ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
The impact of macroeconomic risk on asset prices in Ghana, 1997-2002

The dwindling nature of overseas development assistance in the early part of the 1990s called for the establishment of capital markets in some African countries, including Ghana, with the view to increasing foreign direct investments and achieving sustainable inflows, growth and development. One important factor which affects the determination of prices and the growth of capital markets is macroeconomic risk which is quite high in developing countries. Following works done on advanced stock markets, this study seeks to investigate the impact of six macroeconomic risk factors on asset pricing in the various industrial classification - financial, manufacturing, food and beverages, distribution and mining under the Ghana Stock Exchange (GSE) for the period January 1997 to December 2002. Using the arbitrage pricing methodology developed by Ross (1976) and Chen et al. (1986), the study revealed that investors in Ghana considered three main macroeconomic risk factors - short-term interest rate risk, inflation risk and the term structure of the country's interest rate in the determination of the various industrial asset prices during the period under consideration. Analysis of the risks and returns profile of the industries also shows that financial assets made the best gains on the market. Both general and specific policy recommendations aimed at improving the performance of the GSE are explored. © African Development Bank 2005. Published by Blackwell Publishing Ltd.

Source: UG
Impact of maize straw biochar and tied-ridge-furrow rainwater harvesting on soil erosion and soil quality in a semiarid region

In dry land areas, integrating biochar soil amendment with in situ rainwater harvesting systems may decrease soil erosion, improve soil quality, and increase crop productivity and yield. This study was conducted to investigate the effect of maize straw biochar amendment and ridge-furrow rainwater harvesting systems on run-off, sediment yield and the physico-chemical properties of a Calcic Cambisol soil in semiarid areas. The experiment was conducted on alfalfa (Medicago sa tiva) production land at the Anjiagou Catchment experimental station in Gansu province, China. The experimental layout was a split-plot design with three replications. Biochar was applied at a rate of 0 and 30 tha−1, respectively. The tillage treatments were flat planting, open-ridging, and tied-ridging (TR). Overall, the integration of maize straw biochar with TR decreased soil bulk density at 0–40 cm depth. Biochar application reduced run-off by 37.8% and soil loss by 55.5% during alfalfa-growing seasons compared to the control. In general, biochar addition increased soil total potassium, but the same effect was not observed for soil pH, total nitrogen, total phosphorus, and available phosphorus. These findings demonstrate the potential of integrating maize straw biochar and tillage systems to reduce soil erosion and improve soil quality for rainfed crop production in semi arid areas. Further studies on the effect of biochar-tillage system interaction are warranted to improve soil conditions for plant growth and increase crop yield in dryland areas

Source: UG
Impact of&nbsp;malaria diagnostic refresher training programme on&nbsp;competencies and&nbsp;skills in&nbsp;malaria diagnosis among&nbsp;medical laboratory professionals: evidence from&nbsp;Ghana 2015–2019

Background: The quality of malaria test results is crucial for optimal patient treatment and care. The Ghana Health Service is successfully shifting from presumptive clinical diagnosis and treatment of malaria to the Test, Treat and Track (T3) initiative. In line with the initiative, the National Malaria Control Programme (NMCP) set out to improve the capacity of medical laboratory professionals in Ghana through a ﬁve-day Malaria Diagnostic Refresher Training (MDRT) to build competencies and skills in malaria diagnosis, especially in the three components of microscopy: parasite detection, species identiﬁcation and parasite quantiﬁcation. This study evaluates the impact of the training on malaria microscopy. Methods: The training which was based on the World Health Organization basic malaria microscopy training guide employed presentations and practical approaches to malaria diagnosis. A total number of 765 medical laboratory professionals from various health facilities across the country were trained every other year from 2015 to 2019 and were included in this evaluation. Evaluation of this training was done using pre-test and post-test microscopy scores. The Negative Binomial ﬁxed eﬀect model was used in determining the overall eﬀect of the training in improving the competencies of the participants on malaria microscopy. Results: The ability of the medical laboratory professionals to correctly detect malaria parasites increased signiﬁ- cantly from a median score of 64% prior to the training to 87% after the training (p < 0.001). The competencies of the medical laboratory scientists to correctly identify malaria parasite species and quantify the number of malaria parasites increased signiﬁcantly from a median score of 17% and 20% pre-test to 78% and 50% post-test, respectively (p < 0.001). The results showed that participants’ competency level and skill to perform malaria microscopy (species identiﬁcation, parasite quantiﬁcation and detection of malaria parasites) increased by approximately two folds after the training compared to the no-training scenario (adjusted rate ratio = 2.07, 95% CI 2.01–2.13, p < 0.001). Conclusion: The MDRT programme signiﬁcantly improved participants’ performance of malaria microscopy over a short period of time.

