ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
“Now we’ve All Turned to Eating Processed Foods”: A Photovoice Study of the Food and Nutrition Security Implications of ‘Galamsey’ in Ghana.

Galamsey, a popular name for small-scale mining in Ghana, is an important livelihood for many rural Ghanaians. Although concerns have been raised in the popular media about the adverse effects of galamsey on the environment, human health, and livelihoods, there is a representational paucity of evidence regarding its links with local food systems, particularly, from the perspective of affected mining communities. The current study explored community perceptions and experiences of galamsey and its perceived effects on food security and livelihoods in the East Akim Municipality in the Eastern region of Ghana. Primary data was collected in the East Akim Municipality of Ghana, using a photovoice method. Thirty-six male and female adults were purposively selected with the help of a community focal persons and advertisements in the study communities. Respondents participated in a one-day photography training and thereafter, were deployed to take at least fifteen photos that portray the effect of galamsey on food security and health. Subsequently, each participant was asked to select five of the photographs they have taken and explain why they captured that image. A photo exhibition was held to facilitate community conversation and perspectives on the effects of galamsey on food and nutrition security. Galamsey has resulted in degradation of, otherwise, fertile agricultural land, and contamination of freshwater sources. As a consequence, there is reduced cultivable land, reduced crop production, shortage of essential staple foods, increase in food price, and increased consumption of ultra-processed foods. There is also perception of increased exposure to heavy metals like mercury in locally-produced food. Given the adverse health consequences of both food and nutrition insecurity, and increased consumption of processed foods, it is important that public and policy discussions to minimize the effects of galamsey in Ghana should include considerations about food and nutrition insecurity in mining communities.

Source: UG
Nrf2 deficiency in mice attenuates erythropoietic stress-related macrophage hypercellularity

Erythropoiesis in the bone marrow and spleen depends on intricate interactions between the resident macrophages and erythroblasts. Our study focuses on identifying the role of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) during recovery from stress erythropoiesis. To that end, we induced stress erythropoiesis in Nrf2+/+ and Nrf2-null mice and evaluated macrophage subsets known to support erythropoiesis and erythroid cell populations. Our results confirm macrophage and erythroid hypercellularity after acute blood loss. Importantly, Nrf2 depletion results in a marked numerical reduction of F4/80+/CD169+/CD11b+ macrophages, which is more prominent under the induction of stress erythropoiesis. The observed macrophage deficiency is concomitant to a significantly impaired erythroid response to acute stress erythropoiesis in both murine bone marrow and murine spleen. Additionally, peripheral blood reticulocyte count as a response to acute blood loss is delayed in Nrf2-deficient mice compared with age-matched controls (11.0 ± 0.6% vs. 14.8 ± 0.6%, p ≤ 0.001). Interestingly, we observe macrophage hypercellularity in conjunction with erythroid hyperplasia in the bone marrow during stress erythropoiesis in Nrf2+/+ controls, with both impaired in Nrf2–/– mice. We further confirm the finding of macrophage hypercellularity in another model of erythroid hyperplasia, the transgenic sickle cell mouse, characterized by hemolytic anemia and chronic stress erythropoiesis. Our results revealed the role of Nrf2 in stress erythropoiesis in the bone marrow and that macrophage hypercellularity occurs concurrently with erythroid expansion during stress erythropoiesis. Macrophage hypercellularity is a previously underappreciated feature of stress erythropoiesis in sickle cell disease and recovery from blood loss.

Source: UG
Ntam 'reminiscential oath' taboo in Akan

Ntam 'reminiscential oath' among the Akan of Ghana is a commissive form that has statutory force. In it, the oath-taker evokes the memory of historical events that are dangerous and unpleasant to mention. The statutory force of the oath is accomplished by the evocation of these memories in the community which shares them. This article reviews the types of ntam oaths, the contexts for their use, and their structure.

