ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Once bitten, twice shy? The relationship between business failure experience and entrepreneurial collaboration

This paper draws on entrepreneurial failure and firm collaboration literature to conduct two studies on serial entrepreneurs in a developing economy. In Study 1, we used qualitative, semi-structured interviews to derive insights from 16 entrepreneurs with business failure experience. We observed that business failure experience incentivizes some serial entrepreneurs to collaborate with other entrepreneurs, and this phenomenon is shaped by religious orientation. In Study 2, we conducted a survey of 421 serial entrepreneurs to empirically test the effect of business failure experience and entrepreneurial collaboration. We also examined the moderating roles of religious and family orientations on this relationship. The results from the survey revealed a positive relationship between entrepreneurs’ business failure experience and entrepreneurial collaboration. In addition, our results indicate that the positive impact of business failure experience on entrepreneurial collaboration is stronger among entrepreneurs leading non-family firms than family firms. Among firms led by non-religious-oriented entrepreneurs, business failure experience was more positively related to collaboration. Theoretical and practical implications are considered.

Source: UG
Onchocerca volvulus, Ivermectin, Anthelmintic resistance, Genetic changes Phenotypic Evidence of Emerging Ivermectin Resistance in Onchocerca volvulus

Background: Ivermectin (IVM) has been used in Ghana for over two decades for onchocerciasis control. In recent years there have been reports of persistent microfilaridermias despite multiple treatments. This has necessitated a reexamination of its microfilaricidal and suppressive effects on reproduction in the adult female Onchocerca volvulus. In an initial study, we demonstrated the continued potent microfilaricidal effect of IVM. However, we also found communities in which the skin microfilarial repopulation rates at days 90 and 180 were much higher than expected. In this follow up study we have investigated the reproductive response of female worms to multiple treatments with IVM. Methods and Findings: The parasitological responses to IVM in two hundred and sixty-eight microfilaridermic subjects from nine communities that had received 10 to 19 annual doses of IVM treatment and one pre-study IVM-naı¨ve community were followed. Skin snips were taken 364 days after the initial IVM treatment during the study to determine the microfilaria (mf) recovery rate. Nodules were excised and skin snips taken 90 days following a second study IVM treatment. Nodule and worm density and the reproductive status of female worms were determined. On the basis of skin mf repopulation and skin mf recovery rates we defined three categories of response-good, intermediate and poor—and also determined that approximately 25% of subjects in the study carried adult female worms that responded suboptimally to IVM. Stratification of the female worms by morphological age and microfilarial content showed that almost 90% of the worms were older or middle aged and that most of the mf were produced by the middle aged and older worms previously exposed to multiple treatments with little contribution from young worms derived from ongoing transmission. Conclusions: The results confirm that in some communities adult female worms were non-responsive or resistant to the anti-fecundity effects of multiple treatments with IVM. A scheme of the varied responses of the adult female worm to multiple treatments is proposed.

Source: UG
Onchocerciasis control in Ghana (1974– 2016)

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
Onchocerciasis Control: Vision for the future from a Ghanaian perspective

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
Onchocerciasis control: vision for the future from a Ghanian perspective

Abstract Since 1987 onchocerciasis control has relied on the donation of ivermectin (Mectizan&#174;, Merck &amp; Co., Inc.) through the Mectizan Donation Programme. Recently, concern has been raised over the appearance of suboptimal responses to ivermectin in Ghana &#8211; highlighting the potential threat of the development of resistance to ivermectin. This report summarises a meeting held in Ghana to set the research agenda for future onchocerciasis control. The aim of this workshop was to define the research priorities for alternative drug and treatment regimes and control strategies to treat populations with existing evidence of suboptimal responsiveness and define research priorities for future control strategies in the event of the development of widespread ivermectin resistance.