Source: UG
Impact of malaria on glutathione peroxidase levels: a systematic review and meta‑analysis

The primary antioxidant, glutathione peroxidase (GPx), is hypothesized to contribute to the pathophysiology of malaria. This current study conducted a meta-analysis to examine variations in GPx blood levels in malaria patients. Seven electronic databases—ProQuest, Scopus, Embase, MEDLINE, PubMed, Ovid, and Google Scholar—were searched for relevant studies with no limitations to publication language or publication date. The Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal tools were used to appraise the risk of bias among the included studies critically. The meta-analysis was conducted by pooling the effect estimates and Hedges’s g using a random-effects model. Search results returned 1253 articles, of which 16 studies were used for syntheses. Results of the metaanalysis indicated that malaria patients had decreased blood levels of GPx compared to uninfected individuals (P < 0.01, Hedges’ g: − 4.06, 95% CI − 5.49–(− 2.63), I2: 99.07%, 1278 malaria patients/627 uninfected individuals, 15 studies). Subgroup analyses indicated that peripheral levels of GPx were significantly diminished in patients with P. falciparum malaria compared to uninfected controls (P < 0.01, Hedges’ g: − 3.06, 95% CI − 4.46–(− 1.65), I2: 98.39%, 9 studies) but not in patients with P. vivax malaria (P = 0.15, Hedges’ g: − 2.05, 95% CI − 4.83–0.74), I2: 98.64%, 2 studies) Overall, malaria is associated with declined levels of GPx, particularly in patients with P. falciparum malaria. The finding provides valuable insights that prompt the need to investigate the role of GPx depletion in malaria pathogenesis.

Source: UG
The impact of market power and funding strategy on bank interest margins

This paper investigates the implications of market power and funding strategies for bank-interest margins, using a sample of 978 banks in 55 emerging and developing countries over an eight-year period, 2000–2007. We provide additional insight by examining the complex interlocking of three key variables that are important for regulators: the degree of market power, funding sources and bank performance. The results show that market power increases when banks use internal funding to diversify into non-interest income-generating activities. We also find that the high net-interest margins of banks in emerging and developing countries can be explained by the degree of market power, credit risk, and implicit interest payments. In addition, our results suggest that interest margins among banks with market power are significantly more sensitive to internally generated funds than they are to deposit and wholesale funding.

Source: UG
The Impact of Mass Drug Administration on Lymphatic Filariasis

Mass drug administration (MDA) has made a signifcant impact on the control of lymphatic flariasis (LF) since the establishment of the Global Programme to Eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis. However, its implementation is associated with several challenges, hampering interruption of parasite transmission and LF elimination in endemic areas. Tis study assessed the impact of MDA by comparing baseline microflaria and antigen prevalence with those after three years (mid-term) and ≥5 years of MDA imple mentation and their respective prevalence reductions and identifed specifc challenges that may hinder its efective imple mentation. Tree years of MDA implementation were observed to have microflaria prevalence reductions (88.54% to 98.66%) comparable to those of studies that implemented MDA for fve to 10 years (≥5 years, 79.23% to 98.26%). Inadequate community understanding of and participation in the LF MDA programme are major drawbacks to its efective implementation. Te implementation of MDA that incorporates community participation, incentivisation, education, and training strategies has the potential of increasing MDA coverage and compliance, thereby interrupting parasite transmission and reducing microflarial prevalence to levels that warrant LF elimination

