ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
“Let me get my stuffs.” Pluralization, mass and countability in African varieties of English

This lecture explores a phenomenon that has not only been controversially discussed in linguistics, but also in philosophy and psychology. A semantic-ontological mass-count distinction seems to be universal in all humans (Massam 2012), distinguishing between non-individuated mass entities such as liquids, and individuated objects such as cars or chairs. Further, psycholinguistic research has recently emphasized the importance of yet another category called “object-mass” items or “collectives” (Barner & Snedeker 2005; Li et al. 2009; Inagaki 2014). These are also central in the current project. While the semantic mass-count distinction seems to be universal, its linguistic representation varies considerably across different languages. This causes difficulties in the acquisition and use of mass nouns in English by non-native speakers. In standard usage, English mass nouns cannot be pluralized (*furnitures), combined with indefinite determiners (*a furniture), or with numerals (*three furnitures). However, in many L2 Englishes of Asia and Africa these forms have been reported to be abundant (Baskaran 2008; Schmied 2006, 2008; Mesthrie & Bhatt 2008; Kortmann & Lunkenheimer 2013). Huber (2012) even suggests “plural mass nouns” to be a typically African English feature. Drawing on the electronic World Atlas of Varieties of English, corpus data and psycholinguistic experiments, results from the current project show that the feature is not diagnostic of African Englishes and generally less frequent than anticipated (Mohr 2015 a, b; 2016). Moreover, certain (semantic) patterns can be found in the corpus data, although the use of plural mass nouns had generally been attributed to overgeneralization and simplification strategies in acquisition (Mesthrie & Bhatt 2008; Sharma 2012). Further, important differences between the African varieties under scrutiny (Kenyan, Tanzanian, Nigerian, Ghanaian and Tswana English) can be observed. In the lecture, the results from the corpus study will be presented, and an outlook on most recent results from fieldwork in spring 2016 will be provided.

Source: UG
‘Let No Black Cat Cross Our Path’: An Introduction to Ga Rituals of Affliction

Although much has been said about Ga rituals by earlier scholars such as Ammah, According to Kilson and Field, no direct and comprehensive literature exists that deals specifically with Ga rituals of affliction. Rituals of affliction are measures by which cultures attempt to deal with the problem of ‘affliction’. All cultures have a different way of which affliction is explained and dealt with. This article explores Ga rituals of affliction based on an analysis of one text line in the Galibation prayers, ‘Let no black cat cross our path’ (alŻnte diŋ ko akafo wŻteŋ).

Source: UG
‘Let No Black Cat Cross Our Path’: An Introduction to Ga Rituals of Affliction

Although much has been said about Ga rituals by earlier scholars such as Ammah, Kilson, and Field, no direct and comprehensive literature exists that deals specifically with Ga rituals of affliction. Rituals of affliction are measures by which cultures attempt to deal with the problem of ‘affliction’. All cultures have a different way in which affliction is explained and dealt with. This article explores Ga rituals of affliction based on an analysis of one text line in Ga libation prayers, ‘Let no black cat cross our path’ (alͻnte diŋ ko akafo wͻteŋ).

Source: UG
Letter on the political condition of the gold coast since the exchange of territory between the English and the Dutch governments on January 1 1868 together with a short account of the Ashantee war 1862-4 and the Awoonah war 1866

Rome was not built in a day ; the proudest kingdom in Europe was once in a state of barbarism perhaps worse than now exists amongst the tribes chiefly inhabiting the West Coast of Africa; and it is an incontrovertible axiom that what has been done can again be done. If Europe, therefore, has been raised to her present pitch of civilization by progressive advancement, Africa too, with a guarantee of the civilization of the north, will rise into equal importance. The nucleus has been planted; it is just beginning to show signs of life and future vigour; it shoots out legitimate as well as extraneous buds. Political capital is made of the latter by narrow-minded persons; whilst the liberal-minded, with more philosophy and generosity, make ample allowances for these defects, and encourage the legitimate growth. We may well say that the present state of western Africa is, in fact, the history of the world repeating itself.