Source: UG
Onchocerciasis transmission in Ghana: Biting and parous rates of host-seeking sibling species of the Simulium damnosum complex

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
Onchocerciasis Transmission in Ghana: Persistence under Different Control Strategies and the Role of the Simuliid Vectors

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
One Hundred Priority Questions for the Development of Sustainable Food Systems in Sub-Saharan Africa

Sub-Saharan Africa is facing an expected doubling of human population and tripling of food demand over the next quarter century, posing a range of severe environmental, political, and socio-economic challenges. In some cases, key Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are in direct conflict, raising difficult policy and funding decisions, particularly in relation to trade-offs between food production, social inequality, and ecosystem health. In this study, we used a horizon-scanning approach to identify 100 practical or research-focused questions that, if answered, would have the greatest positive impact on addressing these trade-offs and ensuring future productivity and resilience of food-production systems across sub-Saharan Africa. Through direct canvassing of opinions, we obtained 1339 questions from 331 experts based in 55 countries. We then used online voting and participatory workshops to produce a final list of 100 questions divided into 12 thematic sections spanning topics from gender inequality to technological adoption and climate change. Using data on the background of respondents, we show that perspectives and priorities can vary, but they are largely consistent across different professional and geographical contexts. We hope these questions provide a template for establishing new research directions and prioritising funding decisions in sub-Saharan Africa.

Source: UG
One Laptop Per Child Policy in Ghana: Any Impact on Teaching and Learning?

This paper assesses the impact of “One Laptop Per Child Policy” on teaching and learning in basic schools in Ghana. Specifically, 500 students were randomly selected together with 10 information and communication technology (ICT) instructors in the Eastern Region of Ghana. Both questionnaire and in-depth interviews were used for gathering data. The data collected were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS). Findings of the study showed that stringent criteria are used to assess the needs of students and in the distribution of the laptops. The use of user-friendly laptops and qualified instructors has significantly improved the students’ knowledge in ICT. However, lack of infrastructure, power supply and qualified tutors were notable challenges that hindered the attainment of the goals of the policy. To ensure equity and quality ICT education, recommendation were given in the study.

Source: UG
One state, many Origins: Peopling of the Akuapem State, A Re-examination

In 1994, the Akuapem paramountcy of south-eastern Ghana was engulfed in communal violence which resulted in the death of one person, several severe injuries and property damaged estimated at millions of Ghanaian cedis (thousands of dollars). When calm was eventually restored, a number of chiefs and their people announced their secession from the state established in the 1730s. A revealing development which emanated from the “break-up” of the 1730s polity was the elevation of the people of Akropong, represented by the paramountcy, Aburi, and Guan of Adukrom and Larteh at the expense of other groups including the Krobo emigrants. Yet, less known groups, including Akan merchants from elsewhere, were part of the foundation process with some occupying important stools. This paper seeks to re-examine the foundation history of the Akuapem state with the aim of “restoring” the voices of the hitherto silenced groups. In doing this, I pay particular attention to the arrival and place of these least-mentioned groups and argue that Akuapem, though a “unitary” state, was made up of people of diverse origins.

Source: UG
Ongoing Transmission Of Onchocerciasis In The Pru District Of Ghana After Two Decades Of Mass Drug Administration With Ivermectin And Comparative Identifcation Of Members Of The Simulium Damnosum Complex Using Cytological And Morphological Techniques.

The Department of Immunology conducts research in the field of immunology of infectious and non-infectious diseases. The Department has the overall goal of contributing knowledge to better diagnosis, management, control and prevention of infectious and non-infectious diseases in Ghana and worldwide. This is consistent with the overall strategy of the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR) and in line with the strategy of the College of Health Sciences of the University of Ghana.

Source: UG
Online access by adolescents in Accra: Ghanaian teens' use of the internet for health information.

In developed countries, adolescents go online to find information about health; however, little is known about the online practices of youth from developing countries. This study's purpose was to explore and provide current information, drawn from adolescents living in Ghana's capital city of Accra, on the use of the Internet as a health information source. Using a representative sample of in-school adolescents and a convenience sample of out-of-school adolescents, 778 15- to 18-year-olds completed a detailed media and health information survey. Two-thirds (66%) of the in-school youth and approximately half (54%) of the out-of-school youth had previously gone online. Of all these Internet users, 53% had sought online health information, and this percentage did not differ significantly by gender, age, ethnicity, or even school status. Youth reported great interest, high levels of efficacy, and positive perceptions of online health information. Although more research should be conducted, this study offers exciting data on the potential to deliver, via the Internet, health information to youth in developing countries.

