ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Surface mining regulations and environmental management practices in Ghana : A case study of Iduapriem gold mine

Increasing surface mining activities in Ghana and particularly the advent of large multinational companies into the country in the last few decades has awakened the environmental awareness of the government and the people of Ghana. Consequently, the government of Ghana has put in place regulations by which the negative impacts of mining can be mitigated. The mineral sector contributes substantially to the economy of Ghana. However, there are serious misgivings about the environmental stewardship of mining companies. In the view of some people, the mining companies are doing more harm than good and the government's quest to attract foreign direct investment to enhance economic growth has made the environment a victim of circumstances. The negative impacts of surface mining operations include land degradation, air and water pollution, waste generation and ground vibration due to blasting. At Iduapriem Gold Mine, these impacts have led to a number of social upheavals. The company has introduced a proactive environmental programs to ensure that her operations are within safe environmental bounds. Some of these measures include the introduction of agro- forestry trial plots, recycling of used water and the rehabilitation of degraded lands among others. However, the question is "are they doing enough?" to ensure good environmental stewardship, there should be adequate regulatory provisions to provide the framework for environmental regulation and state institution responsible for monitoring the environment should be well resourced.

Source: UCC
Surface tension effects in the zero gravity inflow of a drop into a fluid

As a drop of fluid is deposited on the surface of a miscible fluid (that we call the solvent), I tundergoes a strong pulling due to its surface rupture and it acquires a kinetic energy independently of gravity. For the drop and the solvent being of the same fluid we observe a drop injection at an initial velocity which scales as the square root of the surface tension of the drop against air. Once injected, the drop develops a transverse instability giving rise to an expanding ring. Viscosity terminates the process and stops the ring. We show that the final ring height follows a scaling law whereas two asymptotical scaling regimes can be identified for the ring radius

Source: UCC
Surgical Management of Buruli Ulcer Disease: A Four Year Experience from four Endemic Districts in Ghana

Mycobacterium ulcerans (MU) disease causes extensive destruction of tissues leaving large ulcers on the body. Management which consisted of surgical excision of the lesions is gradually being replaced with chemotherapy. Objective: To study the impact on surgery of prior treatment of MU disease with rifampicin and streptomycin. Study Design: Retrospective, from September 2004 to September 2009. Setting: Asunafo, Amansie West, Ahafo Ano and Amansie Central districts of Ghana. Methods: Patients who have completed 8 weeks or a minimum of 4 weeks treatment with rifampicin and streptomycin but have unhealed lesions were selected for surgery. Results: 132 patients had surgery for MU disease; 51 at Tepa (Ahafo Ano); 36 at Agroyesum (Amansie West); 16 from Jacobu (Amansie Central); 29 from Goaso (Asunafo) districts. Their ages ranged from 4 to 98 years, with mean age of 29.90 years, standard deviation of 20.74. Sites involved were: head and neck 1 (0.74%), upper limb 40 (29.63%), lower limb 92 (68.15%), trunk 2 (1.48%) (N=135). The clinical forms were: papule 1 (0.74%), nodule 2 (1.48%), oedematous lesion 4 (2.96%), osteomyelitis 2 (1.48%), ulcers 124 (91.85%), contractures 2 (1.48%). 139 surgical procedures were performed: excision 25 (18.11), skin grafting 36 (26.1%), excision and skin grafting 54 (39.1%), debridem net 10 (7.2%), sequestrectomy 2 (1.4%), regrafting 10 (7.2%), release of contractures 2 (1.4%). Conclusion: Treatment of MU disease with rifampicin and streptomycin improved the condition and minimised the extent of surgery. Combination of surgery and antibiotics is necessary to prevent the development contractures.

Source: UCC
Survey into leadership styles of principals in the Nurses Training Colleges in the Central Region

This study seeks to ascertain the most appropriate leadership styles of Principals that enhance academic performance of students in the Nurses Training Colleges in the Central Region. The study was based on such research question as how do tutors perceive the leadership style of their respective principals? The assertions made by the authors in the literature review mentioned the issues of the attitude administrators, the level of female education, how females were perceived in all aspects of life and some traditional and/or social beliefs that affected the performance of female administrators and how they are perceived by staff. The study was conducted in three (3) Nursing training schools in the Central Region, namely Cape Coast Nursing and Midwifery Training School, Anakaful Psychiatric Nursing Training College and Winneba Community Health Nursing Training School. The study was a descriptive survey. The sample for the study was 334 made up of 24 tutors, 300 students and 10 non-teaching staff members. Simple random method was used to select the sample for the study. Questionnaire was the instrument used for the study. The study revealed that Heads’ supervisory roles had been ineffective in the Region resulting in poor academic performance of students. It was recommended that the Ghana Health Service (GHS) should make the programme management/ administration as a requirement for principalship.

