ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Aryeetey, R. N. O., Marquis, G. S., Brakohiapa, L., Timms, L., &amp;Lartey, A. (2009). Subclinical mastitis may not reduce breastmilk intake during established lactation.

Objective: This study determined the effect of subclinical mastitis (SCM) on infant breastmilk intake. Design: Participants (60 Ghanaian lactating mothers and their infants) were from periurban communities in the Manya Krobo district of Ghana in 2006-2007. Bilateral breastmilk samples were obtained once between months 3 and 6 postpartum and tested for SCM using the California mastitis test (CMT) and the sodium/potassium (Na/K) ratio. Infants' 12-hour breastmilk intake was assessed by test weighing. CMT scoring for SCM diagnosis was scaled as ?1 = positive (n = 37) and <1 = negative (n = 23). SCM diagnosis was confirmed as a Na/K ratio of >1.0 (n = 14). Results: Breastmilk intake was nonsignificantly lower among infants whose mothers had elevated Na/K ratios of >1.0 (-65.1 g; 95 confidence interval -141.3 g, 11.1 g). Infants whose mothers were positive for SCM with both CMT and Na/K ratio criteria had significantly lower breastmilk intake (-88.9 g; 95 confidence interval -171.1 g, -6.9 g) compared to those whose mothers tested either negative with both tests or positive on only one. Infant weight (p < 0.01) and frequency of feeding (p = 0.01) were independently associated with breastmilk intake. However, the effect of SCM on breastmilk intake disappeared when infant weight and feeding frequency were included in a multiple linear regression model. Conclusions: The results of this study did not show an effect of SCM on breastmilk intake among 3-6-month-old infants. A larger sample size with a longitudinal design will be needed in future studies. © 2009 Mary Ann Liebert, Inc.

Source: UG
An Asanteman–World Bank Heritage Development Initiative in Promoting Partnership with Ghanaian Traditional Leaders

This paper discusses the identification and documentation of Asante heritage assets in an initiative between the World Bank and the Asanteman Council, the traditional governing authority of the Asante people of Ghana. The paper develops a documentation model based on recommended international standards for safeguarding this patrimony. The authors make proposals for engaging and strengthening traditional authorities and other stakeholders in the documentation, valuation, and preservation of Asante heritage. In addition, they make recommendations for the creation of appropriate institutions and strategies to use these assets for wealth creation and development and its replication elsewhere.

Source: UG
Asessment of gross motor development in the WHO Multicentre Growth Reference Study

The objective of the Motor Development Study was to describe the acquisition of selected gross motor milestones among affluent children growing up in different cultural settings. This study was conducted in Ghana, India, Norway, Oman, and the United States as part of the longitudinal component of the World Health Organization (WHO) Multicentre Growth Reference Study (MGRS). Infants were followed from the age of four months until they could walk independently. Six milestones that are fundamental to acquiring self-sufficient erect locomotion and are simple to evaluate were assessed: sitting without support, hands-and-knees crawling, standing with assistance, walking with assistance, standing alone, and walking alone. The information was collected by both the children's caregivers and trained MGRS fieldworkers. The caregivers assessed and recorded the dates when the milestones were achieved for the first time according to established criteria. Using standardized procedures, the fieldworkers independently assessed the motor performance of the children and checked parental recording at home visits. To ensure standardized data collection, the sites conducted regular standardization sessions. Data collection and data quality control took place simultaneously. Data verification and cleaning were performed until all queries had been satisfactorily resolved. © 2004, The United Nations University.

Source: UG
Ashantee War

Copies or Extracts of any Despatches from the Governor of the Gold Coast explaining the cause of the War with the King of Ashantee; of any Despatches from the Secretary of State to the Governor of the Gold Coast, directing him to prosecute the War; Returns of the Expense already incurred in this War; and, of the Number of Officers and European Troops landed at Cape Coast Castle, and Date of Landing.

