ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Potential health risk assessment of toxic metals contamination in clay eaten as pica (geophagia) among pregnant women of Ho in the Volta Region of Ghana

Introduction: Geophagia although pleasurable and somewhat a necessity among pregnant women, also comes along with its own attendant problems such as exposure to potentially hazardous substances like bacteria, fungi, helminthes and ova, radioactive materials, and toxic elemental minerals in the soil depending on the geographical location. Methodology: This study evaluated the potential health risk involved during the exposure of pregnant women to toxic elemental minerals via the consumption of clay as pica (geophagia). Elemental mineral analysis was carried out using Buck Scientific 210VGP Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (Buck Scientific, Inc. East Norwalk, USA). Risk assessment methods were also used to ascertain the various risks factors and the overall risk level. Results: Concentrations of the macro elements investigated were 1.38 ± 1.5, 2.40 ± 1.5, 7.74 ± 1.5, 4.01 ± 1.0, 13.24 ± 2.2 and 13.76 ± 2.1 mg/Kg for iron (Fe), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), potassium (K), magnesium (Mg) and sodium (Na) respectively. While that for the micro elements were 1.63 ± 0.03 μg/Kg, 4.72 ± 0.8, 0.53 ± 0.02 and 1.85 ± 0.3 mg/kg respectively for arsenic (As), manganese (Mn), lead (Pb) and nickel (Ni). Estimated Daily Intake (EDI), Hazard Quotient (HQ), Target Hazard Quotient (THQ) and Total Target Hazard Quotient (TTHQ) values ranged 0.611–5.44 (mg/kg Bw/ day), 6.26 × 10− 4 – 106.5, 0.067–10.34 and 15 respectively. Conclusion: There is the likelihood of posing adverse health problems when clay samples obtained from Anfoega which is sited in the Volta region of Ghana is consumed due to the fact that the HQ’s of these elemental minerals were > 1 which points to high content of Manganese (Mn) and Nickel (Ni). It is also likely to cause adverse health problems in an individual’s life time since THQ for Arsenic, Lead and Nickel were above 1. Ultimately, the cumulative effect of these toxicants were exceedingly great (≤ 15) which implied a high level of unsafety associated with this clay. Per the results from this study, it is not safe for pregnant women to consume clay as pica since these toxic elements may cause detrimental effects on the foetus of the unborn child.

Source: UG
Potential impact of 1.5 °C and 2 °C global warming on consecutive dry and wet days over West Africa

We examine the impact of +1.5 ◦C and +2 ◦C global warming levels above pre-industrial levels on consecutive dry days (CDD) and consecutive wet days (CWD), two key indicators for extreme precipitation and seasonal drought. This is done using climate projections from a multi-model ensemble of 25 regional climate model (RCM) simulations. The RCMs take boundary conditions from ten global climate models (GCMs) under the RCP8.5 scenario. We define CDD as the maximum number of consecutive days with rainfall amount less than 1 mm and CWD as the maximum number of consecutive days with rainfall amount more than 1 mm. The differences in model representations of the change in CDD and CWD, at 1.5 ◦C and 2 ◦C global warming, and based on the control period 1971−2000 are reported. The models agree on a noticeable response to both 1.5 ◦C and 2 ◦C warming for each index. Enhanced warming results in a reduction in mean rainfall across the region. More than 80% of ensemble members agree that CDD will increase over the Guinea Coast, in tandem with a projected decrease in CWD at both 1.5 ◦C and 2 ◦C global warming levels. These projected changes may influence already fragile ecosystems and agriculture in the region, both of which are strongly affected by mean rainfall and the length of wet and dry periods.

