ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
DYNAMICS OF MULTI INFECTIONS DISEASE (MALARIA-ELEPHANTIASIS-ZIKA VIRUS) TRANSMISSION IN MOSQUITO ENDEMIC REGIONS

Mosquitoes are one of the deadliest insects in the world. Their ability to carry and spread disease to humans cause millions of deaths every year. The worldwide incidence of diseases caused by mosquitoes has risen 30-fold in the past 30 years, and more countries are reporting their first outbreaks of the mosquito caused diseases. Zika, Malaria, and Elephantiasis are all transmitted to humans by the Aedes aegypti mosquito. More than half of the world’s population live in areas where this mosquito species are present. Sustained mosquito control efforts are important to prevent outbreaks from these diseases. There are several different types of mosquitoes and some have the ability to carry many different diseases. The study presents a multi-infections system model to study the transmission dynamics of Malaria, Zika-Virus and Elephantiasis in an endemic region such as Kedougou in the South Eastern part of Senegal and other parts of the world. This makes it possible to have multi￾infections of the three diseases simultaneously. The main objective of this work was to study the dynamics of multi-infections (Malaria-Elephantiasis-Zika virus) and transmission through the use of mathematical model, to determine the stability of the multi-infections model, the co-infections model and also study the single models for individual diseases including Malaria, Zika and Elephantiasis. The disease-free equilibrium is performed and it was shown to be globally asymptotically stable when the associated threshold number known as the basic reproduction number for the model is R0 < 1. Investigation on the existence and stability of equilibria was also derived, the model was found to exhibit backward bifurcation. Thus, R0 less than unity is not sufficient to eradicate the disease from the population and there was the need to lower R0 below a certain threshold for effective disease control. Sensitivity analysis was performed to determine parameters that have high influence on the basic reproduction number. Optimal control policies was also used as measures to eradicate the diseases from the system

Source: KNUST
Dynamics of multi infections disease (malaria-elephantiasis-zika virus) transmission in mosquito endemic Regions

Mosquitoes are one of the deadliest insects in the world. Their ability to carry and spread disease to humans cause millions of deaths every year. The worldwide incidence of diseases caused by mosquitoes has risen 30-fold in the past 30 years, and more countries are reporting their first outbreaks of the mosquito caused diseases. Zika, Malaria, and Elephantiasis are all transmitted to humans by the Aedes aegypti mosquito. More than half of the world’s population live in areas where this mosquito species are present. Sustained mosquito control efforts are important to prevent outbreaks from these diseases. There are several different types of mosquitoes and some have the ability to carry many different diseases. The study presents a multi-infections system model to study the transmission dynamics of Malaria, Zika-Virus and Elephantiasis in an endemic region such as Kedougou in the South Eastern part of Senegal and other parts of the world. This makes it possible to have multi￾infections of the three diseases simultaneously. The main objective of this work was to study the dynamics of multi-infections (Malaria-Elephantiasis-Zika virus) and transmission through the use of mathematical model, to determine the stability of the multi-infections model, the co-infections model and also study the single models for individual diseases including Malaria, Zika and Elephantiasis. The disease-free equilibrium is performed and it was shown to be globally asymptotically stable when the associated threshold number known as the basic reproduction number for the model is R0 < 1. Investigation on the existence and stability of equilibria was also derived, the model was found to exhibit backward bifurcation. Thus, R0 less than unity is not sufficient to eradicate the disease from the population and there was the need to lower R0 below a certain threshold for effective disease control. Sensitivity analysis was performed to determine parameters that have high influence on the basic reproduction number. Optimal control policies was also used as measures to eradicate the diseases from the system.

Source: KNUST
Dynamics of T-cell IFN-γ and miR-29a expression during active pulmonary tuberculosis

IFN-γ is crucial for protection against Mycobacterium tuberculosis. miR-29 was recently shown to non-redundantly inhibit IFN-γ. Here, we investigated IFN-γ and miR-29a expression dynamics of CD4+ T cells from patients during active tuberculosis (TB) (n = 32) and in household contacts who were latently M. tuberculosis infected (n = 19) from Ghana. Whereas M. tuberculosis-specific IFN γ expression was similar during TB chemotherapy, superantigen stimulation indicated generally impaired IFN-γ expression in TB patients. No interdependency between miR-29a and IFN-γ expression of T cells was observed. However, miR-29a was differentially expressed in T cells during chemotherapy. We concluded that differential miR-29a expression in active TB was not causative for impaired IFN-γ expression.

