ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Population Structure and Genomic Characterisation of the Ashanti Dwarf Pig of Ghana

There is still limited information on the genomic structure and genetic diversity of African pigs. Genetic diversity studies can contribute significantly to the genetic improvement and conser vation of African pigs. This study presents a genetic diversity analysis and population structure of pig breeds in Ghana, with a focus on the Ashanti Dwarf pig (ADP), an indigenous pig breed of Ghana. A total of 167 pigs sampled in Ghana and populations consisting of Ashanti Dwarf pigs (n = 106), exotics (mostly European pigs) (n = 11), crosses (between indigenous and exotic breeds) (n = 44), and unknown breeds (nondescript) (n = 6) were genotyped using Porcine SNP60K BeadChip. Moderate heterozygosity levels, ranging from 0.28 for Ashanti Dwarf pigs to 0.31 for exotic pigs (mostly European pigs), were observed. Principal component analysis of the pig populations within Ghana resulted in two distinct clusters of pigs: (i) Northern and (ii) Southern regional clusters. The PCA based on breed also resulted in four clusters: (i) ADPs; (ii) exotics (iii) crossbreeds between ADP and exotics; (iv) unknown breed types. The PCA demonstrated that the clustering was influenced by genetics, geographical location, production systems, and practices. ADMIXTURE-based analysis also showed that the populations within Ghana are admixed. FST analysis revealed SNPs associated with QTLs for traits such as disease resilience and growth among ADP populations within the different regional and ecological zones of Ghana.

Source: UG
Population, agricultural extensification and intensification in the dry and derived savannah zones of Ghana

This paper examines the role of population in agricultural practices in food crop production in Ghana. Perspectives from Malthus and Boserup (land use extensification and intensification) and multiphasic response theory are drawn upon to postulate linkages between population and these two forms of response in land use. Data from a 2001 household survey of 504 households in 24 rural localities in two ecologically, climatologically, and culturally different regions of Ghana, viz, the dry and derived savannahs are drawn upon in this study. Descriptive statistics, correlation matrices, and multiple regression are used to explore relationships between population and land use in each region and together. Results show that both agricultural extensification and intensification are common in the derived savannah compared with the dry savannah, and that this is at least partly attributable to the former being characterized by better soils, larger farms, better access to agricultural and non-agricultural economic activities, and more schooling. While there was no evidence of Malthusian impacts on land extensification, this could result from the lack of available unused land. Boserupian intensification was evident in household size linkages with the intensity of labor use. There is also evidence of the theoretically proposed tradeoffs (hypothesized in multiphasic response theory) between extensification and intensification in the derived savannah and the two areas combined, between more land and lower labor intensity and between more tractor use and shorter fallow periods. The paper concludes with important caveats and suggestions for future research, as well as some policy implications for Ghana.

Source: UG
Population, health and development in Ghana: Attaining the millennium development goals

Review books or articles provide a critical and constructive analysis of existing published literature in a field, through summary, analysis, and comparison, often identifying specific gaps or problems and providing recommendations for future research. These are considered as secondary literature since they generally do not present new data from the author's experimental work. Review articles can be of three types, broadly speaking: literature reviews, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses. It also the researcher to stay abreast of new literature in the field.

Source: UG
Population‑based sero‑epidemiological investigation of the dynamics of SARS‑CoV‑2 infections in theGreater Accra Region ofGhana

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
A population-based study in Ghana to investigate inter-individual variation in plasma t-PA and PAI-1

