ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Analysis of Freshwater Stress with a couple ground and surface water model in the Pra Basin, Ghana

The optimal management of water resources requires that the collected hydrogeological, meteorological, and spatial data be simulated and analyzed with appropriate models. In this study, a catchment-scale distributed hydrological modeling approach is applied to simulate water stress for the years 2000 and 2050 in a data scarce Pra Basin, Ghana. The model is divided into three parts: The first computes surface and groundwater availability as well as shallow and deep groundwater residence times by using POLFLOW model; the second extends the POLFLOW model with water demand (Domestic, Industrial and Agricultural) model; and the third part involves modeling water stress indices—from the ratio of water demand to water availability—for every part of the basin. On water availability, the model estimated long-term annual Pra river discharge at the outflow point of the basin, Deboase, to be 198 m3/s as against long-term average measurement of 197 m3/s. Moreover, the relationship between simulated discharge and measured discharge at 9 substations in the basin scored Nash–Sutcliffe model efficiency coefficient of 0.98, which indicates that the model estimation is in agreement with the long-term measured discharge. The estimated total water demand significantly increases from 959,049,096 m3/year in 2000 to 3,749,559,019 m3/year in 2050 (p < 0.05). The number of districts experiencing water stress significantly increases (p = 0.00044) from 8 in 2000 to 21 out of 35 by the year 2050. This study will among other things help the stakeholders in water resources management to identify and manage water stress areas in the basin.

Source: UG
An Analysis of Ghana’s Approaches towards Addressing Irregular Trans-Saharan Migration to Europe.

Many young Ghanaians risk their lives to cross the Sahara-desert and the Mediterranean Sea to seek greener pastures in Europe. By so doing they expose themselves to this dangerous journey, and some even lose their lives. It is for this reason that this dissertation sought to ascertain the causes of and effort made by Ghana to curb irregular migration through the Sahara-desert and the Mediterranean Sea to Europe. The study is qualitative and relied on both primary and secondary data. The study used Czaika and De Haas’ conceptual framework designed in their “Effectiveness of Immigration Policies” to analyze the various interventions by Ghana to address the irregular migration from Ghana. The findings identified lack of information/misinformation, limited economic opportunities, strict visa application processes, poverty and lack of agricultural facilities as major causes of irregular migration in general and are also specific to Ghana. It was also found that Ghana in collaboration with some non-state actors primarily the International Organization for Migration uses sensitization and education as the main tool to curb irregular migration from the country. The study’s assessment of this measure couple with others indicates that sensitization and education, though an effective strategy, implementation has not resulted in the desired objective of substantially reducing irregular migration from Ghana to Europe through the trans-Saharan route. Addition, the study notes that a major challenge leading to the ineffectiveness of the measures adopted was the short-term approach as well as limited funding and discontinuity of the programs. The study, therefore, recommended the need for continuous sensitization programmes, provision of adequate agricultural facilities, provision of adequate funding to the Ghana Immigration Service, implementation of the National Migration Policy and formalization of migration for unskilled labour through bilateral and multilateral agreements.

Source: UG
Analysis of groundwater quality using multivariate and spatial analyses in the Keta basin, Ghana

A holistic assessment of the quality of groundwater from the shallow unconfined aquifers of the Keta strip of the Keta basin has been conducted using multivariate statistical and spatial analyses. A groundwater classification scheme has been developed for groundwater in the area using a robust water quality index (WQI) modified for the case of the Keta basin. On the basis of the WQI so computed, groundwater in the area has been spatially classified into 'good', 'fair', and 'marginal' water types using ordinary kriging developed from a well fitted linear semivariogram function. This study finds that the salinity of groundwater in the basin is largely attributed to mineral weathering and seawater intrusion. Groundwater is stable within kaolinite and Na-smectite field, suggesting the predominance of Na-rich silicate minerals over the high temperature Ca-rich minerals. There are localized influences of domestic waste discharge and agricultural activities on the hydrochemistry of groundwater in the area. Where these effects are high, high nitrate and fluoride concentrations have been noted. Four groundwater clusters have also been distinguished: clusters 1 and 4 are low salinity Ca-HCO3 waters distinguished by differences in pH, whereas clusters 2 and 3 represent high and intermediate salinity Na-Cl waters respectively. This study further finds that clusters 1 and 4 present the best water types for irrigation purposes in the Keta basin. On account of high salinity, cluster 2 members are not suitable for irrigation of any crop in the basin. Sodium adsorption ratio (SAR) appears to display weak seasonal variations due to the influence of seawater intrusion, whose effects vary with the level of the water table relative to sea level. During dry seasons when the water table is low, saline water intrusion elevates the content of sodium in groundwater. This is reflected in the SAR values in some of the wells sampled. © 2010 Elsevier Ltd.

