ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Vulnerability Analysis of Online Banking Sites to Cross-Site Scripting and Request Forgery Attacks: A Case Study in East Africa

Web applications are prone to several attacks. Two common threats are cross-site scripting attacks and cross site request forgery. With internet banking becoming more popular in East Africa, the level of security that online banking services offer has become an increasing concern. This paper presents an analysis of the safety of these applications used by many unsuspecting customers seeking convenience and determines ways to detect and prevent these attacks from taking place. We assumed that if people with a technical background in IT and information security are vulnerable to CSRF and XSS attacks, the public would be even more vulnerable. Out of 96 users, 35 answered our survey, 53.1% of the respondents said they do not check the URLs of online banking websites they visit to ensure they are not on a phishing site. Secondly, only 36.4% of users considered the security implications of clicking on links in emails or even on banking websites all the time. Based on the interviews done, testing and analysis conducted, there is a clear indication that Internet banking users are vulnerable to XSS and CSRF. Notably, close to 50 % of the Internet banking users we interviewed reported that they do not receive ample tips from the banks regarding security issues to look out for when transacting online. The findings from this research help make recommendations to banks and users to ensure that future online banking transactions are done more securely.

Source: UG
Vulnerable groups within a vulnerable population: Awareness of the A(H1N1)pdm09 pandemic and willingness to be vaccinated among pregnant women in ivory coast

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
The Vulnerable State of the Ghana Coast: The Case of Faana-Bortianor

Coastal communities worldwide are becoming increasingly vulnerable to a wide range of potential hazards including shoreline erosion and coastal resource degradation. The problem is exacerbated due to rapid urbanization and the concomitant anthropogenic beach changes which influence coastal processes. The lack of basic services and disaster warning as well as response mechanisms makes the situation daunting. Using mainly qualitative methods, which include two Focus Group Discussions and 17 in-depth interviews, the authors explore the perception of respondents in regard to coastal erosion and how to mitigate the observed condition. The research incorporates both physical and social science knowledge. Our key finding is that although the Faana coastline is eroding at a significantly high rate, residents are resolved to maintain their occupancy for as long as they have the opportunity to practise their trade. The authors argue that proactive measures can be taken to reduce vulnerability and provide the enabling conditions for communities to absorb and bounce back from disruptions in basic services and economic activities

Source: UG
Vulvar pain in women attending a general medical clinic in Accra, Ghana.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of vulvar pain and pain related to sexual intercourse among women attending a general medical clinic in Accra, Ghana. STUDY DESIGN: A crosssectional survey was performed. RESULTS: Forty-six women (22.8%) reported the presence of vulvar pain at the time of the study. There was a significant association between the presence of vulvar pain and dissatisfaction with the quality of sexual activity (p < 0.001). There was no association between the presence of vulvar pain and the type of underwear used or the menstrual hygiene of the respondents. CONCLUSION: Vulvar pain with some relationship to sexual intercourse appears to be a significant problem among Ghanaian women.

Source: UG
Wading out the storm: Exploring the effect of flooding on energy poverty amidst disaster management strategies in Dar es Salaam

Although flooding is well-thought-out as one of the deadliest natural disasters, there is scarce evidence on how such an environmental shock affect energy poverty prevelence in a developing country context amidst the implementation of disaster risk management strategies. Using the Disaster Poverty Household Survey in Tan zania’s capital Dar es Salaam, we examine the effect of flooding on multidimensional energy poverty while estimating the moderation effects of non-structural ex-ante risk management strategies. After employing a myriad of robust methods, we observe that flooding increases energy poverty prevalence by about 32 %. The mediation analysis shows that income reduction serves as a pathway through which flooding affects energy poverty. Furthermore, estimates from the interaction analysis reveal how effective fiscal non-structural ex-ante risk management methods are in reducing the incidence of energy poverty among flood victims. However, the defense strategies were noted to be inefficient. These results provide policymakers with the necessary tools to create policies that address energy-related needs in areas affected by natural disasters, especially in developing countries.

Source: UG
Walking a tightrope: reflections on police gatekeeping roles in suicide research in Ghana

Engaging non-conventional gatekeepers such as the police presents both promises and perils. Although studies have relied on police data for researching suicide and other sensitive topics in Africa, there is a paucity of literature that explores or reflects on police gatekeeping and its research implications. This paper presents authors’ reflections on police gatekeeping in a qualitative suicide study in Accra, Ghana. The main observation is that the process was double-edged. On the one hand, it led to field delays and costs, (mis)apprehensions and positionality problems, and trust building challenges. On the other hand, it vouched for research(er) credibility, provided therapeutic openings, and facilitated the viability of research with the suicide bereaved. Sensitivity to research context, sensitising the police, and reinforcing ‘therapeutic-research discourse’ with participants, are recommended means for aligning participants’ goals to research goals and for achieving therapeutic disclosures. © 2017 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.

