ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Love and language - A socio-rhetorical analysis of love texts on a Ghanaian radio network

While research in rhetorical analysis has focused predominantly on academic writing, little is known of the moves employed in relatively new modes of computer-mediated communication. This paper, therefore, examines the rhetorical structure of text messages posted by listeners, most of whom are university students, to express love to their partners on one of the most patronized shows of a local campus radio network in Ghana. Based on a combined framework of Mann and Thompson‟s rhetorical structure theory and Swales‟ rhetorical move approach, results show that radio love text messages bear a generic four move structure. The study also reveals that the elaboration step is the nucleus of a love text, given that it involves a three-tiered sub-move which tends to be either romantic or erotic in nature. Further, the research shows that men deployed more affectionate lover address forms than their female counterparts, thereby contradicting the extant literature on gendered language. These findings hold implications for further research in gender studies, computer-mediated communication and mass communication research

Source: UCC
Low birth weight among adolescents at Cape Coast Metropolitan Hospital of Ghana

Background: Few studies have focused on low birth weight among adolescents. This study determines the incidence and factors associated with low birth weight (LBW) (weight at birth of less than 2,500 grams) among adolescents (aged <20 years) and how they differ from those in adult mothers (aged ≥20 years). Methods: The records of 768 deliveries at a hospital in Ghana from August 2014 to March 2015 were analyzed. Frequencies and percentages were generated. Bivariate relationships between maternal and neonatal characteristics and LBW were assessed using Chi-squared test. Multivariate logistic regression was used to evaluate the association between maternal age (being adolescent) and LBW. Odds ratios with 95% confidence interval were generated, and p < 0.05 was considered significant. Results: The incidence of LBW among adolescents was 14.3% and this was higher than the one among babies born to adult mothers (14.3 % vs. 7.4 %, p <0.013). Adolescent mothers were twice as likely to give birth to babies with LBW compared to adult mothers (OR 2.22; 95% CI: 1.16 - 4.25). Preterm birth was significantly associated with LBW among adolescent and adult mothers. Conclusions: Adolescents are at a higher risk of giving birth to babies of LBW than adults. Factors predicting LBW may not be different for adolescent and adult mothers. Interventions for prevention of negative sexual health outcomes should focus on adolescents.

Source: UCC
Low iron stores in preconception nulliparous women; a two-center cross-sectional study in peri-urban Ghana

Objectives: The nutritional status of women affects pregnancy outcomes. Preconception care adequately pre- pares women for the demands of pregnancy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prepregnancy iron sta- tus of nulliparous women in Ghana to provide empirical data to inform policy formulation. Methods: We recruited 336 nulliparous women of reproductive age from Denkyembour District and Ejura Municipal assemblies, respectively, in the Eastern and Ashanti regions of Ghana. Serum ferritin was esti- mated to assess the women’s iron stores. Hemoglobin (Hb) variants and fecal occult blood were determined for participants using cellulose acetate electrophoresis and lateral ﬂow chromatographic immunoassay, respectively. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine factors associated with depleted iron stores (ferritin < 15 ng/dL). Results: Whereas 41.5% of the women were anemic (Hb <11.5 g/dL), 34.5% were iron depleted (serum ferritin <15 g/mL; C-reactive protein <5 ng/dL). Also, 17.1% suffered from iron deﬁciency anemia (concomitant Hb <11.5 g/dL and serum ferritin <15 ng/dL). Serum ferritin signiﬁcantly differed among the participants with anemia (P < 0.001). Multivariate regression analysis showed that age (<20 y: adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 13.916, P = 0.002; 20 30 y: AOR, 4.304, P = 0.023), moderate anemia (AOR, 3.045, P = 0.004), Ashanti region (AOR, 3.984, P = 0.002), and mean cell volume <80 fL (AOR, 2.546, P = 0.003) were signiﬁcantly associated with increased odds of having depleted iron stores. However, body mass index, waist-to-hip ratio >0.85, educational status, or inherited Hb type were not signiﬁcantly associated with depleted iron stores. Conclusion: The high prevalence of depleted iron stores in nulliparous women is a severe public health prob- lem that requires attention.