Source: UG
The potential impact of moxidectin on onchocerciasis elimination in Africa: An economic evaluation based on the Phase II clinical trial data

Background: Spurred by success in several foci, onchocerciasis control policy in Africa has shifted from morbidity control to elimination of infection. Clinical trials have demonstrated that moxidectin is substantially more efficacious than ivermectin in effecting sustained reductions in skin microfilarial load and, therefore, may accelerate progress towards elimination. We compare the potential cost-effectiveness of annual moxidectin with annual and biannual ivermectin treatment. Methods: Data from the first clinical study of moxidectin were used to parameterise the onchocerciasis transmission model EPIONCHO to investigate, for different epidemiological and programmatic scenarios in African savannah settings, the number of years and in-country costs necessary to reach the operational thresholds for cessation of treatment, comparing annual and biannual ivermectin with annual moxidectin treatment. Results: Annual moxidectin and biannual ivermectin treatment would achieve similar reductions in programme duration relative to annual ivermectin treatment. Unlike biannual ivermectin treatment, annual moxidectin treatment would not incur a considerable increase in programmatic costs and, therefore, would generate sizeable in-country cost savings (assuming the drug is donated). Furthermore, the impact of moxidectin, unlike ivermectin, was not substantively influenced by the timing of treatment relative to seasonal patterns of transmission. Conclusions: Moxidectin is a promising new drug for the control and elimination of onchocerciasis. It has high programmatic value particularly when resource limitation prevents a biannual treatment strategy, or optimal timing of treatment relative to peak transmission season is not feasible.

Source: UG
Potential impacts of a green revolution in Africa-the case of Ghana

Agricultural growth in Africa has accelerated, yet most of this growth has been driven by land expansion. Land expansion potential is reaching its limits, urging governments to shift towards a green revolution type of productivity-led growth. Given the huge public investments required, this paper aims to assess the potential impacts of a green revolution. Results from a CGE model for Ghana show that green revolution type growth is strongly pro-poor and provides substantial transfers to the rest of the economy, thus providing a powerful argument to raise public expenditure on agriculture to make a green revolution happen in Africa. © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Source: UG
Potential of biochar-based inoculant in enhancing rhizobia survival and grain yield of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.)

The need for low-cost carrier materials is paramount for rhizobium inoculants pro duction, especially in sub-Saharan Africa. This research studied different feedstocks biochar as potential carriers for inoculant production. Coconut coir (CC), coconut shell (CS), rice husk (RH), and sugarcane bagasse (SB) biochars were used as carri ers, and their performance was compared to that of standard industrial peat (control). The biochar and peat carriers were inoculated with two elite Bradyrhizobium strains such as KNUST1002andKNUST1006andthereferencestrainBR3267(whereBR is Bradyrhizobium). The survival rate of the rhizobia was monitored by determining the number of cells, pH, and moisture content for 24 weeks. In addition, the effec tiveness of different inoculated carriers was tested in cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp) under field conditions via a randomized complete block design with four repli cations. CC and SB enhanced Bradyrhizobium survival for up to 16 and 20 weeks, respectively, whereas CS and RH promoted strain survival for up to 8 weeks. The viable cell count was highest in the peat-based inoculant during the 24-week period. BR3267 in CCand SBsignificantly (p < 0.001) increased the nodule dry weight of cowpea compared to uninoculated control. The highest grain yield (1774 kg ha−1) was recorded for CC, which was 16% greater than the grain yield of the peat-based inoculant (1524 kg ha−1), although this difference was not significant. CC biochar is a potential carrier for inoculant production in Ghana.

Source: UG
The potential of drama and songs as channels for AIDS education in Africa: A report on focus group findings from Ghana

Among those concerned with fighting AIDS worldwide, it is agreed that the best weapon to change people's behavior is education. In this educational effort, all available channels have to be explored. In Ghana, the Health Education Division (HED) of the Ministry of Health set up three drama troupes to carry out AIDS education on a pilot basis. This study evaluates the impact of one of the troupes on AIDS knowledge, attitude and behavior using the focus group research approach. The findings confirm that drama about a well thought out AIDS-related theme does increase knowledge about AIDS and promotes commendable attitudes toward AIDS. It could also lead to changes in sexual behavior. The study also revealed that songs with AIDS-related themes could serve as important cues to "healthful" action in the environment by reminding listeners to adopt safer sexual behaviors. © 2008, Baywood Publishing Co., Inc.