Source: UG
Walking for water and fuelwood: Welfare implications for women and children in Ghana

In most sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries, the burden of collecting fuelwood and water is gendered. Competing needs for women's time compel them to make choices, which present challenges for poverty reduction. The study investigates the impact of women's limited access to clean fuel and water on children's and women's welfare outcomes using the third wave of the Ghana socio-economic panel survey. An instrumental variable approach is employed to address the endogeneity of women's time allocation and results suggest that limited access to safe water and clean fuel has significant implications for children's human capital development. I find similar negative effects for women's own health and labour market outcomes. Findings from the study have important policy implications regarding the provision of basic infrastructure for improved welfare outcomes.

Source: UG
Waste management and Hooded Vultures on the Legon Campus of the University of Ghana in Accra, Ghana. West Africa

Recent rapid expansion in the human communities of public universities in Ghana has resulted in increased waste generation. The ecological implications of this phenomenon remain unstudied. Counts of Hooded Vultures Necrosyrtes monachus on the Legon Campus of the University of Ghana between June 2005 and February 2006 revealed that a significantly higher number of vultures existed in the residential parts of the campus, relative to the non-residential parts. The number of vultures occurring on the campus was found to be positively correlated with the academic calendar with high numbers of vultures occurring when school was in session, and vice versa. Interviews of a cross section of the university community identified defecation by roosting vultures on the human campus inhabitants as the most pronounced impact. This was reported to occur mainly in the early morning or late-afternoon and affected 64% of the inhabitants, with the highest rate of occurrence being at least once a month (44.5%). Baseline data, on which further studies and environmental management plans can be based, are provided.

Source: UG
Waste management practices among dental surgery staff of major hospitals in Accra: a descriptive cross sectional study

Introduction: the practice of dentistry in contemporary times produces considerable waste that could be harmful to individuals and the environment at large. In Ghana and many other jurisdictions, there are guidelines that outline how these wastes should be managed. This study was conducted to explore practices concerning dental waste management among dental surgery staff in some public facilities in Accra, Ghana. Methods: a descriptive cross-sectional study involving dental surgery staff of four major facilities in Accra was done. Overall, 124 staff from the selected facilities participated in the study, and 51 different dental surgeries were assessed. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and an observation checklist. The questionnaire included questions on socio-demographics, as well as knowledge and practices regarding dental waste management. Results: there was unsatisfactory knowledge of waste disposal, while practices did not generally meet international recommendations and the Ministry of Health´s (MOH) guidelines. Though all respondents stored their sharp waste in puncture proof containers, 98.4% did not label their clinical waste, while 62.9% would dispose of used X-ray fixers by pouring them down the drain. None of the 51 surgeries observed had more than one colour code available. Conclusion: there is a palpable need for education, monitoring, and empowerment concerning waste management in Ghana´s oral healthcare system.

Source: UG
Water and carbon fluxes from savanna ecosystems of the Volta River watershed, West Africa

The fluxes of water and carbon from terrestrial ecosystems are coupled via the process of photosynthesis. Constraining the annual water cycle therefore allows first order estimates of annual photosynthetic carbon flux, providing that the components of evapotranspiration can be separated. In this study, an isotope mass-balance equation is utilized to constrain annual evaporation flux, which in turn, is used to determine the amount of water transferred to the atmosphere by plant transpiration. The Volta River watershed in West Africa is dominated by woodland and savanna ecosystems with a significant proportion of C4 vegetation. Annually, the Volta watershed receives ∼ 380 km3 of rainfall, ∼ 50% of which is returned to the atmosphere via transpiration. An annual photosynthetic carbon flux of ∼ 170 × 1012 g C yr- 1 or ∼ 428 g C m- 2 was estimated to be associated with this water vapor flux. Independent estimates of heterotrophic soil respiration slightly exceeded the NPP estimate from this study, implying that the exchange of carbon between the Volta River watershed and the atmosphere was close to being in balance or that terrestrial ecosystems were a small annual source of CO2 to the atmosphere. In addition to terrestrial carbon flux, the balance of photosynthesis and respiration in Volta Lake was also examined. The lake was found to evade carbon dioxide to the atmosphere although the magnitude of the flux was much smaller than that of the terrestrial ecosystems. © 2007.

Source: UG
Water and electricity sector reforms in ghana: Back on track?

