ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
An isobolographic analysis of the anti-nociceptive effect of geraniin in combination with morphine or diclofenac

Background: Geraniin, a dehydroellagitannin, is a major component of the aqueous extract of the aerial parts of Phyllanthus muellerianus (Kuntze) Exell. (Euphorbi- aceae). Several Phyllanthus species are traditionally used for painful disorders. The anti-nociceptive effects of the aqueous extract of the aerial parts of P. muellerianus and of geraniin have been scientifically established. The aim of the paper is to determine whether a combination of geraniin and diclofenac or geraniin and morphine leads to better anti-nociceptive effects. Methods: The nature of the interactions of morphine and diclofenac with geraniin was evaluated by under- taking the isobolographic analysis. Mice were treated with geraniin (3–30 mg/kg), morphine (1–10 mg/kg), and diclofenac (10–100 mg/kg) to obtain the ED50 values of the agents in the formalin test. Dose-response curves were then obtained and analyzed after the co-administration of geraniin with morphine or diclofenac in fixed ratio (1:1) combinations based on specific fractions (1/2, 1/4, and 1/8) of their respective ED50 values for the formalin test. Results: Geraniin was less potent than morphine but more potent than diclofenac in the formalin-induced nocic- eption. The isobolographic analysis of geraniin/morphine (G/M) and geraniin/diclofenac combinations (G/D) at different fractions revealed the potentiation of their anti- nociceptive effects. The degrees of potentiation, which were calculated as interaction indices, showed synergism for both combinations in both phase I (G/M: 0.040, G/D: 0.017) and phase II (G/M: 0.004, G/D: 0.002) of the forma- lin test. Conclusions: The present study demonstrates synergism for the co-administration of geraniin with both morphine and diclofenac.

Source: UCC
An Isobolographic Analysis of the Antinociceptive Effect of Xylopic Acid in Combination with Morphine or Diclofenac

A common practice of managing pain globally is the combination of analgesics and this is aimed at facilitating patient compliance, simplifying prescription, and improving efficacy without increasing adverse effects. Fruit extracts of Xylopia aethiopica are used traditionally in the management of pain disorders and xylopic acid (XA) present in the fruit extract have been shown to possess analgesic properties in animals. There is the likelihood of concomitant use of XA and the commonly used analgesics in traditional settings. This study, therefore, evaluated the pharmacologic interaction between XA/morphine and xylopic/diclofenac combinations. Methods: The formalin test and acetic acid writhing test were used to study the antinociceptive activity of XA, morphine, and diclofenac. The isobolographic analysis was used to study the antinociceptive interactions between XA co-administered with morphine or diclofenac. Results: Results obtained revealed that XA (10–100 mg/kg), morphine (1–10 mg/kg), and diclofenac (1–10 mg/kg) produced dose-related antinociception with different potencies in the formalin and acetic acid writhing tests. Isobolographic analysis of XA/morphine and XA/diclofenac combinations revealed potentiation of their antinociceptive effects. The degree of potentiation calculated as interaction index showed synergism for both combinations in all the nociceptive tests. Conclusion: In conclusion, the present study demonstrated synergism for the co-administration of XA with morphine or diclofenac.

Source: UCC
Isolation and characterization of antibiotic resistant bacteria from selected fish farms in the Central and Western Regions of Ghana

The study sought to investigate antibiotic resistant bacteria from fish farms in the Central and Western regions of Ghana. Management practices and antibiotic use at the fish farms were obtained through questionnaire. Bacterial loads of catfish (Clarias gariepinus), tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus), and pond water samples recovered on MacConkey Agar and Mannitol Salt Agar were determined. Bacterial isolates were identified using biochemical assays. Antibiotic resistance profile and resistant genes of isolates were determined using disc diffusion method and Polymerase Chain Reaction technique respectively. The study revealed that none of the selected farms made use of antibiotics for prevention and treatment of diseases and no major disease outbreak had ever been recorded. Bacterial loads of pond water and fish samples exceeded the acceptable level of ≤100 E. coli and <10 coliforms per mL for wastewater recommended for use in fish farming and 5×105CFU/g for fresh fish regarded as wholesome. Total of 145 bacterial isolates consisting of 99 (68.30%) coliforms and 46 (31.70%) Gram-positive bacteria were obtained. All isolates showed resistance to at least an antibiotic except Edwardsiella tarda. Both coliform and Gram-positive bacteria were highly resistant to betalactams with corresponding high detection of TEM gene compared to other classes of antibiotics. This study has demonstrated that antibiotic resistant bacteria are present at the fish farms and might have been introduced into the fish farms from the environment where antibiotics are regularly used. Education on risks associated with the use of antibiotics and its impact on bacteria in the environment needs to be intensified.