Source: UG
Ashanti Proverbs (The Primitive Ethics of a Savage People) Translated From the Original With Grammatical and Anthropological Notes

IN preparing this volume, to which he has asked me to contribute a preface, Mr. Rattray has performed a considerable service to those of us who are interested in the Tshis-peaking people of the Gold Coast, or who are concerned in the administration of their affairs. He has blazed for us a track through a wilderness which has so far been very imperfectly explored, and has thereby opened the way to further discoveries. Much has been said and written concerning the difficulty which the European mind usually experiences in comprehending the mentality of Orientals, but it is probable that the difficulties which beset a student of West African thought are far greater than any which are experienced in Asia. Orientalists of many nations have been engaged for centuries in interpreting the East to the West, and their efforts, more especially during the past fifty years, have been attended by a certain measure of success. All the great literatures of Asia are to-day accessible to European scholars, and familiarity with Oriental languages is now common. The philosophies of Asia have not failed to make their strong appeal to many Europeans, in spite of the fact that they are, in the main, distinctive products, dissimilar from anything which the West has evolved on its own account. In the same way, democratic theories of government, which may regarded as being in some sort the exclusive product of the European intellect, have recently

Source: UG
Aspects of the Chemical Composition of the Birimian Gold Fluid.

Fluid inclusion data, EPMA and geochemical studies of metamorphic chlorites from altered phyllites and graphitic phyllites were used to constrain the possible nature of the ore fluid involved in gold mineralization in the Birimian of Ghana. The results showed that the metavolcanics and metasediments rock groups in the Birimian gold belt were transformed by metamorphism and hydrothermal activity. The alteration processes involved in the transformation were sulphidation, sericitization, rutile formation, silicification, carbonation, carbonitization and of chloritization. Some of these processes were related to major gold mineralization in the country rocks. Minor alterations caused by the hydrothermal activity, which resulted in the mineralization are sulphidation, carbonation, tourmalization and chloritisation. It is inferred that gold was deposited under similar conditions as those of the hydrothermal activity. Calculated physico-chemical depositional conditions of the ore fluid, based on chlorite-pyrrhotite-pyrite and chlorite-albite relationships yielded fO2 = -33 to -32; fH2S = 1.5 to - 2.0; and pH= 5.8. Precipitation of gold in the country rocks occurred as gold-bearing sulphides, dominated by arsenopyrite, through interaction of the host country rocks with the mineralising fluid. Deposition of the gold occurred within major late-orogenic shear zones when the original mineralizing fluid decompressed, cooled and separated into CO2-rich and H2O-rich fluids.

Source: UG
Aspects of the ecology of rodents in the Owabi Wildlife Sanctuary, Ghana: sex-ratio, age structure and reproductive characteristics

This study investigated aspects of the ecology (sex-ratio, age structure and reproductive characteristics) of four rodent species in the Owabi Wildlife Sanctuary (OWS). Collapsible Sherman live traps (22.5 x 8.8 x 7.5 cm) were used to capture the rodent species in 12 grids, measuring 20 × 20 m and covering different habitat types identified in the sanctuary from October, 2009 to April, 2010. Trapping effort covered 1,500 trap-nights and 119 individuals belonging to four species were captured. There were 77 individuals of Praomys tullbergi (Tullberg’s soft-furred rat), 16 were Lophuromys sikapusi (Rusty-bellied brush-furred mouse) and 13 were Hybomys trivirgatus (Temminck’s hump-nosed mouse) and Malacomys edwardsi (Edward’s long-footed rat), with male-to-female ratios of 1.5:1, 1.7:1, 1:1.6 and 2.3:1 respectively. Adults dominated in the age structure of all the rodents captured. All the 50 adult males of the four rodents were in reproductive condition. Of the adult females, 5.6% of P. tullbergi, 33.3% of M. edwardsi and 25.0% of H. trivirgatus were pregnant while 22.2% of P. tullbergi and 50% of H. trivirgatus were lactating. The reproductive characteristics indicated a stable and thriving rodent community at the OWS. It is however recommended that a whole-year study be conducted to provide a sounder basis for the conclusions of this study.

