ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
External Debt Among HIPCs in Africa: Accounting and Panel VAR Analysis of some Determinants

Purpose The management of external debt among highly indebted poor countries (HIPCs) in Africa still remains a challenge despite numerous packages and attempts to ameliorate the consequences of such odious debt. The purpose of this paper is to establish the factors that contribute to the growth rate of external debt and how these factors respond to shocks to external debt growth rate in Africa. Design/methodology/approach Data were obtained from 24 African countries and analyzed using a panel vector autoregression estimation methodology. Findings The study found that external debt growth rates respond positively to unit shock or changes in government investment spending, consumption spending, and domestic borrowings over a long period of time. In the medium term, external debt growth rates respond negatively to shocks in tax revenue, inflation, and output growth rates. The paper also provides empirical support that external debt may be consumed rather than invested among HIPCs in Africa. Research limitations/implications The findings of this paper are limited to only HIPCs in Africa. Practical implications This study has some few debilitating implications for external debt management among HIPCs in Africa. First, the paper suggests that debt repayment may be a problem. This is largely because external debt is consumed rather than invested. External debt sustainability needs a holistic approach in less developed countries. The findings place much emphasis on improvements in gross domestic product and tax revenues as the principal routes out of the debt doldrums. However, this option must be exploited with great caution as there is ample evidence that these poor countries increase their external borrowing capacities with improvements in economic outlook. Originality/value This paper fills a research gap that identifies specific components of government deficit budgets that may be contributing to the growth rate of external debts among HIPCs.

Source: UG
External Debt among HIPCs in Africa: Accounting and Panel VAR Analysis of Some Determinants

urpose The management of external debt among highly indebted poor countries (HIPCs) in Africa still remains a challenge despite numerous packages and attempts to ameliorate the consequences of such odious debt. The purpose of this paper is to establish the factors that contribute to the growth rate of external debt and how these factors respond to shocks to external debt growth rate in Africa. Design/methodology/approach Data were obtained from 24 African countries and analyzed using a panel vector autoregression estimation methodology. Findings The study found that external debt growth rates respond positively to unit shock or changes in government investment spending, consumption spending, and domestic borrowings over a long period of time. In the medium term, external debt growth rates respond negatively to shocks in tax revenue, inflation, and output growth rates. The paper also provides empirical support that external debt may be consumed rather than invested among HIPCs in Africa. Research limitations/implications The findings of this paper are limited to only HIPCs in Africa. Practical implications This study has some few debilitating implications for external debt management among HIPCs in Africa. First, the paper suggests that debt repayment may be a problem. This is largely because external debt is consumed rather than invested. External debt sustainability needs a holistic approach in less developed countries. The findings place much emphasis on improvements in gross domestic product and tax revenues as the principal routes out of the debt doldrums. However, this option must be exploited with great caution as there is ample evidence that these poor countries increase their external borrowing capacities with improvements in economic outlook.

Source: UG
External Debts, Institutions and Growth in SSA

The study investigates the impact of institutional quality on the external debt–growth nexus in SSA. Data from 36 SSA economies over the 1996–2013 periods were used. The results from the IV-System GMM imply that institutional quality has robust effects on the external debt–growth nexus. Thus, the impact of external debt on growth is through host nation’s institutional quality. However, the mediating effect of institutional quality on this nexus is up to a point. When a country is on the wrong side of the debt-laffer curve, external debt becomes irrelevant; and institutional quality can no longer help.

Source: UG
External Financial Aid to Blood Transfusion Services in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Need for Reflection

The Department of Immunology conducts research in the field of immunology of infectious and non-infectious diseases. The Department has the overall goal of contributing knowledge to better diagnosis, management, control and prevention of infectious and non-infectious diseases in Ghana and worldwide. This is consistent with the overall strategy of the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR) and in line with the strategy of the College of Health Sciences of the University of Ghana.