The lack of continuous and reliable supply of energy and water is a major hindrance to industrial and agricultural productivity in Ghana. Similar to the public utility management problems found in most developing countries, the electrical and water utility companies of Ghana have suffered from a number of institutional and operational shortcomings, including low collection rates, high wastage, operational losses, and inadequate staffs. Reforms of the energy and water sectors have been under way since the beginning of the nineties. Prices have increased significantly, but there has been little or no improvement in services. This analysis will focus on on-going reforms, their likely effects on different user groups and the obstacles for their implementation. Those who provided water and electricity were plagued with institutional weaknesses, and regulating agencies did not perform according to their mandates. The regulating agencies were lacking financial and human resources for monitoring, and their functioning suffered from principal agent problems. The government policy of private sector participation in utility provision has been only partially implemented for various reasons: The providers of water and electricity and the government agents that manage the reform process have a greater effect on manufacturers than they do on agriculture because the former have the greater need for regular supplies of water and electricity. The potentials and interest of the clients, regulating agencies and providers as well as the relationships between them have to become a key issue in the reform process. There is a need for more transparency and accountability on the part of politicians and providing agencies – whether public or private, local or national. © 2007 Taylor and Francis Group, LLC.

Source: UG
Water Handling and Hygiene Practices on the Transmission of Diarrhoeal Diseases and Soil Transmitted Helminthic Infections in Communities in Rural Ghana

In Ghana, diarrhoeal diseases have been identified as the second commonest health problem treated in outpatient clinics. In this study, the relevance of water handling and hygienic practices on the transmission of diarrhoeal diseases and soil-transmitted helminthic infections in three communities in Ghana was evaluated. Specifically, the research looked at physico-chemical qualities of household water, the incidence of diarrhoeal diseases and soil-transmitted helminthic infections. Thirty households were selected by the systematic random sampling technique from the three communities namely Mayera, Ashongman village and Tetegu. Within each household, domestic water was collected and transported to the laboratory for physico-chemical testing. Standardized questionnaires were also administered. The questionnaires addressed issues such as water storage, treatment and hygienic practices among households. The incidence of diarrhoeal diseases and soil transmitted helminthic (STH) infections among households were also assessed. The commonest water sources included pipe-borne water, borehole, rainwater and water from rivers. Most households in the three communities did not treat their water before use. The commonest water storage containers included barrels without lids, pots and plastic containers. There was no significant correlation between STH and diarrhoeal diseases at both Mayera and the Ashongman communities (R=0.279, p=0.136 for Mayera; R=0.311, p=0.094 for Ashongman). However, there existed a weak significantly positive correlation between the incidences of diarrhoeal diseases and the incidence of STH at the Tetegu community (R=0.384, p=0.036). Health education in the aspect of proper hand washing with soap under running water should be intensified in the three communities.

Source: UG
Water quality analysis and human health risk assessment of groundwater from open-wells in the vicinity of a cement factory at Akporkloe, South-eastern Ghana.

The influence of the Diamond Cement (DIACEM) factory at Akporkploe, Volta Region of Ghana on groundwater quality within the environs of the factory was investigated. During the study, groundwater samples were collected from six drinking water supply wells in the east, north-east, north and north-west directions of the cement facility. Quality parameters including temperature, pH, salinity, conductivity and TDS were measures in-situ and XRF analysis was used in the measurement of some heavy metals (As, Cr, Ni and Pb). The study detected that parameters including temperature, salinity, alkalinity and nutrients fell below the WHO permissible level for drinking water. However, some parameters like pH, conductivity, turbidity and TDS adversely deviated from the WHO recommended standards. The high TDS and conductivity levels detected is an indication of high salt content which was attributed to cement dust intrusion. Since, the inhabitants of the study area depends heavily on these wells for drinking and other domestic uses, human health risk assessment studies was also carried out in respect of the heavy metals on the water samples. Apart from arsenic, all the concentrations of the other metals were above stipulated levels specified by the WHO. No non-carcinogenic effects were detected regarding the use of the water from ingestion and dermal contact pathways point of view. Aggregate situation regarding ingestion and dermal contact specified that cancer risk due to the use of the groundwater is possible. Based on these findings the study recommended among others that health authorities should have the groundwater treated before public use.