Source: UG
Potential of Hymenopteran larval and egg parasitoids to control stored-product beetle and moth infestation in jute bags

The control of stored-product moths in bagged commodities is difficult because the developmental stages of the moths are protected by the bagging material from control measures such as the application of contact insecticides. Studies were carried out to assess the ability of Hymenopteran parasitoids to locate their hosts inside jute bags in the laboratory. The ability of different parasitoids to penetrate jute bags containing rice was investigated in a controlled climate chamber. Few Habrobracon hebetor (Say) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) passed through the jute material while a high percentage of Lariophagus distinguendus (Förster), Anisopteromalus calandrae (Howard) (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae), Theocolax elegans (Westwood) (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae) and Trichogramma evanescens Westwood (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae) were able to enter the Petri-dishes. Significantly more L. distinguendus and T. elegans entered compared to H. hebetor. There was significant difference in the mean percentage parasitoids invading depending on species. Head capsules and/or thorax widths were measured in order to determine whether the opening in the jute material would be large enough for entry of the parasitoids. These morphometric data differed depending on parasitoid species and sex. The parasitoid Venturia canescens (Gravenhorst) (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae) did not enter the bags, but located host larvae inside the jute bags and parasitized rice moths Corcyra cephalonica larvae by stinging through the jute material. Venturia canescens significantly reduced the number of C. cephalonica adults emerging from the bagged rice; therefore, it could be released in storage rooms containing bagged rice for biological control of C. cephalonica. The use of parasitoids to suppress stored-product insect pests in bagged commodities could become a valuable supplement to the use of synthetic pesticides. © 2014 Cambridge University Press.

Source: UG
Potential of Lariophagus distinguendus (Förster) (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae) to suppress the maize weevil Sitophilus zeamais Motschulsky (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) in bagged and bulk stored maize

Grains are often stored in jute bags in developing countries, especially in Africa, as well as in small quantities in bulk. Parasitoids suitable for biological control of stored-product pests should be able to find their hosts in bulk grain or in jute bags over a certain distance in a warehouse containing stacks of bagged grain. The potential of using Lariophagus distinguendus for the biological control of Sitophilus zeamais was assessed in maize stored in jute bags and bulk grain. The ability of the parasitoid to penetrate the jute cloth and the grain mass and parasitize its host was studied under controlled conditions of 25 ± 1 °C and 65 ± 5% RH. Experiments were carried out in small 5-kg jute bags containing 28. d old S. zeamais larvae within infested maize kernels, and in cylinders filled with maize grains and containing caged hosts at different depths. L. distinguendus parasitized S. zeamais in the jute bags and in the storage cylinders at various depths. In the jute bag experiment, out of the 60 L. distinguendus adults released, a mean ± SD of 7.03 ± 1.78% and 6.34 ± 1.01% of the 40 females and of the 20 males released, respectively, entered the jute bags. Significantly, no differences were found between the female and male L. distinguendus that entered the bags. Mean reduction of S. zeamais in the jute bags by parasitoids was 81%. The parasitic wasps also significantly reduced the emergence of S. zeamais in bulk maize. At depths of 20-45. cm from the grain surface, mean reduction of S. zeamais was 74%, while from 95 to 100. cm, mean reduction was 34%. When results from depths lower than 50. cm were pooled and compared with pooled data from depths higher than 90. cm, there was a significant reduction in parasitism at depths of more than 90. cm. For depths below 50. cm a mean of 5.3 L. distinguendus adult offspring per cage emerged compared with a mean of 2.6 at depths of more than 90. cm. These results support the approach to utilize L. distinguendus as a component in the integrated control of S. zeamais in bagged or bulk stored maize. © 2011 Elsevier Inc.

Source: UG
Potential of the Coupled WRF/WRF-Hydro Modeling System for Flood Forecasting in the Ouémé River (West Africa)