Source: KNUST
Dynamics of the Cytokine Response to Mycobacterium ulcerans during Antibiotic Treatment for M. ulcerans Disease (Buruli Ulcer) in Humans

We have studied the evolution of the gamma interferon (IFN- ) and interleukin 10 (IL-10) responses after Mycobacterium ulcerans sonicate stimulation of whole blood from patients with early M. ulcerans lesions during treatment with rifampin and streptomycin for 8 weeks. Among the 26 patients, secretion of IFN- increased during treatment, with a significant increase at 4 weeks and a further increase after 8 weeks overall. The increase was more rapid in patients with large or ulcerative lesions, becoming significant by 4 weeks. For small lesions, there was only a minor increase, which did not reach significance. There was no significant change in the median IL-10 response during antibiotic therapy, and there was no inverse correlation between IFN- and IL-10 responses. These results demonstrate that an IFN- secretory response to M. ulcerans developed, independently of IL-10 secretion, in patients whose M. ulcerans disease healed during antibiotic therapy.

Source: KNUST
Dyslipidaemia among Ghanaian migrants in three European countries and their compatriots in rural and urban Ghana: The RODAM study

Background and aims: African populations have a favourable lipid profile compared to European populations. However, the extent to which they differ between rural and urban settings in Africa and upon migration to Europe is unknown. We assessed the lipid profiles of Ghanaians living in rural- and urban-Ghana and Ghanaian migrants living in three European countries. Methods: We used data from a multi-centre, cross-sectional study among Ghanaian adults residing in rural- and urban-Ghana and London, Amsterdam and Berlin (n = 5482). Dyslipidaemias were defined using the 2012 European Guidelines on Cardiovascular Prevention. Comparisons between groups were made using age-stan dardised prevalence and prevalence ratios (PRs) with adjustments for important covariates. Results: In both sexes, the age-standardised prevalence of high total cholesterol (TC) and LDL-cholesterol (LDL C) was lower in rural- than in urban-Ghana and Ghanaian migrants in Europe. Adjusted PRs of high TC and LDL C were higher in urban-Ghana (TC PR = 2.15, 95%confidence interval 1.69–2.73) and Ghanaian migrant men (TC PR = 2.03 (1.56–2.63)) compared to rural-Ghana, but there was no difference between rural- and Ghanaian migrant women (TC PR = 1.01 (0.84–1.22)). High triglycerides levels were as prevalent in rural-Ghana (11.6%)

Source: KNUST
E-Business as a tool for managing the value chain of Educational Programmes of Ho Polytechnic

The study explored the use of e-business as a tool for managing the value chain activities of Ho Polytechnic. The main objective of the research was to examine the challenges and constraints facing the Polytechnic in applying e-business to its value chain activities and the efforts being made to overcome the challenges and constraints. Questionnaires were administered among 100 management and academic staff of the Polytechnic to find answers to the issues raised. Key management staff of the Polytechnic were interviewed on the ICT agenda of the Polytechnic. The research revealed that the Polytechnic was facing challenges and constraints like; unreliable Internet connectivity, unstable power supply that was resulting in damage to equipment, limited number of networked computers and a lack of competence among staff in some computer applications. The study also found out that there is a good understanding among respondents, of e-business and the benefits of applying it to the value chain activities of the institution to reduce cost improve efficiency and maximise productivity. To confront the challenges and constraints, the Polytechnic has crafted an ICT Policy; contracted SocketWorks Global to automate and upgrade ICT facilities of the institution and to train staff in the use of the facilities. The research discovered that SocketWorks Global was finding it difficult to deliver its obligations under the contract. The study recommends a review of the contract with SocketWorks Global to guarantee value for money to the Polytechnic and to facilitate the application of e-business as a tool for managing the value chain operations of the institution.

Source: KNUST
E-procurement and organizational performance: the Moderating role of information technology capability