Source: UG
Letters of the Political Condition of the Gold Coast

Rome was not built in a day;" the proudest kingdom in Europe was once in a state of barbarism perhaps worse than now exists amongst the tribes chiefly inhabiting the West Coast of Africa; and it is an incontrovertible axiom that what has been done can again be done. If Europe, therefore, has been raised to her present pitch of civilization by progressive advancement, Africa too, -with a guarantee of the civilization of the north, -will rise into equal importance. The nucleus has been planted; it is just beginning to show signs of life and future vigour; it shoots out legitimate as well as extraneous buds. Political capital is made of the latter by narrow--minded persons; -whilst the liberal-minded, "With more philosophy and generosity, make ample allowances for these defects, and encourage the legitimate growth. We may -well say that the present State of western Africa is, in fact, the history of the world repeating itself.

Source: UG
Leukotoxic activity of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans and periodontal attachment loss

Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans is a Gram-negative periodontitis-associated bacterium that expresses a toxin that selectively affects leukocytes. This leukotoxin is encoded by an operon belonging to the core genome of this bacterial species. Variations in the expression of the leukotoxin have been reported, and a well-characterized specific clonal type (JP2) of this bacterium with enhanced leukotoxin expression has been isolated. In particular, the presence of the JP2 genotype significantly increases the risk for the progression of periodontal attachment loss (AL). Based on these findings we hypothesized that variations in the leukotoxicity are linked to disease progression in infected individuals. In the present study, the leukotoxicity of 239 clinical isolates of A. actinomycetemcomitans was analysed with different bioassays, and the genetic peculiarities of the isolates were related to their leukotoxicity based on examination with molecular techniques. The periodontal status of the individuals sampled for the presence of A. actinomycetemcomitans was examined longitudinally, and the importance of the observed variations in leukotoxicity was evaluated in relation to disease progression. Our data show that high leukotoxicity correlates with an enhanced risk for the progression of AL. The JP2 genotype isolates were all highly leukotoxic, while the isolates with an intact leukotoxin promoter (non-JP2 genotypes) showed substantial variation in leukotoxicity. Genetic characterization of the non-JP2 genotype isolates indicated the presence of highly leukotoxic genotypes of serotype b with similarities to the JP2 genotype. Based on these results, we conclude that A. actinomycetemcomitans harbours other highly virulent genotypes besides the previously described JP2 genotype. In addition, the results from the present study further highlight the importance of the leukotoxin as a key virulence factor in aggressive forms of periodontitis.

Source: UG
Level of adherence and associated factors among HIV-positive adolescents on antiretroviral therapy in Cameroon

Aim: Globally, there were over 250 000 new HIV infections among adolescents in 2017, with a higher proportion of these in sub-Saharan Africa. In Cameroon, UNICEF estimated over 4 200 new HIV infections in adolescents in 2015; by 2016, there were over 40 000 adolescents who had HIV. Given that the number of adolescents living with HIV in Cameroon is on the increase, there is a need to better understand the factors influencing adherence to treatment. The objective of this study was to assess the factors associated with adherence among adolescents in Cameroon. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted. A total of 460 HIV+ adolescents who were receiving antiretroviral therapy were sampled randomly from nine health facilities. Questionnaires and data extraction forms were used to collect data. Descriptive (frequencies and proportions) and inferential (chi-square and multivariate logistic regression) statistical analyses methods were used to analyse the data. Statistical significance was set at p = 0.05 and 95% confidence level. Results: The level of adherence to antiretroviral therapy among the adolescents was 83%. Twelve out of 30 independent variables examined showed significant statistical association with adherence at the bivariate level. In the multivariable logistic regression analyses, however, only two variables significantly predicted adherence — experiencing side effects (AOR = 2.63; 95% CI = 1.14, 6.09; p = 0.02), and internalized stigma (AOR = 2.51; 95% CI = 1.04, 6.04; p = 0.04). Conclusion: Adherence to treatment among adolescents in Cameroon was found to be suboptimal. There is a need for more individualized, targeted medication counselling for adolescents and their guardians as well as strategies to reduce internalized stigma and improve adherence to antiretroviral treatment

