ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Early linear growth retardation: results of a prospective study of Zambian infants

Background Linear growth retardation is the most dominant nutritional problem globally. We aimed to describe linear growth trajectory among infants under 2 years of age using the WHO growth velocity standards. Method This was a prospective cohort study of infants enrolled at 6 weeks of age and followed up for up to 24 months in Kamwala Urban Health Centre, Lusaka, Zambia. The study was conducted between April 2013 and March 2015. Infants were enrolled if they were 6–12 weeks of age and the mother was willing to participate voluntarily and provided informed consent. Anthropometric data were collected at scheduled clinic visits at 1 month, 2 months, 3 months, then quarterly until the infant was 24 months old. We defined linear growth velocity as the rate of change in height. We estimated linear growth velocity as the first derivative of the penalized cubic spline mixed effects model. Results A total of 338 children were included in the analysis. Of these, 185 (54.7%) were female, 115 (34.1%) were born to HIV positive mothers and thus classified as HIV Exposed (HE). The mean age of children at enrollment was 1.6 months (SD = 0.15). On average, the growth velocity for 3-month length increments conditional on age were 0–3 months = 2.97 cm/3mo (95%CI = 2.69, 3.25); 3–6 months = 2.62 cm/3mo (95%CI = 2.38, 2.87); 6–9 months = 1.57 cm/3mo (95%CI = 1.43, 1.71); 9–12 months = 1.18 cm/3mo (95%CI = 1.08, 1.28); 12–15 month = 1.14 cm/3mo (95%CI = 1.02, 1.27); 15–18 months = 0.87 cm/3mo (95%CI = 0.79, 0.96); 18–21 months = 0.80 cm/3mo (95%CI = 0.72, 0.89); and 21–24 months = 0.86 cm/3mo (95%CI = 0.77, 0.96). For both boys and girls, the growth velocity in our cohort were consistently below the 3rd percentile of the WHO linear growth velocity standard. The estimated mean height and the age at which growth begins to falter were 68.6 cm (95%CI = 68.0, 69.2) and 13.6 months (95%CI = 13.2, 14.1) respectively. Conclusion We found slower rate of growth among otherwise healthy Zambian infants. The data suggests that growth retardation is universal and profound in this cohort and may have already been occurring in utero.

Source: UG
Early Mesozoic tectono-magmatic activity and mineralization in northeast China: Evidence from Re-Os to U-Pb studies of the Taipingchuan porphyry Cu-Mo deposit in the Derbugan metallogenic belt

The Taipingchuan Cu-Mo deposit is a recently discovered large porphyry deposit located in the north of the Derbugan metallogenic belt of northeastern China. The geochronological data of the deposit yielded a Late Triassic zircon U-Pb age of 202 ± 6 Ma from a granodiorite porphyry that hosts the Cu-Mo mineralization. Measured Re-Os isotopes of seven disseminated molybdenite samples yielded an isochron age of 200 ± 5 Ma with mean square of weighted deviates of 2.7, while those of seven veinlet molybdenite samples also produced an isochron age of 200.1 ± 2.5 Ma and mean square of weighted deviates of 3.3. These isochron ages show that a Cu-Mo mineralization event occurred at ca. 200 Ma. Based on regional tectonic evolution, we propose that the Late Triassic Cu-Mo mineralization of the host porphyry in the Derbugan metallogenic belt was mainly associated with the subduction of the Mongol-Okhotsk Ocean slab under the Ergun block, contrary to previous suggestion that it was related to the subduction of the Mesozoic Palaeo-Pacific plate. © 2014 Taylor & Francis.

Source: UG
Early occupational hearing loss of workers in a stone crushing industry: Our experience in a developing country.

Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is an irreversible sensorineural hearing loss associated with exposure to high levels of excessive noise. This paper aims to assess the prevalence of early NIHL and the awareness of the effects of noise on health among stone crushing industry workers. This was a comparative cross-sectional study in Ghana of 140 workers from the stone crushing industry compared with a control group of 150 health workers. The stone workers and controls were evaluated using a structured questionnaire, which assessed symptoms of hearing loss, tinnitus, knowledge on the health hazards associated with work in noisy environment and the use of hearing protective device. Pure tone audiometric assessment was carried out for stone workers and controls. Noise levels at the work stations of the stone workers and of the controls were measured. Statistical Analysis of data was carried out using SPSS package version 16. The mean age of stone workers and controls was 42.587.85 and 42.1912 years, respectively. Subjective hearing loss occurred in 21.5% of the workers and in 2.8% of the controls. Tinnitus occurred in 26.9% of stone workers and 21.5% of controls, while 87.5% stone workers had sound knowledge on the health hazards of a noisy environment. Early NIHL in the left ear occurred in 19.3% of the stone workers compared with 0.7% in controls and in the right ear, it occurred in 14.3% of the stone workers and in 1.3% of the controls; P<0.005. In conclusion, the prevalence rate of early NIHL among stone crushing workers is about 19.3% for the left ear and 14.3% for the right ear.