Source: UG
Nucleoside Analogues Are Potent Inducers of Pol V-mediated Mutagenesis

Drugs targeting DNA and RNA in mammalian cells or viruses can also affect bacteria present in the host and thereby induce the bacterial SOS system. This has the potential to increase mutagenesis and the development of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Here, we have examined nucleoside analogues (NAs) commonly used in anti-viral and anti-cancer therapies for potential effects on mutagenesis in Escherichia coli, using the rifampicin mutagenicity assay. To further explore the mode of action of the NAs, we applied E. coli deletion mutants, a peptide inhibiting Pol V (APIMpeptide) and metabolome and proteome analyses. Five out of the thirteen NAs examined, including three nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) and two anti-cancer drugs, increased the mutation frequency in E. coli by more than 25-fold at doses that were within reported plasma concentration range (Pl.CR), but that did not affect bacterial growth. We show that the SOS response is induced and that the increase in mutation frequency is mediated by the TLS polymerase Pol V. Quantitative mass spectrometry-based metabolite profiling did not reveal large changes in nucleoside phosphate or other central carbon metabolite pools, which suggests that the SOS induction is an effect of increased replicative stress. Our results suggest that NAs/NRTIs can contribute to the development of AMR and that drugs inhibiting Pol V can reverse this mutagenesis.

Source: UG
Number of students in clinical placement and the quality of the clinical learning environment: A cross-sectional study of nursing and midwifery students

Background: Clinical placement is an important component of nursing and midwifery education. It exposes students to the real-world healthcare environment, where theoretical knowledge is put into practice. However, the quality of the clinical learning environment in sub-Sahara Africa has not been well explored. Objective: The objectives of this study were to assess trainees' perceptions of the number of students on the ward or clinical unit, and the quality of the clinical learning environment. Design: Cross-sectional survey. Setting: Nursing and midwifery students were recruited from three public hospitals in the Upper East Region. Ghana, between July and August 2019. Participants: 254 nursing and midwifery students were recruited using the convenience sampling technique. Methods: Data were collected with the Clinical Learning Environment and Supervision + Nurse Teacher Questionnaire. Data were analysed using univariate, bivariate and multivariable analyses. Results: It was found that the participants rated supervisory relationship; pedagogical atmosphere; role of nurse teacher; leadership style of ward managers; and premises of care on the ward as average. Students' perceptions of the quality of the clinical learning environment were predicted by the supervisory relationship (β = 0.219, 95% CI: 0.016-0.070), leadership style (β = 0.199, 95% CI: 0.011-0.133) and perception of number of students in clinical placement (β = 0.224, 95%CI: 0.022-0.093). The trainees indicated that the number of students on the ward did not correspond with the amount of medical equipment and supervisors. Conclusion: The quality of the clinical learning environment was perceived to be suboptimal. Leadership style, supervisory relationship and perceptions of the number of students on the ward were the salient factors that influenced students' perceptions of the quality of the clinical learning environment. Leaders of nursing and midwifery training institutions must liaise with stakeholders to enhance the quality of clinical learning environment.

Source: UG
Numerical Analysis of Graphene Cladded Optical Fibre

Graphene has been hailed as a material with extraordinary properties capable of transforming many scientific and industrial fields. In this work, the vector H-field finite element method is used in the characterization of a graphene cladded fibre. Results are presented on the modal analysis of various types of graphene cladded optical fibres. Such fibres may find use as nonlinear elements in linear pulse compression schemes for ultra fast pulse generation.

Source: UG
Numerical modeling of radionuclide migration through a borehole disposal site

Abstract The migration of radionuclides from a borehole repository located about 20&#160;km from the Akwapim fault line which lies in an area of high seismicity was analyzed for some selected radionuclides. In the event of a seismic activity, fractures and faults could be rejuvenated or initiated resulting in container failure leading to the release of radionuclides. A numerical model was solved using a two-dimensional finite element code (Comsol Multiphysics) by taking into account the effect of heterogeneities. Results showed that, the fractured medium created preferential pathways indicating that, fault zones generated potential paths for released radionuclides from a radioactive waste repository. The results obtained showed that variations in hydraulic conductivity as a result of the heterogeneity considered within the domain significantly affected the direction of flow.

Source: UG
Numerical simulation for the control rod assembly drop time evaluation in a LFR

During scram, the Control Rod Assembly (CRA) is quickly dropped into the core and as well, if any of the operating limits are exceeded, the CRA is dropped into the core within a stipulated time to shut down the reactor power as soon as possible. In this study, the Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) approach was used to investigate the CRA drop dynamics of a lead-based research reactor. To simulate the flow field around the CRA in the guide tube, a 3-dimensional model of the CRA in the LBE-filled guide tube was developed and discretized; and the averaged Navier-Stokes equations coupled with the dynamic mesh method were adopted. Considering the large mesh deformation in the LBE coolant domain while the CRA drops, the recently developed FSI method in the CFX code, namely the rigid body approach, was adopted, which falls under the monolithic method. In this method, the translational CRA wall, which is partially immersed in the LBE, was set as a rigid body. It has the advantage of updating and improving the mesh quality through the mesh and re-meshing technique during the process of computation. Compared with the results of the work done in the available literature, the CFD model proved to be applicable and reliable. From the results, the inherent high density among the LBE flow characteristics had the most influence on the drop time. The mass of the CRA impacts its driving force so that the drop time reduces when the CRA mass is increased. In conclusion, the method used in this study can be applied to compute and predict significant parameters which can serve as a reference for a suitable design of the CRA and its drive mechanism in the case of modification for safety