Source: UCC
Isolation and characterization of carbonoclastic bacteria diversity in oil-contaminated soil in Cape Coast Metropolis, Ghana

Aims: The study aimed at the quantification, isolation and characterization of hydrocarbon degrading bacteria in oil-contaminated and pristine soils. Methodology: Soil samples from petroleum hydrocarbon polluted sites at auto-mechanic workshops, a mechanic village, as well as pristine (control) soils, comprising of 14 sampling locations within Cape Coast Metropolis in the Central Region of Ghana were collected using standard sampling techniques. Collected soil samples were treated and cultured while enumerations, isolations and characterization of carbonoclastic bacteria associated were evaluated. Results: Bacterial populations isolated from hydrocarbon-polluted sites had higher aerobic counts ranging from 7.24-8.02 log10 cfu/g of soil when compared with the pristine sites (from 6.79-7.61 log10 cfu/g of soil). Also, soil samples from the mechanic village (8.76 to 7.48 log10 cfu/g of soil) recorded more bacterial counts than those from the mechanic garages (8.02 to 7.24 log10 cfu/g of soil). The calculated percentage profiles of all the hydrocarbon utilizing bacteria in the total culturable heterotrophic bacteria were low throughout the study, even though the percentage scores were all above 50%. A total of 19 hydrocarbon degraders were isolated. The isolates identified belong to the genera Pseudomonas, Proteus, Bacillus and Enterobacter. Conclusion: The outcome of the study based on the bacteria populations, identification profiles, coupled with their survival and multiplications in designated medium amended with crude oil as the carbon and energy sources, suggest their petroleum hydrocarbon degrading capabilities, hence may be used in bioremediation applications

Source: UCC
Isolation and pharmacological activities of alkaloids from Cryptolepis sanguinolenta (Lindl) schlt

Cryptolepis sanguinolenta (Lindl.) Schlt. (Periplocaceae) is a very useful medicinal plant whose aqueous decoction (prepared by Centre for Scientific and Industrial Research Into Plant Medicines- Mampong Akwapim, Ghana) is commonly used in Ghana to treat malarial, inflammatory, hypertensive and microbial disease conditions. The plant has long been employed by Ghanaian traditional healers in the treatment of various fevers including malaria. An attempt has been made to review the phytochemical and pharmacological work done on Cryptolepis sanguinolenta. The current investigation yielded Quindoline and Cryptolepine from the stem of Cryptolepis sanguinolenta. The isolated quindoline has been investigated for its biological activities by the Agar Diffusion Assay method. The compound displayed moderate in vitro antibacterial activity against E. coli but no activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosas

Source: UCC
ISOLATION OF ent-LABDANE (+)-12,15-EPOXYLABDA-8(17), 12,14-TRIEN-16-YL ACETATE FROM THE SEEDS OF Turraeanthus africanus AND ITS CYTOSTATIC/CYTOTOXIC EFFECT ON THE GROWTH OF CANCER CELLS in vitro

(+)-12,15-Epoxylabda-8(17),12,14-trien-16-yl acetate has been isolated from the seed kernels of Turraeanthus africanus (Nelw. ex DC). The stereo structure was confirmed by 1D- and 2D-NMR spectroscopy. Cytostatic/cytotoxic test of (I) on the growth of cancer cells in vitro gave positive results

