ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Nonadherence to Medication among People Living with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Study at Shai Osudoku District Hospital

The purpose of the study was to find out the reasons of non-adherence to medication in people living with type II diabetes mellitus. The study was done at the Shai Osu-Doku District Hospital. An explorative-descriptive design within the qualitative paradigm was used. A semi-structured interview guide was used to collect data from eleven (11) participants diagnosed with type II diabetes mellitus who sought service at the facility and consented to participate, using a purposive sampling. The ages of the respondents were between 23years and 78 years. No form of coercion was used to attract or retain them. The interviews were audiotaped and transcribed verbatim after which thematic content analysis was done to identify themes and categories. Findings of the study showed that the respondents did not have sound knowledge on the way the medication work, and also they had poor knowledge about diabetes itself. Other findings revealed that they did not adhere to the medication because of additional medication as a result of co-morbidity. They reported that, they were tired of taking the medication because of the daily routine. The medication also affected their quality of life and their sexual life. The responses from the respondents in the current study indicate that their perception of wellness is based on their beliefs and what they have heard from the public. Some did not take it also because of their religious beliefs. It is recommended that many of the barriers associated with non-adherence can be addressed with proper counselling and education and regimens should be kept as simple as possible and that they should be integrated into patients’ existing habits and lifestyles with as little adjustment as possible to existing patterns in patients’ lives.

Source: UG
Nonfarm diversification and the well-being of rural farm households in developing countries: Evidence from Ghana using new dataset

This paper examines the impact of participation in both farm and nonfarm activities on both household consumption expenditure per adult equivalent and household per capita income, in rural Ghana. The objective is to ascertain whether the results are sensitive to the choice of well-being measure. We use a nationally representative dataset on 8,059 rural farm households collected in 2012/13. In order to account for potential selectivity and endogeneity biases, which previous studies failed to correct for, we adopt the endogenous switching regression (ESR) estimation technique. We find diversified households to be systematically different from their undiversified counterparts in terms of socioeconomic and demographic centeracteristics, thus justifying the empirical method used. Our results indicate a higher observed mean consumption for the diversified sub-sample compared to its counterfactual, implying that households participating in nonfarm enterprise activities in addition to farming have greater mean consumption compared to households engaged solely in farming. Similar conclusions are reached when income instead is used as the well-being indicator. Our findings, thus, indicate that the well-being implication of farm-nonfarm diversification is insensitive to the choice of well-being measure.

Source: UG
Nonfarm Employment and Incomes in Rural Ghana

This paper analyses the determinants of participation in nonfarm activities and the impact of nonfarm employment on household income. A clear empirical regularity is that women are significantly less likely than men to be in wage employment and more likely than men to be in self-employment activities. We find also that households whose heads have completed secondary education or higher gravitate more toward wage employment. Nonfarm employment appears to be crucial for the alleviation from rural poverty in Ghana. With limited opportunities in agriculture, nonfarm employment is necessary to augment or supplement farm incomes

Source: UG
Nonfarm Enterprise Participation and Healthcare Expenditure among Farm Households in Rural Ghana

Purpose Rural poverty remains high in many developing countries, Ghana inclusive. This has implications for healthcare affordability and utilization, and thus the attainment of universal health coverage. Nonfarm diversification is seen as a means by which rural farm households can increase incomes and smooth consumption including healthcare. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of nonfarm enterprise participation on healthcare expenditure among farm households in rural Ghana. Design/methodology/approach Using nationally representative household data from the sixth round of the Ghana Living Standards Survey (GLSS 6), the paper employs endogenous switching regression and propensity score matching techniques to account for potential selectivity bias. Findings Results indicate that households that participate in nonfarm enterprises earn higher incomes and expend more on healthcare. Total household income and region of residence are significant determinants of healthcare expenditure among farm households in rural Ghana. In addition, while in nonfarm enterprise nonparticipating households the marital status of the head of household is important, for participating households the head having at least secondary education significantly influences healthcare expenditure. Practical implications Promoting nonfarm activities and hence raising the incomes of households in rural areas of Ghana has the potential of increasing health capital through increased investments in health. It will also positively impact access to and utilization of healthcare and ultimately contribute towards increased farm and non-farm productivity. Originality/value Previous studies have only examined the determinants of nonfarm enterprise participation or its impact on household welfare, poverty, inequality, food security and agricultural investments. While evidence abounds on the positive impact of rural nonfarm enterprise participation on household income, which in turn has implications for household health expenditure, the potential positive link between rural nonfarm enterprise participation and household healthcare expenditure remains unexamined.