Source: UCC
Low participation of female in tertiary education in Tolon-Kumbungu District of the Northern Region of Ghana

The study focused on female participation in tertiary education in the Tolon-Kumbungu District in the northern region of Ghana. The main objective of the study was to assess factors which affect female access to and participation in tertiary institutions in the district. The descriptive survey design was used for the study. The sample size for the study was made up of 86 respondents. These comprised 23 female school drop outs, 36 teachers and 20 parents. The data collection instruments were separate questionnaires for teachers and parents whilst the students responded to structured interview guide. The study showed that female access to and participation in tertiary education are influenced by many factors such as negative attitudes and perceptions, poverty, socio-economic factors, distance to schools, absence of specific access, policies for girls and weak institutional female education support programmes. These things have become major hindrances to girls’ participation in higher education. Another way girls fail to gain access to tertiary education is through the failure of parents to provide adequate care for their school needs. Without support for girls to complete their education, many of them will struggle with poverty and its effects; this will affect their participation in labour issues and decision making later in life. It is suggested that for the society to have full participation of female in higher education, parental support should be encouraged in the district.

Source: UCC
LQAS in Health Monitoring – Insights from a Bayesian Perspective

Lot Quality Assurance Sampling (LQAS) is strongly advocated for use in monitoring the health status of populations, largely in the developing world. It is advocated both for the monitoring of small areas as well as for making global assessments of the health status of a larger region. This paper contrasts the interpretation offered by LQAS methods to that offered by Bayesian hierarchical models. It considers applications to previously reported local area data and presents a reanalysis of published data on vaccine coverage in Peru as well as HTLV-1 prevalence in Benin. The desirability of using Bayesian methods in the field may be challenged; nevertheless this work amplifies previously expressed concerns about the way the LQAS method can be used. It raises questions about the ability of the LQAS approach to make, sufficiently often, the correct decisions in order to be useful in monitoring health programmes at the local level

Source: UCC
A macro- and micronutrient-fortified complementary food supplement reduced acute infection, improved haemoglobin and showed a dose–response effect in improving linear growth: a 12-month cluster randomised trial

Inadequate protein quality may be a risk factor for poor growth. To examine the effect of a macronutrient–micronutrient supplement KOKO Plus (KP), provided to infants from 6 to 18 months of age, on linear growth, a single-blind cluster-randomised study was implemented in Ghana. A total of thirtyeight communities were randomly allocated to receive KP (fourteen communities, n 322), a micronutrient powder (MN, thirteen communities, n 329) and nutrition education (NE, eleven communities, n 319). A comparison group was followed cross-sectionally (n 303). Supplement delivery and morbidity were measured weekly and anthropometry monthly. NE education was provided monthly. Baseline, midline and endline measurements at 6, 12 and 18 months included venous blood draws, diet, anthropometry, morbidity, food security and socio-economics. Length-for-age Z-score (LAZ) was the primary outcome. Analyses were intent-to-treat using mixed-effects regressions adjusted for clustering, sex, age and baseline. No differences existed in mean LAZ scores at endline (−1·219 (SD 0·06) KP, −1·211 (SD 0·03) MN, −1·266 (SD 0·03) NE). Acute infection prevalence was lower in the KP than NE group (P = 0·043). Mean serum Hb was higher in KP infants free from acute infection (114·02 (SD 1·87) g/l) than MN (107·8 (SD 2·5) g/l; P = 0·047) and NE (108·8 (SD 0·99) g/l; P = 0·051). Compliance was 84·9 % (KP) and 87·2 % (MN) but delivery 60 %. Adjusting for delivery and compliance, LAZ score at endline was significantly higher in the KP v. MN group (+0·2 LAZ; P = 0·026). A macro- and micronutrient-fortified supplement KP reduced acute infection, improved Hb and demonstrated a dose–response effect on LAZ adjusting consumption for delivery

Source: UCC
Macrocystic Lymphatic Malformation: A Rare Cause of Acute Abdomen

Lymphatic malformation (lymphangioma) is an uncommon benign vascular tumour with unknown etiology, which is rarely seen in the abdomen. Clinically it may present with acute abdominal pain requiring surgery and may mimic many other intrabdominal emergencies. A case of a mesenteric macrocystic lymphatic malformation presenting with signs and symptoms of ruptured appendicitis in a 13 year old boy is presented. Post operatively a histopathological diagnosis of macrocystic lymphatic malformation was made.

Source: UCC
Macroeconomic factors and foreign direct investment in Ghana

The thesis examined the effect of macroeconomic factors on foreign direct investment inflows to Ghana. It specifically examines a few selected macroeconomic variables that have either a direct or indirect relationship with foreign direct investment in Ghana. The principal objective of this study was to empirically analyse the effect of macroeconomic variables on foreign direct investment in Ghana between 1993 to 2013. Secondary data are used in this study. Time series data for the period of 1993 to 2013 on macroeconomic variables such as gross domestic product, inflation, exchange rate, interest rate, trade openness, natural resources, foreign debt, and fiscal deficit are sourced from Ghana Statistical Service. All the variables considered were integrated at first order as a result the Johansen’s co-integration approach was used and the result showed that the variables were not co-integrated. Therefore the vector autoregressive model was estimated. The result of the study confirmed that inflation, interest rate, foreign exchange, foreign debt and fiscal deficit were negatively associated with foreign direct investment while GDP, trade openness and natural resource of Ghana are positively related to foreign direct investment. Based on the findings of this study, it is recommended that the Government of Ghana must implement policies that will encourage foreign direct investment, moderate exchange rate depreciation, and increasing trade openness.