Source: UCC
Isolation of Helicobacter pylori from Gastric Biopsy of Dyspeptic Patients in Ghana and In Vitro Preliminary Assessment of the Effect of Dissotis rotundifolia Extract on Its Growth

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a gram-negative bacterium that colonizes the human stomach. Infection with this microaerophilic bacterium causes gastric and duodenal ulcer. This study sought to isolate H. pylori, from gastric biopsy samples of dyspeptic patients in Ghana using a 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) dye incorporated medium method. This TTC dye method was further used in an antimicrobial susceptibility assay involving Dissotis rotundifolia extract (DRE). H. pylori were successfully isolated from gastric biopsy of dyspeptic patients. Pure cultures of H. pylori in 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) dye incorporated medium were seen as sparkling colonies. Isolates, identified as H. pylori, were gram-negative and urease, catalase, and oxidase positive and showed characteristic morphology as spiral-shaped bacteria under the microscope. The organisms were found to be susceptible to cephalothin and resistant to nalidixic acid. Above all, the observation that H. pylori grew only at 37∘C and not 25∘C or 42∘C affirms that the bacterium is neither Helicobacter cinaedi nor Helicobacter fenneliae. The anti-H. pylori study depicts a statistically lower zone of inhibition for DRE compared to standard drugs [amoxicillin and clarithromycin] (p<0.05), whereas metronidazole showed no zone of inhibition. This study reports the first successful isolation and culturing of H. pylori in Ghana using TTC dye. It also shows that DRE possess an in vitro anti-H. pylori activity and that DRE has some therapeutic potential against H. pylori infection

Source: UCC
Isolation of Helicobacter pylori from Gastric Biopsy of Dyspeptic Patients in Ghana and In Vitro Preliminary Assessment of the Effect of Dissotis rotundifolia Extract on Its Growth

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a gram-negative bacterium that colonizes the human stomach. Infection with this microaerophilic bacterium causes gastric and duodenal ulcer. This study sought to isolate H. pylori, from gastric biopsy samples of dyspeptic patients in Ghana using a 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) dye incorporated medium method. This TTC dye method was further used in an antimicrobial susceptibility assay involving Dissotis rotundifolia extract (DRE). H. pylori were successfully isolated from gastric biopsy of dyspeptic patients. Pure cultures of H. pylori in 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) dye incorporated medium were seen as sparkling colonies. Isolates, identified as H. pylori, were gram-negative and urease, catalase, and oxidase positive and showed characteristic morphology as spiral-shaped bacteria under the microscope. The organisms were found to be susceptible to cephalothin and resistant to nalidixic acid. Above all, the observation that H. pylori grew only at 37∘C and not 25∘C or 42∘C affirms that the bacterium is neither Helicobacter cinaedi nor Helicobacter fenneliae. The anti-H. pylori study depicts a statistically lower zone of inhibition for DRE compared to standard drugs [amoxicillin and clarithromycin] (p<0.05), whereas metronidazole showed no zone of inhibition. This study reports the first successful isolation and culturing of H. pylori in Ghana using TTC dye. It also shows that DRE possess an in vitro anti-H. pylori activity and that DRE has some therapeutic potential against H. pylori infection.

Source: UCC
Isomorphic Factors in Corporate Environmental Management Accounting Implementation and Environmental Accountability in Ghana

There is a growing debate on the activities and concomitant environmental effects of environmentally sensitive industries. The concern for firms to report on their environmental impacts is key to environmental accountability practice (EAP) to stakeholders. However, a review of the literature indicates, that there is limited research on how isomorphic factors (ISF) and environmental management accounting techniques (EMAT) impact EAP in sub-Saharan Africa. This thesis examines the inter-relationships between the isomorphic factors, EMAT and EAP among selected environmentally sensitive firms in Ghana. It also evaluates the mediating role of EMAT implementation in the association of ISF with EAP. The theoretical perspectives draw on the Institutional Theory of Isomorphism and the Social Issue Life Cycle Model (SILC). Using questionnaire-based cross-sectional data of environmentally sensitive firms, multiple OLS regression models and mediation analysis, the hypothesised relationships were estimated. The results revealed a significant and positive relationship of mimetic and normative forces with EAP. While coercive and normative factors significantly and positively related with EMAT, EMAT implementation was positively and significantly associated with EAP. Importantly, firms under the commitment phase of the SILT were more likely to engage in EAP. Moreover, EMAT implementation mediated the relationship between isomorphic factors and EAP. Findings are largely consistent with the adopted theoretical predictions and present potential implications for policy makers and professional bodies. Efforts to ensure EAP among environmentally sensitive firms in low and middle level income settings should include strategies to strengthen isomorphic pressures and EMAT implementation.