Source: UG
Aspects of the ecology of the Tullberg’s soft-furred Mouse (Praomys tullbergi: Thomas 1894) in Mount Afadjato, Ghana.

The relative abundance, age-structure, sex-ratio, biomass and breeding activity of Praomys tullbergi (Tullberg’s soft-furred mouse) were studied over an eight-month period (June 2008 to January 2009) at Mount Afadjato Conservation Area in the Volta Region of Ghana. The methodology involved the use of live-trapping techniques using Sherman collapsible traps. There were 183 captures of 80 individual mice in 3,360 trap-nights, giving overall trapping success and relative abundance of 5.4% and 2.4%, respectively. Adults constituted about 93% of the total number of individuals captured, while the remaining 7% were all sub-adults. Majorities (59%) of the individuals recorded were males, and these were generally slightly heavier than their non-pregnant female counterparts. Breeding activity was evident throughout the study period, peaking during the wet season. All the captured female individuals showed evidence of breeding activity (perforate vaginas, enlarged nipples, pregnancy), whereas 84% of the males had scrotal testes. The highest number of individuals was recorded in August. The year-round breeding activity of P. tullbergi may, to a large extent, account for their dominance in most forests in Ghana.

Source: UG
Aspects of the feeding ecology of wintering waterbirds on the Densu Delta site, Greater-Accra Region, Ghana

This work describes daily feeding rhythms and water depth selection of waterbirds at the Densu Delta in March and April, 2005, using direct observation and still photography. The results indicted that Densu Delta Ramsar Site is an important habitat for 31 species of migratory birds. Specific feeding areas of the various waterbird species were dependent on long length. Foraging time was related to bird size with small birds species spending more time on feeding than larger birds. Analysis of feeding patterns of the waterbirds suggest the occurrence of six functional guilds at the site.

Source: UG
Aspirations and realities in Africa: II. democratic delivery falls short

A growing number of media and scholarly analysts report a loss of faith in democracy and its institutions, processes, and broad outcomes among citizens in many regions of the world. Findings from waves of Afrobarometer surveys since 1999 and recent developments in the domestic politics of many African countries indicate that the continent and its citizens are generally bucking this negative trend, at least in terms of popular aspirations. Democracy advocates and policy actors must identify ways to sustain and deepen African attachment to democratic values while encouraging intransigent leaders to address gaps in democratic supply.

Source: UG
Aspiring Mathematicians:Students’ Views Regarding What it Takes to be Successful in Mathematics

This article explores junior high school students’ views regarding what it takes to be successful in mathematics. Qualitative and quantitative methods were employed to collect and analyse data, describe and interpret junior high school students (12-14 years) perceptions about what it takes to be successful in mathematics. 22 students from four (two urban and two rural) selected junior high schools were interviewed and the individual responses were transcribed, summarised, quantified and presented graphically. The results revealed that students acknowledge the importance of student-centred approaches to learning, the importance of group work in the understanding and acquisition of mathematical skills and concepts. However, despite the wide spread recognition of the importance of student-centred teaching and learning approaches, most students consider following the teacher’s approach as the key to effective learning. The results also suggested that the teacher is an active participant in the teaching and learning process, as his/her actions are considered to be triggers for students’ learning. It is therefore proposed that a new approach of teaching and learning where the teacher and the student are considered as partners in the teaching-learning process is desirable in bridging the gap between theory and practice in mathematics classrooms.