Source: UG
Online CSR reportage of Award-winning versus non award-winning banks in Ghana

urpose – Banks spend thousands of dollars on several CSR activities and communicating the same to defined stakeholders becomes a strategic task that must be artfully managed by the banks. Bank web sites now represent a useful communication platform in the reportage of CSR activities. This paper aims to report on CSR reportage amongst four leading banks in Ghana. Two of them have won CSR industry awards while the others have not. Design/methodology/approach – A case study approach was adopted using Hinson et al.'s online CSR framework to analyze CSR reportage in the four banks. Two of them (one indigenous and the other, local) had previously won CSR awards at a Ghana Banking Awards ceremony in the last five years, and two had not. The data drawn from the banks were analyzed within and across the four cases. Findings – Agricultural development bank, the bank with the most socially responsible bank of the year awards, has the weakest online CSR reportage in the study with just one CSR report online. Originality/value – CSR communication is a rapidly evolving field of scholarship and this study adds to the extant literature from a developing economy banking perspective.

Source: UG
Online health consumer behaviour: What informs user decisions on information quality?

Around the world, the use of Online Health Information (OHI) is on the increase. This is even more prevalent in developing economies where poor healthcare access and delivery present OHI as a potent alternative to physician consultations. This phenomenon grants the online health information seeker the sole decision-making re sponsibility of determining the quality of OHI. Given the potential consequences of incorrect medical advice, it is important to understand what criteria constitutes quality OHI from the perspective of users so as to inform better OHI publication and design. Using choice-based conjoint analysis as a preference modelling technique, the results indicate that, in order of importance, OHI seekers view the credibility of the author or their affiliation as a key measure of OHI quality, while the provision of internal search functionality is viewed as a measure of design quality. OHI seekers however showed a less preference for web portals that store and process user data. The OHI quality preferences obtained in the study were used to audit selected OHI portals to ascertain their level of conformity with the observed user preferences.

Source: UG
Online health information-seeking experiences during the COVID-19 lockdown among social media users in four countries

Most countries imposed lockdown restrictions on high-risk cities due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) disease. Although individuals adopted social media use during the lockdown, it is unclear how online information-seeking experiences affected their health and quality of life. We conducted an online survey among people living in cities in Ghana, India, Indonesia, and Pakistan that were affected by lockdown restrictions. Using Colaizzi's method, we thematically analyzed 166 participants’ (males = 93, females = 73) online text responses. We observed that uncertainties about COVID-19 and the feeling of boredom predisposed participants to become victims of misinformation. Once they were misinformed, they felt anxious about COVID-19. Consequently, some overused social media to obtain additional information while others decreased or avoided its usage entirely. Our study provides insight into a recent global phenomenon. There is a need for adequate psychological support services through social media to lessen the use of unhealthy coping mechanisms.

Source: UG
Online media reporting of suicidal behaviour in Ghana: Analysis of adherence to the WHO guidelines

Background: Irresponsible media reporting of suicide is a potential risk for copycat suicide. There is a paucity of studies from sub-Saharan Africa on the quality of media reporting of suicide. Objectives: We assessed the compliance of Ghanaian online media outlets with the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines for media reporting of suicide. Methods: We searched 10 local media outlets with strong online presence in Ghana, to identify suicide-related news reports from 2000 through 2019. We applied summative content analysis and chi-square (χ2 ) test to the data. Results: We included 288 news reports, of which 261 (90.6%) were completed suicides, 7 (2.4%) were attempted suicides and 20 (6.9%) were homicide suicides. Most of the news reports failed to comply with the WHO guidelines: 92.7% mentioned the specific method of the suicide act, 82.6% included ‘suicide’ in the headline and 55.6% included photos of the victims. The χ2 tests indicated that privately owned media outlets were more likely than publicly owned to post a photo of the victim, χ2 ( )1 =17.37, p<.001, and report the incident location in the headline, χ2 ( )1 =15.00, p<.001. However, generally, there were no statistically significant relationships between the quality of reporting and media outlet ownership. Each of the 288 reports failed to mention any of the potentially helpful features recommended by the WHO guidelines. Conclusion: Regardless of the ownership of the media outlet (whether private or publicly owned), mostly, the online reportage of suicidal behaviour in Ghana deviates sharply from the international recommended best practice by the WHO.

