ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
The emergence and institutionalization of feminist geography in Ghana

The emergence and institutionalization of feminist geography in Ghana was in tandem with the global feminist movement in the 1970s and its subsequent international women’s conferences. This paper discusses the pioneering work and research at the Department of Geography and Resource Development, University of Ghana, and its effect on the institutionalization and diffusion of feminist geography in Ghana. Through research and external collaborations, the need for gender as an academic discipline was strongly argued for and instituted as an undergraduate course at the Department of Geography and Resource Development, University of Ghana. These external collaborations with other feminist geographers in international geography associations and universities served as a boost as they created opportunities for highlighting the spatial variations in the role and situation of particularly women’s lives in Ghana. Subsequently, there was a diffusion of feminist geography research and its institutionalization as an academic sub-discipline in Geography departments in other Ghanaian universities. These notwithstanding, the departments of Geography in Ghanaian universities are still dominated by male faculty members. Moreover, research work has been mainly in the field of human geography more than the physical aspects calling for the mainstreaming of gender issues in all the systematic branches of the discipline.

Source: UG
Emergence of HIV-1 drug resistance mutations in mothers on treatment with a history of prophylaxis in Ghana

Background Antiretrovirals have been available in Ghana since 2003 for HIV-1 positive pregnant women for prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT). Suboptimal responses to treatment observed post-PMTCT interventions necessitated the need to investigate the profile of viral mutations generated. This study investigated HIV-1 drug resistance profiles in mothers in selected centres in Ghana on treatment with a history of prophylaxis. Methods Genotypic Drug Resistance Testing for HIV-1 was carried out. Subtyping was done by phylogenetic analysis and Stanford HIV Database programme was used for drug resistance analysis and interpretation. To compare the significance between the different groups and the emergence of drug resistance mutations, p values were used. Results Participants who had prophylaxis before treatment, those who had treatment without prophylaxis and those yet to initiate PMTCT showed 32% (8), 5% (3) and 15% (4) HIV-1 drug resistance associated mutations respectively. The differences were significant with p value < 0.05. Resistance Associated Mutations (RAMs) were seen in 14 participants (35%) to nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) and non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs). The most common NRTI mutation found was M184 V; K103 N and A98G were the most common NNRTI mutations seen. Thymidine Analogue Mutations (TAMs) such as M41 L, K70R and T215Y were found in all the groups; the most common of the TAMs found were M41 L and T215Y. Majority of the subtypes were CRF02_AG (82%). Conclusion In Ghana initiation of uninterrupted treatment upon diagnosis, coupled with drug resistance testing, would produce a better treatment outcome for HIV-1 positive pregnant women.

Source: UG
Emergence of New SARS-Cov-2 Variant of Concern Omicron (B.1.1.529) - Highlights Africa’s Research Capabilities, but Exposes Major Knowledge Gaps, Inequities of Vaccine Distribution, Inadequacies in Global COVID-19 Response and Control Efforts

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
Emergence of oxacillinase-181 carbapenemase-producing diarrheagenic Escherichia coli 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
Emergency fire response in Ghana: the case of fire stations in Kumasi

Recently, Ghana has been plagued by increasing and disastrous fire emergencies, yet little research exists on Ghana’s fire response system. This paper examines the emergency fire response system in Kumasi, Ghana’s second largest city. We use spatial analysis to evaluate the geographic distribution of existing fire stations and their service areas, and identify coverage gaps based on specified response times. Our results show that large portions of the Kumasi Metropolitan Area are underserved, a situation that partly explains the huge losses in property and lives during recent fire outbreaks. Efficient location of fire stations using simple location–allocation models can help to improve response to fire emergencies and reduce the cost of fire outbreaks in African cities.

Source: UG
Emergency response time and pre-hospital trauma survival rate of the national ambulance service, Greater Accra (January – December 2014)