Since the beginning of the 2000s, most of the West-African countries, particularly Benin, have experienced an increased frequency of extreme flood events. In this study, we focus on the case of the Ouémé river basin in Benin. To investigate flood events in this basin for early warning, the coupled atmosphere–hydrology model system WRF-Hydro is used, and analyzed for the period 2008–2010. Such a coupled model allows exploration of the contribution of atmospheric components into the flood event, and its ability to simulate and predict accurate streamflow. The potential of WRF-Hydro to correctly simulate streamflow in the Ouémé river basin is assessed by forcing the model with operational analysis datasets from the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF). Atmospheric and land surface processes are resolved at a spatial resolution of 5 km. The additional surface and subsurface water flow routing are computed at a resolution of 500 m. Key parameters of the hydrological module of WRF-Hydro are calibrated offline and tested online with the coupled WRF-Hydro. The uncertainty of atmospheric modeling on coupled results is assessed with the stochastic kinetic energy backscatter scheme (SKEBS). WRF-Hydro is able to simulate the discharge in the Ouémé river in offline and fully coupled modes with a Kling–Gupta efficiency (KGE) around 0.70 and 0.76, respectively. In the fully coupled mode, the model captures the flood event that occurred in 2010. A stochastic perturbation ensemble of ten members for three rain seasons shows that the coupled model performance in terms of KGE ranges from 0.14 to 0.79. Additionally, an assessment of the soil moisture has been developed. This ability to realistically reproduce observed discharge in the Ouémé river basin demonstrates the potential of the coupled WRF-Hydro modeling system for future flood forecasting applications

Source: UG
Potential options for greening the Concessionary Forestry Business Model in rural Africa

Over the years, the Concessionary Forestry Business Model in Africa has largely driven the production of tangible forest products such as timber. There are concerns, however, that this approach does not include local communities as important stakeholders of the decision-making process. Little regards are also given to environmental sustainability, which would ensure inter-generational equity. This paper develops options for addressing these issues, thereby greening the Concessionary Forestry Business Model in Africa. Firstly, socioeconomic, environmental and technological challenges facing concessionary forestry businesses are discussed by reference to country case studies. The paper then continues to provide the core elements of a greener Concessionary Forestry Business Model, with more emphasis on business infrastructure, value propositions, customer interfaces, and profit models. The paper concludes by examining the necessary policy tools that will promote the integration of eco-innovations into Africa's forestry sector.

Source: UG
Potential pathogens in the lower genital tract at manual vacuum aspiration for incomplete abortion in korle bu teaching hospital, Ghana.

Objectives: To determine the carriage rates of potential pathogens in the lower genital tract and factors associated with colonization among women with incomplete abortion. Design: A cross-sectional study. Setting: The Manual Vacuum Aspiration room of the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, Accra, Ghana. Subjects: Two hundred women undergoing Manual Vacuum Aspiration at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital. Methods: Eligible patients were screened for the presence of organisms in the lower genital tract by microscopy and culture of high vaginal and endocervical swabs. Results: Nearly two-thirds of the patients (64.2%) had potential pathogens in the lower genital tract Bacterial vaginosis alone was present in 47% and a combination of bacterial vaginosis and Candida albicans was present in 17.2%. Residence in an urban slum showed a significant association with the presence of potential pathogens (Odds ratio 2.6; p-value 0.04). Conclusion: Organisms responsible for bacterial vaginosis were the most frequently isolated potential pathogens in the cervical canal of patients with incomplete abortion at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital. Management of these patients should therefore include antibiotic prophylaxis against bacterial vaginosis.

Source: UG
Potential role for fish in transmission of Mycobacterium ulcerans disease (Buruli ulcer): An environmental study

The main research focus of the Electron Microscopy and Histopathology Department in the past 20 years has been in the areas of enteric diarrhoeas with special emphasis on rotavirus. Through its diarrhoea surveillance studies, the Department has helped to firmly establish rotaviruses as a major cause of diarrhoea in children, and document the circulation of unusual rotavirus genotypes in Ghana. The Department has also recently expanded its diagnostic repertoire to include the identification and characterization of noroviruses, astroviruses, and other enteric viruses.

Source: UG
Potential Role Of Aquaculture Fish To The Recommended Nutritional Intake (RNI) Of Children, Adults, Pregnant And Lactating Women In Asuogyaman Municipality, Ghana.

