disciplinary research team working in close collaboration with programme- and policy-level stakeholders. Managing the complexity from an analytical and operational perspective is an important challenge. The analysis of the baseline data indicates that the random allocation process did not achieve statistically comparable treatment groups. Differences in outcomes and control variables across groups will be controlled for when estimating treatment effects. Trial registration number ISRCTN66918874 (registered on 5 March 2015).

Source: UG
Evaluation Of An Electricity-Independent Method For IS2404 Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification (LAMP) Diagnosis Of Buruli Ulcer In Resource-Limited Settings.

Introduction Buruli ulcer (BU) caused by Mycobacterium ulcerans (MU) is a devastating necrotic skin disease. PCR, recommended for confirmation of BU by WHO, requires an adequately equipped laboratory, therefore often delaying timely diagnosis and treatment of BU patients in remote settings. Loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) is a PCR-based protocol for isother mal amplification of DNA that has been suggested for diagnosis of BU in low-resource settings. Study aims and methods This is an exploratory diagnostic test evaluation study, with an embedded qualitative sub-study. Its aims are two-fold: First, to evaluate a simple rapid syringe-based DNA extraction method (SM) in comparison with a more elaborate conventional DNA extraction method (CM), followed by a LAMP assay targeting IS2404 for the detection of MU, either using a commercially available pocket warmer (pw) or a heat block (hb) for incubation. Second, to complement this by exploring the diagnostic workflow for BU at a community-based health centre in an endemic area in rural Ghana as an example of a potential target setting, using interviews with researchers and health care workers (HCWs). Diagnostic test evaluation results are discussed in relation to the requirements of a target product profile (TPP) for BU diagnosis and the target setting. Results A protocol using SM for DNA extraction followed by IS2404 PCR (IS2404 PCRSM) was able to identify MU DNA in 73 out of 83 BU clinical specimens submitted for diagnosis. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) of IS2404 PCRSM were 90.12%, 100%, 100% and 65.21% respectively, as compared to the reference standard IS2404 PCR in combination with a standard extraction protocol for mycobacterial DNA. Evaluation of the LAMP assay on 64 SM DNA extracts showed a sensi tivity, specificity, PPV and NPV of 83.6%, 100%, 100% and 50%, respectively, using either pocket warmer (pwLAMPSM) or heat block (hbLAMPSM) for incubation of the reaction, as compared to the same reference standard. The limit of detection of pwLAMPSM was found to be 30 copies of the IS2404 target. Interview findings explored barriers to BU diagnosis and treatment, including perceptions of the disease, costs, and availability of transport. Par ticipants confirmed that a diagnosis at the PoC, in addition to screening based on clinical cri teria, would be advantageous in order to prevent delays and loss to follow-up. Discussion and conclusions The high diagnostic and analytic accuracy of the pwLAMP, evaluated by us in combination with a syringe-based DNA extraction method, supports its potential use for the rapid detection of MU in suspected BU samples at the community or primary health care level without reliable electricity supply. Further optimization needs include a lysis buffer, evaluation directly at the PoC and/or other sites, assessing staff training requirements and quality control.

Source: UG
Evaluation Of An Electricity-Independent Method For IS2404 Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification (LAMP) Diagnosis Of Buruli Ulcer In Resource-Limited Settings.

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
Evaluation of bacterial meningitis surveillance data of the northern region, Ghana, 2010-2015

Introduction: Bacterial meningitis is a disease of major public health importance especially for countries such as Ghana; whose northern part lies within the meningitis belt. The Northern region of Ghana has been recording cases with outbreaks over the years. In order to generate evidence to improve surveillance, we described the epidemiology of bacterial meningitis using surveillance data of the northern region. Methods: Bacterial meningitis datasets from January 2010 to December 2015 for all the 26 districts of the Northern region were retrieved from line lists. Data were analyzed in terms of person, place, time, and identity of causative organisms using descriptive statistics. The results were presented as proportions, rates, tables and graphs. Results: A total of 1,176 cases were reported. Of these, 53.5% (629/1,176) were males. The proportion of cases aged 0 to 29 years was 77.4%. The Overall Case Fatality Rate (CFR) was 9.7% (114/1,176). About 65% of all cases were recorded from January to April. Only 23.7% (279/1,176) of cases were laboratory-confirmed. Neisseria meningitides and Streptococcus pneumonia accounted for 91.4% of confirmed cases. Over the period, the incidence reduced from 9.0/100,000 population to 3.8/100,000 population and CFR reduced from 16.6% to 5.7%. Conclusion: Most cases of bacterial meningitis were recorded in the dry season and in persons younger than 30 years. Less than a quarter of cases were laboratory confirmed, and no new bacteria species were identified. Both morbidity and mortality rates were on the decline. There is the need to consolidate these gains by intensifying meningitis surveillance and improving on the rate of laboratory case confirmation. © Basil Benduri Kaburi et al.

Source: UG
Evaluation of CCNU (NSC 79037) used for the prevention of CNS involvement in burkitt's lymphoma

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
Evaluation of Container Clinics as an Urban Immunization Strategy: Findings from the First Year of Implementation in Ghana, 2017–2018

Background: In 2017, the Expanded Programme on Immunization in Ghana opened two container clinics in Accra, which were cargo containers outfitted to deliver immunizations. At each clinic, we assessed performance and clinic acceptance during the first 12 months of implementation. Methods: We employed a descriptive mixed-method design using monthly administrative immunization data, exit interviews with caregivers of children of <5 years (N = 107), focus group discussions (FGDs) with caregivers (n = 6 FGDs) and nurses (n = 2 FGDs), and in-depth interviews (IDIs) with community leaders (n = 3) and health authorities (n = 3). Results: Monthly administrative data showed that administered vaccine doses increased from 94 during the opening month to 376 in the 12th month across both clinics. Each clinic exceeded its target doses for the 12–23 month population (second dose of measles). Almost all (98%) exit interview participants stated that the clinics made it easier to receive child health services compared to previous health service interactions. The accessibility and acceptability of the container clinics were also supported from health worker and community perspectives. Conclusions: Our initial data support container clinics as an acceptable strategy for delivering immunization services in urban populations, at least in the short term. They can be rapidly deployed and designed to serve working mothers in strategic areas.

