ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Performance of SARS COV-2 IgG Anti-N as an Independent Marker of Exposure to SARS COV-2 in an Unvaccinated West African Population

Determination of previous SARS-COV-2 infection is hampered by the absence of a standardized test. The marker used to assess previous exposure is IgG antibody to the nucleocapsid (IgG anti-N), although it is known to wane quickly from peripheral blood. The accuracies of seven antibody tests (virus neutralization test, IgG anti-N, IgG anti-spike [anti-S], IgG anti–receptor binding domain [anti-RBD], IgG anti-N 1 anti-RBD, IgG anti-N 1 anti-S, and IgG anti-S 1 anti RBD), either singly or in combination, were evaluated on 502 cryopreserved serum samples collected before the COVID-19 vaccination rollout in Kumasi, Ghana. The accuracy of each index test was measured using a composite reference standard based on a combination of neutralization test and IgG anti-N antibody tests. According to the composite reference, 262 participants were previously exposed; the most sensitive test was the virus neutralization test, with 95.4% sensitivity (95% CI: 93.6–97.3), followed by 79.0% for IgG anti-N 1 anti-S (95% CI: 76.3–83.3). The most specific tests were virus neutrali zation and IgG anti-N, both with 100% specificity. Viral neutralization and IgG anti-N 1 anti-S were the overall most accu rate tests, with specificity/sensitivity of 100/95.2% and 79.0/92.1%, respectively. Our findings indicate that IgG anti-N alone is an inadequate marker of prior exposure to SARS COV-2 in this population. Virus neutralization assay appears to be the most accurate assay in discerning prior infection. A combination of IgG anti-N and IgG anti-S is also accurate and suited for assessment of SARS COV-2 exposure in low-resource settings.

Source: KNUST
Performance Of Statistical Learning Algorithms Using Different Missing Data Imputations: Illustrated Using Diabetes Data

This study seeks to evaluate and identify a suitable statistical learning algorithm for e cient classi cation or diagnosis and prognosis of diabetes mellitus under three di erent missing data imputations. As a result, the performances of developed classi cation models are assessed based on missing data imputations. Therefore, the case deletion technique, mean imputation and median imputation techniques were employed in this study to deal with missing data. Sourced data from the Research on Obesity and Diabetes among African Migrants (RODAM) conducted from the year 2012 to 2015 was used. The criteria to compare the predictive performance of the classi cation algorithms across the missing data imputations were prediction error and accuracy rates of ve di erent statistical learning algorithms: logistic regression, linear discriminant analysis, classi cation and regression tree, k-nearest neighbor and support vector machine. In identi cation and selection of statistical classi cation algorithms to determine which best diagnoses and predicts diabetes mellitus, linear discriminant analysis outperformed all other classi cation algorithms with a percentage accuracy rate of 96.93%. Furthermore, results obtained for the comparison of the three di erent missing data imputations under the appropriate classi cation algorithm showed that mean or median imputation technique is more appropriate than the case deletion method. This was evident with overall prediction error rate of 2.85% and accuracy rate of 97.15% for both techniques. Hence, in diagnosing diabetes using statistical learning algorithms, linear discriminant analysis should be considered. Moreover, when missing data is present, either the mean or median imputation should be a choice in treating missing data.

Source: KNUST
Performance of the Novel Partec Rapid Malaria Test® in the Diagnosis of Malaria in a Rural Endemic Area; a Quicker, Cheaper and Cost Effective Alternative?