Source: UG
Online Media Surveillance: Coverage of Meningitis Outbreaks in Ghana

This study explores the nature of reportage on meningitis outbreaks in Ghana by two online media outlets, graphiconline and myjoyonline. Specifically, the study was designed to explore the news frames, level of prominence, sources of information and surveillance function performed by the media during an infectious disease outbreak. Framing was the main theoretical framework that guided the study. The content analysis method was employed to assess a total of 60 published news articles during a four-month period, December 1, 2015 to March 31, 2016. The findings revealed that "action" and "consequence" were the major frames the media used to report on meningitis outbreaks. Stories about the meningitis health crisis in Ghana were not displayed prominently online. Although the web publications generally promote multimedia content, few videos, podcasts, photos or online polls were utilized. In terms of sourcing, the online meningitis stories featured mostly government representatives and health officials and did little to engage residents and communities affected. The online media also failed to fulfill their surveillance function of reporting on trends and alerting the public of severity of the outbreak in Ghana. Given the findings, it is suggested that journalists interested in health reporting such as the meningitis outbreak receive extensive media training in order to report trends and perform their surveillance role.

Source: UG
Online relationship marketing and customer loyalty: a signaling theory perspective

Purpose Online technologies have, in recent times, revolutionized the process of relationship building between firms and their customers. Nonetheless, there is a limited focus and theorization when it comes to explaining the link between online relationship marketing (ORM) activities and their impact on firm relationship marketing (RM) objectives. Thus, the purpose of this paper is to examine the signaling role of ORM activities in generating online trust and customer loyalty, through the lens of the signaling theory. Design/methodology/approach Data for the study were gathered through a survey of 429 Ghanaian retail bank customers. Results were analyzed using structural equation modeling techniques. Findings The paper highlights the signaling role of engagement and interactivity online in influencing banks’ RM outcomes per the signaling theory. It concludes that bank’s online relationship activities, over and above the online tools utilized, need to communicate appropriate and useful signals in order to positively influence online trust and loyalty among customers. Originality/value The study, in its uniqueness, utilizes the signaling theory to explain the role and impact of online RM activities in the banking industry.

Source: UG
Online student engagement in times of emergency: Listening to the voices of students

The closure of schools and colleges worldwide, as a result of the COVID-19 lockdown and stay-at home protocols, were timely actions given the surge in infection rates. It became immediately necessary for innovative strategies to be put in place to engage students while they remained at home. In Ghana, many traditional universities adopted the use of online learning tools to promote learning amongst their students during this period of uncertainty. In this exploratory case study, I explore the experiences of final year undergraduate students (N = 18) in the University of Ghana with the intention of examining: (1) the various strategies adopted by lecturers to engage students in online learning during this time when they were at home; (2) the challenges the students expe rienced; and (3) the students’ views on ways of promoting effective student online learning en gagement during future emergencies. Three strategies were identified by the students as being used by the lecturers for online learning engagement, namely videoconferencing, use of discussion boards, and use of regular assignments. It was found that the students experienced manifold engagement challenges in online learning including data and network problems, technical difficulties, assessment overload, as well as administrative issues. In order to ensure effective student online learning engagement in future national emergencies, it was suggested that resources such as internet facilities should be made available to students; assessment load should be reduced while interactive and active online learning engagement strategies are prioritized; and administrative support should be offered to students. The study’s findings have significant implications for the planning, design and the implementation of online learning programmes in higher education.

Source: UG