Introduction: Susceptibility to arterial thrombosis has a significant genetic component that is partly due to the expression of two proteins, tissue-type plasminogen activator (t-PA) and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), that directly influence thrombus formation and degradation. We have initiated a large-scale population-based study to characterize the genetic architecture of plasma t-PA and PAI-1 in Blacks from Sunyani, Ghana. Design: The design of the study is based on the recruitment of 2000 unrelated subjects who are ascertained without regard to chronic disease status. The analyses of the results will be done by dividing the data into two parts, a modeling set and a validation data set. This study design will facilitate the identification of genetic, environmental, and demographic factors that contribute to inter-individual variation in plasma levels of t-PA and PAI-1 in the population at-large. Results: We report the specifics of the study design, as well as phenotype information on the first 1000 subjects. Our results show that females and males differ significantly in several key measures, including PAI-1, BMI, total cholesterol, and systolic blood pressure. Conclusions: The data collected from this population-based study demonstrate significant sex differences in PAI-1 and critical factors that may influence risk of thrombosis. These samples will serve to inform the genetic analyses of t-PA and PAI- levels.

Source: UG
Population-based study of diabetic mellitus prevalence and its associated factors in adult Ghanaians in the Greater Accra Region

The increasing prevalence of Diabetes Mellitus (DM) has become an issue of global concern. Diabetes affects over 100 million people the world over. It has been observed in Ghana that diet-related diseases such as DM and hypertension are on the increase. However, statistical data on the prevalence of the disease in Ghana is scanty. This study therefore investigated the prevalence and the risk-factors of DM in adults in the Greater Accra Region. The study was a cross-sectional one involving people living in purposely selected urban and peri-urban communities in the Greater Accra Region. A total of 288 men and 309 women aged between 36 and 95 years participated in the study. Subjects were screened for DM using urinary and fasting blood glucose determinations. Data on background of subject were collected and anthropometric measurements were taken. Data entry and analysis were done using Microsoft Excel, and SPSS. Statistical significance was tested at 5%. Chi-square test was used to determine the strength of association between DM prevalence and other variables. Prevalence of diabetes among subjects as determined by fasting blood glucose was 3.9%. Physical activity, family history and hypertension among subjects were significantly associated with diabetes prevalence. Positive associations were also observed between diabetes prevalence and age, BMI, and WHR. Other factors were not significantly associated with diabetes prevalence. Diabetes prevalence among subjects was high. This warrants efforts to address risk factors identified in this study. © Research Society for Study of Diabetes in India 2011.

Source: UG
Porosity analysis of two acrisols by X-ray computed microtomography

Porosity and void characteristics of two major Acrisols (Ferric Acrisol and a Ferri-Plinthic Acrisol) with contrasting pedogenic features from the humid forest zone of Ghana were studied by X-ray computed microtomography. Spatial variability of the porosity of the two Acrisols, as well as the volume of different classes of void size, shape, and orientation, was quantitatively determined. Variations in the void characteristics were interpreted in correlation with the pedogenic features of the two soils. The Ferri-Plinthic Acrisol, with more numerous roots, faunal burrows, and with smaller amounts of rock fragments than the Ferric Acrisol, exhibited a larger total pore volume. The greatest part of the pore volume in the two soils could be associated with the macrovoids class. There was a strong correlation between void size and shape. Regular voids corresponded in general to mesovoids of biogenic origin, especially in the surface horizons, whereas irregular and elongated voids were composed mostly of macrovoids. Void orientation was predominantly inclined, with the exception of the horizons where the root or fauna advancement was impeded by a dense subjacent horizon. Considering soil-vegetation relationships, the computed microtomography imagery showed that root development in the lower horizons of the Ferric Acrisol was probably impeded by Fe-Mn nodules; cultivation of Crotalaria juncea on this soil probably facilitated the root penetration in some of the denser zones within the profile. The Ferri-Plinthic Acrisol structure could be improved by the extensive root system of Chromolaena odorata, a self-established fast-growing perennial shrub. Management strategies of the two major soils need to take into account relevant information on pore distribution, morphology, and orientation. Copyright © 2009 by Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Inc.