Malaria remains the single largest cause of death in Africa killing one child in every 30 seconds but treatment decisions are often made based on clinical diagnosis since laboratory techniques to confirm the clinical suspicion are labour-intensive and costly. This study evaluated the recently developed Partec Rapid Malaria Test® (PM) for the detection of Plasmodium spp. in human blood from patients in an endemic area and compared the results with thick blood film Giemsa stain (GS), Binax NOW® rapid diagnostic test (BN RDT) and Real time PCR in terms of their performance and operational characteristics using an expanded reference as the gold standard. A total of seven hundred and fifty one (751) participants were involved in this study. Out of this 400(53.2%) were males and 351(46.7%) were females. Their ages ranged from 3 to 16 years with the modal age being 4 years (150/752).Using an expanded reference standard the sensitivities of GS, PM, Real time PCR and BN RDT were 96.7%, 97.3%, 97.3% and 96.5% respectively. The specificities were 100%, 98.5%, 64.6% and 96.7% respectively. The Positive Predictive Values (PPV) for GS, PM, Real time PCR and BN RDT were 100%, 97.7%, 62.8% and 95.6% respectively whilst the Negative Predictive Values (NPV) were 97.8%, 98.2%, 97.5% and 97.3% respectively. There was a strong agreement between three tests methods and the reference standard: k=0.97, 0.96 and 0.93 respectively for GS, PM and BN RDT but not with Real time PCR (k=0.56). Compared to each other, the tests methods had a strong agreement as well: GS vs PM, k= 0.96 and for PM vs BN RDT, k=0.87. Real time PCR had a higher positive detection rate compared to the other methods; 110/488 (22.5%) and 109/488 (22.3%) of the total samples were positive for Real time PCR but not GS and PM respectively. Parasite counts obtained from the PM were relatively lower than that obtained from the GS but the PM had better operational characteristics than the GS. The PM may therefore be used as an alternative method for Giemsa thick film staining but for parasite speciation, the Giemsa thin film remains preferable.

Source: KNUST
Performance of the CMAM Program In Kumasi Metropolis (2015-2018).

Children of ages 6-59 months form a large percentage of the world population, and one of the major causes of death in this age group is malnutrition. In Ghana, different interventions are put in place to manage childhood malnutrition. Amongst the interventions is Community Based Management of Acute Malnutrition (CMAM). In Kumasi, the CMAM program was instituted in most hospitals in the Metropolis, but unfortunately the program collapsed in most of the hospitals that undertook it. There has not been much data on the performance of the CMAM program in the Kumasi Metropolis, this study used a cross sectional study to assess the secondary data of malnourished children who had been on the CMAM program in 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018. A total of 134 records (for each year) of malnourished children were randomly sampled, demographic characteristics, anthropometric characteristics both during and after admission were assessed for the outcome treatment (cured, defaulted and death). Out of the 134 records selected for each year, children aged 6-12 moths were majority (82, 77, 73, and 81 respectively for 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018) on the program. Majority recovered (64.5%, 75.4%, 65.2% and 88.4% for 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018 respectively), whilst quite a number defaulted (35.5%, 24.6%, 34.8% and 11.6% for 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018 respectively) none died while on the program. The default rate calls for an attention since the percentages cannot easily be over- looked. In addition, the feeding materials like the Ready to Use Therapeutic Foods (RUTFs) for the program should be made constantly available for smooth running of the program.