Source: UCC
Isomorphic Factors, Eco-Procurement Practices, And Downstream Healthcare Supply Chain Performance: The Role Of Flexibility Orientation Culture

The study examined the relationship between isomorphic factors, ecoprocurement practices, and downstream healthcare supply chain performance: the flexibility orientation culture. The study relied on institutional isomorphism and resource dependency theories to evaluate the relationships. An explanatory research design and a quantitative research approach were used for data collection and analysis. A simple random sampling technique was used to select one respondent each from 231 private-for-profit healthcare facilities in the Greater Accra Region. A self-reported questionnaire was the main instrument used to gather primary data for the study. The IBM Statistical Package for Social Sciences [version 26] was used to perform the descriptive statistical analysis while a partial least squares structural equation modelling [version 4.0] was employed to test the measurement and structural models respectively. The results showed that isomorphic factors (particularly, coercive and mimetic) and eco-procurement practices (specifically, eco-purchasing and eco-reverse logistics), each have a positive and significant effect on the DHSCP of privatefor- profit healthcare facilities. The result showed that flexibility orientation culture has a positive but not statistically significant moderating effect on the link between isomorphic factors and DHSCP. However, flexibility orientation culture has a positive and statistically significant moderating effect on the link between eco-procurement practices and DHSCP. The study, therefore recommended that healthcare practitioners and policymakers should navigate the regulatory requirements and complexities to create an organisational culture that adapts to evolving industry dynamics including continuous improvement to enhance the overall healthcare supply chain performance.

Source: UCC
Issues and Challenges of Ghana School Feeding Programme in the KEEA Municipality Ghana

Ghana as a developing country embraces formal education is pivotal in its development agenda. Furtherance to this agenda, Ghana was among the first ten developing countries in Sub-Saharan Africa to implement a School Feeding Programme using the NEPAD model. The long term goal of the School Feeding Programme in Ghana, is to contribute to the achievement of the Millennium Development goals (MDGs) 1&2 which aim at eradicating extreme poverty and hunger and to achieve universal primary education. Specifically, the school feeding programme in Ghana seeks to motivate parents to send their wards to school, improve school attendance, participation and retention and to improve the nutritional status of primary children in vulnerable communities in the country. Empirical research studies available suggest that the programme has witness some successes since its inception 2005, in areas such as primary school enrollment, participation and retention. However, it appears the programme is bedeviled with some of implementation challenges that pose serious threat to achieving the lofty benefits enshrined in the long term goals and sustainability of the programme. This paper sought to examine the issues and challenges of the GSFP in the KEEA Municipality of the Central Region of Ghana and offer some suggestions and recommendations for the improvement and sustainability of the programme.

Source: UCC
Issues and challenges of recruitment, selection and placement in the Ghana National Fire Service in the central region

Issues of recruitment, selection and placement are at the heart of the human resource management process. Not only are they critical to the success of any institution but are also essential to the survival of any institution. This study assesses the recruitment, selection and placement processes within the Ghana National Fire Service in the Central Region of Ghana. Questionnaire and in-depth interview guides were used to solicit data from a representative sample of 218 personnel including senior and junior officers of both sexes. The results revealed that over three-quarters of the personnel were second cycle graduates with a little more than one per cent having tertiary qualification. Political influence in recruitment, selection and placement was overwhelmingly reported as major source of pressure on the recruitment process. The poor working conditions within the service as a whole was mentioned as a factor that was making the service unattractive to highly qualified professionals. Unless the issue of poor working condition is addressed, the Service will not be able to attract the required quality manpower for effective and efficient delivery.