Source: UG
Early Paleogene climate and productivity of the Eastern Equatorial Atlantic, off the western coast of Ghana

Early Paleogene warmth is consistent with global observation, although temperature reconstructions were characterized by some degree of uncertainty. In spite of applied corrections, the suggested epifaunal benthic foraminifera maximum temperature range (23.65-30.36 °C) was still above the proposed maximum tropical sea surface temperature of ∼27 °C, confirming that foraminiferally derived temperatures are strongly dependent on assumptions. Paleoclimate and paleoproductivity of the Eastern Equatorial Atlantic were poorly correlated (R2 &lt; 0) due to major anomalies. δ13C isotopic signatures have been largely and independently used to resolve discrepancies in eight anomalous depths identified in this study, in view of overlapping δ18O isotopic signatures. The last three anomalies are consistent with the dramatic onset of global cooling which occurred during this interval. The first five still remain anomalous, challenging the conventional view that glacial oceans are more productive than interglacial oceans. Discrepancies in these anomalous depths could have been due to artifacts, preservation biases related to dissolution, and/or shell thickening or encrustation. However, this study suggests extratropical variability and climate dynamics, reflecting regional anomalies due to upwelling or feedback mechanisms of poleward heat transport, which are prevalent in the Eastern Equatorial Atlantic. © 2005 Elsevier Ltd and INQUA. All rights reserved.

Source: UG
Early results of prostate cancer radiation therapy: an analysis with emphasis on research strategies to improve treatment delivery and outcomes

Abstract Background There is scant data regarding disease presentation and treatment response among black men living in Africa. In this study we evaluate disease presentation and early clinical outcomes among Ghanaian men with prostate cancer treated with external beam radiotherapy (EBRT). Methods A total of 379 men with prostate cancer were referred to the National Center for Radiotherapy, Ghana from 2003 to 2009. Data were collected regarding patient-and tumor-related factors such as age, prostate specific antigen (PSA), Gleason score (GS), clinical stage (T), and use of androgen deprivation therapy (ADT). For patients who received EBRT, freedom from biochemical failure (FFbF) was evaluated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Results Of 379 patients referred for treatment 69.6% had initial PSA (iPSA) &gt;&#8201;20 ng/ml, and median iPSA was 39.0 ng/ml. A total of 128 men, representing 33.8% of the overall cohort, were diagnosed with metastatic disease at time of referral. Among patients with at least 2 years of follow-up after EBRT treatment (n=52; median follow-up time: 38.9 months), 3- and 5-year actuarial FFbF was 73.8% and 65.1% respectively. There was significant association between higher iPSA and GS (8&#8211;10 vs. &#8804;7, p &lt; 0.001), and T stage (T3/4 vs. T1/2, p &lt; 0.001). Conclusions This is the largest series reporting on outcomes after prostate cancer treatment in West Africa. That one-third of patients presented with metastatic disease suggests potential need for earlier detection to permit curative-intent therapy. Data from this study will aid in the strategic development of prostate cancer research roadmap in Ghana.

Source: UG
Early surgical repair of penile fractures

OBJECTIVES: To present our experience with diagnosis and surgical management of penile fracture PATIENTS AND METHODS: We present six cases of penile fracture managed at our unit between 2003 and 2008. The diagnosis was based on clinical presentation and physical examination. The treatment was surgical in all cases with Subcoronal circumferential degloving incision, evacuation of hematoma and reconstruction of the rupture with absorbable suture. RESULTS: The clinical diagnosis of penile fracture was accurate in all six cases. All patients had a successful outcome, with preservation of erectile function CONCLUSION: Penile fracture is a clinical diagnosis and immediate surgical repair offers complete recovery of sexual function.

Source: UG
Early-onset diabetes in Africa: A mini-review of the current genetic profile