Source: KNUST
Performance of two types of biofilters for a rural stream

This document is a report on the performance of two types of biotilters [‘or a rural stream. Two biofilters were tested on the field using the Sisai stream at Duasi 5km off Kumasi-Mampong road in the Ashanti Region of Ghana. One biotilter had a charcoal-sand arrangement whiles the other had crushed coconut fibre-sand arrangement. Physicochemical and microbiological studies were conducted between April 24th and July 6th, 2001 to assess the water quality of the Sisai stream which was known to be receiving discharges from a solid waste dump site situated about 1km away and also the performance of the two biofilters. The testing of the biofilters includes passing the Sisal stream (raw water) through the two sets of filters and again isolating the three various components namely sand, charcoal and crushed coconut fibre and testing them independently. For the Sisai stream, mean temperature and pH were 28.8C and 7.0 respectively. Mean turbidity was 67.54 FNU. Mean conductivity and total dissolved solids were I 82.48μS/cm. and 103.8mg/I respectively. Mean Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) was 176.17mg/I. Nutrient levels were quite low (PO4-P 1.l9mg/l. NO3-N=0.8Omg/l. NO2-N=0.037mg/l). Mean faecal coliform counts and Iron concentration were 878 per 100ml and 0.17mg/I respectively. The two filters increase both the temperature and pH of the stream slightly. Both filters significantly improved physical parameter such as turbidity. Conductivity and total dissolved solids were not improved and even in some cases they were worsened. Although both filters could not completely remove all faecal coliforms in the raw water yet some appreciable removal efficiencies of 82. % and 63.3°/o for charcoal + sand and coconut fibre + sand were recorded respectively. It became evident that the charcoal-sand arrangement was very efficient in the removal of iron in water with a removal efficiency of over 80%. Ah series arrangement of such units especially the charcoal-sand arrangement type could be helpful for a rural community such as Duasi, which rely so much on this stream, but must be disinfected.

Source: KNUST
Peri-urban water quality monitoring in the Sisa-Oda catchment of Kumasi

The Sisa-Oda Catchrnent spans across the eastern part of Kumasi and comprises many rivers including Rivers Sisa, Subin and Weewee. It drains southwards thereby having extensive and intimate interactions with the city with debilitating effects. As a growing city with several socioeconomic and environmental challenges, the management of this resource seems quite a remote priority as it continues to be glaringly abused. The purpose of this study is to contribute towards its management through water quality assessment. The study involved discussions and observations of some industrial and communal activities, as well as water sampling from nine sites involving six rivers and two sampling regimes corresponding to the local weather — the dry and wet seasons. Water quality analysis involved physical, chemical, and biological parameters and the results were compared with EPA guidelines. There were also river flow measurements and comparison with other works. The results showed that pollution was highest near the city centre, especially River Subin at Asafo while areas near the outskirts were the least polluted, especially River Weewee at Ahinsan. Faecal coliform was the most severe pollutant as its pollution index generally varied by about 45000 to 3,000,000%, while nitrate was the least severe with about 0 to 2% pollution index. The volume of water flowing out of the catchment polluted was estimated at 5.2m3/s as against 1.0m3/s of treated water consumption for the whole the Kumasi Metropolis. Water treatment was more difficult for this catchment as the Odaso Water Works downstream consumed 130 bags of alum/day for a capacity of 2.5m gallons against 100 bags for Barekese Water Works elsewhere with a capacity of 18m gallons/day. Furthermore, river pollution was on the increase and innovative measures, such as public education and wastewater treatment systems were needed to address it.

Source: KNUST
Peri-urban interface: An alternative residential location of low-income migrants in Kumasi, Ghana

While a plethora of studies have shown that slum settlements are the commonest choice of residence for low income migrants in cities, little is known about the peri-urban landscape as host settlements for low-income migrants. This study aims to explore the context, motivation and outcomes of migrant settlements in peri urban areas in Ghana. Using a qualitative approach through in-depth interviews, the findings suggest that low-income migrants opt for a rent-free stay in uncompleted houses in peri-urban areas. A major reason for this is the affordability challenge low-income migrants face in the rental housing market. Migrants choose to stay in uncompleted houses because they offer more space for both dwelling and storage. The unavailability of services such as electricity and potable water sometimes presented unique challenges for migrants, but this was also found to be a cost-saving mechanism. Employment prospects in peri-urban areas such as housing construction also contribute to the reason for migrant settlement in such areas.

