ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Improved method of producing satisfactory sections of whole eyeball by routine histology

To overcome the loss of structural integrity when eyeball sections are prepared by wax embedding, we experimentally modified the routine histological procedure and report satisfactorily well-preserved antero-posterior sections of whole eyeballs for teaching/learning purposes. Presently histological sections of whole eyeballs are not readily available because substantial structural distortions attributable to variable consistency of tissue components (and their undesired differential shrinkage) result from routine processing. Notably, at the dehydration stage of processing, the soft, gel-like vitreous humor considerably shrinks relative to the tough fibrous sclera causing collapse of the ocular globe. Additionally, the combined effects of fixation, dehydration, and embedding at 60°C renders the eye lens too hard for microtome slicing at thicknesses suitable for light microscopy. We satisfactorily preserved intact antero-posterior sections of eyeballs via routine paraffin wax processing procedure entailing two main modifications; (i) careful needle aspiration of vitreous humor and replacement with molten wax prior to wax infiltration; (ii) softening of lens in trimmed wax block by placing a drop of concentrated liquid phenol on it for 3 h during microtomy. These variations of the routine histological method produced intact whole eyeball sections with retinal detachment as the only structural distortion. Intact sections of the eyeball obtained compares well with the laborious, expensive, and 8-week long celloidin method. Our method has wider potential usability than costly freeze drying method which requires special skills and equipment (cryotome) and does not produce whole eyeball sections. Microsc. Res. Tech. 77:138-142, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Source: UG
Improved Multisignature Scheme for Authenticity of Digital Document in Digital Forensics Using Edward-Curve Digital Signature Algorithm

At the moment, digital documents are just as important as paper documents. As a result, authenticity is essential, especially in legal situations and digital forensics. As technology advances, these digital signature algorithms become weaker, necessitating the development of digital authentication schemes capable of withstanding current security threats. Tis study proposed a scheme based on an asymmetric key cryptosystem and the user’s biometric credentials to generate keys for digital signatures. A single document can be signed by multiple signatories at the same time under this scheme. Te primary goal of this article is to create a safe and cost-effective multigeniture scheme. To create keys for document signing and verification, the Edwards-curve Digital Signature Algorithm (EdDSA), especially Ed25519, is employed. Te Edwards-curve Digital Signature Algorithm is used with blockchain technology to sign crypto wallets. Te Python implementation of a scheme that enables platform independence. We performed performance, security, and comparative analysis to ensure maximum usability. The article’s main finding's are that the Ed25519 algorithm can be used in blockchain.

Source: UG
Improved outcome at end of treatment in the collaborative Wilms tumour Africa project

Background: The Collaborative Wilms Tumour (WT) Africa Project has implemented an adapted WT treatment guideline in sub-Saharan Africa as a multi-centre prospective clinical trial. A retrospective, baseline evaluation of end-of-treatment outcome was performed for a 2-year period prior to the introduction of this guideline. The collaborative project aims to reduce both treatment abandonment and death during treatment to less than 10% for improving survival. Procedure: All participating centres obtained local Institutional Research Board (IRB) approval and implemented the adapted WT treatment guideline. End-of-treatment outcome was documented for 2 years. It was divided into alive without evidence of disease, treatment abandonment, death during treatment and persistent disease. The outcome of children enroled in the first 2 years of the prospective clinical trial has been compared to the outcome before the start of the project. Results: One hundred twenty-two patients were included in the baseline evaluation (2011–2012) and 133 in the first 2 years of the collaborative clinical trial (2014–2015). The percentage of patients alive without evidence of disease at the end of treatment increased from 52% (63/122) to 68% (90/133; P = 0.01). Treatment abandonment decreased from 23% (28/122) to 13% (17/133; P = 0.03). Death during treatment decreased from 21% (26/122) to 13% (17/133; P = 0.07). Conclusion: This collaboration, using relatively simple and low-cost interventions, led to a significant decrease in treatment abandonment and increase in survival without evidence of disease at the end of treatment. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Source: UG
Improved prediction of gestational hypertension by inclusion of placental growth factor and pregnancy associated plasma protein-a in a sample of Ghanaian women

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
Improved productivity and sustainable pastoral systems in an era of insecurity—Fulani herds of the southern Jos Plateau, North-Central Nigeria

Abstract This study investigated the productivity and management of sheep and cattle kept by Fulani pastoralists of Bokkos local government area on the Jos Plateau, North- Central Nigeria. Despite the challenges related to insecurity and restricted access to natural resources, results show large breeding herds with above average productivity and reproductive performance. The management strategy was focused on providing both milk and increased cattle numbers for pastoralists and beef to satisfy the high market demand. High natural herd growth and moderate offtake rates allowed households to maintain herd sizes with a small net increase in cattle numbers. Sheep productivity in these herds was characterised by high births, high mortality and high offtake, leading to overall negative herd growth. The use of hired herders is on the rise in response to natural resource conflict, insecurity and reduced family labour availability due to alternative livelihood strategies. Disease and related mortality remain significant constraints to productivity which could be addressed by increased access to quality veterinary care. However, any further increases in livestock numbers would put additional strain on already inadequate natural resources. Keywords Cattle . Productivity . Pastoralism . Fulani .