Source: UG
Positioning big data analytics capabilities towards financial service agility

Purpose: Enterprises are increasingly taking actionable steps to transform existing business models through digital technologies for service transformation, such as big data analytics (BDA). BDA capabilities offer financial institutions to source financial data, analyse data, gain insight and store such data and information on collaborative platforms for a quick decision-making process. Accordingly, this study identifies how BDA capabilities can be deployed to provide significant improvement for financial services agility. Design/methodology/approach: The study relied on survey data from 485 banking professionals’ perspectives with BDA usage, IT capability development and financial service agility. The PLS-SEM technique was used to evaluate the underlying relationship and the applicability of the research framework proposed. Findings: Based on the empirical test from this study, distinctive BDA usage grounded on the concept of IT capability viewpoint proof that financial service agility could be enhanced provided enterprises develop technical capabilities alongside other relevant resources. Practical implications: The study further highlights the need for financial service managers to identify BDA technologies such as data mining, query and reporting, data visualisation, predictive modelling, streaming analytics, video analytics and voice analytics to focus on financial knowledge gathering and market observation. Financial managers can also deploy BDA tools to develop a strategic road map for data management, data transferability and knowledge discovery for customised financial products. Originality/value: This study is a useful contribution to the burgeoning discussion with emerging technologies such as BDA have implications for improving enterprises operations.

Source: UG
Positioning strategies of foreign and indigenous firms in an African cultural milie

Despite the pivotal role of positioning in marketing strategy formulation, few studies explicitly examine posi tioning strategies employed by foreign and indigenous firms operating in the same cultural milieu. Relying on the concepts of culture and positioning as the backdrop, this research contributes to the literature by answering two key research questions: What are the differences between African indigenous firms' and Africa-based foreign firms' pursuits of positioning strategies? And is a Western-developed typology of positioning strategies applicable in an African cultural milieu, and more specifically, in the Ghanaian cultural environment? The results of the study demonstrate that indigenous and foreign firms replicate each other's positioning strategies to carve out positions, although foreign firms aggressively pursue a wider range of strategies than indigenous firms. While there is a uniform attempt by indigenous and foreign firms to reach the mass-market and lower- to middle-class target audiences, foreign firms focus more on middle-class audiences than do indigenous firms. The authors discuss implications for marketing theory and practice.

Source: UG
Positioning strategies of foreign and indigenous firms in an African cultural milieu

Despite the pivotal role of positioning in marketing strategy formulation, few studies explicitly examine positioning strategies employed by foreign and indigenous firms operating in the same cultural milieu. Relying on the concepts of culture and positioning as the backdrop, this research contributes to the literature by answering two key research questions: What are the differences between African indigenous firms' and Africa-based foreign firms' pursuits of positioning strategies? And is a Western-developed typology of positioning strategies applicable in an African cultural milieu, and more specifically, in the Ghanaian cultural environment? The results of the study demonstrate that indigenous and foreign firms replicate each other's positioning strategies to carve out positions, although foreign firms aggressively pursue a wider range of strategies than indigenous firms. While there is a uniform attempt by indigenous and foreign firms to reach the mass-market and lower- to middle-class target audiences, foreign firms focus more on middle-class audiences than do indigenous firms. The authors discuss implications for marketing theory and practice.

Source: UG
Positioning the National Health Insurance for financial sustainability and Universal Health Coverage in Ghana: A qualitative study among key stakeholders