The rapid growth of internet usage has compelled firms to adopt technology tools in their business practices. To this end, e-procurement has been long recognised as a key driver of procurement practices that allows firm to create value and improve organisations performance outcomes. While e-procurement has been conceptually linked to organisational performance an understanding of how e-procurement can influence organisational performance remains limited. The study aimed to investigate the effect of e-procurement on organizational performance in the context of IT capabilities. The study specifically sought to investigate the extent to which e-procurement practices affect organizational performance, as well as the effect of IT capability on organizational performance and the moderating role of IT in the relationship between e-procurement and organizational performance. The study analyzed the literature on all the constructs and identified and formed hypotheses. The RBV theory was used as the theoretical lens for the study. A crosssectional survey design was used in the study. Data was obtained from 153 businesses in the service, manufacturing, and other industries using a questionnaire. The data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical methods. The study found that IT capability positively and significantly moderates the relationship between E-procurement and organizational performance and that the effect is stronger at high levels of IT capability. Additional finding indicates that IT capability positively moderates the E-procurement-organizational performance link and thus represents an organizational resource that can facilitate the implementation of e-procurement practices to enhance organizational performance. The research recommends that businesses that want to improve their performance should make it a priority to implement e-procurement across all their business operations. It is further recommended that businesses should make investments in the development of superior IT capabilities to boost their performance because the researchers discovered a positive relationship between IT capability and organizational performance.

Source: KNUST
E-learning implementation in institutions of higher learning: a case study of Presbyterian University College, Ghana (PUCG).

Tremendous advances in computer technology and the evolution of the Internet have led to new approaches in learning and training which are summarized under the term e-Learning. With technology evolving at such a rapid rate, it is imperative that educational institutions equip students with technological skills that are essential for coping in the wider community. These skills are most effectively gained by learning with technology, rather than about technology. This MSc thesis examined the requirements for e-Learning environments: pedagogical, functional and non functional requirements. A checklist based on these requirements was developed that enabled us to analyze the authoring tools offered in the market and found the one that best fits the e-Learning needs of Presbyterian University College, Ghana according to these requirements. Afterwards, a structure that will define the concept for the e-Learning courses to be developed at the Presbyterian University College, Ghana was created; this structure served as a model to follow, being the core concept for future developments of e-Learning courses. A system prototype was developed to support the internal teaching process and its role in a technology-supported learning experience was evaluated. The results indicated that an e-Learning system must adequately meet the needs of the instructional process and support learners' behaviours and actions. These results also show that successful implementation of the e-Learning environment was dependent on four key factors: ICT infrastructure, ICT leadership, support and training initiatives and the teachers' ICT capacity. Ideas for further developments are sketched in this report.

Source: KNUST
Earned value management practices in the District Assemblies (MMDA’S)

The success of every construction project depends heavily on the effectiveness and prudent application of project management tools. The purpose of project management is to foresee or predict as many of the dangers and problems as possible and to plan, organize and control activities so that projects are completed successfully in spite of all the risks. This substantiate the need for an effective project management tool. The main purpose of this study was to assess the application of Earned Value Management practices among Municipal and District Assemblies in Ghana with the focus on Hohoe Municipal Assembly. The study specifically, looked at Earned Value Management Systems awareness levels, other project management tools used aside EVM and finally, the challenges and problems hindering the practice of EVM. In other to achieve these objectives the researcher adopted survey design approach for the study, using quantitative methods and research questionnaire as data collection instrument. A total of sixty-seven respondents were sampled across different areas of expertise using non-probability sampling technique. Using the Relative Important Index (RII) analysis findings from the study revealed that, majority of respondents were unaware of the Earned Value Management practices as a project management tool, representing eighty-five point one percent of the sampled population, this was attributed to lack of training and formal education on the application of EVMS. On the usage of other project management tools by the Municipal Assembly‟s aside EVM, findings revealed that, a significant number of respondents use Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) ranked first (1st) using Relative Important Index (RII) of ninety-eight point two percent, the second most familiar project management tool was the Line of Balance (LOB) with an (RII) of eighty-nine point five percent etc. finally, findings revealed that, the challenges facing the application process of EVM were lack of expertise and experience of staff, political interference, level of professionalism, corruption among others. Based on these findings the researcher recommends efforts should be made to abandoned political infiltration into project management at MMDAS to help them implement effective project management tools that will ensure value for money on every government project commissioned.

Source: KNUST
‘Early detection, prevention, and risk factors for Buruli Ulcer in the Atwima-Nwabiagya District, Ghana: the patient’s perspective.’