Source: UCC
Macroeconomic factors and foreign direct investment in Ghana

The thesis examined the effect of macroeconomic factors on foreign direct investment inflows to Ghana. It specifically examines a few selected macroeconomic variables that have either a direct or indirect relationship with foreign direct investment in Ghana. The principal objective of this study was to empirically analyse the effect of macroeconomic variables on foreign direct investment in Ghana between 1993 to 2013. Secondary data are used in this study. Time series data for the period of 1993 to 2013 on macroeconomic variables such as gross domestic product, inflation, exchange rate, interest rate, trade openness, natural resources, foreign debt, and fiscal deficit are sourced from Ghana Statistical Service. All the variables considered were integrated at first order as a result the Johansen’s cointegration approach was used and the result showed that the variables were not co-integrated. Therefore the vector autoregressive model was estimated. The result of the study confirmed that inflation, interest rate, foreign exchange, foreign debt and fiscal deficit were negatively associated with foreign direct investment while GDP, trade openness and natural resource of Ghana are positively related to foreign direct investment. Based on the findings of this study, it is recommended that the Government of Ghana must implement policies that will encourage foreign direct investment, moderate exchange rate depreciation, and increasing trade openness.

Source: UCC
Macroeconomic Variables, Control of Corruption and Stock Market Returns in Ghana

The study assessed the relationship among macroeconomic variables, control of corruption and stock market returns in Ghana. The specific objectives were to first analyse the relationship between macroeconomic variables and stock market return and also to examine whether control of corruption influences such relationship. Data on stock market returns, inflation, money supply and GDP were sourced from the International Monetary Fund Website, Ghana Stock Exchange and World Bank and Worldwide governance indicators for the period 1996 to 2018. Quantitative research method was employed as the approach and the explanatory research design was used. The data collected were analyzed using autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) model and the bound’s test. The overall conclusion deduced from this study is that there is a long run and short run relationship among macroeconomic variables and stock market return in Ghana. In the short run, the study concludes that money supply has a significant positive influence on stock market return while inflation negatively influences stock market return. In the long run, the study concludes that inflation has a negative effect on stock market returns while GDP and money supply had a significant negative effect on stock market returns. Finally, corruption enhances the positive effect of all the macroeconomic variables on stock market returns. The study recommends that both current and potential investors should pay close attention to the inflation, money supply, GDP and corruption dynamics before making investment on the Ghanaian Stock exchange.

Source: UCC
Madness in Greek tragedy: a critique of some selected extant plays of Aeschylus, Sophocles and Euripides

Madness features prominently in Greek tragedy. Indeed, the theme of madness, its treatment and dramatic illustration contribute to the aim of this genre, which Aristotle identifies as the arousal and the purgation of pity and fear. In this thesis, the existence of two categories of madness: tragic and non-tragic madness, is proposed, and the argument is advanced that both are a consequence of the circumstances of the hero. In this regard, the view is put forward that whereas tragic madness is consistent with the hamartia principle, which accords no moral depravity to the madness that consumes the hero, the hubristic principle by contrast does indeed attach moral depravity to the calamity (madness) that befalls the hero, which is also consistent with non-tragic madness. Based on this premise, the study supports a comparison of the tragedians’ notion of madness and proposes a synthesis of the notion of madness and its treatment in Greek tragedy. To achieve this, an integration is recommended of the psychoanalytic and the socio-psychological theories or methodologies in the interpretation and critique of the either tragic or non-tragic madness of Aeschylus’ Orestes in The Choephori, Sophocles’ Ajax in Ajax and Euripides’ Heracles, Orestes and Pentheus in Heracles, Orestes and The Bacchae respectively. The integration of the psychoanalytic and the socio-psychological theories in the interpretation of the either tragic or non-tragic madness of the heroes mentioned seeks to prove that madness in ancient Greek tragedy may be appropriated from or for psychoanalytic and/or socio-psychological functions or purposes.