Source: UG
Evaluation of cost-effectiveness of live oral pentavalent reassortant rotavirus vaccine introduction in Ghana

The main research focus of the Electron Microscopy and Histopathology Department in the past 20 years has been in the areas of enteric diarrhoeas with special emphasis on rotavirus. Through its diarrhoea surveillance studies, the Department has helped to firmly establish rotaviruses as a major cause of diarrhoea in children, and document the circulation of unusual rotavirus genotypes in Ghana. The Department has also recently expanded its diagnostic repertoire to include the identification and characterization of noroviruses, astroviruses, and other enteric viruses.

Source: UG
Evaluation of customised lineage-specific sets of MIRU-VNTR loci for genotyping Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex isolates in Ghana

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
Evaluation of decontamination methods and growth media for primary isolation of mycobacterium ulcerans from surgical specimens

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
Evaluation of diets served to cancer patients in oncology ward of university of Nigeria teaching hospital, Ituku/Ozalla, Enugu State

Nutrient adequacy of selected High Calorie High Protein diet served to cancer patients in Oncology ward of University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH) Ituku/Ozalla Enugu was evaluated. The objectives were to find out what constitutes a high protein/calorie diets in the therapeutic diet kitchen, to determine the proximate and selected micronutrient composition of high protein/high calorie diet served to the cancer patients and to ascertain the adequacy of those diets using the nutrient density relative to standard values. Recipes of the foods consumed by cancer patients were collated from the menu of therapeutic diet kitchen in UNTH. A total of 14 most frequently consumed foods were sampled using frequency distribution table (the foods sampled include: beans and yam pottage, vegetable yam pottage, boiled yam, garri, okpa, moimoi, pap, fish, stew, rice, bitterleaf soup, okro soup and egusi soup and meat). The samples were analyzed in the laboratory to determine the proximate and micronutrient compositions. The results were subjected to statistical analysis to determine the mean and standard deviations and also, the nutrient densities were determined and compared with standards. The proximate composition showed that the diets served contain average of 79.95±17.95 g of protein, 51.39±19.58 g of fat, 635.29±128.32 g of carbohydrates daily making up an energy value of 3323.42±329.38 kcal daily. The result also showed that the daily percentage contribution of macronutrients to energy composition of the diets were 9.62% for protein, 13.93% for fats and 76.46% for carbohydrates respectively. The mean values of the micronutrients per serving portion were 43.09±8.26 for vitamin A, 19.28±1.78 for vitamin C, 24.25±6.92 for vitamin E, 22.26±2.71 for folate, 62.02±5.59 for zinc and 3.82±0.98 for selenium respectively. Among the foods, moi-moi, okpa, fish, stew, pap, OKS, ES, BLS and meat had high protein density of 313.48, 375, 851.28, 142.2, 78.72, 128.24, 125.60, 92.76, 136.28 and 617.92%, respectively. BYP and BY had moderate nutrient density of 67.04% and 65.84% respectively. VYP and GA had low nutrient density of 45.12 and 22.92%, respectively. All the foods had low vitamin A, selenium and folate densities relative to FAOAA/HO reference value. The dishes served show that most of the foods were adequate (highly densed) and have potential for control and prevention of all types of cancers if dietary habits are maintained with improvements in vitamin A, selenium and folate content of the dishes as consumed. © Asian Network for Scientific Information, 2016.

Source: UG
Evaluation of different DNA extraction methods and loop-mediated isothermal amplification primers for the detection of Mycobacterium ulcerans in clinical specimens

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
The evaluation of domestic ducks as potential reservoir of avian influenza virus in post hpai h5n1 outbreak area, sunyani municipality, brong ahafo region of Ghana

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
Evaluation of efficacy and safety of a herbal medicine used for the treatment of malaria

The Clinical Pathology Department conducts research that contributes to intervention strategies and safeguards of public health in Ghana. In view of this the Department carries out research into plant medicine development, drug interactions and regulation, bio-monitoring and prevention of poisoning from environmental toxicants (e.g. mycotoxins specifically aflatoxins and toxic heavy metals). The Department also provides specialized laboratory services in support of public health programmes.

Source: UG
Evaluation of facilitative supervision visits in primary health care service delivery in Northern Ghana

Abstract Background In Ghana&#8217;s health delivery services, facilitative supervisory visit (FSV) as a system of management is new. This paper presents the standard evaluation results of FSV, which formed an integral part of the community-based health planning services (CHPS) initiative. Methods The study was conducted in the Upper West Region of Ghana. The Project developed guidelines and tools for FSV for four different health system levels &#8211; regional, district, sub-district and community levels. Electronic data from all four levels representing quarterly results were compiled into their annual equivalents, and summarized graphically for comparison. Results The data show that all the nine districts embraced the FSV concept even though they differed markedly with regard to the degree of adherence to some set benchmarks. Three DHMTs (Wa Municipal, Lawra and Jirapa) were graded as good while the remaining six DHMTs were adjudged as fair in relation to management of supplies, transport and equipment, information, meeting, and technical support. Conclusions The data further suggest that there is much to gain both individually and institutionally from FSVs. Generally, FSVs are crucial to the delivery of primary health care services in especially rural areas.

Source: UG