Source: UG
An improved SYBR Green-1-based fluorescence method for the routine monitoring of Plasmodium falciparum resistance to anti-malarial drugs

Background The recently introduced SYBR Green1 (SG) assay for testing parasites susceptibility to anti-malarial drugs needs further improvement. This has been necessitated by various setbacks, the major one being the low fluorescence intensity associated with it use. This shortcoming diminishes the anticipated hope that this novel method was going to replace the more traditional ones, such as the isotopic and microscopy. In order to restore confidence in its use, series of experiments to determine conditions that give the best fluorescence intensity were conducted. Go to: Methods Conditions that yield the maximum fluorescent signal were ascertained by measuring the fluorescence after incubation of Plasmodium falciparum culture at different parasites concentration with lysis buffer containing SYBR Green (LBS) at different time period. In order to ascertain the effect of freeze–thaw on fluorescence intensity, P. falciparum culture was frozen for 1 h, thawed, incubated with LBS and the fluorescence measured. The optimized conditions determined in this study were then used to assess the susceptibility of clinical isolates of P. falciparum to artesunate, chloroquine and mefloquine. The concentration of anti-malarial drug inhibiting parasite growth by 50 % (IC50) for each drug was estimated using the online ICEstimator. The IC50 generated using the optimized SG method determined in this study was compared with that obtained using microscopic method and the previously reported standard SG method. Go to: Results Over all, the SG method was found to be easy to perform and sensitive. Freeze–thaw of parasite culture followed by incubation with lysis buffer containing the dye for 3 h was consistently observed to give the highest fluorescence signal. The IC50 values for chloroquine, mefloquine and artesunate determined were consistent and comparable with that determined with the previously reported standard SG method and the microscopic method. Go to: Conclusion The authors conclude that freezing and thawing of parasite culture, followed by incubation with LBS in the dark for 3 h provided a significant improvement in fluorescence signal. The IC50 generated using the improved SG method is comparable with that from microscopy and the standard method.

Source: UG
Improvement of sorghum malt saccharification

Sorghum malt has low levels of beta-amylase, and worts produced from it have low attenuation limit and do not ferment to the same extent as worts from barley malt. Sorghum beers are consequently low in alcohol. This study explored the feasibility of improving sorghum wortsaccharification by the partial replacement with malted rice. Samples of each of three sorghum varieties and paddy rice were germinated for five days, by following standard procedures. They were kilned and devegetated. Hot water extracts of sorghum malts alone and mixtures with rice malts (80:20) were obtained using standard procedures of wort extraction. The pH and turbidity of the wort were determined using pH and Turbidity meters respectively. The attenuation limit was determined using standard procedures. Ninhydrincolourimetric method was used to determine free amino nitrogen (FAN) of the worts. The pHs of wort from the three sorghum varieties were 5.39, 5.18 and 5.07 for kapaala, kadaga and Global 2000 respectively. Substitution of sorghum malt with rice malt at 20% showed changes in the pH turbidity, and FAN of worts extracted from all three varieties. Starch in the worts in which sorghum malt was supplemented with 20% malted rice was degraded completely to sugars and limit dextrines. Attenuation limits of the worts increased to over 80% with the addition of rice malt, indicating that the worts have a normal composition of fermentable sugars.

Source: UG
The Improvement of the African Trade farther demonstrated by Separate Traders, in answer to a scurrilous paper, called, The Falsities of Private Traders Discovered.