Source: UG
Analysis of groundwater quality using water quality index and conventional graphical methods: The Volta region, Ghana

Conventional graphical and statistical methods were used with water quality indices to characterize the hydrochemistry of groundwater from the northern part of the Volta region of Ghana. The objective was to determine the processes that affect the hydrochemistry and the variation of these processes in space among the three main geological terrains: the Buem formation, Voltaian System and the Togo series that underlie the area, and to determine the suitability of groundwater from the area for drinking purposes. The Q-mode cluster analysis reveals three main water groups. The groups established from the Q-mode HCA appear to indicate different degrees of weathering which could further indicate varying levels of fracturing aquifer hydraulic properties. R-mode HCA and factor analysis (using varimax rotation and Kaiser Criterion) were then applied to determine the significant sources of variation in the hydrochemistry. This study finds that groundwater hydrochemistry in the area is controlled by the weathering of silicate and carbonate minerals, as well as the chemistry of infiltrating precipitation. Mineral activity diagrams for the CaO-Na2O-Al2O3-SiO2-H2O and CaO-MgO-Al2O3-SiO2-H2O systems plotted for the area indicate stability in the smectite field and attribute hydrochemistry to the weathering of silicate minerals. Silicate mineral weathering and the effects of precipitation appear to be pervasive among all the three main geological terrains, whereas carbonate weathering is localized among the Voltaian aquifers. Cation exchange does not appear to play a significant role in the hydrochemistry but mild Water quality indices (WQI) were calculated for the samples using the concentrations of Na+, Ca2+, Mg2+, Cl-, NO3 -, F-, and EC at the various sample locations. The WQI values indicate that groundwater from the study area is of excellent quality for drinking purposes. WQI values from groundwater samples are averagely higher than samples taken from surface water sources in the area. This implies that geology has had an impact on the WQI of groundwater in the area. © Springer-Verlag 2009.

Source: UG
Analysis of HIV Early Infant Diagnosis Data to Estimate Rates of Perinatal HIV Transmission in Zambi

Background: Mother-to-child transmission of HIV (MTCT) remains the most prevalent source of pediatric HIV infection. Most PMTCT (prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV) programs have concentrated monitoring and evaluation efforts on process rather than on outcome indicators. In this paper, we review service data from 28,320 children born to HIV positive mothers to estimate MTCT rates. Method: This study analyzed DNA PCR results and PMTCT data from perinatally exposed children zero to 12 months of age from five Zambian provinces between September 2007 and July 2010. Results: The majority of children (58.6%) had a PCR test conducted between age six weeks and six months. Exclusive breastfeeding (56.8%) was the most frequent feeding method. An estimated 45.9% of mothers were below 30 years old and 93.3% had disclosed their HIV status. In terms of ARV regimen for PMTCT, 32.7% received AZT+single dose NVP (sdNVP), 30.9% received highly active antiretroviral treatment (HAART), 19.6% received sdNVP only and 12.9% received no ARVs. Transmission rates at six weeks when ARVs were received by both mother and baby, mother only, baby only, and none were 5.8%, 10.5%, 15.8% and 21.8% respectively. Transmission rates at six weeks where mother received HAART, AZT+sd NVP, sdNVP, and no intervention were 4.2%, 6.8%, 8.7% and 20.1% respectively. Based on adjusted analysis including ARV exposures and non ARV-related parameters, lower rates of positive PCR results were associated with 1) both mother and infant receiving prophylaxis, 2) children never breastfed and 3) mother being 30 years old or greater. Overall between September 2007 and July 2010, 12.2% of PCR results were HIV positive. Between September 2007 and January 2009, then between February 2009 and July 2010, proportions of positive PCR results were 15.1% and 11% respectively, a significant difference. Conclusion: The use of ARV drugs reduces vertical transmission of HIV in a program setting. Non-chemoprophylactic factors also play a significant role in HIV transmission. The overall change in the proportions of positive PCR results over time is more likely an indication of better PMTCT implementation. Determination of the outcomes of PMTCT in program settings is feasible but requires accurate documentation and analysis.