Mycobacterium ulcerans is an environmental pathogen that is commonly associated water with and soil. In humans, M. ulcerans causes an ulcerative skin known as Buruli ulcer in Africa and Bairnsdale in southern Australia. Within the African sub-region, M. ulcerans is the third most common mycobacteriosis after Tuberculosis and Leprosy and principally affects remote rural African communities. A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 200 Buruli ulcer patients in Atwima-Nwabiagya district of Ashanti region of Ghana. People of all socio-economic class and all age groups are affected. However, adults more than 40 years old are affected most with the disease. Again, the disease is associated with occupational status in buruli-endemic regions; thus farmers are mostly affected in buruli-endemic regions. Farmers were the most hard hit with the Buruli ulcer disease.. The factor to explain this phenomenon might be the fact that, farmers are more exposed to M. ulcerans virtue of their day to day farming activities. Working close to rivers and lakes are established to be one of the risk factors in buruli-endemic regions. Still further, farming and illiteracy posed as risk factors for the development of Buruli ulcer disease in buruli-endemic regions. General developmental improvements on the lives of people who dwell in deprived and remote areas of buruli ulcer endemic regions were tagged as some of the primary preventive measures. In conclusion, injuries, insects’ bites, nakedness and contaminated water were established to be some of the principal risk factors for Buruli ulcer in buruli-endemic regions.

Source: KNUST
Earning management and financial distress among commercial banks in ghana

The focus of this study was evaluating how earning management influences the financial distress of listed commercial banks in Ghana. Using a purposive sampling approach, 10 commercial banks in Ghana were selected and their financial statements and annual reports within the period of 2011 and 2020 were obtained from their respective websites. With the aid of the SPSS version 24 software, both descriptive and inferential statistics including panel regression using the stepwise ordinary least square regression were done on the data obtained. It was realized that firm size and profitability (ROA) were significant (p<0.05) determinants of earning management. Firm size, asset tangibility and profitability (ROA) were significant (p<0.05) determinants of financial distress. Earning management has a significant (p<0.05) effect on the financial distress of the listed commercial banks. The positive correlation indicates that an upsurge in the firm earning management will necessitate an increase the financial distress of the commercial banks and the other way round. The findings of this study demonstrate how earnings management affects value relevance. Additionally, the management of earnings via long-term discretionary accruals has a greater impact on the value-relevance of earnings and book value than management of earnings via short-term discretionary accruals. Therefore, the management of the listed commercial banks should put up more rigorous and internally standard schemes and strategies to manage their earnings effectively so as not to avert distress of finances among the commercial banks.

Source: KNUST
Earnings management, audit quality, and cost of debt: evidence from ghana

In the world of finance, companies often engage in earnings management (EM) to meet or exceed financial targets, which can have serious consequences for investors and stakeholders. One of the potential impacts of EM is increased cost of debt, as lenders may view these practices as a signal of financial instability or unreliability. To mitigate these risks, companies may turn to audit quality (AUQ) as a way to provide transparency and credibility to their financial reporting practices. This study therefore analysed the effect of AUQ and EM on the cost of debt (COD) of listed firms in Ghana. The study was based on the signalling theory and the agency theory. The study employed the explanatory and quantitative research designs. The data for the study was secondary which was obtained from the annual reports of the sampled firms. The study sampled 15 firms for the period 2010-2021. The study data was analysed using panel regression. The study found that EM had a negative significant effect on COD. The study further found that AUQ does not have a significant effect on COD. Also, AUQ had a significant negative effect on EM. Finally, the study found that AUQ negatively moderates the relationship between EM and COD. It is recommended that firms should focus on engaging reputable audit firms with a track record of providing high-quality audit services to help reduce the risk of earnings management. Firms can engage high-quality audit firms, and the audit committee should oversee the work of the audit firm to ensure they adhere to professional standards. Firms can also invest in training for their internal audit staff to ensure they have the necessary skills to detect and prevent earnings management.

Source: KNUST
Eco-Friendly Packaging in Restaurants in Accra - Application, Attitudes and Challenges

The use of eco-friendly packaging in the food industry has the potential of ensuring the replacement of non- renewable resources with renewable materials and again reducing the burden of non-degradable waste on landfills. It also has the advantage of introducing innovativeness in the food sector. The application, attitudes and challenges of eco-friendly packaging in restaurants were investigated in this study. A cross sectional survey with a semi structured questionnaire was used. The work revealed 30.3% application of biodegradable food package mainly in the form of paper boxes and envelops for pastries and fried chicken. There was a positive attitude towards the introduction of a new packaging material which is eco-friendly. However, the awareness and communication needs to be increased. The restaurants perceived price (cost) of packaging, communication, awareness and marketing to be the likely challenges to the application of the technology. The ability of the packaging material to contain the food as best as the petrochemical alternative was cited. There is the potential to reduce petrochemical based waste packaging materials in the environment through the implementation of an innovative packaging technology in the food sector which serves every individual in the country considering the life style of the average Ghanaian.

Source: KNUST