Source: UG
External stakeholders in the governance of slums in Ghana

Purpose – In the space of slums are many stakeholders; the extent to which their assistance contributes to slum administration is sparsely studied. The study aims to examine how external stakeholders contribute to slum administration within the Ghanaian context. Design/methodology/approach – Using the stakeholder theory, the study used an exploratory qualitative design based on face-to-face, in-depth interviews among 21 respondents. Participants were purposively selected from stakeholder organisations and slum residents based on the stake in slums governance in Ghana. Findings – The results indicate that stakeholders have contributed towards slums livelihoods in the general areas of housing, trading, skill development and capacity building. It shows that stakeholders’ contributions tend to enhance slums’ living conditions and affect local assemblies positively. The study finds that slum dwellers categorise stakeholders’ contributions as short-term relief and long-term solutions. Additionally, it emerged that in the areas of policy design, implementation and policy feedback, external stakeholders have supported the government in that regard. Research limitations/implications – The conclusion drawn from the study is limited to the four communities and the stakeholder organisations. However, communities with similar characteristics globally might benefit from the findings. Practical implications – The study uncovers a context-specific role and assistance of external stakeholders in the domain of slums. This provides a guide to the government regarding key areas of stakeholder collaboration towards slum governance in the Ghanaian context. Theoretically, this study has contributed to new knowledge about stakeholders’ contribution to the overall governance of slums. Originality/value – The study expands the frontiers of knowledge in the field of slum administration by focusing on external stakeholders. This study departs from previous studies, which have examined, in broader perspectives, stakeholders’ roles within the space of slums.

Source: UG
Externalities and foreign capital in aquaculture production in developing countries

Most developing countries are increasingly dependent on fresh water based aquaculture (cage culture) to supplement the declining catch from capture fisheries. Yet, the competition for space between capture fisheries and cage culture, pollution generated by cage culture, and fish markets interaction effects have yet to be clearly conceptualized in a bioeconomic framework. Furthermore, the economic viability of cage culture depends on substantial investment thresholds, engendering foreign direct investment in the industry in developing countries. This paper develops a conceptual model for fresh water based aquaculture that account for (i) space allocation, pollution, and interaction of markets for fish; and (ii) foreign capital financing aquaculture production. We found that a Pigouvian tax (optimum ad valorem tax) that corrects the externalities depends on economic and biological parameters in aquaculture and capture fisheries. Correcting for the externalities results in a reduction in aquaculture production but not optimum wild catch. Furthermore, if the aquaculture is financed with foreign capital, then the Pigouvian tax equals the ratio of net to total benefit from aquaculture. Numerical values are used to illustrate the results. Full paper at https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/environment-and-development-economics/article/externalities-and-foreign-capital-in-aquaculture-production-in-developing-countries/BDF177C75BEE5F8DC2E4E0BB243BC378

Source: UG
Extracellular laccase from Pleurotus ostreatus strain EM-1 :Thermal stability and response to metal ions

The metal ion response profile and thermal stability of extracellular laccase from Pleurotus ostreatus strain EM-1, which is widely cultivated in Ghana, were investigated to provide information essential for the establishment of laccase-based applications in the country. P. ostreatus (Jacq. ex. fr) Kummer strain EM-1 was cultivated on a mixture of Triplochiton scleroxylon (wawa) sawdust, rice bran and lime. Extracellular laccase was isolated from spent sawdust four to six days after the appearance of mushroom pinheads and subjected to ammonium sulphate precipitation and gel filtration using Sephadex G-75. Laccase activity was assayed spectrophotometrically at 468 nm using 2, 6-dimethoxyphenol in Mcilvaine’s citrate-phosphate buffer, pH 5.0. Two metal ions, Cu2+ and Mn2+, stimulated P. ostreatus strain EM-1 laccase activity. Cu2+ caused a maximal stimulatory effect of 324.4%, while Mn2+ exerted a more moderate stimulatory effect of 180.5%. Magnesium ions had no effect on the activity of the enzyme. Activity decreased by 77.4% after 20 min of incubation at 50°C. During seven days of storage at either 4 or -20°C, laccase activity decreased by 87.7-88.8%. This rate of deactivation was reduced to 28.1-32.8% over the same period when 20 mM CuSO4 was added to the enzyme prior to storage. The findings suggest that P. ostreatus strain EM-1 laccase would not be a suitable biocatalyst for high temperature processes. Furthermore, copper and to a lesser extent, manganese can be used as stimulatory additives during P. ostreatus strain EM-1 laccase-catalyzed processes at ambient temperature and for short-term storage of the enzyme.

