ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Molar Ectopic Pregnancy: A Case Study from the Maternity Unit of the Bobo-Dioulasso Teaching Hospital

The authors reported a case of molar ectopic pregnancy seen and managed at the maternity unit of the Bobo-Dioulasso Teaching Hospital. The frequency of the molar ectopic pregnancy is difficult to assess. Besides, the histopathological examination of surgical specimen of the salpingectomy is not usual in our setting. For the management, we realized a total left salpingectomy with a histopathological examination of surgical specimens in association with serum β HCG follow up. During post operations period, the patient was put on estro-progestin contraception for a year, a regular checkup of the biological marker of the molar pregnancy till negativation, a clinical, ultrasound and radiological checkup. No anomaly was noticed at the end of the follow up

Source: UCC
Molecular categorization of some water yam (Dioscorea alata L.) germplasm in Ghana using microsatellite (SSR) markers

The yam species, Dioscorea alata has an advantage for sustainable cultivation due to its comparatively good agronomic characteristics. Breeders are therefore keen to improve the food quality of the species. Nevertheless, published data on molecular classification and genetic diversity of this crop are scanty. This research therefore investigated genetic variability and relationships among some collected Ghanaian D. alata accessions (35) together with 14 introductions from IITA in Nigeria. The true genetic identity and population structure of the accessions were determined using 14 Simple Sequence Repeats primer pairs available for yams. Dimensional scatter diagram of the principal coordinates showed a wide dispersion among the accessions. Cluster analysis using unweighted neighbour-joining method clearly separated the 49 accessions into five main groupings. From the allele frequency analysis, the size of amplified alleles ranged from 100 to 510 bp. The mean polymorphic information content (PIC) values for all markers used was 0.91 and ranged between 0.86 and 0.94 in loci YM13 and YM30 respectively. Gene diversity was high and the average observed heterozygosity was 0.77. Gene diversity was high ranging from 0.87 in YM13 to 0.94 in YM30 with a mean of 0.92. Generally, the allele frequency of all the primers was below 0.95 indicating that they were all polymorphic in character. The findings of this study confirm that SSR molecular markers are able to identify closely related materials within species

Source: UCC
Molecular characterisation of mycobacterium tuberculosis-complex in selected prisons and hospitals in Ghana.

Department of Biomedical Research, KIT, Amsterdam, The Netherlands). I am indebted in more ways than one to Prof. Emmanuel Marfo-Owusu (Wa Polytechnic University, Wa), Dr. I. K. Wilson (formally of The National Centre for Radiotherapy and Nuclear Medicine, KBTH) and Mr. Kofi D. Bedzra (CCRC, RAMSRI, Ghana Atomic Energy Commission), for their encouragement. I also wish to express gratitude to Prof. K. K. Addo (NMIMR, University of Ghana), Dr. Frank A. Bonsu (Programme Manager)

Source: UCC
Molecular Characterization of High-Risk Human Papillomavirus in Women in Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso

High-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) is found in over 99% of cervical cancers. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of HPV in a population of women in Bobo-Dioulasso and to identify the high-risk types present in these women. From May to June, 2015, 181 women who came for consultation at the Souro Sanou University Hospital of Bobo-Dioulasso have been included in this study. Uterine endocervical swabs have been taken in these women. DNA obtained by extraction from the samples thus collected was used to determine the prevalence of high-risk human papillomavirus genotypes through real-time PCR. The age of the women ranged from 20 to 56 years with a mean of 35.3 ± 8.1 years. The prevalence of infection by high-risk HPV types was 25.4% (46/181). The most common high-risk HPV genotypes were HPV 39 (18.5%), HPV 52 (16.7%), HPV 18 (14.8%), and HPV 35 (13.0%). HPV 16 which is included in the HPV vaccines was not found in the population studied. This type of study which is the first one in Bobo-Dioulasso has showed a high prevalence of genotypes HPV 39, HPV 52, and HPV 35 which are not yet covered by a vaccine.

Source: UCC
Molecular dynamics simulation: from theoretical concept to application

Molecular dynamics is a computer simulation method that calculates the time dependent behavior of a molecular system. It predicts how the atoms of a given system are moving with respect to time by numerically solving the Newtons equation of motion. In this thesis, description of the foundations of molecular dynamics was presented and a MATLAB code built to implement molecular dynamics. Simulations were run from the implementation and the results including some dynamical properties of molecular dynamics were reported and discussed. A comparative study between two numerical integration techniques, Velocity Verlet and Euler's algorithms, of the equations of motion in terms of the computational time was investigated. It was observed that the Velocity Verlet algorithm is faster and more stable than Eulers algorithm. Finally, a real life applica- tion of molecular dynamics techniques for protein structure prediction was presented using the AMBER package; a well-known package for molecular dynamics simulation.