Source: UG
Nurse and midwifery prescribing in Ireland: A scope-of-practice development for worldwide consideration

For 10 years, select Irish nurses and midwives who pass a rigorous 6 month theory and practical program can prescribe medications and other medicinal products. Given the need for timely, accessible, and affordable health-care services in all countries, this nursing/midwifery education and practice development is worthy of examination. Irish nurse/midwife prescribing occurred following long-term deliberative nursing profession advocacy, nursing education planning, nursing administration and practice planning, interdisciplinary health-care team support and complementary efforts, and government action. A review of documents, research, and other articles was undertaken to examine this development process and report evaluative information for consideration by other countries seeking to improve their health-care systems. Nurse/midwife prescribing was accomplished successfully in Ireland, with the steps taken there to initiate and establish nurse/midwife prescribing of value internationally. © 2018 John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd

Source: UG
Nurse Managers’ Leadership Styles and Turnover Intention Among Nurses in Brong Ahafo Region – Ghana

Turnover intention is the conceived idea by nurses to leave one hospital for another or to quit the nursing profession for another job. The shortage of nurses in healthcare organizations is a global concern. Retention of nurses can be ensured with effective leadership and managerial practices resulting in quality health care delivery. This study investigated the leadership styles of Nurse Managers and its influence on the turnover intention of nurses in Hospitals in the Brong Ahafo Region - Ghana. A quantitative approach using a cross-sectional survey was employed to collect data from two hundred and fifty (250) nurses working in five selected hospitals in Brong Ahafo Region - Ghana. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Descriptive statistics revealed that Nurse Managers working in hospitals in Brong Ahafo Region – Ghana practices five leadership styles (Transformational, Transactional, Laissez-Faire, Participative and Autocratic). However, participatory and transformational leadership styles are predominantly practiced by Nurse Managers in the Units/Departments while transactional, autocratic and laissez-faire leadership styles are occasionally practiced. Correlation analysis revealed a negative and significant relationship between participative and transformational leadership styles and turnover intention. There was a positive and significant relationship between autocratic and laissez-faire leadership styles and turnover intention. Furthermore, demographic characteristics of nurses were not significantly related to turnover intention in this study. Using multiple regression, nurses work experience and leadership styles of their Nurse Managers were significant predictors for turnover intention. The study variables explained 38.4% of the variance in nurses’ turnover intention. The findings of this study support and expand knowledge on the utilization of participative and transformational leadership styles by Nurse Managers over autocratic and laissez-faire styles in the Unit/Department to reduce turnover intention. Ghana Health Service should strengthen comprehensive in-service training programmes on leadership in nursing as a proactive strategy for preventing turnover intention among nurses.

Source: UG
Nurse-led telerehabilitation intervention to improve stroke efficacy: Protocol for a pilot randomized feasibility trial

Background The prevalence of stroke continues to rise in low-middle income countries. The continual rise in stroke cases and increasing prevalence on post-acute needs represent a crucial call for increased accessibility and utilization of rehabilitation services. Aim The primary objective of the study is to test the feasibility of a nurse-led telerehabilitation intervention in improving self-efficacy among stroke survivors. The findings of the trial are intended for use in a future larger study. Methods Participants would be recruited at the University of Ghana Hospital and randomized into an intervention group and a control group. Participants aged � 18 years, diagnosed of stroke at most 12months prior the recruitment and requiring moderate level of assistance would be considered for eligibility. Participants in the intervention group will receive individualized and comprehensive nurse-led rehabilitation therapies in physical, emotional, cognitive and nursing education domains for 6 months, in addition to treatment as usual (TAU). The control group will only receive treatment as usual. Follow-up evaluations will occur immediately, 30 days and 90 days after the intervention. Discussion Providing stroke rehabilitation services in low-resource settings presents a significant challenge due to limited infrastructure and a lack of trained healthcare professionals. The current study has the potential of contributing to the growing body of evidence on the impact of telerehabilitation services in mitigating these challenges in low-resource settings.