Source: UG
Impact of material composition and food waste decomposition on characteristics of fuel briquettes

This study investigated the potential of using locally available municipal solid wastes (MSW) (such as food wastes from restaurants, charcoal dust, coconut husk and shell, and sawdust) as feedstock to produce non-carbonized fuel briquettes. A low-cost briquetting machine sourced from Alfaster Industries in Kenya served to demonstrate the concept. Using decomposed food waste resulted in briquettes with higher bulk density (+4%), greater net calorific value (+18%) and lower burning rate (-24%), compared to the use of regular food waste. There was no significant difference in ash content from the two briquette types. The results also indicate that decomposing food waste and mixing it with tree-based raw materials such as coconut waste, charcoal waste or sawdust improves the quality of briquettes and enhances the temperatures achieved during combustion. This recycling solution have the potential to serve multiple benefits in MSW management for sustainable cities while reducing rural land degradation and deforestation.

Source: UG
The impact of maternal adverse childhood experiences and prenatal depressive symptoms on foetal attachment: Preliminary evidence from expectant mothers across eight middle-income countries

Background: Mothers from middle-income countries (MIC) are estimated to have higher rates of adverse child hood experiences (ACEs) and depression during pregnancy compared to mothers from high income countries. Prenatal depression can adversely impact on a mother’s feelings towards her foetus and thus may be partially responsible for intergenerational transmission of risk associated with maternal ACEs. However, the extent to which prenatal depressive symptoms mediate the association between maternal ACEs and foetal attachment is unknown. Methods: Data on foetal attachment, ACEs, and prenatal depression came from mothers in their third trimester of pregnancy (n = 1,185) located across eight MICs, participating in the prospective birth cohort Evidence for Better Lives Study – Foundational Research (EBLS-FR). Data were from the baseline measurement. Results: Full-sample path mediation analyses, adjusting for relevant covariates, suggested a full mediating effect of prenatal depression. However, at the individual-country level, both positive and negative effects of ACEs on foetal attachment were observed after the inclusion of depressive symptoms as a mediator, suggesting cultural and geographical factors may influence a mother’s empathic development after ACE exposure. Limitations: As no follow-up measurements of depressive symptoms or postnatal attachment were included in the analyses, the findings cannot be extrapolated to the postnatal period and beyond. Further, causality cannot be inferred as the study was observational. Conclusions: The findings reinforce the importance of screening for prenatal depression during antenatal care in MICs. Addressing prenatal depression within maternal health care may support foetal attachment and contribute to reducing the intergenerational transmission of disadvantage.

Source: UG
The impact of maternal and child health and nutrition improvement project on maternal health service utilization in Ghana: An Interrupted time series analysis

Maternal and Child Health and Nutrition Improvement Project (MCHNP) is an intervention that, adopts financial strategies to provide incentives as a means of motivating community health workers and ensuring accountability. This study highlights on the service delivery component of the intervention; thus, utilization of essential community nutrition and health action. This paper aims to determine the differential impact of MCHNP on maternal health service utilization in Ghana. A retrospective longitudinal pre-test post-test study design was employed. Six administrative regions were used for analyzing the impact of the intervention in uptake of maternal health services. Administrative data were extracted from the DHIMS2 database for the periods of January 2014 to December 2018. Analysis was conducted using interrupted time series analysis (ITSA) due to the absence of a control group. The difference in the pre-intervention and post-intervention means were statistically significant in the Central, Western, Eastern and Upper West region for the proportion of ANC 4 visits. With the exception of Northern region that recorded negative impact (-0.005; p-value >0.05), all the remaining regions recorded positive impacts on the percentage of women that had 4 ANC visits. All six regions had positive impacts in the proportion of women that received supervised delivery. However, none of these impacts were statistically significant; thus, the MCHNP intervention had no significant impact on maternal health outcomes which are, ANC four visits and skilled deliveries.