Background Every year, about 1.2 million people die through road traffic crashes worldwide. Majority of these deaths occur in Africa where most of their emergency medical services are underdeveloped. In 2004, Ghana established the National Ambulance Council to provide timely and efficient pre-hospital emergency medical care to the sick and injured. Pre-hospital emergency medical service is essential for accident victims since it has the potential of saving lives. The study sought to determine the relationship between pre-hospital trauma survival rate and response time to emergencies and factors associated to pre-hospital trauma survival in Accra, Ghana. Methods The study was a cross sectional study which reviewed pre-hospital care forms of trauma patients from the fourteen ambulance stations in the Greater Accra region from January to December 2014. Data were extracted from these forms and the response time estimated. Conscious patients who were alert were categorized as responsive under the AVPU scale. The proportion of patients who survived pre-hospital trauma and the time pre-hospital trauma cases were responded to was estimated. Multiple logistic regression analysis was conducted to determine which variables were associated with survival. Results A total of 652 pre-hospital care forms were reviewed. About 87% survived pre-hospital trauma. The average response time to patients was (16.9 ± 0.7) minutes and the median transportation time of the patient was 82 min. Level of consciousness of a patient and response time of patients transported was found to be significantly associated with pre-hospital trauma survival. Conclusion There was a high trauma patient survival rate among victims attended to by an NAS. The average response time in Greater Accra region in the 14 ambulance stations is 16.9 min which is not different from the 17 min recorded in 2013 by NAS. Factors that were associated with pre-hospital survival were alertness in the level of consciousness and response time less than 17 min.

Source: UG
Emerging “Dutch disease” in Emerging Oil Economy:

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the Ghanaian economy within the context of its macro-economic indicators and the performance of the agricultural sector against the backdrop of the exogenous economic explanation of the resource curse. This is aimed at equipping policy makers with the tools needed in identifying symptoms of the Dutch disease as it transitions from an agrarian to an oil economy. Design/methodology/approach – This is a research paper, employing quantitative and qualitative data of the macro-economic indicators in the last ten years (2000-2010) and policy initiatives since the discovery of oil in commercial quantities in Ghana. Furthermore, it also examines theoretical perspectives of the Dutch disease as frames of analysis to gauge the existence of any symptoms of the latter. Findings – The paper questions a previous World Bank (2009) report classifying the Ghanaian economy as already showing signs of the Dutch disease. The paper suggests that the macro-economic indicators show resilience and stability of the economy which is necessary for growth. It is observed that various government policies are aimed at improving agriculture inspite of the emerging oil industry. The paper recognizes some areas of concern and recommends further studies to observe the changes in dynamics when the “petro-dollars” begin to flow into the economy. Originality/value – This is a pioneering work which seeks to provide early warning signals of the Dutch disease in an emerging oil economy.

Source: UG
Emerging “Dutch disease” in emerging oil economy: Ghana’s perspective

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the Ghanaian economy within the context of its macro-economic indicators and the performance of the agricultural sector against the backdrop of the exogenous economic explanation of the resource curse. This is aimed at equipping policy makers with the tools needed in identifying symptoms of the Dutch disease as it transitions from an agrarian to an oil economy. Design/methodology/approach – This is a research paper, employing quantitative and qualitative data of the macro-economic indicators in the last ten years (2000-2010) and policy initiatives since the discovery of oil in commercial quantities in Ghana. Furthermore, it also examines theoretical perspectives of the Dutch disease as frames of analysis to gauge the existence of any symptoms of the latter. Findings – The paper questions a previous World Bank (2009) report classifying the Ghanaian economy as already showing signs of the Dutch disease. The paper suggests that the macro-economic indicators show resilience and stability of the economy which is necessary for growth. It is observed that various government policies are aimed at improving agriculture inspite of the emerging oil industry. The paper recognizes some areas of concern and recommends further studies to observe the changes in dynamics when the “petro-dollars” begin to flow into the economy. Originality/value – This is a pioneering work which seeks to provide early warning signals of the Dutch disease in an emerging oil economy. Keywords Resource curse, Dutch disease, Ghana, Oils, Gas, Gases Paper type Research paper

Source: UG
Emerging and Neglected Infectious Diseases: Insights, Advances, and Challenges

Infectious diseases are a significant burden on public health and economic stability of societies all over the world. They have for centuries been among the leading causes of death and disability and presented growing challenges to health security and human progress. The threat posed by infectious diseases is further deepened by the continued emergence of new, unrecognized, and old infectious disease epidemics of global impact. Over the past three and half decades at least 30 new infectious agents affecting humans have emerged, most of which are zoonotic and their origins have been shown to correlate significantly with socioeconomic, environmental, and ecological factors. As these factors continue to increase, putting people in increased contact with the disease causing pathogens, there is concern that infectious diseases may continue to present a formidable challenge. Constant awareness and pursuance of effective strategies for controlling infectious diseases and disease emergence thus remain crucial. This review presents current updates on emerging and neglected infectious diseases and highlights the scope, dynamics, and advances in infectious disease management with particular focus on WHO top priority emerging infectious diseases (EIDs) and neglected tropical infectious diseases. © 2017 Nicholas Israel Nii-Trebi.