Early-onset diabetes is poorly diagnosed partly due to its heterogeneity and variable presentations. Although several genes have been associated with the disease, these genes are not well studied in Africa. We sought to identify the major neonatal, early childhood, juvenile, or early-onset diabetes genes in Africa; and evaluate the available molecular methods used for investigating these gene variants. A literature search was conducted on PubMed, Scopus, Africa-Wide Information, and Web of Science databases. The retrieved records were screened and analyzed to identify genetic variants associated with early-onset diabetes. Although 319 records were retrieved, 32 were considered for the current review. Most of these records (22/32) were from North Africa. The disease condition was genetically heterogenous with most cases possessing unique gene variants. We identified 22 genes associated with early-onset diabetes, 9 of which had variants (n = 19) classified as pathogenic or likely pathogenic (PLP). Among the PLP variants, IER3IP1: p.(Leu78Pro) was the variant with the highest number of cases. There was limited data from West Africa, hence the contribution of genetic variability to early-onset diabetes in Africa could not be comprehensively evaluated. It is worth mentioning that most studies were focused on natural products as antidiabetics and only a few studies reported on the genetics of the disease. ABCC8 and KCNJ11 were implicated as major contributors to early-onset diabetes gene networks. Gene ontology analysis of the network associated ion channels, impaired glucose tolerance, and decreased insulin secretions to the disease. Our review highlights 9 genes from which PLP variants have been identified and can be considered for the development of an African diagnostic panel. There is a gap in early-onset diabetes genetic research from sub-Saharan Africa which is much needed to develop a comprehensive, efficient, and cost-effective genetic panel that will be useful in clinical practice on the continent and among the African diasporas.

Source: UG
Earnings management and corporate governance: The Ghanaian experience

Though a number of studies have been carried out in corporate governance and also on companies listed on the Ghana Stock Exchange, this paper is the first in the country that considers the relationship of Corporate Governance (CG) in relation to Earnings Management (EM). It increases the understanding of EM and its relationship with CG of listed firms. The study used the cash flow approach and the modified Jones model in estimating total accruals discretionary accruals (measure of earnings management). It also employed a panel regression analysis to determine the relationship between earnings management and corporate governance of 14 listed companies from 2002 to 2006. The results indicate an increasing trend of EM for the listed companies. It also shows a significant relationship between some CG attributes such as board size and board independence and EM. Copyright © 2014 Inderscience Enterprises Ltd.

Source: UG
Earnings management and corporate governance: The Ghanaian experience.

Though a number of studies have been carried out in corporate governance and also on companies listed on the Ghana Stock Exchange, this paper is the first in the country that considers the relationship of Corporate Governance (CG) in relation to Earnings Management (EM). It increases the understanding of EM and its relationship with CG of listed firms. The study used the cash flow approach and the modified Jones model in estimating total accruals discretionary accruals (measure of earnings management). It also employed a panel regression analysis to determine the relationship between earnings management and corporate governance of 14 listed companies from 2002 to 2006. The results indicate an increasing trend of EM for the listed companies. It also shows a significant relationship between some CG attributes such as board size and board independence and EM.

Source: UG
Earnings management, funding and diversification strategies of banks in Africa

Purpose - – This paper aims to investigate the implications of earnings management for funding and diversification strategy within the context of developing and emerging economies. Design/methodology/approach - – The authors raise two issues pertinent to bank earnings management: first, whether there is evidence of earnings management of banks in the selected African countries; and second, what must have accounted for the banks to engage in such practices? Findings - – The results show that almost all the 330 banks in the 29 African countries sampled are found to have engaged in some management of their earnings during the period 2002-2009. The authors also find evidence that bank activity mix and funding modes explain bank earnings quality. Overall results indicate that the sensitivity of earnings management to revenue diversification across interest income decreases, as bank market shares increases. Originality/value - – The authors investigate how earnings management is affected by banks intermediation strategies.

Source: UG
Earth System Governance in Africa: knowledge and capacity needs

Traditional approaches for understanding environmental governance — such as environmental policy analysis or natural resources management — do not adequately address the gamut of human–natural system interactions within the context of the complex biogeophysical cycles and processes of the planet. This is perhaps more so in the African regional context where the complex relationships between modern and traditional governance systems and global change dynamics are arguably more pronounced. The Earth System Governance (ESG) Analytical Framework encompasses diverse systems and actors involved in the regulation of societal activities and behaviors vis-à-vis earth system dynamics. The concept encompasses a myriad of public and private actors and actor networks at all levels of policy and decision-making. The existence of, and interaction among, these diverse actors and systems, however, is under-researched in the African context. Various research approaches taken to address crucial global environmental change (GEC) challenges in Africa have proven to be inadequate because they tend to overlook the complex interactions among the various local actors, players, and indigenous conditions and practices vis-à-vis GEC system drivers and teleconnections. Similarly, the regional peculiarities in terms of governance typologies and socio-cultural diversity highlight the need for nuanced understanding of the complex interactions and nexuses among multiple actors and interests and Earth system processes. However, this diversity and complexity has often been lost in generalized enquiries. We argue that examination of the governance-GEC nexus through the aid of the ESG Framework would provide a much broader and more helpful insight.