Source: UG
The impact of maternal supplementation during pregnancy and the first 6 months postpartum on the growth status of the next child born after the intervention period: Follow-up results from Bangladesh and Ghana

Pregnancy and breastfeeding make demands on maternal nutrient stores. The extent of depletion and the degree to which nutrient stores are replenished between pregnancies has implications for a mother's nutritional status at conception of the subsequent child and therefore that child's birth outcomes and growth. Using follow-up data collected several years after a randomized effectiveness trial conducted in rural Bangladesh and a randomized efficacy trial conducted in semiurban Ghana, we evaluated the impact of maternal supplementation with small-quantity lipid-based nutrient supplements (LNS) or multiple micronutrients (MMN) through pregnancy (the index pregnancy) and 6 months postpartum on the growth status of the next living younger sibling conceived and born after the index pregnancy. In both Bangladesh (n = 472 younger siblings) and Ghana (n = 327 younger siblings), there were no overall differences in the growth status or the prevalence of undernutrition among younger siblings whose mothers had received LNS (or MMN, Ghana only) during and after the index pregnancy compared with the younger siblings of mothers who had received iron plus folic acid (IFA) during the index pregnancy (Ghana) or during and for 3 months after the index pregnancy (Bangladesh). These findings do not indicate that preconception nutrition interventions do not improve child growth. Rather, they suggest that any benefits of maternal LNS or MMN supplementation during one pregnancy and for 6 months postpartum are unlikely to extend to the growth of her next child beyond any effects due to IFA alone

Source: UG
Impact of MBL and MASP-2 gene polymorphism and its interaction on susceptibility to tuberculosis

The Epidemiology Department contributes to the mission of the institute through basic and applied epidemiological research on, but not limited to, malaria and other diseases of public health importance. It is also home to the Social Science Unit of the Institute, including the Health Support Centre for HIV/AIDS and other communicable and noncommunicable health problems.

Source: UG
Impact of Mining and Forest Regeneration on Small Mammal Biodiversity in the Western Region of Ghana

Much of the terrestrial biodiversity in sub-Saharan Africa is supported by tropical rainforest. Natural resource development, particularly surface mining in the rainforest, poses great risks to the region’s rich and endemic biodiversity. Here, we assessed the impact of surface mining and the success of forest rehabilitation on small mammal diversity in the Western Region of Ghana. We surveyed small mammals in the project area and two adjoining forest reserves (control sites) before the mining operation and 10 years after mine closure and forest rehabilitation (topsoil replacement and revegetation). The forest reserves recorded higher species abundance than the mining areas. Majority of the species captured in the forest reserves, including Hylomyscus alleni, Praomys tullbergi, Malacomys cansdalei, and Hybomys trivirgatus, are forest obligate species. Only one individual each of H. alleni and P. tullbergi was captured in the naturally regenerated areas (core areas of mining activities that were allowed to revegetate naturally), while 32 individuals belonging to four species (Lophuromys sikapusi, Mus musculoides, Mastomys erythroleucus, and Crocidura olivieri) were recorded in the rehabilitated areas. Our data suggested negative effects of mining on small mammal diversity and the restoration of species diversity and important ecological processes after rehabilitation of altered habitats. We strongly encourage deliberate conservation efforts, particularly the development of management plans that require the restoration of degraded land resulting from mining activities.