Source: UG
Extracellular Synthesis and Characterization of Gold Nanoparticles Using Mycobacterium sp. BRS2A-AR2 Isolated from the Aerial Roots of the Ghanaian Mangrove Plant, Rhizophora racemosa

Through the use of genomes that have undergone millions of years of evolution, marine Actinobacteria are known to have adapted to rapidly changing environmental pressures. The result is a huge chemical and biological diversity among marine Actinobacteria. It is gradually becoming a known fact that, marine Actinobacteria have the capability to produce nanoparticles which have reasonable sizes and structures with possible applications in biotechnology and pharmacology. Mycobacterium sp. BRS2A-AR2 was isolated from the aerial roots of the mangrove plant Rhizophora racemosa. The Mycobacterium was demonstrated for the first time ever to produce AuNPs with sizes that range between 5 and 55 nm. The highest level absorbance of the biosynthesized AuNPs was typical for actinobacterial strains (2.881 at 545 nm). The polydispersity index was measured as 0.207 in DLS and the zeta potential was negatively charged (− 28.3 mV). Significant vibration stretches were seen at 3314, 2358, 1635 and 667 cm−1 in FT-IR spectra. This demonstrated the possible use of small aliphatic compounds containing –COOH, –OH, –Cl and –NH2 functional groups in the stabilization of the AuNPs. The effect of the biosynthesized AuNPs on HUVEC and HeLA cell lines was measured at 48 h. IC50 values were determined at 3500 µg/ml concentration for HUVEC and HeLA cell lines at 45.25 and 53.41% respectively. © 2018, Association of Microbiologists of India.

Source: UG
Extract of ocimum canum lowers blood glucose and facilitates insulin release by isolated pancreatic β-islet cells

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
An extract of Synedrella nodiflora (L) Gaertn exhibits antidepressant properties through monoaminergic mechanisms

Synedrella nodiflora (SNE) has been used traditionally for many neurological conditions and some of these neuroactive effects have been scientifically substantiated. The usefulness of SNE in depression has however not been investigated despite the availability of data in other disease models indicating it may be useful. The present study therefore examined the effect of SNE in acute murine models of depression and the possible mechanisms mediating its activities in these models. Preliminary qualitative phytochemical and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) screening were conducted on SNE. The behavioural effects of SNE (100, 300 and 1000 mg/kg) pre-treated mice were examined in the forced swimming (FST) and tail suspension (TST) tests. Behavioural events such as mobility (swimming, climbing, curling and climbing), and immobility, were scored. The possible involvement of monoamines in the effects of SNE was assessed in the TST by pre-treating mice with α-methyldopa, reserpine and para-chlorophenylalanine (pCPA) in separate experiments. Flavonoids, tannins, saponins, alkaloids, cardiac glycosides, coumarins, triterpenes, sterols, anthraquinones and phenolic compounds were present in SNE. HPLC analysis revealed the presence of two major constituents observed at retention times 42.56 and 46.51 min, with percentage composition of 45.72% and 36.88% respectively. SNE significantly reduced immobility scores in both FST and TST, suggesting antidepressant effects. The antidepressant properties of SNE were reversed by the pre-treatment of α-methyldopa, reserpine and pCPA, suggesting a possible involvement of monoamines (noradrenaline and serotonin) in its mechanism(s) of actions. SNE exhibits antidepressant effects, possibly mediated through an interplay of enhancement of noradrenergic and serotoninergic mechanisms. © 2018, Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.

Source: UG
Extract of Synedrella nodiflora (L) Gaertn exhibits antipsychotic properties in murine models of psychosis

Background: The hydro-ethanolic whole plant extract of Synedrella nodiflora (SNE) has demonstrated anticonvulsant, sedative and analgesic effects. Preliminary studies conducted in animals, SNE significantly decreased stereotypic behaviours suggesting antipsychotic potential. Coupled with the central nervous system depressant effects of SNE, we hypothesized that it may have utility in the management of psychosis. The present study therefore investigated the antipsychotic potential of the SNE in several murine models of psychosis. Method: The primary central nervous system activities of SNE (30-3000 mg/kg, p.o) were investigated using the Irwin's test. The novelty-induced rearing, locomotion and stereotypy counts provoked by SNE (100-1000 mg/kg, p.o) were conducted using the open-field paradigm. The antipsychotic test models used in the screening of SNE (100-1000 mg/kg, p.o) included apomorphine-induced stereotypy, rearing, locomotion and cage climbing activities. The combined effects of a low dose of SNE (100 mg/kg) with various doses of haloperidol and chlorpromazine were analysed using the apomorphine-induced cage climbing and stereotypy, respectively. The ability of SNE to cause catalepsy in naïve mice as well as its effect on haloperidol-induced catalepsy was assessed. Results: SNE showed acetylcholine-like and serotonin-like activities in the Irwin test, with sedation occurring at high doses. SNE significantly reduced the frequencies of novelty- and apomorphine-induced rearing and locomotion; stereotypy behaviour and the frequency and duration of apomorphine-induced cage climbing in mice. In all the tests performed, SNE was less potent than the reference drugs used (chlorpromazine and haloperidol). In addition, SNE potentiated the effects of haloperidol and chlorpromazine on apomorphine-induced cage climbing and stereotypy activities in mice. Conclusion: SNE, while exhibiting antipsychotic properties itself, can also potentiate the antipsychotic effects of chlorpromazine and haloperidol. © 2017 The Author(s).