Source: UG
Emerging OP354-Like P[8] Rotaviruses Have Rapidly Dispersed from Asia to Other Continents

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
Emerging role of carbon monoxide in intestinal transplantation

Intestinal transplantation has become an established therapeutic option that provides improved quality of life to patients with end-stage intestinal failure when total parenteral nutrition fails. Whereas this challenging lifesaving intervention has shown exceptional growth over the past decade, illustrating the evolution of this complex and technical procedure from its preclinical origin in the mid-20th century to become a routine clinical practice today with several recent innovations, its success is hampered by multiple hurdles including technical challenges such as surgical manipulation during intestinal graft procurement, graft preservation and reperfusion damage, resulting in poor graft quality, graft rejection, post-operative infectious complications, and ultimately negatively impacting long-term recipient survival. Therefore, strategies to improve current intestinal transplantation protocol may have a significant impact on post-transplant outcomes. Carbon monoxide (CO), previously considered solely as a toxic gas, has recently been shown to be a physiological signaling molecule at low physiological concentrations with therapeutic potentials that could overcome some of the challenges in intestinal transplantation. This review discusses recent knowledge about CO in intestinal transplantation, the underlying molecular mechanisms of protection during intestinal graft procurement, preservation, transplantation and posttransplant periods. A section of the review also discusses clinical translation of CO and its challenges in the field of solid organ transplantation.

Source: UG
The Emerging Threats of Terrorism in West Africa: An Analysis of Ghana’s Response

Major events, throughout history, have necessitated some response from humanity. One of such major events that appear to have changed the global security scene was the September 11, 2001 attack on the United States by Al Qaeda terrorist group. Although many countries across the world started putting measures in place to address the resurging global terrorist threats, West Africa seemed to have been oblivious of the need to do same until the emergence of terrorist groups like AQIM, Ansaru, Ansar Al Dine and Boko Haram. These groups have intensified their terrorist activities in countries such as Mali, Mauritania and Nigeria, with the activities of most of these terror groups transcending national boundaries. With the potential of Ghana becoming a target for terrorists, this study analyses Ghana’s response to the emerging threats of terrorism in West Africa. The work investigates some of the mechanisms established by Ghana to prevent, counter or combat terrorism, and the adequacy of the measures put in place. Analysis of available data points to the fact that there are no terrorist groups or cells in Ghana, though there are some conditions that make Ghana vulnerable to terrorism. The research also reveals that Ghana has instituted some measures in the form of legislations, intelligence gathering and combat units to deal with any threat of terrorism. These measures, however, have some shortcomings that need to be tackled if Ghana is to succeed in preventing terrorism or effectively fighting it if it occurs. The work thus, proffers both long term and short term recommendations for policy consideration towards preventing terrorism in Ghana. These include the adoption of sound economic policies to address human security challenges, the introduction of political reforms to ensure participatory and all-inclusive political system and the provision of logistics and funding for agencies and institutions set up specifically for counter-terrorism. The study also recommends semi-autonomy for some of the frontline agencies like the NCRC and the FIC to enable them have some freedom of action to enhance their effectiveness. Additionally, the research recommends increased public education on terrorism by institutions like the NCCA, the Media Commission and the Ghana Education Service.

Source: UG
Emerging urban system demographic trends: Informing Ghana's national urban policy and lessons for Sub-Saharan Africa

Sub-Saharan Africa faces major urban challenges, so many governments of the region have responded by developing national urban policies. We present emerging urban-system demographic trends in Ghana by locating our analyses at the nexus of the relationship between urbanization and societal imperatives. Our analyses show, first, that the claim that Ghana is in its urban age should be made with caution, since we identify conflicting system wide trends. After acceleration immediately after independence, the rate of urban growth since 2000 has slowed; the number of localities within the urban system has grown, but many of them are no more than glorified villages. Second, we relate societal imperatives to urban localities of remarkable growth to explain why they have grown. Third, we detail the emergence of a city-region around Accra-Tema, suggesting this has matured, especially under globalization. We argue that the growth of the city-region may be beginning to slow down. We conclude by suggesting ways in which our findings can inform Ghana's national urban policies and identifying three general lessons for sub-Saharan African countries.