Source: UG
Water Quality Assessment of Densu, Birim and Ayensu

The water quality assessment conducted in the Densu, Birim and Ayensu Basins of Ghana in the Okyeman area between August 2005 and June 2006 identified human and agricultural activities as the main sources of pollution. All the pH values for the rivers ranged from 6.5–8.5. The average turbidity levels in Densu Basin were higher than that of Ayensu and Birim basins. The low turbidity of Ayensu Basin is an indication of higher primary productivity. The conductivity levels in the river basins followed the order: Densu > Ayensu > Birim. The order is depended on the human activities in each basin. Ammonia-Nitrogen (NH -N) followed this order in terms of 3 mean levels in the river basins: Densu (0.356 mg/l) > Birim (0.267 mg/l) > Ayensu (0.161 mg/l). The 2005 NH -N 3 levels were lower than that of the 2006. This was a reflection of the impact of increased human and agricultural activities in the year 2006. Nitrate-Nitrogen (NO -N). The basin had a mean NO -N concentration of 1.89 mg/l 3 3 for Densu, 2.55 mg/l for Birim and 2.63 mg/l for Ayensu with ranges of 0.01–3.96 mg/l, 0.21–6.48 mg/l and 0.001–8.17 mg/l, respectively. All the mean nutrient values for Densu, Birim and Ayensu were not significantly different at 95% from each other (NH -N, p < 0.089; NO -N, p < 0.385; NO -N p < 0.203; PO -P p < 0.188.) Total 4 3 2 4 hardness and TDS also showed a similar pattern of Densu > Ayensu > Birim. This was as a result of more domestic activities impacting on Densu Basin compared with all other basins. The classification of the water quality index (WQI) system showed in 2005 that all the three basins were in class II, which was fairly good quality. The Ayensu basin was of best quality. The 2006 results indicated that all the stations fell under class III. This showed a deterioration of the state of the rivers in 2006. The WQI also confirmed the fact that Densu Basin was the most polluted compared to that of Birim and Ayensu.

Source: UG
Water quality assessment of groundwater in some rock types in parts of the eastern region of Ghana

A baseline study involving analyses of subsurface water samples from the Cape Coast granitoid complex, Lower Birimian, Togo Formation and the Voltaian Group, was carried out to assess their suitability for drinking, domestic and agricultural purposes. Study results show that pH within the range (3.0 ≤ pH ≤ 6.5) constitutes 74% of the boreholes analysed, and 51% have hardness values ranging from 7.89 to 73.24 mg/l as CaCO3 and are described as soft. Total dissolved solids are less than 1,000 mg/l and generally characterized by low conductivity values, of which 95% are within the range (55 ≤ EC ≤ 1,500 μS/cm). The mean values of the major cations (Ca2+, Mg2+, Na+, K+) and anions (SO42-, Cl-, HCO3-) are all within the World Health Organisation (WHO) standards. Five (5) of the boreholes sampled have nitrate (NO3-) contamination. Even though NO3- contamination and acidic waters exist in some of the boreholes, the majority of the boreholes are excellent for drinking and domestic purposes. Assessment of the groundwaters for agricultural irrigation revealed three main categories. These are low salinity-low sodicity (C1-S1), medium salinity-low sodicity (C2-S1) and high salinity-low sodicity (C3-S1), using the US Salinity Laboratory (USSL) classification scheme. As much as 95% of the samples plotted in the 'excellent to good' and 'good to permissible' categories on the Wilcox diagram. The groundwater in the study area may therefore be regarded as good for irrigation activities. The major identifiable geochemical processes responsible for the evolution of the various ions are mineral weathering and chemical reactions. © 2010 Springer-Verlag.

Source: UG
Water quality status of dugouts from five districts in Northern Ghana: Implications for sustainable water resources management in a water stressed tropical savannah environment

This study was primarily aimed at investigating the physicochemical and microbial quality of water in 14 such dugouts from five districts in the northern region of Ghana. Results obtained suggest that except for colour, turbidity, total iron and manganese, many physicochemical parameters were either within or close to the World Health Organisation's acceptable limits for drinking water. Generally, colour ranged from 5 to 750 Hz (mean 175 Hz), turbidity from 0.65 to 568 nephelometric turbidity units (NTU; mean 87.9 NTU), total iron from 0.07 to 7.85 mg/L (mean 1.0 mg/L) and manganese from 0.03 to 1.59 mg/L (mean 0.50 mg/L). Coliform counts in water from all the dugouts in both wet and dry seasons were, however, above the recommended limits for drinking water. Total and faecal coliforms ranged from 125 to 68,000 colony forming units (cfu)/100 mL (mean 10,623 cfu/100 mL) and <1 to 19,000 cfu/100 mL (mean 1,310 cfu /100 mL), respectively. The poor microbial quality, as indicated by the analytically significant presence of coliform bacteria in all samples of dugout water, strongly suggests susceptibility and exposure to waterborne diseases of, and consequent health implications on, the many people who continuously patronise these vital water resources throughout the year. In particular, more proactive sustainable water management options, such as introduction to communities of simple but cost-effective purification techniques for water drawn from dugouts for drinking purposes, education and information dissemination to the water users to ensure environmentally hygienic practices around dugouts, may be needed. © Springer Science+Business Media B.V. 2010.

Source: UG