Source: UG
The Earth System Governance Project as a network organization: a critical assessment after ten years

The social sciences have engaged since the late 1980s in international collaborative programmes to study questions of sustainability and global change. This article offers an in-depth analysis of the largest long-standing social-science network in this field: the Earth System Governance Project. Originating as a core project of the former International Human Dimensions Programme on Global Environmental Change, the Earth System Governance Project has matured into a global, self sustaining research network, with annual conferences, numerous task forces, research centers, regional research fellow meetings, three book series, an open access flagship journal, and a lively presence in social media. The article critically reviews the experiences of the Earth System Governance network and its integration and interactions with other programmes over the last decade.

Source: UG
Earthquake hoax in Ghana: Exploration of the cry wolf hypothesis

This paper investigated the belief of the news of impending earthquake from any source in the context of the Cry Wolf hypothesis as well as the belief of the news of any other imminent disaster from any source. We were also interested in the correlation between preparedness, risk perception and antecedents. This explorative study consisted of interviews, literature and Internet reviews. Sampling was of a simple random nature. Stratification was carried out by sex and residence type. The sample size of (N=400), consisted of 195 males and 205 Females. Further stratification was based on residential classification used by the municipalities. The study revealed that a person would believe news of an impending earthquake from any source, (64.4%) and a model significance of (P=0.000). It also showed that a person would believe news of any other impending disaster from any source, (73.1%) and a significance of (P=0.003). There is association between background, risk perception and preparedness. Emergency preparedness is weak. Earthquake awareness needs to be re-enforced. There is a critical need for public education of earthquake preparedness. The authors recommend developing emergency response program for earthquakes, standard operating procedures for a national risk communication through all media including instant bulk messaging. © I.D. Norman et al., 2012.

Source: UG
Ebola, Bats and Evidence-Based Policy

At the time of writing, West Africa is still dealing with the worst known Ebola epidemic . Quite rightly, the international focus has been on reducing the transmission rate of this dise a se until it is eradicated from the human population. Once the epidemic curve has declined to this point, scientific attention should be re - directed to the prevention of future zoonotic outbreaks. There already has been much written on how the West African epidemic might have been sparked, but speculation often has been presented as fact and in some cases has been contrary to available evidence. Such inaccurate reporting on the drivers of the emergence of this epidemic is unfortunate , as this can influence p olicy decisions while failing to identify how Ebola and other serious zoonoses should be controlled

Source: UG
The Eco as a Catalyst for Economic Integration in West Africa

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) was established on 28th May, 1975 to unify the West African sub-region into one economic bloc that would eventually culminate into a currency union with time. In its bid to create this economic bloc, ECOWAS realized that the inexistence of a common currency stalled trade and free movement of persons. As a result, there has been an invigorated effort in the new millennium towards the achievement of a common currency; the ECO. This research is qualitative in nature and through thematic analysis, it was realized that in the first decade of this millennium, the ECO could not materialize due to the challenge in macroeconomic convergence, lack of political will, low intra trade levels amongst others. This led to a revision in approach in 2009. The findings also revealed that the new roadmap spurred on progress in areas such as the harmonization of statistics and data, economic policy coordination, payment systems and financial integration. Despite the revised roadmap, the pre-existing problems facing the ECO still subsists. In addition, the study highlighted colonial loyalty and monetary cooperation amongst Francophone Africa and France as threats to the realization of the ECO. The study concluded that cognizant of the above, ECOWAS would not meet its 2020 deadline and recommended that ECOWAS abolishes the fast track approaches to integration, foster political will, invest in value-added production to increase trade levels and concentrate on infrastructural development in the areas of transport and communication.

Source: UG
Eco-friendly green composites reinforced with recycled polyethylene for engineering applications

Abstract Polyethylene (PE) and cement are industrial products that promote environmental pollution. These products when exposed on the landfill have tremendous effects on the lives of humanity and other living creatures, including animals. Therefore, this research presents the results of experimental and theoretical modeling of green composites (without the inclusion of cement) reinforced with recycled polyethylene waste for applications in the Mechanical and Civil Engineering industry. The composites are produced using different weight fractions of laterite and molten PE mixed homogeneously to produce unique green composites with excellent mechanical properties. The green composite with 40 wt.% laterites and 60 wt.% PE exhibited the highest compressive strength, flexural strength and fracture toughness of 25 MPa, 7.3 MPa and 0.6M Pa√m, respectively. Additionally, the green composite recorded maximum yield stress of ∼2MP. The maximum yield stress of the green composites falls under the minimum range of yield stress for traditional concrete structures. The SEM images reveal evidence of bonding and ligament bridging in the green composites reinforced with 40 wt.% laterites and 60 wt.% PE. The probability distribution plots show that the polyethylene in the green composites follows the Weibull distribution with low Anderson Darling Statics and p-values greater than significance level of 5%.

Source: UG