Source: UG
EMIS Success Modeling Using Information Systems Quality Factors.

This study validates the DeLone and McLean information systems (IS) success model in the context of education management information system (EMIS). It develops a model to examine the effect of IS quality factors (system quality, information quality, and service quality) on IS success (use, user satisfaction, and net benefit) of EMIS. The study employs purposive sampling technique to select participants and a validated structural questionnaire to collect data from 100 users of EMIS. Employing three multiple regression models, the results show that there is a statistical significant relationship between system quality, information quality, service quality, use, and user satisfaction. Overall, among the six constructs measured, the impact of system quality, information quality, and use significantly improve the net benefits of EMIS. However, service quality contributes insignificantly to user satisfaction.

Source: UG
Emotion Regulation Strategies and Psychological Health Across Cultures

Emotional regulation is important for psychological health and can be achieved by implementing various strategies. How one regulates emotions is critical for maximizing psychological health. Few studies, however, tested the psychological correlates of different emotion regulation strategies across multiple cultures. In a pre-registered cross-cultural study (N = 3,960, 19 countries), conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic, we assessed associations between the use of of seven emotion regulation strategies (situation selection, distraction, rumination, cognitive reappraisal, acceptance, expressive suppression, and emotional support seeking) and four indices of psychological health (life satisfaction, depressive symptoms, perceived stress, and loneliness). Model comparisons based on Bayesian Information Criteria provided support for cultural differences in 36% of associations, with very strong support for differences in 18% of associations. Strategies that were linked to worse psychological health in individualist countries (e.g., rumination, expressive suppression) were unrelated or linked to better psychological health in collectivist countries. Cultural differences in associations with psychological health were most prominent for expressive suppression and rumination, and also found for distraction and acceptance. In addition, we found evidence for cultural similarities in 46% of associations between strategies and psychological health, but none of this evidence was very strong. Cultural similarities were most prominent in associations of psychological health and emotional support seeking. These findings highlight the importance of considering the cultural context to understand how individuals from diverse backgrounds manage unpleasant emotions.

Source: UG
Emotional ‘journey’ of street beggars with vision impairment: a study from Ghana

This study sought to understand the experiences of street beggars with vision impairment in Ghana. The study employed a qualitative research approach, specifically phenomenology. Twenty-five (25) participants were purposively sampled from three (3) busy streets in the Greater Accra region of Ghana. Participants were interviewed using a semi-structured interview guide and data collected was analyzed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). Findings showed that visually impaired street beggars experienced personal losses such as jobs, relationships and independence. In addition, the results showed that participants experienced daily challenges with regards to street begging. Further, street beggars with vision impairment reported a range of emotional experiences due to vision loss and street begging. The findings are discussed in relation to enhancing care and management of street beggars with visual impairments in Ghana.

Source: UG
Emotional experiences and challenges faced by patients with systemic lupus erythematosus who attend a support group in Ghana

Systemic lupus erythematosus is a disorder in which a person’s immune system attacks the tissues and organs of the body, causing inflammation, damage, and dysfunction. Challenges associated with systemic lupus erythematosus include cognitive and behavioural changes as well as problems with perceived quality of life. It affects mainly women between the ages of 15 and 45 years. This study explored the lived experiences of adults living with systemic lupus erythematosus in Accra, Ghana. The study employed a qualitative research approach where 11 systemic lupus erythematosus patients were purposively recruited from Accra. Data were collected through one on one in-depth interviews using a semi-structured interview guide. Data collected were analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis. The findings of the study revealed two main themes: Challenges living with systemic lupus erythematosus and Emotional experiences of systemic lupus erythematosus patients. Participants reported physical, financial, fertility challenges, struggles with medications, difficulty explaining the condition, and memory lapses as challenges. Emotional experiences reported include depressive feelings, sadness, fear, suicidal ideation, worry, dislike of the condition (systemic lupus erythematosus), and hope. These findings imply that participants are prone to psychological or psychiatric disorders if their emotions are not managed appropriately. The outcome of this study offers suggestions to policymakers and other organisations involved in the care and management of people with chronic conditions to adopt and effectively implement a multidisciplinary approach in health care by taking into consideration the mental health of persons living with systemic lupus erythematosus and other chronic conditions.

Source: UG