Source: UCC
Molecular epidemiology of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) producing Enterobacteriaceae from three tertiary hospitals in southern Ghana.

Antimicrobial resistance is fast becoming a global concern in both healthcare settings and in the community due to the rapid emergence of multi drug resistant organisms. High proportions of enterobacteria have developed resistance to the commonly prescribed antimicrobial drugs. Comprehensive data upon which to advocate control interventions are scanty. Hence this study determined the Molecular Epidemiology of ESBL producing enterobactericeae from three Tertiary Hospitals in Southern Ghana. A total of 167 non repetitive isolates consisting of 51 E. coli strains, 43 K. pneumoniae, 16 P. mirabilis, 21 P. aeruginosa ,12 A. baumannii and 24 other unspecified organisms were collected and tested for their antimicrobial susceptibility, ESBL production by double synergy method and the ESBL genotypes were determined by PCR. Major beta-lactams to which resistance was found in this study included Ampicillin (94.7%), Cefuroxime (81.6%), Cefamandole (71.9%), Ceftriaxone (69.4 %,), Augmentin (66.7%), Cefpodoxime (78.1%), Cefotaxime (78.9%). All these beta-lactams registered more than 50% resistance. ESBL percent prevalence were; 6.7% for Acinetobacter baumannii followed by 8.3% Proteus mirabilis, 15.0% Pseudomonas aeruginosa, 18.3% Klebsiella pneumoniae and 40% for E. coli. Other isolates recorded 11.7%. ESBL genotypes (TEM, SHV and CTX-M) were found in 118 out of 167 ESBLs phenotypically identified. The overall prevalence of ESBL detected was (71.51 %). The high prevalence of ESBL calls for immediate intervention strategies to prevent further spread. Training of laboratory personnel on phenotypic testing of ESBLs in addition to training clinical staff and prescribers on ESBL issues are advocated.

Source: UCC
Molecular Genotyping of Human Papillomavirus among HIV-infected and HIV- uninfected Women in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso

This study particularly focused on the human papillomavirus (HPV) that causes cervical cancer. The objective was to study the profile and genotypic prevalence of HPV among HIV infected and HIV uninfected women. Method: The study was conducted in Ouagadougou, from February 2009 to January 2013 and involved 421 women: 183 HIV positive women (HIV+) and 238 HIV-negative women (HIV-). PCR/hybridization and real-time PCR were performed for the detection of high and low-risk HPV genotypes. Results: The two populations of women differed in socio-economic, behavioral and sexual characteristics. HPV prevalence was 24.8% and 63.9%, respectively, among HIV- and HIV+ women. Except for HPV16, HPV52, HPV58 and HPV6, which were higher in HIV- women compared to HIV+ women, it’s the opposite effect that was found for the other genotypes. We found many more cases of co-infection with three or more genotypes in HIV- women compared to HIV+ women. Contraceptive use and low CD4 count were associated with HPV infection in HIV+ women (p < 0.05). Parameters such as age group, marital status, occupation, level of education, history of gynecological infection, and condom use differed according to HIV status (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Through this study, we found that HPV are highly prevalent among HIV positive women in Burkina Faso. However, given the high prevalence of other HPV types than 16 and 18, in our study, another type of vaccine should be considered to cover them. In the meantime, the results of this study could be a springboard for the introduction of vaccines against HPV already existing in Burkina Faso.

Source: UCC
Molecular structure-reactivity correlations of humic acid and humin fractions from a typical black soil for hexavalent chromium reduction

Different soil humus fractions are structurally distinct from each other molecularly, however, the relationship between their microscopic molecular structures and the macroscopic reduction of Cr(VI) is still unknown, especially for the humin fraction. In this study, different humus fractions (HA, humic acid; HMi, humin linked to iron oxides; HMc, humin linked to clay; and HMr, humin residue) were sequentially extracted from a typical black soil and well characterized. It was found that HA, HMi and HMc were the same type of humus with similar molecular structures, while HMr was structurally different from the other fractions with a high cellulose content. The removal rate of Cr(VI) in solution decreased with progressive humus fractionation, namely, HA N HMiN HMc N HMr. Based on the two-dimensional correlation spectroscopic analysis (2DCOS) of the FTIR data, the changing functional groups of all humus fractions during reacting with Cr(VI) followed a similar order: carboxylN phenol N hydroxylN methylN methylene. According to the correlation analysis, Cr(VI) reduction rates by different humus fractions were mainly determined by the content of phenol (R2 = 0.99) instead of carboxyl (R2 = 0.28). Except for HMr, the Cr(VI) reduction rates of different humus fractions were also positively correlated with surface and bulk polarity (R2 = 0.98 and 0.99) but not with aromaticity or aliphaticity (R2 = 0.21)