Source: UG
Analysis of Hospital Pharmacists’ Interventions in a Covid -19 Isolation Centre of a Tertiary Hospital in Ghana

Coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) is a global pandemic that was first identified in the city of Wuhan, China, and declared On January 30, 2020, by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. In Ghana, the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital became one of the designated sites for the management of Covid-19 patients, and the pharmacists were part of the task force. This study aims to analyze hospital pharmacists’ interventions in a Covid 19 isolation center and to identify the evidence that supports the effect of such interventions. This was a retrospective study carried out by collecting and collating the interventions and recommendations made by the hospital pharmacists who worked at the isolation center from May 2020 to August 2020 at the peak of the pandemic. A total of 145 pharmacists’ interventions (PIs) were captured from the medication reviews of 53 patients: resulting in an average PI rate of 3 interventions per patient. Women accounted for 58.5% (31/53) of positivity in the study. The mean (SD) for age was 47.1(17.9). Physicians’ acceptance rate of PIs for Covid-19-positive patients was 95.2% (138/145). The most prevalent type of PIs was discharge counseling; 32.4 % (47/145), followed by untreated indication 10.3% (15/145), drug /dose omission 9% (13/145), and drug shortage/refill 9% (13/145) respectively. This study highlights the clinical relevance of pharmacists’ interventions in the Covid-19 era and the importance of teamwork to prevent medication errors.

Source: UG
An analysis of hospital pharmacy practice in six countries of sub-Saharan Africa based on the International Pharmaceutical Federation Basel Statements on the future of hospital pharmacy

Objectives The objective of this study was to update the self-assessment tool and to evaluate current hospital pharmacy practices in six sub-Saharan African countries. Methods Questions in the validated survey were edited if the revised Basel Statement changed intent. A total of 13 updates were made. The survey was administered via e-mail to pharmacy personnel in any hospital centre in Ghana (258 total hospitals), Nigeria (17 038 total hospitals), Malawi (499 total hospitals), Uganda (155 total hospitals), Zambia (98 total hospitals) and Zimbabwe (1389 total hospitals). Snowball sampling increased reach of the survey across each country. Key findings Responses were received from all six countries, with nine respondents from Ghana, 15 from Nigeria, two from Malawi, five from Uganda, nine from Zambia and four from Zimbabawe. Uganda had the highest achievement rates for tier one and tier three constructs, and Ghana had the highest achievement rate for tier two constructs. Malawi showed the lowest achievement rates in all three tiers. The six countries achieved an average of 82 per cent (SD = 24) of tier one constructs. Three tier one constructs were achieved less than 25 per cent of the time. Conclusion Multiple tier one (minimum standards in hospital pharmacy practice) constructs were achieved greater than 90% of the time, possibly reflecting efforts made towards hospital pharmacy practice advancement in select countries of sub-Saharan Africa. Additionally, all countries achieved a majority of tier one overarching constructs. Despite these achievements, there are still many areas for growth, including select tier one constructs with low achievement rates.

Source: UG
Analysis of human T cell clones specific for conserved peptide sequences within malaria proteins: Paucity of clones responsive to intact parasites

T cells are thought to be of central importance in malaria immunity. Peptides copying malaria protein sequences often stimulate human CD4+ T cells and it was thought that they represented T cell epitopes present in the parasite and may thus have particular relevance to malaria vaccine development. To verify whether synthetic peptides representing highly conserved regions of parasite Ags may contribute to a malaria vaccine, we searched the data bank for conserved regions of Plasmodium falciparum malaria proteins that were not homologous to known self (human) proteins. We synthesized 24 such peptides representing 11 of the cloned and sequenced malaria asexual stage Ags, which were predicted by algorithms to represent T cell epitopes, and 6 peptides not predicted to be T cell epitopes and used these to generate T cell clones from individuals with an extensive previous history of malaria exposure. The T cell clones responded vigorously to many peptides but only a single clone, specific for a peptide within merozoite surface protein-1, 20-39, VTHESYQELVKKLEALEDAV, and not previously defined to be a T cell epitope responded to malaria parasites by proliferation and secretion of IFN-γ. This epitope was not revealed by studying parasite- induced T cell lines and is thus subdominant. The clone was able to significantly inhibit parasite growth in vitro. The final step in the inhibition of parasite growth appears to be nonspecific because other activated clones (not specific for malaria sequences) can inhibit parasite growth. Our data suggest that few conserved peptides within malaria parasites can be processed from the intact parasite. However, such peptides that can be processed from malaria parasites may be expected to stimulate parasite- specific T cells that could inhibit parasite growth and as such may be lead candidates for a vaccine aimed at inducing cellular immunity to malaria.