Source: UCC
A survey of energy drinks consumption practices among student -athletes in Ghana: lessons for developing health education intervention programmes

Globally, young adults and college athletes are primary targets of the marketing campaigns of energy drink companies. Consequently, it is reported that young adults and college athletes consume energy drinks frequently. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of energy drink consumption among student-athletes selected from seven public universities in Ghana. The study assessed the energy drink consumption patterns, types usually consumed, frequency of consumption and reasons why athletes consumed energy drinks. A total number of 180 student-athletes gave their consent to participate in the study and completed a questionnaire which was administered during an inter-university sports competition. Most of the participants (62.2%) reported consuming at least one can of energy drink in a week. A high proportion (53.6%) of the respondents who drink energy drinks indicated that they did so to replenish lost energy after training or a competition. Other reasons given as to why energy drinks were consumed by the study participants included to provide energy and fluids to the body (25.9%), to improve performance (9.8%) and to reduce fatigue (5.4%). These results suggest the need to plan health education programmes to particularly correct some wrong perceptions that athletes have regarding the benefits of energy drinks and also create awareness among student-athletes about the side effects of excessive intake of energy drinks.

Source: UCC
A survey of energy drinks consumption practices among student -athletes in Ghana: lessons for developing health education intervention programmes

Background: Globally, young adults and college athletes are primary targets of the marketing campaigns of energy drink companies. Consequently, it is reported that young adults and college athletes consume energy drinks frequently. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of energy drink consumption among student-athletes selected from seven public universities in Ghana. The study assessed the energy drink consumption patterns, types usually consumed, frequency of consumption and reasons why athletes consumed energy drinks. Methods: A total number of 180 student-athletes gave their consent to participate in the study and completed a questionnaire which was administered during an inter-university sports competition. Results: Most of the participants (62.2%) reported consuming at least one can of energy drink in a week. A high proportion (53.6%) of the respondents who drink energy drinks indicated that they did so to replenish lost energy after training or a competition. Other reasons given as to why energy drinks were consumed by the study participants included to provide energy and fluids to the body (25.9%), to improve performance (9.8%) and to reduce fatigue (5.4%). Conclusion: These results suggest the need to plan health education programmes to particularly correct some wrong perceptions that athletes have regarding the benefits of energy drinks and also create awareness among student-athletes about the side effects of excessive intake of energy drinks. Keywords: Energy drinks, Consumption practices, Student-athletes, University

Source: UCC
A survey of fish species diversity and abundance in the White Volta at Nawuni, Northern Region, Ghana

The study was conducted in the White Volta River at Nawuni to identify the fishing gears used by the fishermen, assess fish species composition and their relative abundance. The results indicated that fishing gears such as gill nets, traps and hook-and-line were used. Most of the net mesh sizes used by the fishermen did not conform to those legally permitted by the Fisheries Department for inland capture fisheries. Forty-three (43) fish species belonging to seventeen (17) families were identified. The family Mochokidae had the highest species representation (7). Cichlidae were the most relatively abundant family (40%) with Sarotherodon galilaeus, scoring the greatest percentage frequency (29%). It is recommended that the use of 5.0 cm mesh size gill net should be encouraged to increase catch on a sustainable basis. Also S. galilaeus is recommended as the best species for culture based on the results of the study. It is concluded that fishing gears of mesh sizes lower than the recommended ones were used by the fishermen, and that the White Volta is rich in fish species diversity.

Source: UCC
A survey of studies in systemic functional language description and typology

Systemic functional theory embodies a multilingual perspective to language from its earliest formulation. However, it was not until the last two decades that descriptions of languages other than English, particularly in the light of language typology, garnered much interest among scholars working with systemic theory. The objective of the present study is to survey the growing literature in this field. he survey consists of two main parts. The first part discusses theoretical developments in relation to language description and typology. The second part presents a meta-analysis of empirical studies in the field. he meta-analysis examines the historical progress in systemic typology and description of non-Anglo languages, the coverage of descriptions in terms of areal and genetic language families, mode of publication and, finally, methodological procedures employed by the studies. Challenges arising from these analytical decisions are also examined. The motivation for the study is to provide a state of the art review of the field in order to guide new descriptions and draw implications for further research in functional language typology, in general, and systemic typology, in particular

Source: UCC
A Survey of the Impact Lockdown Due to COVID-19 Pandemic on the Volume of Patients Accessing Breast Cancer Care in Nigeria

Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has disrupted cancer care, among others and increased the suffering of breast cancer (BC) patient owing to the imposed lockdown. This is study investigated the impact of COVID-19 lockdown on the volume of BC patients accessing care in a poor resource setting. Methods: We surveyed general surgery units (GSU) in Northcentral and Southwestern Nigeria during the first lockdown in April/May 2020. Using an electronically mailed questionnaire, we requested data on patients accessing clinics, chemotherapy and definitive surgery before and during lockdown. The data were analyzed and presented in descriptive statistics using SPSS v 20 and Microsoft Excel software. Results: Among the 22 GSUs, only 5(23%) prepared for maintaining oncology or breast cancer services during the lockdown. Compared to the volume before the lockdown, 15(60%) GSUs received <30% of the usual volume of new cases, 16 (73%) received <30% of the usual of patients chemotherapy patients and no patient accessed definitive surgery in 15 (68%) GSUs. Conclusion: There was a marked reduction in the volume of BC patients accessing outpatient clinics, chemotherapy facilities, and definitive surgery during the COVID-19 lockdown

Source: UCC
A Survey of the Perception of Women Attending Antenatal Clinics about HIV Transmission and Prevention within the Cape Coast Metropolis

The aim of the study was to identify the barriers hindering the prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) of HIV among women attending antenatal clinics in the Cape Coast Metropolis. A descriptive cross-sectional research design was employed for the study. The convenient sampling procedure was used to select 191 pregnant women attending antenatal clinics whiles 10 nursing managers were purposively chosen. In all, 201 participants responded to an individually administered questionnaire. It emerged from the study that out of the 201 participants, most of the participant indicated that they had adequate knowledge about the modes of transmission of mother-to-child transmission of HIV. The study also revealed that most of the participants had positive attitude towards PMTCT services. Based on the findings, it was recommended that health education relating to mother to child transmission of HIV and its prevention at the antenatal clinics should be intensified. This would empower women of child bearing age to understand the importance of PMTCT, the mode of transmitting HIV to their infants and the services available. It is further recommended that curriculum for nurses and physician should emphasize issues on MTCT, PMTCT and HIV

Source: UCC
A Survey of the Perception of Women Attending Antenatal Clinics about HIV Transmission and Prevention within the Cape Coast Metropolis

Abstract: The aim of the study was to identify the barriers hindering the prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) of HIV among women attending antenatal clinics in the Cape Coast Metropolis. A descriptive cross-sectional research design was employed for the study. The convenient sampling procedure was used to select 191 pregnant women attending antenatal clinics whiles 10 nursing managers were purposively chosen. In all, 201 participants responded to an individually administered questionnaire. It emerged from the study that out of the 201 participants, most of the participant indicated that they had adequate knowledge about the modes of transmission of mother-to-child transmission of HIV. The study also revealed that most of the participants had positive attitude towards PMTCT services. Based on the findings, it was recommended that health education relating to mother to child transmission of HIV and its prevention at the antenatal clinics should be intensified. This would empower women of child bearing age to understand the importance of PMTCT, the mode of transmitting HIV to their infants and the services available. It is further recommended that curriculum for nurses and physician should emphasize issues on MTCT, PMTCT and HIV

Source: UCC
Survival of HIV-positive patients starting antiretroviral therapy between 1996 and 2013: a collaborative analysis of cohort studies

Background Health care for people living with HIV has improved substantially in the past two decades. Robust estimates of how these improvements have affected prognosis and life expectancy are of utmost importance to patients, clinicians, and health-care planners. We examined changes in 3 year survival and life expectancy of patients starting combination antiretroviral therapy (ART) between 1996 and 2013.Lancet HIV 2017; 4: e349–356 Methods We analysed data from 18 European and North American HIV-1 cohorts. Patients (aged ≥16 years) were eligible for this analysis if they had started ART with three or more drugs between 1996 and 2010 and had at least 3 years of potential follow-up. We estimated adjusted (for age, sex, AIDS, risk group, CD4 cell count, and HIV-1 RNA at start of ART) all-cause and cause-specific mortality hazard ratios (HRs) for the first year after ART initiation and the second and third years after ART initiation in four calendar periods (1996–99, 2000–03 [comparator], 2004–07, 2008–10). We estimated life expectancy by calendar period of initiation of ART.See Comment page e324 Published Online May 10, 2017 http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/ S2352-3018(17)30066-8 *Members listed at end of paper Correspondence to: Mr Adam Trickey, School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 2PS, UK adam.trickey@bristol.ac.uk Findings 88 504 patients were included in our analyses, of whom 2106 died during the first year of ART and 2302 died during the second or third year of ART. Patients starting ART in 2008–10 had lower all-cause mortality in the first year after ART initiation than did patients starting ART in 2000–03 (adjusted HR 0·71, 95% CI 0·61–0·83). All-cause mortality in the second and third years after initiation of ART was also lower in patients who started ART in 2008–10 than in those who started in 2000–03 (0·57, 0·49–0·67); this decrease was not fully explained by viral load and CD4 cell count at 1 year. Rates of non-AIDS deaths were lower in patients who started ART in 2008–10 (vs 2000–03) in the first year (0·48, 0·34–0·67) and second and third years (0·29, 0·21–0·40) after initiation of ART. Between 1996 and 2010, life expectancy in 20-year-old patients starting ART increased by about 9 years in women and 10 years in men. Interpretation Even in the late ART era, survival during the first 3 years of ART continues to improve, which probably reflects transition to less toxic antiretroviral drugs, improved adherence, prophylactic measures, and management of comorbidity. Prognostic models and life expectancy estimates should be updated to account for these improvements.