Source: UG
Impact of missed appointments for out-patient physiotherapy on cost, efficiency, and patients' recovery

Missed appointments (MAs) constitute a challenge for clinicians and clinical administrators. This study assessed the rates of MAs and their impact on cost, efficiency, and patients' recovery. A 3-year retrospective audit was conducted in a Nigerian outpatient physiotherapy clinic. Data were gleaned on socio-demographic and clinical variables related to MAs. Efficiency was calculated as current asset divided by current liability; while total revenue loss due to MAs was calculated as a product of the total of MAs and per treatment cost. Of 930 appointments, 79.2% were MAs. MAs for first, second and third treatment schedules were 26.1%, 34.1% and 32.3%, respectively. The proportion of MAs was higher among females (80.3%), the elderly (>65 years) (90.6%), patients with neurological conditions (91.3%) and appointments in the month of December (94.3%). If the per treatment schedule cost is $10, a 79.2% MAs rate will result in $7370 revenue loss and 737 lost opportunities to treat patients. MAs lowered efficiency by 79.0%, with an efficiency ratio of 0.21. If MAs slow a patient's recovery process by 2 days, then 79.2% of MAs could potentially impact patient recovery time by 1474 days. MAs for outpatient physiotherapy are a momentous challenge and signify important losses in terms of cost, efficiency and recovery time for patients.

Source: UG
The Impact of Monetary policy on Stock Market Performance

This work takes a comprehensive look at the monetary policy and stock market dynamics from the African perspective, using five indicators namely; S&P global equity indices, inflation rate, money and quasi growth (M2), real interest rate and GDP growth in a panel VAR model. The panel VAR approach addresses the endogeneity problem by allowing the endogenous interaction between the variables in the system of equations. The study models the dynamic relationship in the system of panel VAR equations with data from 1979:2013, performing cross-sectional dependence, unit-root and cointegration tests, and thus estimated the contemporaneous regression model. The study established that, the stock markets of the 12 African countries are positively affected contemporaneously by their respective monetary policies through the interest rate channel, but could not find evidence to the reverse reaction. The study then estimated impulse response functions and thus established that both money supply and real interest rate decline in response to positive and negative stock market shocks respectively, whiles inflation responds positively to a negative stock market shock. Using the forecast error variance decompositions (fevds), we establish that between the two monetary policy stances considered (money supply and real interest rate), real interest rate has the greatest influence on the stock market and inflation. Conversely, the stock market turns to exert greater influence on real interest rate than it does on money supply, therefore indicating a reverse relationship between monetary policy and the stock market. Similar reverse relationships among the other variables have been observed. This in the estimation of the researchers is enough evidence to conclude that there is a bidirectional relationship between monetary policy and stock market performance. In conclusion, our results confirm the economic theories and empirics that there are complicated and significant relationships between monetary policy and stock market performance and that the relationship is bidirectional.

Source: UG
The impact of monetary policy on stock market performance: Evidence from twelve (12) African countries

This work takes a comprehensive look at the monetary policy and stock market dynamics from the African perspective, using five indicators namely; S&P global equity indices, inflation rate, money and quasi growth (M2), real interest rate and GDP growth in a panel VAR model. The panel VAR approach addresses the endogeneity problem by allowing the endogenous interaction between the variables in the system of equations. The study models the dynamic relationship in the system of panel VAR equations with data from 1979:2013, performing cross-sectional dependence, unit-root and cointegration tests, and thus estimated the contemporaneous regression model. The study established that, the stock markets of the 12 African countries are positively affected contemporaneously by their respective monetary policies through the interest rate channel, but could not find evidence to the reverse reaction.

Source: UG
The Impact of Musculoskeletal Pain on the Quality of Life of Farmers in the Volta Region of Ghana

The Department of Parasitology conducts research into parasitic diseases of public health importance with the overall goal of reducing their transmission and the heavy disease burden that they impose on affected populations. The Department maintains focus on parasitic diseases in general. These include major diseases such as malaria, and others listed under the Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD) control initiative such as, lymphatic filariasis, onchocerciasis, schistosomiasis, soil-transmitted helminthiasis, trypanosomiasis and leishmaniasis.

Source: UG