Source: UG
An Analysis of Identity and Citizenship Crisis of the Rohingya of Myanmar

The Rohingya Muslims have been persecuted for numerous years without justification. This dissertation takes a look at their origin story, their plight over the years, various allegations leveled against them, and the response from the international community. An analysis of the Identity and Citizenship Crisis has also been carried out based on the Ontological Security Theory and recommendations have been made to address the plight of the Rohingya Muslims. The study finds that the present-day persecution of the Rohingya is steeped in years of suffering, alienation, and exclusion of the Muslim minority group. It also finds that the advancement of a collective Burmese identity is carried out at the expense of the minority. The study recommends that the community members discover answers to their issues and ensure they are part of the systems of settlement to serve both the host and outcasts

Source: UG
Analysis of Improper Disposal of Solid Wastes in a Low-Income Area of Accra, Ghana

We examined the causes of poor sanitary condition in Gbawe, a low-income suburb of Accra, the capital city of Ghana in the current era of one of the worst epidemics of cholera in Accra which has been linked to improper disposal of wastes. This survey-based study identified improved and unimproved methods for disposal of household solid wastes. The likelihood of a person using an improved method of disposing solid wastes increased with increasing household income but it decreased with increasing number of household members. A conclusion arising from the study is the need for local government authorities to abolish the fees and charges imposed on users of public waste collection centres in order to encourage proper disposal of solid wastes. Indirect methods of financing local authorities such as increased levels of property taxes need to be explored to finance the development and maintenance of adequate numbers of public waste collection centres to encourage proper disposal of solid wastes by householders and the general public.

Source: UG
Analysis of Investment Returns as Markov Chain Random Walk

The main objective of this paper is to analyse investment returns using a stochastic model and inform investors about the best stock market to invest in. To this effect, a Markov chain random walk model was successfully developed and implemented on 450 monthly market returns data spanning from January 1976 to December 2020 for Canada, India, Mexico, South Africa, and Switzerland obtained from the Federal Reserves of the Bank of St. Louis. Limiting state probabilities and six-month moving crush probabilities were estimated for each country, and these were used to assess the performance of the markets. Te Mexican market was observed to have the lowest probabilities for all the negative states, while the Indian market recorded the largest limiting probabilities. In the case of positive states, the Mexican market recorded the highest limiting probabilities, while the Indian market recorded the lowest limiting probabilities. The results showed that the Mexican market performed better than the others over the study period, whilst India performed poorly. These findings provide crucial information for market regulators and investors in setting regulations and decision-making in investment.

Source: UG
Analysis of leachates from solid waste dumpsites: A tool for predicting the quality of composts derived from landfills

Leachate and soil samples were collected near five solid waste dump sites in the Accra metropolitan area of Ghana over a period of six months. The leachate samples were analysed for heavy metals, coliform bacteria and helminth eggs while the soil samples were analysed for only helminth eggs. Heavy metals analysed included Cd, Pb, Zn, Mn, and Cu. It has been observed that the leachates contain high levels of these heavy metals and pathogens. The high heavy metal levels make the solid wastes suitable for composting only after sorting since this would remove materials which serve as sources of these heavy metals. With the high faecal and total coliform levels, choice of composting temperature and period of intensive decomposition and curing, would be key in getting rid of the pathogens.

Source: UG
Analysis of nursing education in Ghana: Priorities for scaling-up the nursing workforce

In this cross-sectional study, the strengths, challenges and current status of baccalaureate nursing education in Ghana were described using a descriptive design. The World Health Organization Global Standards for the Initial Education of Nurses and Midwives were used as the organizing framework, with baseline data on the status of nursing education from two state-funded universities in Ghana presented. A serious shortage of qualified faculty was identified, along with the need for significant upgrading to the existing infrastructure. Additionally, the number of qualified applicants far exceeds the available training slots. Faculty and infrastructure shortages are common issues in nursing education and workforce expansion; however, in low-resource countries, such as Ghana, these issues are compounded by high rates of preventable disease and injury. An understanding of the strengths and challenges of nursing education in Ghana can inform the development of strategies for nursing workforce expansion for other low-resource countries.

Source: UG
Analysis of pan-African Centres of excellence in health innovation highlights opportunities and challenges for local innovation and financing in the continent

Abstract A pool of 38 pan-African Centres of Excellence (CoEs) in health innovation has been selected and recognized by the African Network for Drugs and Diagnostics Innovation (ANDI), through a competitive criteria based process. The process identified a number of opportunities and challenges for health R&amp;D and innovation in the continent: i) it provides a direct evidence for the existence of innovation capability that can be leveraged to fill specific gaps in the continent; ii) it revealed a research and financing pattern that is largely fragmented and uncoordinated, and iii) it highlights the most frequent funders of health research in the continent. The CoEs are envisioned as an innovative network of public and private institutions with a critical mass of expertise and resources to support projects and a variety of activities for capacity building and scientific exchange, including hosting fellows, trainees, scientists on sabbaticals and exchange with other African and non-African institutions.

Source: UG