Source: KNUST
Peripheral insulin resistance rather than beta cell dysfunction accounts for geographical differences in impaired fasting blood glucose among sub-Saharan African individuals: findings from the RODAM study

Aims/hypothesis The aim of this study was to assess the extent to which insulin resistance and beta cell dysfunction account for differences in impaired fasting blood glucose (IFBG) levels in sub-Saharan African individuals living in different locations in Europe and Africa. We also aimed to identify determinants associated with insulin resistance and beta cell dysfunction among this population. Methods Data from the cross-sectional multicentre Research on Obesity and Diabetes among African Migrants (RODAM) study were analysed. Participants included Ghanaian individuals without diabetes, aged 18–96 years old, who were residing in Amsterdam (n = 1337), Berlin (n = 502), London (n = 961), urban Ghana (n= 1309) and rural Ghana (n= 970). Glucose and insulin were measured in fasting venous blood samples. Anthropometrics were assessed during a physical examination. Questionnaires were used to assess demographics, physical activity, smoking status, alcohol consumption and energy intake. Insulin resistance and beta cell function were determined using homeostatic modelling (HOMA-IR and HOMA-B, respectively). Logistic regression analysis was used to study the contribution of HOMA-IR and inverse HOMA-B (beta cell dysfunction) to geographical differences in IFBG (fasting glucose 5.6–6.9 mmol/l). Multivariate linear regression analysis was used to identify determinants associated with HOMA-IR and inverse HOMA-B.

Source: KNUST
Permanent income hypothesis: An empirical evidence from Ghana

Consumption is a very important aspect of human life that cannot easily be done away with. It is therefore the aim of this paper to determine the consumption funtion of Ghana under the permanent Income Hypothesis. The paper goes further to test whether consumption is influenced by some behavioral tendencies like the conspicious consumption and the bandwagen effect of consumption. The paper also determined the main causes of low income among retirees. Using a time series............

Source: KNUST
Permanganyl chloride-mediated oxidation of tetramethylethylene: Adensity functional theory study

The mechanisms of the oxidation of tetramethylethylene (TME) by permanganyl chloride (MnO3Cl) havebeen explored on the singlet and triplet potential energy surfaces at the B3LYP LANL2DZ/6-31G (d) levelof theory. The results show that the pathway leading to the formation of thefive-membered dioxylatethrough concerted [3þ2] addition is favored kinetically and thermodynamically over the three otherpossible pathways, namely the [2þ2] addition via the transient metallaoxetane intermediate, epoxi-dation, and hydrogen transfer pathways. The epoxide precursor that on hydrolysis would yield theepoxide product will most likely arise from a stepwise path through the intermediacy of an organo-metallic intermediate. This pathway affords the product that is more stable (thermodynamically favor-able). However, kinetically, both the stepwise and the concerted [2þ1] addition pathways leading to theepoxide precursors are very competitive (activation barrier difference of<0.7 kcal/mol).

Source: KNUST
Peri-, Chemo-, Regio-, Stereo- and Enantio-Selectivities of 1,3-dipolarcycloaddition reaction of C,N-Disubstituted nitrones withdisubstituted 4-methylene-1,3-oxazol-5(4H)- one: A quantummechanical study

The peri-, chemo-, regio-, stereo- and enantio-selectivities of 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition reaction of C,N-disubstituted nitrones with disubstituted 4-methylene-1,3-oxazol-5(4H)-one have been studied usingdensity functional theory (DFT) at the M06e2X/6-311G (d,p) level of theory. The 1,3-dipole preferentiallyadds chemo-selectively across the olefinic bond in a (3þ2) fashion forming the corresponding spi-rocycloadduct. The titled reaction occurs with poor enantio- and stereo-selectivities, but a high degree ofregio-selectivity is observed for the addition of the 1,3-dipole across the dipolarophile. Electron-withdrawing groups on the dipolarophile significantly reduce the activation barriers while electron-donating groups on the dipolarophile increase the activation barriers. Analysis of the HOMO andLUMO energies of the two reacting species indicates that the 1,3-dipole reacts as a nucleophile while thedipolarophile reacts as the electrophile. Investigation of the electrophilic Parr function (PþKÞat the variousreaction centers in the dipolarophile indicates that the 1,3-dipole selectively adds across the atomicspecies with the largest electrophilic Mulliken and NBO atomic spin densities which is in accordancewith the energetic trends observed.