The computation of 25000 Negroes per Ann. carried to the Plantations by Private Traders, was grounded on the Value of their Exports, as well as the Number of Ships Employed in carrying them; for the Time of Nine Years in an average, and not on the Six Years of War

Source: UG
Improving Access To Lymphatic Filariasis MMDP Services Through An Enhanced Evidence-Based, Cascaded Training Model For Health Worker Capacity Strengthening In Ghana: An Evaluation Study

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
Improving adherence to malaria treatment for children: The use of pre-packed chloroquine tablets vs. chloroquine syrup

Malaria is a major cause of morbidity and mortality among children under five in sub-Saharan Africa. Prompt diagnosis and adequate treatment of acute clinical episodes are essential to reduce morbidity and prevent complications and mortality. In many countries, chloroquine syrup is the mainstay of malaria treatment for children under five. Not only is syrup more expensive than tablets, adherence to the prescribed dose at home is a problem because mothers use wrongly sized measuring devices or have difficulty with the instructions. We investigated the impact of introducing pre-packed tablets for children on adherence to treatment and compared the total cost of the tablets with that of syrup. Children aged 0-5 years diagnosed with malaria at the clinic over a 6-week period received either pre-packed tablets or syrup by random assignment. The principal caregivers were interviewed at home on day 4 after attending the clinic. Of the 155 caregivers given pre-packed tablets, 91% (n = 141) adhered to the recommended dosage, while only 42% (n = 61) of 144 who were provided syrup did. Only 20% of caregivers who received syrup used an accurate 5 ml measure. The cost of treatment with tablets was about one-quarter that of syrup and 62% (n = 96) of caregivers preferred tablets. Pre-packed chloroquine tablets are a viable alternative to syrup.

Source: UG
Improving awareness of mercury pollution in small-scale gold mining communities: Challenges and ways forward in rural Ghana

This paper critiques the approach taken by the Ghanaian Government to address mercury pollution in the artisanal and small-scale gold mining sector. Unmonitored releases of mercury-used in the gold-amalgamation process-have caused numerous environmental complications throughout rural Ghana. Certain policy, technological and educational initiatives taken to address the mounting problem, however, have proved marginally effective at best, having been designed and implemented without careful analysis of mine community dynamics, the organization of activities, operators' needs and local geological conditions. Marked improvements can only be achieved in this area through increased government-initiated dialogue with the now-ostracized illegal galamsey mining community; introducing simple, cost-effective techniques for the reduction of mercury emissions; and effecting government-sponsored participatory training exercises as mediums for communicating information about appropriate technologies and the environment. © 2006 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Source: UG
Improving Blood Retinol Concentrations with Complementary Foods Fortified with Moringa oleifera Leaf Powder - A Pilot Study

Vitamin A deficiency (VAD) remains a major public health issue and is reported to be the cause of about 6 percent of child deaths under the age of 5 years in Africa. Inadequate dietary intake of vitamin A-rich foods is a major cause of VAD. Moringa oleifera leaf powder (MLP) is rich in nutrients particularly vitamin A and its use in infant feeding has been explored. This pilot study was designed to test the efficacy of MLP in improving blood retinol concentrations among infants in a rural district in Ghana. A subset of infants participating in a randomized controlled trial (ISRCTN14377902) were randomly assigned to receive one of the three study foods (MCL-35g and MS-5g both of which were fortified with MLP, and a third food, CF-35g, a cereal legume blend which served as the control food) in a feeding intervention that lasted for 6 weeks. Primary outcome of the pilot study was retinol levels measured in 5 ml of whole blood at baseline and endline using the iCheck™ Fluoro device. A total of 103 infant-mother pairs were recruited at baseline, of which 65 completed the study. All the infants in the study were vitamin A deficient at both baseline and endline when compared to the World Health Organization (WHO) threshold of 0.70µmol/l. There was however a marginal non-significant increase in blood vitamin A concentrations for all three groups at endline, with higher numerical increases seen in the two Moringa supplemented groups. VAD is a significant public health problem and MLP could be an affordable and sustainable means of combatting the issue. The efficacy of MLP in improving vitamin A status of infants however needs to be ascertained in well-designed trials involving larger numbers of infants and which will last for longer periods. Such studies will also be beneficial in helping to establish the long-term acceptability of complementary foods that incorporate MLP in the target population.

Source: UG
‘Improving Citizens’ Participation in Local Government Financial Management in Ghana: A Stakeholder Analysis of the Sefwi Wiawso Municipal Assembly