Source: UCC
Monitoring and Evaluation in the Public Service Governance: A Case Study of Ashanti Bekwai District Assembly Monitoring and Evaluation in the Public Service Governance: A Case Study of Ashanti Bekwai District Assembly Amankona Gyekye EmmanuelMonitoring and Evaluation in the Public Service Governance: A Case Study of Ashanti Bekwai District Assembly Amankona Gyekye EmmanuelMonitoring and Evaluation in the Public Service Governance: A Case Study of Ashanti Bekwai District Assembly

The importance of monitoring and evaluation is increasingly being realized as its application has grown beyond the initial conceptions in ensuring project quality. Governments all over the world have adopted monitoring and evaluation procedures in ensuring projects’ quality in delivering infrastructure projects and services to their citizens. As a result, monitoring and evaluation has been a tool for good corporate governance. This study investigates how monitoring and evaluation can be used to improve corporate governance in the Bekwai Municipal Assembly using the Department of Parks and Gardens as the case study. The study used both quantitative and qualitative research methods in the collection and analysis of the data. Among other measures used, regression analysis was used to the quantitative variables in understating how monitoring and evaluation can help improve governance in the Department of Parks and Gardens in Bekwai. Findings suggest that corporate good governance can be promoted through effective implementation of monitoring and evaluation frameworks. However, some workers of social welfare argue that monitoring and evaluations are bureaucratic frameworks that will overwhelm the system of governance instead of promoting accountability and transparency. It was revealed that social annual targets at the Department of Parks and Gardens is not always achieved. This drew the people’s attention to the role of monitoring and evaluation in promoting good corporate governance. Monitoring and evaluation promotes participation of the general citizenry in the development process. The study therefore revealed that monitoring and evaluation frameworks be promoted in Department of Parks and Gardens. Citizen participation should be encouraged as it helps to promote.

Source: UCC
Monitoring and Evaluation Practices and Organisational Performance: A Case of Food Processing Firms in Selected Cities in Ghana

The study examined the effects of monitoring and evaluation (M&E) practices on the organisational performance of food processing firms in Ghana. It specifically investigated the M&E practices adopted by these firms and how major practices comprising the baseline study, M&E budget and M&E planning affect their firms’ organisational performance. This quantitative and descriptive-based research was underpinned by the stakeholder theory and the diffusion of innovations theory. The study gathered primary data via structured questionnaires from 174 sampled managers in a target population of 509 food processing firms operating in the Accra, Tema and Cape Coast cities. It focused on and gathered data from only firms that currently adopt the M&E practices. After the data collection, a data set of 157 was obtained and processed via the IBM SPSS (v.26) and SmartPLS software. Data analysis was done using the PLS-SEM technique. The study found that all the three key M&E practices (baseline, planning and budget) significantly and positively affected these firms’ performance. It was concluded that adopting the M&E practices positively predict any change in the firms’ performance. Hence, policy makers including the owners and management of the food processing firms should pay maximum attention to their M&E practices to attain higher organisational performance. KEYWORDS: Baseline Study, Monitoring and Evaluation, M&E Planning, M&E Budget, Organisational Performance

Source: UCC
Monitoring and Evaluation Systems and Performance of Projects Funded by Faith-Based Organizations: A Case of Fresh fire Church International, Ghana

The research aimed to investigate the impact of monitoring and evaluation (M&E) systems on the performance of projects funded by FreshFire Church International, a faith-based organization in Ghana. To attain this objective, the mixed research approach combing both qualitative and quantitative methodologies were utilized. This approach enabled the researcher to amalgamate the strengths of both methodologies, corroborate the findings via methodological triangulation, and enhance the validity of the outcomes. Within the framework of the mixed method, the cross-sectional descriptive research design was employed using a total of 206 sampled respondents comprising project officers, church leaders, donors and church members. Both researches designed Questionnaires and interview guides were utilized as the main instruments for the data collection and the data were analysed using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis. The results were presented in tables. The study revealed that the dominant method used for M&E process is surveys or questionnaires. This suggests that this method is considered effective within the context of these projects and maybe a standard part of the M&E processes. Stakeholder competency in Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) has a substantial impact on the performance of projects funded by FreshFire Church International. Stakeholder competency significantly aids in revealing the strengths and weaknesses of these projects. Also, the study found that the application of Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) outcomes significantly impacts the performance of projects funded by FreshFire Church International.