The National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) was introduced in 2003 to reduce “out-of-pocket” payments for health care in Ghana. Over a decade of its implementation, issues about the financial sustainability of this pro-poor policy remains a crippling fact despite its critical role to go towards Universal Health Coverage. We therefore conducted this study to elicit stakeholders’ views on ways to improve the financial sustainability of the operations of NHIS. Twenty (20) stakeholders were identified from Ministry of Health, Ghana Health Services, health workers groups, private medical practitioners, civil society organizations and developmental partners. They were interviewed using an interview guide developed from a NHIS policy review and analysis. All interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim. The data were analysed thematically with the aid of NVivo 12 softwares Stakeholders admitted that the NHIS is currently unable to meet its financial obligations. The stakeholders suggested first the adoption of capitation as a provider payment mechanism to minimize the risk of providers’ fraud and protection from political interference. Sec ondly, they indicated that rapid releases of specific statutory deductions and taxes for NHIS providers could reduce delays in claims’ reimbursement which is one of the main challenges faced by healthcare providers. Aligning the NHIS with the Community-based Health Planning and Services and including preventive and promotive health is necessary to position the Scheme for Universal Health Coverage.Conclusion The Scheme will potentially achieve UHC if protected from political interference to improve the governance and transparency that affects the finances of the scheme and the expansion of services to include preventive and promotive services and cancers.

Source: UG
Positive and negative psychosis risk symptoms among adolescents in Ghana

Psychotic-like experiences (PLEs) have attracted increased scholarly attention; however, there are limited empirical studies in Africa where environmental risk factors for psychosis such as maltreatment are highly prevalent. The study investigated the prevalence and characteristics of PLEs, as well as the association between PLEs and behavioural maladies among adolescents in Ghana. Data were collected from 553 adolescents (girls = 322, 58.1%) using a cross-sectional survey design. The prevalence of the positive PLEs ranges from 3.8% to 41.2, whereas, for negative PLE, the prevalence ranges from 4.9% to 13% . The PLEs dimensions were significantly associated with depressive and anxiety symptoms, as well as suicidal tendency. Cluster analysis identified three groups of participants: normative, low risk and high risk for psychosis. The psychosis risk groups significantly reported more PLEs and behavioural maladies, com pared with the normative group. This preliminary study suggests that psychosis risk symptoms are prevalent in adolescents in Ghana.

Source: UG
Positive selection of a CD36 nonsense variant in sub-saharan Africa, but no association with severe malaria phenotypes

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
Possible adverse effect of high delta-alpha-tocopherol intake on hepatic iron overload: enhanced production of vitamin C and the genotoxin, 8-hydroxy-2'- deoxyguanosine.

Excess hepatic iron generates reactive oxygen species that result in oxidative stress and oxidative damage to the liver. Vitamins have hitherto been considered to be a possible remedy. The aim of this study was to determine if high doses of delta-alpha-tocopherol supplementation in iron overload would ameliorate the oxidative stress. Four groups of 20 male Wistar albino rats were studied: group 1 (control) was fed normal diet, group 2 (Fe) 0.75% Ferrocene iron, group 3 (FV gp) 0.75% Ferrocene/delta-alpha-tocopherol (10x RDA), group 4 (V gp) normal diet/delta-alpha-tocopherol. After 12 months, serum iron, reduced glutathione, catalase, vitamin C, Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity, lipid peroxidation, 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), aspartate transaminase (AST), and alanine transaminase (ALT) were measured. Vitamin C levels were: F gp = 5.04 +/- 0.09; FV gp = 5.85 +/- 0.13 (micromol/l) (p < 0.05). 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine levels were: F gp = 143.6 +/- 6.4; FV gp = 179.2 +/- 18.2 (ng/ml) (p < 0.05). Oxidative liver damage, as determined by serum AST and ALT levels, was not attenuated by alpha-tocopherol. A positive correlation existed between vitamin C and 8-OHdG, suggesting possible delta-alpha-tocopherol toxicity.