Source: UCC
Maerua angolensis DC. (Capparaceae) Stem Bark Extract Protects against Pentylenetetrazole-Induced Oxidative Stress and Seizures in Rats

Introduction. The stem bark of Maerua angolensis DC. (Capparaceae) is traditionally used for management of epilepsy. Our aim was to evaluate the antiseizure potential and identify possible mechanisms by which the effects are registered. Methods. The petroleum ether/ethyl acetate extract (100–1000 mg kg-1) was administered per os to male Sprague-Dawley rats after pretreatment with flumazenil (0.3 mg kg-1) or L-arginine (150 mg kg-1) or sildenafil (5 mg kg-1) and they subsequently received a subcutaneous injection of pentylenetetrazole (65 mg kg-1). Rats were observed for latency to and duration of myoclonic seizures and additionally the level of protection against oxidant markers and products was assessed in vitro and in vivo. Results. The extract (300 and 1000 mg kg-1, p.o.) significantly delayed the onset and decreased the duration and frequency of PTZ-induced convulsions. The anticonvulsant effect of MAE (300 mg kg-1, p.o.) was reversed by pretreatment with flumazenil, L-arginine, or sildenafil. Also, MAE (300 mg kg-1) treatment reversed significantly PTZ-induced oxidative stress in rat brain tissue. Conclusion. The petroleum ether/ethyl acetate fraction exhibits antiseizure activity by affecting GABAergic and nitric oxide-cGMP pathways. In addition, the extract protects against the generation of free radicals and the oxidative products of the PTZ-induced seizures.

Source: UCC
Magic and miracles in Ghana: A critical examination

Some people seem to understand magic and miracles to be the same. The understanding of such people can be attributed to the effects that the two phenomena produce. However, magic has also been perceived by some people to be evil whereas its counterpart, miracles are seen as good irrespective of the effects both produce. Whether the two phenomena are the same or different causes much discussion. This is because the understanding of the two phenomena seems to be confused with each other. This paper aims at examining the two phenomena using the descriptive analysis methodology. Whiles references will be made from the western understanding of magic and miracles, the paper will pay particular attention to the Ghanaian understanding of magic and miracles. Secondly, the paper cites and explains when, why and how some societies in the past and the present use magic and miracles. The paper concludes by arguing that magic and miracles are not the same as it has for long been perceived by some Ghanaians. The differences between magic and miracles are dependent on examining the personality of the performer, the source of the power for the execution of any of the two phenomena, the place they are performed, the motive behind their performance and the techniques involved before the desired effects take place in any society including the Ghanaian society

Source: UCC
Magnetoplasmon excitations at graphene ortex hall fluid edge

We investigate magnetoplasmon dynamics localized on the edges of graphene ortex Hall fluid. The ortex matter captures an anomalous term that causes ortex localization near fluid boundary and creates a double boundary layer,Δ0 ∝ (𝛽−1)ℓ𝐵 with 𝛽 being filling factor. The term also has qualitative effect on resonant excitations of edge magnetoplasmons. We found that, for sharp edges under experimental conditions, graphene edge magnetoplasmon (EMP) resonances have similar behavior as in recent experiments. Gradual distinctions arise for smooth edges in the presence of the anomalous term, where a weak EMP peak appears. The second peak becomes well noticed as the smoothness is increased. We identified the resonant mode as an Inter-EMP. It originates from the oscillations of charges in the inner boundary of the double layer. The present observation brings to light the direct cause of Inter-EMP which remained to be detected in graphene experiments

Source: UCC
Mainstream reintegration of COVID-19 survivors and its implications for mental health care in Africa

The novel coronavirus pandemic has undoubtedly emerged as a serious public health threat in many societies across the world. Due to the sporadic and unpredictable nature of the pandemic, it is important to admit that the virus can cause psychological distress and emotional instability that might impact on people in diverse ways at the individual, community and national levels, with serious mental health implications (e.g. depression, mood disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, other anxiety disorders). Due to the weak healthcare challenges inherent in Africa, these mental health challenges require urgent redress to ensure mental health well-being for all, especially COVID-19-positive patients who have recovered (i.e. survivors). This essay outlines some of these challenges and offers strategies to address them. Broader mental health training for facility and community-based health workers are urgently required and should be coordinated within countries with specific guidelines for psychosocial support during outbreaks such as the current pandemic. A framework that promotes reintegration for COVID-19 survivors could also be designed based on context-specific needs through individualized protocols such as the “RAPIDPsychological First Aid [PFA]”. This tool kit, if effectively employed, would help facilitate optimal well-being of the people devoid of any psychological challenges created by the pandemic.

Source: UCC