Source: UG
Assessent of Tonica, an aqueous herbal haematinic, in the modulation of rat hepatic microsomal CYP-mediated drug metabolizing enzymes: Implications for drug interactions

The effects of Tonica (TN), an herbal haematinic prepared from the stem barks of Khaya senegalensis, Mitragyna stipulosa and Kigelia africana, on the activities of hepatic microsomal cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes were investigated in Sprague-Dawley rats. TN was administered to rats, by oral gavage, at the normal human dose (28 mg/kg/day), 10x and 20x that dose for 6 weeks. Activities of certain hepatic CYP drug-metabolizing enzymes and pentobarbital-induced sleeping time were datermined in control and TN-treated animals. There were insignificant (p&gt;0.05) increases in the microsomal protein content (3.25-31%) at all doses of TN in a non-dose-dependent fashion. However, there was a general insignificant attenuation of NADPH cytochrome c (P450) reductase activity in TN-treated animals compared to control (8.9-26.1%). p-Nitrophenol hydroxylase (pNPH) activity was insignificantly (p&gt;0.05) elevated (14.8-23%) in the TN-treated rats compared to control. The activities of aminopyrine-N-demethylase (AmD) and nitroanisole-O-demethylase (NOD) at the normal and 10x the normal dose of TN were not significantly different from controls, but at 20x the normal dose these enzyme activities were insignificantly (p&gt;0.05) elevated above controls (11.7 and 39.8% for AmD and NOD, respectively). Pentobarbital-induced sleeping time in TN pre-treated animals were insignificantly (p&gt;0.05) inhibited compared to control (3.7-9.5%). These results suggest that TN by insignificantly elevating certain CYP isozymes may have the potential of modulating the metabolism of substances other than pentobarbital. © 2009 Academic Journals Inc.

Source: UG
Assessing and managing wounds of Buruli ulcer patients at the primary and secondary health care levels in 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
Assessing Anopheles vector species diversity and transmission of malaria in four health districts along the borders of Côte d’Ivoire

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
Assessing capacity and readiness to manage NCDs in primary care setting: Gaps and opportunities based on adapted WHO PEN tool in Zambia

Introduction Sub-Saharan Africa is experiencing an epidemiological transition as the burden of NCDs overtake communicable diseases. However, it is unknown what capacity and gaps exist at primary care level to address the growing burden of NCDs. This study aimed to assess the Zambian health system’s capacity to address in NCDs, using an adapted WHO Essential Non Communicable Disease Interventions (WHO PEN) tool. Methodology This was a cross-sectional facility survey in the three districts conducted from September 2017 to October 2017. We defined facility readiness along five domains: basic equipment, essential services, diagnostic capacity, counseling services, and essential medicines. For each domain, we calculated an index as the mean score of items expressed as percentage. These indices were compared to an agreed cutoff at 70%, meaning that a facility index or district index below 70% off was considered as ‘not ready’ to manage NCDs at that level. All analysis were performed using Stata 15 MP. Results There appeared to be wide heterogeneity between facilities in respect of readiness to manage NCDs. Only 6 (including the three 1st level hospitals) out of the 46 facilities were deemed ready to manage NCDs. Only the first level hospitals scored a mean index higher than the 70% cut off; With regard to medications needed to manage NCDs, urban and rural health facilities were comparably equipped. However, there was evidence that calcium channel blockers (p = 0.013) and insulin (p = 0.022) were more likely to be available in urban and semi-urban health facilities compared to rural facilities. Conclusion Our study revealed gaps in primary health care capacity to manage NCDs in Zambia, with almost all health facilities failing to reach the minimum threshold. These results could be generalized to other similar districts in Zambia and the sub-region, where health systems remain focused on infectious rather than non-communicable Disease. These results should attract policy attention and potentially form the basis to review current approach to NCD care at the primary care level in Zambia and Sub-Saharan Africa.