Source: UG
Possible adverse effect of high δ-alpha-tocopherol intake on hepatic iron overload: enhanced production of Vitamin C and the genotoxin, 8-hydroxy-2’-dexyguanosine

Excess hepatic iron generates reactive oxygen species that result in oxidative stress and oxidative damage to the layer. Vitamins have hitherto been considered to be a possible remedy. The aim of this study was to determine if high doses of δ-a-tocopherol supplementation in iron overload would ameltorate the oxidative stress. Four groups of 20 males Wistar albino rats were studied: group 1 (control) was fed normal diet, group 2 (Fe) 0.75% Ferrocene iron, group 3 (FV gp) 0.75% Ferrocene/δ-a-tocopherol (10x RDA), group 4 (V gp) normal diet/δ-a-tocopherol. After 12 months, serum iron, reduced glutathione, catalase, Vitamin C., Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity, lipid peroxidation, 8-hydroxy-2’ dexyguanosine (8-OHdG), aspartate transaminase (AST), and alanine transaminase (ALT) were measured. Vitamin C levels were F gp=5.85 ± 0.13 (µmol/l) (p<0.05). 8-hydroxy 2’-dexyguanosine levels were F gp – 143.6 ± 6.4; FV gp – 179.2 ± 18.2 (ng/ml) (p,0.05). Oxidative liver damage, as determined by serum AST and ALT levels, was not attenuated by a-tocopherol. A positive correlation existed between vitamin C and 8-OHdg, suggesting possible a-tocopherol toxicity.

Source: UG
Possible artefacts in the in vitro determination of antimalarial activity of natural products that incorporate into lipid bilayer: Apparent antiplasmodial activity of dehydroabietinol, a constituent of Hyptis suaveolens

Dehydroabietinol isolated from Hyptis suaveolens (L.) Poit. was found to inhibit growth of chloroquine-sensitive as well as chloroquine-resistant strains of Plasmodium falciparum cultivated in erythrocytes in vitro (IC50 26-27 μM). However, erythrocytes exposed to dehydroabietinol were transformed in a dose-dependent manner towards spherostomatocytic forms with concomitant formation of endovesicles, as disclosed by transmission electron microscopy. The erythrocyte shape alterations caused by dehydroabietinol correlated well with its apparent IC50 value. Thus, dehydroabietinol incorporates into the erythrocyte membrane, and since invasion and survival of Plasmodium parasites is known to depend on the function of the erythrocyte membrane, the observed antiplasmodial effect of dehydroabietinol is presumably an indirect effect on the host cell. Because of these findings, microscopic investigations should be generally used to support claims of antimalarial effects of apolar natural products.

Source: UG
A possible circulation of a dominant Dibothriocephalus nihonkaiensis haplotype in Japan revealed by molecular analysis of clinical tapeworm samples

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
Possible contributing factors to the paucity of yellow fever epidemics in the Ashanti region of Ghana, West Africa.

Yellow fever virus vectors identified in the Ashanti region of Ghana included Aedes aegypti, Aedes africanus, Aedes luteocephalus and Aedes vittatus. Other mosquito species, unrelated to yellow fever transmission, identified in this study included Culex tigripes, Culex thalassius, Culex decens, Culex tarsalis, Anopheles gambiae, Anopheles stephansi and Toxorynchites brevipalpis . Factors generally known to influence yellow fever transmission were also studied in the Ashanti region. These included Aedes mosquito larval indices, biting or man-contact rates, rainfall, relative humidity and duration of sunshine. Calculated values for these factors were found to be far below internationally accepted threshold values, due, perhaps, to the vast distribution, resillience and preferential predatory propensity of the larvae of T. brevipalpis, a mosquito species we found exclusively in the Ashanti region of Ghana, for A. aegypti larvae. Other predators of mosquito larvae encountered included Notonecta (Nepa species), Hydrometra, Culex tigripes, Belostoma and Lispa. The observed paucity of yellow fever outbreaks in the Ashanti region of Ghana may, in the main, be due to the preponderance resilience and selective predatory propensity and preference of T. brevipalpis for A. aegypti larvae. Furthermore, the observed presence of other predators which prey on A. aegypti larvae in the study areas, the low larval indices and the low man-vector contact rates recorded as well as the high prevalence of Group B antibodies found in the blood of the population of this region may also be contributory to the paucity of yellow fever outbreaks in the Ashanti region.

Source: UG