Source: UG
Extracting the frequent sequential patterns among the factors associated with neonatal birthweight

The objective of this study was to employ the association rules mining technique to find the frequent cooccurrences among maternal factors associated with birthweight. Secondary data consisting of 189 records with predictors that assess the risk factors that influence low neonatal birthweight were employed for association rules mining. The extracted rules show that the different patterns of co-occurrences among these factors: a mother’s pre-pregnancy weight, presence/absence of uterine irritability, attendance to antenatal care visits in the first trimester, hypertension history, maternal age, and a history of premature labor often lead to either a low or normal neonatal birthweight. The extracted rules could serve as a reference tool in the education, treatment, and care of pregnant women to ensure positive outcomes related to birthweight. Flowing from these rules, pregnant mothers should be educated about the relationship between their attributes and the probable birthweight of their unborn babies.

Source: UG
Extraction of bio-oil during pyrolysis of locally sourced palm kernel shells: Effect of process parameters

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of particle size, pyrolysis temperature and residence time on the pyrolysis of locally sourced palm kernel shells and to characterize the bio-oil products. Pyrolysis experiments were performed at pyrolysis temperatures between 350 °C and 550 °C and particles sizes of 1.18 mm, 2.36 mm and 5 mm for a residence time not greater than 120 min. The maximum bio-oil yield was 38.67 wt% at 450 °C for a feed particle size of 1.18 mm with a residence time of 95 min. It was observed that the percentage of liquid collection was 28% of the total biomass feed for particle size of 1.18 mm. In terms of the effect of temperature, the lowest bio-oil yield was 28% of the total biomass feed at temperature of 550 °C. For the variation in residence time and the associated effects, the maximum liquid product was 38.67 wt% of biomass feed, at a particle size of 1.18 mm for 95 min. As observed, the optimum residence time was 95 min as times either side led to a decrease in the liquid yield. The bio-oil products were analysed by Fourier Transform Infra-Red Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). The FTIR analysis showed that the bio-oil was dominated by phenol and its derivatives. The phenol (38.44%), 2-methoxy-phenol (17.34%) and 2, 6-dimethoxy phenol (8.65%) that were identified by GC-MS analyses are highly suitable for extraction from bio-oil as value-added chemicals. The highly oxygenated oils can therefore be upgraded in order to be used in other applications such as transportation fuels.

Source: UG
Extracts From the Records of the African Companies

These documents were extracted from the Records of the African Companies in London by Miss Ruth A. Fisher. They are from the papers of the Treasury and the Colonial Office. They appear here in the form of extracts which are in no sense intended as exhaustive of any particular phase of history, but as showing the value of an almost unexploited store of information bearing on a most important aspect of the commercial expansion of Europe. It is believed, too, that these extracts herein presented will stimulate interest and attract attention to the historical and anthropological aspects of this conquest of Africa. These extracts from the Records of the African Companies have several claims to value. They show the method of approach in opening the African trade, the effort to monopolize it, the international contest for control of the traffic, the manner in which the natives were brought into it, and the institutions of the natives thus reached. The special reason for the publication of these documents is the light which they throw on the natives themselves. Valuable as these Records of the African Companies may seem, however, they have not been extensively used by investigators as has been the case with the records of other trading companies of the British Empire like that of the East India. This neglect, as Mr. Hilary Jenkinson has pointed out, may be due to the dissimilarity in fortune. The natives of Africa differed more widely from those of Europe than did those of India, and the trade of India was more profitable than that of Africa

Source: UG
Extracts of Codiaeum variegatum (L.) A. Juss is Cytotoxic on Human Leukemic, Breast and Prostate Cancer Cell Lines

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