Source: UG
Assessing CD4+ helper T-lymphocyte responses by lymphoproliferation

CD4+helper T cells play a central role in the development of malaria immune responses and a large number of epitopes from the sporozoite, sexual, and asexual stage of malaria proteins have been tabulated in both mice and humans (1-8). It is clear that the incorporation of antigenic determinants stimulating helper T cells is important for the induction of antibody responses (9-11) and cytotoxic T cell responses (12-15) stimulated by peptide or subunit vaccines. Helper T cells (Th) also may act as effectors themselves, by secreting cytokines that may significantly influence the clinical course following infection.

Source: UG
Assessing Child Maintenance Cases in Ghana: What Do Social Workers Consider?

While one of the key responsibilities of social services in Ghana is to conduct maintenance arrangements so that the nonresident parent is committed to making financial contributions to the well-being of the child, little is known about what informs social workers’ assessments in child maintenance cases. The aim of this study was to determine what social workers consider when undertaking child maintenance assessments. A qualitative practice research study was conducted with 13 social workers and 12 parents involved in a child maintenance case with three agencies of the Department of Social Welfare and Community Development in Ghana. The study showed that corroborating the existence of nonpayment for maintenance in the family is the first step in assessing other factors, such as the parent’s income, occupational status and maintenance amount. Even after the maintenance amount was decided upon, social workers were often unable to follow-up on nonresident parents to ensure that they complied with the maintenance arrangements. Given that no assessment instrument exists in Ghana for addressing child maintenance cases, the study’s findings can provide useful information that can aid in the development of an instrument or framework to assist social workers in their assessments.

Source: UG
Assessing Children’s Autonomic Nervous System Activity During Structured Tasks: A Feasibility and Reliability Study in Ghana

The significance of physiological regulation in relation to behavioral and emotional regulation is well documented, but primarily in economically advantaged contexts. Few studies have been conducted in low- and middle-income countries. We investigated the feasibility and reliability of measuring autonomic nervous system (ANS) activity and behavior during challenge tasks in 30 children aged 8–10 years in Ghana during two visits, 1 week apart. Completeness of ANS data ranged from 80% to 100% across all tasks. There was low-to-moderate test–retest reliability of video mood induction (VMI) emotion ratings and balloon analog risk task (BART) pumps (r = 0.34–0.52). VMI elicited higher targeted emotion ratings in Visit 2 than Visit 1. Respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA) was higher, and pre-ejection period (PEP) was longer at Visit 2 than Visit 1 for baseline and both tasks. RSA was higher at baseline than during the VMI anger scene at Visit 1, whereas PEP was shorter at baseline than during all VMI emotion scenes at Visit 2. RSA was higher at baseline than during BART at both visits. In conclusion, ANS data collection within evocative and arousing challenge tasks was feasible in Ghana, and the tasks were generally reliable and effective in eliciting target emotions and risk-taking behavior in this sample.

Source: UG
Assessing Climate Change Impacts on Ecosystem Services and Livelihoods in Ghana: Case Study of Communities around Sui Forest Reserve

The link between climate change, ecosystem services and livelihood in developing countries has been well established. Tropical forest ecosystems are particularly of great importance to the livelihood of millions of people. Recent decades of escalating climate change impacts on ecological systems and livelihoods worldwide and the vulnerability of forest dependent communities raise concerns about the consequences of ecosystem changes for human well-being. Applying the human ecological approach, this paper examines climate change impacts on ecosystem services and livelihoods of the communities around the Sui River Forest Reserve (SRFR) in the Sefwi Wiawso District in the Western Region of Ghana, the main drivers of the change, the vulnerabilities and adaptation strategies being used by the communities. The results of the study indicate that climate change impacts are decreasing the capability of the SRFR ecosystem to provide essential services to the communities. The principal livelihood sources affected by the climate change impacts are agriculture, forest resources and water resources. To minimize the impacts of climate change, the communities around the reserve have adopted various adaptation and coping strategies to improve agriculture, biodiversity conservation, and water resources management. The paper also suggests strategies that will enable policy-makers to effectively improve ecosystem services and climate change mitigation and adaptation in Ghana.

Source: UG