Source: UCC
Issues in communication flow in the University of Cape Coast

The study considered discovering issues in communication flow in higher educational institutions with particular reference to the University of Cape Coast. The purpose of the research was to bring to light the general perception of the internal publics of the University of Cape Coast on communication in the institution. It also sought to identify the kinds of formal and informal channels of communication, the medium of communication used and its effectiveness, as well as impediments to information flow. The descriptive survey method was adopted with a sample size of 378, comprising 20 senior members (non-teaching), 107 senior members (teaching), 65 senior staff, 151 junior staff, and 35 student leaders. The questionnaire and interviews were the main instruments employed to collect data from the respondents. A return rate of 95.8% was achieved for the questionnaires administered. The main methods used in analyzing the data were frequency and simple percentage distributions. The major findings were that information is communicated amongst the internal publics mostly through notice boards, bulletins and memoranda, and semantic problems, poor listening habits, mistrust, poor human relations, faulty communication equipments, serve as major barriers to information flow. Some recommendations made were that the office of the Dean of student affairs must occasionally organize planned fora for students to give updates on pertinent issues in the university, noise in the communication process must be reduced to the barest minimum, beauraucracy and red-tap ism should be minimized as much as possible and communication equipments should be regularly maintained to reduce breakdown in information flow.

Source: UCC
Issues in implementing the In - In - Out Programme in the teacher training colleges in Ghana: A case study of Tamale Training College

The study examined the In-In-Out Programme of Teacher Training Colleges in Ghana, using Tamale Training College as a case study, with the intent of identifying the challenges associated with the programme. Questionnaire and interviews were used to collect data from the Principal, Vice Principals, Link tutors, mentees from Tamale Training College, mentors and lead mentors from schools of attachment and district directors of education for Tamale Metropolis and East Gonja District. A sample of 223 participants comprising the Principal, 2 Vice Principals, 28 tutors, 124 mentees, 66 mentors and 2 District Directors of Education (GES) were selected through purposive and random sampling techniques. The study showed that link tutors, mentors and men tees attached a high level of importance to the objectives and activities of the programme. The study further revealed that respondents had a positive attitude towards all aspects of the programme and tutors, mentors and men tees had been adequately prepared for the implementation of the programme. However, resource materials, visits by link tutors to provide support, funds for the college to keep the programme running and accommodation for mentees as well as support from the communities were inadequate. The study recommends, among other things, that the District Assemblies include payment of rent as part of their sponsorship package to help mentees get decent accommodation during the "out" programme.

Source: UCC
Issues of social justice and students’ voice in decision- making: Towards democratisation of education in Colleges of Education in Ghana

Several researchers have documented the relevance of students’ participation in their schools’ decision-making process to the overall governance of schools/colleges. In spite of these revelations, little research has focused on exploring students’ perspectives on their colleges’ decision- making process and the extent of their participation in Ghana. Limited knowledge exists regarding how token involvement in decision- making by students at college level manifests a total disregard for students’ rights as espoused by the theory of social justice. This study explored the lived experiences of students to understand how meanings their non-involvement in decision-making communicate to them manifests gross disregard of their human rights. The study employed hermeneutic phenomenological analysis to understand the everyday lived experiences of student-governors. Text data were collected from twelve students who were principal officers of their college Students’ Representative Council. Observation and conversational interviews were used for individuals as well as focus group discussion. Thematic statements were selected, grouped and analysed through reflexive and interpretive activities. The study found that culture does not promote participatory democracy and that the non-participation of students communicates to them messages that manifest gross injustice and disregard for their rights. The study findings serve as a spectacle on how students at college level in Ghana do not have their voice heard in light of social justice. It is recommended that future studies at college level be carried out to explicate the lived experiences of students’ participation in their school decision making process.

Source: UCC