Source: UCC
SURVIVORSHIP PATTERNS OF HISTOPATHOLOGICAL VARIANTS AND MOLECULAR SUBTYPES OF BREAST CANCER IN A TEACHING HOSPITAL IN NIGERIA

Objective: To study the relationship of histopathological characteristics, molecular subtypes of breast cancer and survival in a low resource setting. Design: Tumours from prospectively ascertained patients newly diagnosed with breast cancer were analyzed. Formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded sections were constructed into tissue micro-arrays and immunostained with five anti-bodies. Five molecular subtypes were determined. Settings: The study was conducted jointly in the Department of Pathology of University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Ilorin in Nigeria and at the University of Chicago in the United States. Subjects: The study included a total of 203 histologically confirmed breast cancer patients whose pathological specimens were processed int he Department of Pathology of University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Ilorin, Nigeria between January 2003 and December 2007. Results: Mean age at diagnosis was 49.2 (SO ±11.9) years. Median time from symptom onset to cancer diagnosis was six months. Median follow-up time was 8.3 months. Median tumour size at diagnosis was 6cm. The proportion of ER+, PR+,HER2+tumours were 27%, 16% and 30%, respectively. The most common molecular subtype was basal-like (25.1%) followed by unclassified (24.0%), luminal A (20.5%), HER2+/ER- (19.3%) and luminal B (11.1%). Luminal A and B had best prognosis while basal-like and unclassified had worst prognosis. ER+ patients had longer duration of symptoms to diagnosis (median 8 months) than ER- patients (5 months) but ER+ patients had smaller tumours (median5cm) than ER-patients (6cm, p=0.02).Recurrence-free survival was best for stage 1 and worst for stage 4 tumours. About 32.6% of patients had locoregional and/or metastatic recurrence. Conclusions: In consecutive breast cancer cases in Nigeria, almost half of patients were triple negative. Luminal A and B subtypes had best prognosis while triple negative had worst prognosis. The delay in breast cancer diagnosis and higher proportion of late stage of breast cancer underscores need for prompt diagnosis and initiation of treatment, especially hormonal therapy for ER positive patients.

Source: UCC
A survye of attitude of adolescents towards masturbation in two senior high schools in Cape Coast

The study was conducted to investigate the attitude of male and female adolescent towards masturbation in two Senior High schools in Cape Coast. Second year students of St Augustine’s College were randomly selected to represent male second cycle institutions, while Holy Child Senior High represented the female institutions. The research design used for the study was descriptive survey. A total sample of 160 students was selected for the study, 80 from each school. The instrument used for gathering data from the schools was a questionnaire. The Cronbach’s Alpha coefficient for reliability text was .814. The finding revealed that adolescents have relatively positive attitude towards masturbation despite the moral implications, myths, and threats and taboos that some societies hold about masturbation. Even though both males and females admitted that masturbation is common among adolescents, more males than females are sure that masturbation, like any other habit, once acquired can be stopped. The recommendations included the need to give profound attention to methods of dealing with masturbatory activities that give rise to needless anxiety and fear in some adolescents that makes them masturbate in secret; therefore creating guilty feelings in some of them. Attention should also be given to attitudes toward masturbation reflected and influenced by modern concepts of childhood, adolescence and adolescent growth and psychological development.

Source: UCC
Sustainability and Scalability in Educational Technology Initiatives: Research-Informed Practice

Although a positive impact of technology interventions on educational practice and student outcomes has been shown in many previous research settings, the use of technology in classrooms and schools is still often superficial and not meeting the potential of technology as envisioned by education reformers and researchers in the field. However, when technology projects have been implemented successfully in educational practice and shown valuable impacts, sustainability within similar contexts is not guaranteed—let alone scaling the initiative to other broader contexts. This article builds on the discussions of the EDUsummIT 2017 Thematic Working Group 9 (TWG9) and the summary report that captured the outcome of those discussions. The goal of TWG9 was to help inform policy and practice by providing insights into key factors that contribute to scalability and sustainability of educational technology integration and impact.

Source: UCC