Source: UG
Nursery management practices and profitability of citrus planting material production among private nursery operation at Okumaning

A survey was carried out among private nursery operators at Okumaning to examine their nursery management practices, production problems and the profitability of their operations using semi-structured questionnaires and focus group discussions. The results of the study revealed that although citrus planting material production serves as a source of livelihood for several youth in the area, problems of marketing, pests and diseases, high costs of inputs and lack of support services impede the enterprise. Nursery operators were found to exhibit poor knowledge in budwood-transmissible diseases which can have serious repercussion on the future of the citrus industry. The study also indicated that indiscriminate use of pesticides in citrus nurseries at Okumaning deserves special attention as it affects human health and pollutes the underground water and the streams along which the nurseries are cited. The cost/benefits analysis of this study suggests that the production of the citrus seedlings will be more profitable and efficient when a seedling is sold for at least (GH¢0.22) (US$0.23), which will give a return on investment of about 35% and above. The need to organize regular training sessions for the nursery operators to update their knowledge on basic nursery practices and identification and control of budwood-transmissible diseases is discussed.

Source: UG
Nursery management practices and profitability of citrus planting materials production and private nursery operators at Okumaning, Ghana

A survey was carried out among private nursery operators at Okumaning to examine their nursery management practices, production problems and profitability of their operations using semi-structured questionnaires and focus group discussions. The result of the study revealed that although citrus planting material production serves as a source of livelihood for several youth in the area, problems of marketing, pest and diseases, high cost of inputs and lack of support services impede the enterprise. Nursery operators were found to exhibit poor knowledge in budwood-transmissible diseases which can have serious repercussion on the future of the citrus industry. The study also indicated that indiscriminate use of pesticides in the citrus nurseries at Okumaning desire special attention as it affects human health; pollute the underground water and the streams along which the nurseries are sited. The cost/benefit analysis of this study suggests that the production of citrus seedlings will be more profitable and efficient when a seedling is sold for at least GHc 0.22(US$0.23), which will give a return on investment of about 35% and above. The need to organize regular training sessions for nursery operators to update their knowledge on basic nursery practices and identification and control of budwood-transmission diseases is discussed.

Source: UG
Nurses knowledge and attitude towards care of older patients: A cross-sectional study

The older adult population is very vulnerable and access health care frequently because of their changing needs. Additionally, nurses are the main carers of the older population when they visit the hospital. It is said that in- dividual beliefs and values influence how we perceive and act towards the older population. This study aims to assess the knowledge and attitude of nurses towards older adults. The knowledge and attitude of nurses towards the care of older adults has not been studied in Ghana. Hence a survey study was conducted among 40 nurses who had enrolled on a Bachelor of Nursing program using the Fact on Aging Quiz 1, and Kogan’s Attitudes toward Old People Scale from 25th July to 8th August 2019. Results of the study show that even in a country with reverence for older adults and recognised family bonds, poor knowledge and attitudes of nurses toward older adults can affect the quality of health care provided. These findings have implications for nursing education, and clinical practice. Changes across these sectors based on the findings may contribute to improving the quality of health care older adults receive.

Source: UG
Nurses’ and midwives’ perspectives on participation in national policy development, review and reforms in Ghana: a qualitative study

Background: The World Health Organization has admonished member countries to strive towards achieving universal health coverage (UHC) through actionable health policies and strategies. Nurses and midwives have instrumental roles in achieving UHC via health policy development and implementation. However, there is a paucity of empirical data on nurses and midwives’ participation in policy development in Ghana. The current study explored nurses and midwives’ participation in policy development, reviews and reforms in Ghana. Methods: A qualitative descriptive exploratory design was adopted for this study. One-on-one individual interviews were conducted after 30 participants were purposefully selected. Data was audiotaped with permission, transcribed and analyzed inductively using the content analysis procedures. Results: Two main themes emerged from the data: participation in policy development and perspectives on policy reviews and reforms. The findings showed that during health policy development and reviews, nurses in Ghana were overlooked and unacknowledged. Policy reforms regarding bridging the pre-service preparation gap, staff development and motivation mechanisms and influence on admission into nursing schools were raised. Conclusion: The authors concluded that nurses and midwives are crucial members of the healthcare systems and their inputs in policy development and reviews would improve health delivery in Ghana.

Source: UG