Ghana‘s decentralization concept was initiated to promote popular grassroots participation in the management and administration of local governance institutions for improved conditions of life. This is believed to be an important means to improving the effectiveness of service delivery and empower the local people to participate in the development processes that affect their lives. Despite this important role of local communities and stakeholders in the local governance processes, their involvement in decision making on planning, budgeting and financial management of local government agencies is only marginal. This low level of participation is one of the most structural challenges confronting Ghana‘s decentralisation process and local government financial management. Using Stakeholder Analysis, this paper examines the role and level of participation of stakeholders in planning, budgeting and financial management of the Sefwi Wiawso Municipal Assembly. The results of the study indicate that, there has been very little space for local participation and that most of the stakeholders lack proper understanding of the planning, budgeting and the financial management systems of the district assemblies. This lack of space for stakeholder participation has constrained the promotion of effective, responsive and responsible government at the local level for poverty reduction. Procedures and structures for community engagement in the monitoring and evaluation of development interventions seldom exist. The paper argues that an effective engagement of local communities and other stakeholders will enhance transparency and improve upon service delivery within the local government systems. A conscious effort to build capacities and create space for local engagement will enhance the efforts of decentralisation and fast track poverty reduction and national development in Ghana

Source: UG
Improving Citizens’ Participation in Local Government Planning and Financial Management in Ghana: A Stakeholder Analysis of the Sefwi Wiawso Municipal Assembly

Ghana‘s decentralization concept was initiated to promote popular grassroots participation in the management and administration of local governance institutions for improved conditions of life. This is believed to be an important means to improving the effectiveness of service delivery and empower the local people to participate in the development processes that affect their lives. Despite this important role of local communities and stakeholders in the local governance processes, their involvement in decision making on planning, budgeting and financial management of local government agencies is only marginal. This low level of participation is one of the most structural challenges confronting Ghana‘s decentralisation process and local government financial management. Using Stakeholder Analysis, this paper examines the role and level of participation of stakeholders in planning, budgeting and financial management of the Sefwi Wiawso Municipal Assembly. The results of the study indicate that, there has been very little space for local participation and that most of the stakeholders lack proper understanding of the planning, budgeting and the financial management systems of the district assemblies. This lack of space for stakeholder participation has constrained the promotion of effective, responsive and responsible government at the local level for poverty reduction. Procedures and structures for community engagement in the monitoring and evaluation of development interventions seldom exist. The paper argues that an effective engagement of local communities and other stakeholders will enhance transparency and improve upon service delivery within the local government systems. A conscious effort to build capacities and create space for local engagement will enhance the efforts of decentralisation and fast track poverty reduction and national development in Ghana

Source: UG
Improving complementary feeding in Ghana: Reaching the vulnerable through innovative business-the case of KOKO Plus

Reaching vulnerable populations in low-resource settings with effective business solutions is critical, given the global nature of food and nutrition security. Over a third of deaths of children under 5 years of age are directly or indirectly caused by undernutrition. The Lancet series on malnutrition (2013) estimates that over 220,000 lives of children under 5 years of age can be saved through the implementation of an infant and young child feeding and care package. A unique project being undertaken in Ghana aims to bring in two elements of innovation in infant and young child feeding. The first involves a public-private partnership (PPP) to develop and test the efficacy and effectiveness of the delivery of a low-cost complementary food supplement in Ghana called KOKO Plus™. The second involves the testing of the concepts of social entrepreneurship and social business models in the distribution and delivery of the product. This paper shares information on the ongoing activities in the testing of concepts of PPPs, social business, social marketing, and demand creation using different delivery platforms to achieve optimal nutrition in Ghanaian infants and young children in the first 2 years of life. It also focuses on outlining the concept of using PPP and base-of-the-pyramid approaches toward achieving nutrition objectives. © 2014 New York Academy of Sciences.

Source: UG
Improving emergency attendance and mortality - the case for unit separation

Emergency attendance and mortality which are reliable indicators of quality of care, have been of concern to many health institutions. Different models are being proposed to improve emergency outcomes in different parts of the world. A model to separate a single emergency unit into multiple emergency units has been tried in Ghana. Objective: The objective of the study was to find the effect of the Unit Separation Model (USM) on the quality of emergency care delivery in a developing country.

Source: UG
Improving Equity in Tertiary Education in Ghana

The United Nations sustainable development goals in education aim at inclusive and quality education for all. To achieve this, Ghana has a Draft Inclusive Education Policy which seeks to address the diverse learning needs of all citizens. Furthermore, the 1992 constitution provides the legal basis for the provision of higher education to be equally accessible to all. Equity in education means making sure that equitable and quality education is accessible to all students irrespective of their background. This paper based on review of literature, sought to identify interventions implemented in enhancing equity in tertiary education institutions, identify gaps which remain and suggest strategies to close these equity gaps. The gaps include enrolment by gender, disability issues and spatial disparity.

Source: UG
Improving experiences of neglected tropical diseases of the skin: Mixed methods formative research for development of a complex intervention in Atwima Mponua District, Ghana

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