Source: KNUST
Personal Security and Safety In Academic Libraries: A Case Study of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology Library, Kumasi, Ghana

This case study aims at a critical examination of the security risks to which staff of Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Tech nology (KNUST) Library are exposed and measures put in place to deal with them. It also assesses the personal safety measures already in place with the objective of identifying their adequacy. Literature on personal security and safety in academic libraries is reviewed. Questionnaire, interview, and personal observation were used for the collection of data. Data collected were analyzed using SPSS software. Eighty-four of 124 responses representing 67.7% were re ceived from the staff of the KNUST Main Library for the study. The study revealed that just like any other workers of a service organi zation, the staff of the KNUST Main Library are not completely free from threats to their personal security and safety. Efforts are made to address the shortcomings in these security and safety measures to enable KNUST Library staff tp work in an atmosphere devoid of risks and uncertainties.

Source: KNUST
Personal selling of industrial products in the Kumasi Metroplis: a case study of Mantrac Ghana Limitied

Marketing of industrial products presents a unique challenge. The challenge is how to combine services with goods and provision of more tailored solutions to address customers’ business needs. Personal selling seems to offer the much needed strategy and solution to sell industrial products, on this basis the researcher studied the extent of dependence of personal selling on the sale of the products of Mantrac Ghana Limited, other key elements of the integrated marketing communication mix adopted by Mantrac Ghana and the challenges Mantrac Ghana encounters in adopting personal selling to sell its products. The study employed interviews and questionnaires administered to collect data from the staff and customers of Mantrac Ghana Limited. The findings of the study revealed that the company depends greatly on the personal selling of the sales of their products. The study found that compared to other marketing communications tools, the company commits about 40% of its marketing effort to personal selling. The company reliance on personal selling was attributed to the technical nature of the company’s products which depends on the technical advice to customers so that they would obtain an in-depth knowledge of the product’s functions in their operations. Apart from the personal selling, the study found sales promotion & merchandising and trade shows and exhibitions as the other marketing communication tools used by the Mantrac Ghana for the sale of its products. However, the challenge of the use of personal selling at Mantrac Ghana Limited is its expensive nature as it requires large investment and demand technical know-how on the part of the sales team. Since the company commits about 40% of its marketing effort to personal selling, management should explore other marketing communication tools that may possibly be less expensive and at the same time help in building caterpillar brand. Advertisement may be a likely alternative

Source: KNUST
Persisting Social Participation Restrictions among Former Buruli Ulcer Patients in Ghana and Benin

Background: Buruli ulcer may induce severe disabilities impacting on a person’s well-being and quality of life. Information about long-term disabilities and participation restrictions is scanty. The objective of this study was to gain insight into participation restrictions among former Buruli ulcer patients in Ghana and Benin. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, former Buruli ulcer patients were interviewed using the Participation Scale, the Buruli Ulcer Functional Limitation Score to measure functional limitations, and the Explanatory Model Interview Catalogue to measure perceived stigma. Healthy community controls were also interviewed using the Participation Scale. Trained native interviewers conducted the interviews. Former Buruli ulcer patients were eligible for inclusion if they had been treated between 2005 and 2011, had ended treatment at least 3 months before the interview, and were at least 15 years of age. Results: In total, 143 former Buruli ulcer patients and 106 community controls from Ghana and Benin were included in the study. Participation restrictions were experienced by 67 former patients (median score, 30, IQR; 23;43) while 76 participated in social life without problems (median score 5, IQR; 2;9). Most restrictions encountered related to employment. Linear regression showed being female, perceived stigma, functional limitations, and larger lesions (category II) as predictors of more participation restrictions. Conclusion: Persisting participation restrictions were experienced by former BU patients in Ghana and Benin. Most important predictors of participation restrictions were being female, perceived stigma, functional limitations and larger lesions.

Source: KNUST