This study examined the nutritional composition of farmed fish in Ghana to evaluate their potential contribution to recommended nutrient intakes (RNI) for adults, pregnant and lactating women (PLW), and children. The study used standard methods to analyse the micronutrient and proximate composition of twenty-four samples of three fish species—Heterotitis niloticus, Clarias gariepinus, and Oreochromis niloticus. The protein compositions of Oreochromis niloticus, Clarias gariepinus, and Heterotis niloticus were 17.96 g/100 g, 14.00 g/100 g, and 13.25 g/ 100 g, respectively. Their lipid values were 0.56 g/100 g, 5.01 g/100 g, and 1.76 g/100 g; ash content was 6.77 g/100 g, 1.90 g/100 g, and 2.94 g/100 g; carbohydrate content was 4.00 g/100 g, 5.02 g/100 g, and 17.20 g/100 g; and moisture content was 70.71 %, 74.07 %, and 64.84 %, respectively. The mineral values ranged from 4.05 to 11.96 mg/100 g (iron), 15.10 to 23.23 mg/100 g (calcium), 1.02 to 8.26 mg/100 g (zinc), 16.52 to 28.42 mg/ 100 g (potassium), and 10.25 to 19.67 mg/100 g (sodium). The fish species contributed ≥25 % of the zinc and iron RNIs for adults, PLW, and children but were inadequate in providing the recommended daily intake of calcium for the vulnerable groups. Therefore, government interventions are needed to enhance the supply and affordability of farmed fish, to make it more accessible to vulnerable communities.

Source: UG
The Potential Role of Nocturnal Biting Insects in the Transmission of Mycobacterium Ulcerans in the Akuapem-South District

Several hypotheses have been made about the possible mode of transmission of Mycobacterium ulcerans (M. ulcerans) and one of these is the role of insects as possible vectors. Although studies have been conducted extensively on aquatic insects and mosquitoes, limited work has been done on the prevalence of M. ulcerans in other insects. This study investigated the potential role of nocturnal biting insects as vectors of M. ulcerans. Nocturnal insects were sampled from Buruli Ulcer endemic and non-endemic communities in the Akuapem-South district of Ghana and identified. DNA extracts of pools of the insects captured were run against IS2404 target to detect the presence of M. ulcerans. IS2404 target positive samples were then run using other multiplex real time PCR targeting IS2606 & KR sequences as probable confirmation of M. ulcerans DNA. A total of 1330 insects were captured, identified and pooled according to insect family levels. In all nine orders of insects were recorded including arthropods from the class Arachnida. The highest percentage of insects caught belonged to the order Diptera (71.44%) followed by Hymenoptera and Lepidoptera which were 13.79% and 6.33% respectively. The other orders recorded below 5%. Of the 110 pooled samples extracted which consisted of 93 pooled insect samples and 17 controls, 3 tested positive for IS2404 target but not IS2606 & KR targets. Samples which tested positive belonged to insects of the order Diptera and Coleoptera. Two out of the three pools which tested positive belong to families of insects with biting mouthparts. Two out of the three positive samples were from non-endemic communities and one from endemic communities. The study indicated that nocturnal biting insects may play a role in M. ulcerans transmission through direct contact and may be involved in the complex food web for maintenance of M. ulcerans in the ecosystem within the district.

Source: UG
Potential vector species of Guinea worm (Dracunculus medinensis) in Northern Ghana

Guinea worm disease, also known as dracunculiasis (or dracunculosis), is caused by the large female of the nematode Dracunculus medinensis. It normally lives and grows in various places in the human body, before migrating to subcutaneous tissue and eventually emerging slowly from the skin, usually on the lower limbs. If the affected portion of the body comes into contact with water, first-stage juveniles (L(1)) are expelled in large numbers from the ruptured uterus. For further development, the juveniles need to be ingested by suitable predatory species of copepods. In this study, infectivity studies on the relative importance of various copepod species in the transmission of the Guinea worm disease was carried out. The infection potentials of the vectors were evaluated based on their ability to ingest the first stage juveniles (L(1)), and to remain alive for these juveniles to develop to the infective, third-stage juveniles (L(3)). The adults of the relatively larger species recorded very high mortality rates upon infection with the first stage juveniles (L(1)) of the parasite. The highest copepod mortality rate was recorded by M. kieferi (94%). However, the copepodid stages of these species were able to withstand infection for extremely longer periods. The smaller genera did not record any remarkable mortalities on ingesting parasite juveniles. The most important implicated potential vectors of Dracunculus medinensis evaluated in the area are Mesocyclops kieferi --> M. aspericornis --> Thermocyclops incisus --> T. I nopinus --> T. oblongatus.

Source: UG