Source: UG
Nonformal learning approaches and the professional development of teachers in higher education

Recent development in workplace environments has shown that there is a shift in focus from the traditional formal learning modes to other forms of learning such as career mentoring and job shadowing (Bilderback, 2023). Likewise, employers are expected to support the professional development of staff (Antonopoulou et al., 2021) to cope with the complex digital work environment through diverse ways of learning especially in higher education institutions (HEIs) (Pischetola, 2022). Again, HEIs serve as important spaces for the production, dissemination, and transfer of productive knowledge, innovation, and technology in economies through formal, nonformal, and informal learning modes. Nonformal learning explains planned learning activities that are sponsored by institutions but are not related to the formal curricula or educational projects (Caldana et al., 2023). The difference between formal and nonformal learning is that while nonformal learning emphasizes sponsored programs that do not lead to formal qualifications, formal learning involves learning that takes place in an organized and structured setting which leads to the award of a qualification by way of a certificate (Caldana et al., 2023).

Source: UG
Nonlinear sorption of phosphorus onto plant biomass-derived biochars at different pyrolysis temperatures

Aside the characterization of feedstocks and biochars (BCs), the nonlinear sorption of phosphorus (P) onto corn cob (CC), rice husk (RH), cocoa pod husk (CP) and palm kernel shell (PK) BCs charred at 300, 450 and 650 ◦ C were investigated using series of batch experiments. Conversion of feedstock to BC resulted in a higher pH, C content, ash, fixed C, surface area (SA) and lower volatile matter, moisture, H, N, O and S contents. Increasing pyrolysis temperature proportionally decreased the polarity (O/C, O+N/C, and O+ N+ S/C), volatile matter, moisture content, readily labile organic C and potentially unstable C vis-à-vis an increased in C content, fixed C, stable C and aromaticity (H/C). The nonlinearity index (n) as well as P sorption capacity (KF ) increased with temperature and were highly dependent on BC properties. Significant linear relationships were observed between P sorption parameters (n and KF ) and O content, polarity, aromaticity, fixed C, stable C, readily labile organic C and SA. The low polarity and high aromaticity and SA resulted in the high nonlinear sorption of P at 650 ◦ C. Findings of this study provides insight into P sorption behaviour, thereby serving as a theoretical basis for biochar application either agronomically or environmentally.

Source: UG
Nonstandard Finite Difference Method Of Modelling Zoonotic Diseases

Zoonotic diseases are mostly the leading causes of illness and deaths in Sub-Saharan Africa but efforts to combat the spread of these diseases has always been a challenge. Incidence of zoonotic diseases has reduced substantially in most parts of Africa as a result of rigorous vaccination campaigns. However, zoonotic diseases still remain a threat to developing nations. Zoonotic diseases can be contracted either by direct contact, food and water. In this paper, we developed and analysed a general model that explains the dynamics of zoonotic diseases and analysed it using nonstantard finite difference approach. This scheme was used for the model analysis. The disease free equilibrium of the scheme in its explicit form was determined and it was both locally and globally asymptotically stable. Bifurcation and multiple equilibria as well as the threshold value for disease transmission was determined. An analysis of the effects of contact between susceptible and infected animals as well susceptible and infected humans was conducted. It showed an increase in infected animals and humans whenever the contact rate increases and decreases otherwise. The epidemiological implication is that zoonotic disease can be controlled by ensuring that interactions between susceptible humans, infected animals and infected humans is reduced to the bearest minimum.

Source: UG
Normal CD4+ T lymphocyte levels in HIV seronegative individuals in the Manya/Yilo krobo communities in the eastern region of Ghana.

Most research activities involve the use of molecular methods such as regular PCR (PCR), quantitative PCR (Q-PCR), genomic sequence and analysis using different software, genetic engineering, probe hybridization techniques, biological and molecular cloning, evaluation of immune markers for laboratory diagnosis of infections, serological assays involving the use of rapid tests, ELISA-based evaluations and immunofluorescent assay techniques.

Source: UG
Normal serum immunoglobulin and albumin levels in adult Ghanaians compared with levels in adults in Europe.

Serum immunoglobulin and albumin levels have been determined in 50 male and 50 female Ghanaians from the greater Accra region. The subjects, as far as could be ascertained, were healthy, with no observed parasitaemia or fever within a fortnight of sampling. The results have been analysed and compared with European values obtained from blood-donors or laboratory workers in South East England. As a result of this study normal ranges at the 95% confidence limits are suggested for IgG, IgA, IgM and albumin for urban Ghanaians.