Source: UCC
Monitoring and evaluation, project performajce and socio-economic development of selected municipalities in northern region, Ghana

Monitoring and evaluation form an integral part of the project cycle and goodmanagement practice. Monitoring and evaluation is fundamental to achieving project goals, objectives and success. The study examines monitoring and evaluation, project performance and socio-economic development of selected areas in Northern Region, Ghana. The study adopted-quasi-experimental design with a mixed method. The study used purposive and convenience sampling techniques to select the study participa~ts. The instruments used for the data collection were questiollilaire and interview guide. The study used SPSS version 24 to process the data with descriptive statistics, correlation and comparative analysis of the study variables. It further used regression analysis and structure equation model to determine the relationship between the monitoring and evaluation, project performance and socioeconomic development. The study revealed that the monitoring teams conducted monitoring and evaluation of their projects, however the monitoring teams did not have formal training in monitoring and evaluation. Additionally, the study revealed that monitoring and evaluations are mandatory and are carried out in the MMDAs. The study further reveaied that the determinants of M&E include; Organizational Management/leadership, Allocation of Timelines, and Training of Employees. The results show that M&E teams experience • • ':' 1: difficulties in using the M&E tools and methods and lack of qualified personnel to handle the.M&E tools. The study shows that Access to education, Access to Health and Economic activities are the effects of M&E on socio economic development in the selected Municipalities. An integrated system of all actors in the chain ofM&E model is developed to enhance accelerated socioeconomic development in the selected municipalities in Northern Region. The study recommends that Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development should employ professionals in monitoring and evaluation to handle monitoring issues in the MMDAs. Staff of the MMDAs and key stakeholders in the communities should be trained on the different types of monitoring and evaluation tools and how to use these tools during project implementation. Government, the MMDAs and donors should put in more fmancial resources to take care of M&E at the early stage of the project initiation. Government should also decentralize the recruitment of special needs staff like the M&E experts to carry out monitoring and evaluation at the MMDAs level to give management the opportunity to employ them when the need arises.

Source: UCC
Monitoring Dimensions and Project Success of Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies in the Central Region of Ghana

The study sought to assess the effect of monitoring dimension on project success within the Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies in Ghana. Specifically, the study assessed the effect of three main monitoring dimensions namely; situational, compliance and process monitoring. It further determined whether MMDAs follows the key steps outlined in the national M&E manual. It employed a both qualitative and qualitative approach using an explanatory and narrative design. Planning officers, internal auditors, heads of Works department, finance officer, budget officer, and heads of welfare departments within these MMDAs were interviewed and given questionnaires. The responses analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics, structural equation modelling and narrative analysis. The study found that Situational, compliance and process monitoring dimensions had a positive significant effect on project success. Also was also discovered that in carrying out all their monitoring activities, MMDAs follows all the guidelines as outlined in the national monitoring and evaluation manual. The study recommends that management should emphasize on putting measures in place in order to ensure the improvement of their monitoring dimensions. Also, it further recommends that bodies in charge of developing the manual should continuously update the manual to reflect new and current changes in order to help MMDAs have an improved guideline for their monitoring activities

Source: UCC
Monitoring, evaluation and public project success in central region: The role of professional ethics

This study examined the role of professional ethics in the relationship between monitoring and evaluation, and project success among MMDAs in the Central Region. The theoretical foundation was built from the agency theory and the theory of change. In terms of methods, the study employed the positivist paradigm and the approach was quantitative. The design was explanatory and the population was planning officers, heads of works, auditors, budget officers, finance officers, social welfare and community development officers among MMDAs in Central Region. The sample size was 111 officers and the sampling technique was randomisation using excel. The data collection instrument was a structured questionnaire. The data processing software was SPSS version 25 and SmartPLs version 3; and the data analytical tool was the partial least square-structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM). The study found that monitoring had a negative significant effect on public project success; and evaluation has positive significant effect on public project success. Also, the study found that professional ethics plays a positive significant moderating role in the relationship between monitoring and public project success. Lastly, the study found that professional ethics plays a positive significant moderating role in the relationship between evaluation and public project success even though it reduced the strength of the relationship. In view of the findings, it was recommended that policymakers should consider reviewing monitoring policies to strike a balance between oversight and project success; and that public project evaluation and ethical guidelines for public project management should be institutionalized as a mandatory practice within policy frameworks.

Source: UCC