Source: UG
Norovirus epidemiology in Africa: A review

Most research activities involve the use of molecular methods such as regular PCR (PCR), quantitative PCR (Q-PCR), genomic sequence and analysis using different software, genetic engineering, probe hybridization techniques, biological and molecular cloning, evaluation of immune markers for laboratory diagnosis of infections, serological assays involving the use of rapid tests, ELISA-based evaluations and immunofluorescent assay techniques.

Source: UG
Nosocomial infections: knowledge and source of information among clinical health care students in Ghana.

Background: This study determined and compared the knowledge of nosocomial infections among clinical health care students at the College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana. Methods: Two hundred undergraduate health care students from four academic programs participated in the study. The study sample was drawn from each academic program by a simple random sampling technique using the class directory from each course. The Infection Control Standardized Questionnaire (ICSQ) was used to assess the knowledge of students about three main domains, ie, hand hygiene, nosocomial infections, and standard precautions. A maximum score of 50 was obtainable, and respondents with scores ≥70% were classified as having a satisfactory knowledge. The response on each item was coded numerically to generate data for statistical analysis. Comparison of knowledge on the domains among categories of students was assessed using the Kruskal–Wallis test, while associations between courses of study and knowledge about nosocomial infections were determined using the Chi-square test. All statistical tests had a significant level of 5% (P < 0.05) Results: Overall mean percentage score of the participants on ICSQ was 65.4 ± 2.58, with medical, physiotherapy, radiography, and nursing students recording mean percentage scores of 70.58 ± 0.62, 65.02 ± 2.00, 64.74 ± 1.19, and 61.31 ± 2.35, respectively. The main source of information about the prevention of nosocomial infections as cited by participants was their routine formal training in class. There was no significant association (P > 0.05) between course of study and knowledge of students about preventive measures for nosocomial infections. Conclusion: The students sampled demonstrated moderate knowledge of nosocomial infections and this was acquired largely through formal classroom training. These findings underscore the need for more emphasis on education about this important source of infection in the clinical training curriculum.

Source: UG
“Not just another Wii training”: a graded Wii protocol to increase physical fitness in adolescent girls with probable developmental coordination disorder-a pilot study

Background Adolescents with low motor competence participate less in physical activity and tend to exhibit decreased physical fitness compared to their peers with high motor competence. It is therefore essential to identify new methods of enhancing physical fitness in this population. Active video games (AVG) have been shown to improve motor performance, yet investigations of its impact on physical fitness are limited. The objective of this study was to examine the impact of the graded Wii protocol in adolescent girls with probable Developmental Coordination Disorder (p-DCD). Methods A single-group pre-post design was conducted to assess the impact of a newly developed Wii protocol in adolescent girls attending school in a low income community of Cape Town, South Africa. Sixteen participants (aged 13-16 years) with p-DCD (≤16th percentile on the MABC-2 test) were recruited. Participants received 45 min Wii training for 14 weeks. Outcome measures included the six-minute walk distance and repeated sprint ability. Information on heart rate, enjoyment and perceived exertion ratings were also collected. Results Significant improvements in aerobic and anaerobic fitness were observed. The participants reported high enjoyment scores and low perceived exertion ratings. The graded Wii protocol was easily adaptable and required little resources (space, equipment and expertise) to administer. Conclusions The findings provide preliminary evidence to support the use of the graded Wii protocol for promoting physical fitness in adolescent girls with p-DCD. Further studies are needed to confirm these results and to validate the clinical efficacy of the protocol in a larger sample with a more robust design.

Source: UG
A Note on the Cross-dialectal Diffusion of Grammaticalization: The Case of Ma in Akan

Studies in grammaticalization have brought to light the fact that languages develop function words from lexical sources. Akan, a Kwa language, like many languages of West Africa, is known to have a complementizer that developed from the verb ‘to say.’ In addition to this, another complementizer has resulted from the grammaticalization of a causative verb ma ‘make, cause, give.’ Cross-dialectal evidence available reveals that this complementizer has only started and it is yet to diffuse throughout all the dialects of the language. The data from this language also goes to support the view that grammaticalization is not only the development of grammatical morphemes but also the creation of new constructions.

Source: UG
Notes for the Guidance of Europeans in the Gold Coast.

These notes have been prepared with the object of helping the new-comer from Europe to understand his African subordinates in the Gold Coast. .Mutual understanding is more important than is generally realized by the average · Whiteman, and much unnecessary discontent can be avoided when the European ha& acquired a knowledge of African customs and ways of thinking. The man who is most successful with the African is the one who knows him best

Source: UG
Notes on distribution of Simulium damnosum s. l. along Atbara River in Galabat sub-focus, eastern Sudan

The Department of Parasitology conducts research into parasitic diseases of public health importance with the overall goal of reducing their transmission and the heavy disease burden that they impose on affected populations. The Department maintains focus on parasitic diseases in general. These include major diseases such as malaria, and others listed under the Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD) control initiative such as, lymphatic filariasis, onchocerciasis, schistosomiasis, soil-transmitted helminthiasis, trypanosomiasis and leishmaniasis.

Source: UG
Noun Class System of Kusaal

It is common knowledge that noun classes in Mabia (Gur) languages are primarily characterized by stems and affixes. Common to all studies on nominal classification in Kusaal is the observation that nouns that exhibit common morphological properties also share identical semantic features. Though this is true to some extent, the generalization breeds a lot of leakages because classifications based on semantic field alone is unable to explain the inclusion of nouns that share identical morphological and phonological features but different semantic features. Thus, this problem questions the assumption that noun classification in Kusaal is dependent on common semantic properties or coherence shared by all nouns in a group. The semantic classification of nouns, in this study, is composed based on the assumption that speakers of Kusaal put together nouns that are connected by identical semantic features and others that are linked by pragmatic associations into networks that define concepts and aspects of their survival as human beings. It is further observed that nouns within such groups also go through identical phonological rules or constraints. Nouns in this paper are classified based on their morphological features which are closely knit to their semantic networks as well as phonological constraints. The framework of Lexical-Phonology is employed in analyzing the morphophonological components of the nominal classification system of the language.

Source: UG
Noun Phrase and Clausal Conjunction in Akan

This paper explores the semantics and pragmatics of noun phrase and clausal connectives in Akan (Niger-Congo, Kwa branch), highlighting the significant dialectal variation which exists. In Fante, noun phrases may be conjoined by nye which encodes comitativity or na which is underdetermined between a comitative and a coordinative meaning. Asante on the other hand uses the underdetermined noun phrase connective ne. The interlocutor in Asante thus relies on contextual information to determine the intended interpretation. Clausal conjunction in both dialects is performed by the low-tone clausal connective na. However the high-tone temporal marker can be aptly used in certain temporal contexts as an alternative to the mundane clausal connective. This situation where the temporal marker functions as a clausal connective is more extended in Fante where the temporal marker is even suitable in certain contrastive contexts. Even though there is no evidence that the temporal marker will soon usurp the functions of the coordinating connective, this phenomenon once again demonstrates the close conceptual affinity between temporal markers and clausal.

Source: UG
Noun Phrase Conjunction in Akan: the grammaticalization Path

Noun phrase conjunction in Akan (Niger-Congo, Kwa) is performed by placing a connective between two noun phrases, but there is some variation in the forms used in the major dialects. In the Twi dialects the connective is ne, but Fante speakers may use nye or na depending on whether a comitative or a coordinative interpretation is intended. This paper focuses on the historical origins of the noun phrase connective n(y)e in Akan. It suggests that Akan patterns with other sub-saharan African languages such as Ewe, Ga, Yoruba and Hausa, which have noun phrase connectives originating from comitative verbs. This suggestion is based on the morpho-semantics of these connectives. In addition, the paper demonstrates that the origin of the connective n(y)e could be further traced to an equative copula in the language. This conclusion is based on syntactic and semantic evidence available in the language and strengthened by the cross-linguistic tendency for copula verbs to develop into noun phrase connectives in a number of unrelated languages.

Source: UG
NovaSil clay does not affect the concentrations of vitamins A and E and nutrient minerals in serum samples from Ghanaians at high risk for aflatoxicosis

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
NovaSil clay intervention in Ghanaians at high risk for aflatoxicosis. I. Study design and clinical outcomes

The Clinical Pathology Department conducts research that contributes to intervention strategies and safeguards of public health in Ghana. In view of this the Department carries out research into plant medicine development, drug interactions and regulation, bio-monitoring and prevention of poisoning from environmental toxicants (e.g. mycotoxins specifically aflatoxins and toxic heavy metals). The Department also provides specialized laboratory services in support of public health programmes.

Source: UG
NovaSil clay intervention in Ghanaians at high risk for aflatoxicosis: II. Reduction in biomarkers of aflatoxin exposure in blood and urine

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
NovaSil™clay for the management of dietary aflatoxins in human populations

The main research focus of the Electron Microscopy and Histopathology Department in the past 20 years has been in the areas of enteric diarrhoeas with special emphasis on rotavirus. Through its diarrhoea surveillance studies, the Department has helped to firmly establish rotaviruses as a major cause of diarrhoea in children, and document the circulation of unusual rotavirus genotypes in Ghana. The Department has also recently expanded its diagnostic repertoire to include the identification and characterization of noroviruses, astroviruses, and other enteric viruses.

Source: UG