Source: UG
Level of male infertility in the Ghanaian city of Tema

Infertility among couples is a sensitive issue in Ghana; females are mostly blamed. Most male infertility cases are generally due to low sperm counts (oligozoospermia), poor sperm quality – characterised by poor sperm motility (asthenozoospermia) – or a combination of both (oligoasthenozoospermia). This is a retrospective study from January 1995 to December 2005 which determined the level and type of male infertility in and around the city of Tema. Seminal fluid analysis reports of male clients who visited the Adom Medical Laboratory in Tema were extracted from laboratory data and analysed. Our study involved 2795 males in the age range of 24–36 years. In 1995, 75% of the total samples analysed had sperm concentrations ranging from 21 to 350 million sperms/ml and showed a decreasing trend to 41% in 2005. Samples with sperm concentrations below 20 million sperms/ml in 1995 increased from 20.5% to 57.6% in 2005; those with active motility > 45% decreased from 27 (30.7%) in 1995 to zero (0%) in 2005, whilst samples with > 50% non-motile sperms increased from 47 (53.4%) in 1995 to 449 (87.7%) in 2005. Male infertility in the samples analysed was due to a combination of oligozoospermia and asthenozoospermia.

Source: UG
Levels and Determinants of Low Birth Weight in Infants Delivered Under the National Health Insurance Scheme in Northern Ghana

This research determined the levels and odds ratios for low birth weight (LBW) infants delivered under the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) compared to LBW infants delivered under the previous “Cash and Carry” system in Northern Ghana. Birth records of infants delivered before and after implementation of the NHIS in Northern Ghana were examined. Records of each day’s births during the identified periods were abstracted. Days with fewer or no births were accommodated by oversampling from days before or after. Chi squared tests of independence were used to examine the bivariate association between categorical independent variables and LBW. Multiple logistic regression models were used to examine the relationships among selected variables for mothers and infants and the odds ratios for LBW. Infants delivered under NHIS had lower rates of LBW (16.8 %) compared to infants born under Cash and Carry (23.3 %). Mothers who delivered under NHIS were significantly less likely to have infants at LBW (unadjusted OR 0.65; 95 % CI 0.49, 0.86). The rate of LBW among infants delivered under NHIS is significantly lower than among infants delivered under Cash and Carry. The rate of LBW under Cash and Carry in 2000 fell by 27 % in relation to the NHIS in 2010. These findings confirm that the NHIS, which gives pregnant women in Northern Ghana four antenatal visits and access to skilled health professionals for delivery at no cost to the mother, significantly improved birth weight outcomes.

Source: UG
Levels and Distribution of Heavy Metals in Weija Reservoir, Accra, Ghana

Reservoirs are normally subjected to various forms of degradation due to pollution arising from anthropogenic activities. Heavy metals are of particular concern because of their potential toxic effect and ability to bio-accumulate in aquatic ecosystems. Agricultural activities around the Weija reservoir and municipal waste leachate intrusion have been reported. Investigations were therefore conducted to determine the levels and distribution of heavy metals in the Weija reservoir. Specific heavy metals were determined in water, suspended particles, sediments and fish species using Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry. Mercury was analysed with a mercury analyser, which uses cold vapour. The result showed that the concentrations of metals were greater in sediment than the suspended particles and reservoir water; Cd, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn were all below the chronic freshwater quality criteria for aquatic life. Iron (Fe) and Mn were the most abundant elements associated with the suspended solids, whiles Cd was the least. With the exception of Cu and Cd that were not detected in the fish species, the other metals were found at varying concentrations, but within acceptable thresholds. The concentrations of heavy metals in the various fish and prawn species were ranked in the following order: Parachanna obscura > Macrobrachium rosenbergii > Chrysicthys nigrodigitatus > Clarias batracus > Clarias gariepinus > Hemichromis faciatus > Sarotherodon melantheron. There were significant positive correlation between the following metals in water; Pb and Zn (r=0.66), Cr and As (r=0.52). Evidence from principal component analysis (PCA) suggested that two key source factors, characterised as related to mining and municipal solid wastes, underpinned heavy metal contamination in the Weija reservoir. Thus, illegal small-scale mining along the tributaries feeding the Weija reservoir affected the quality of water received in the reservoir.

Source: UG
Levels and human health risk assessment of heavy metals in surface soil of public parks in Southern Ghana.

This study evaluates the extent to which humans may be exposed to health risk from heavy metals in surface soils of public parks in Southern Ghana during outdoor activities. The study investigated surface soils of 56 public parks from seven metropolitan cities in Southern Ghana. Heavy metals (Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn) were determined using microwave-assisted HNO3-HF acid digestion and atomic absorption spectroscopy with flame, graphite furnace, and cold vapor options. All parks studied registered the presence of heavy metals with mean concentrations following the order: Mn > Zn > Cr > Pb > Cu > Ni > Cd > Hg. Whereas the mean concentrations of Zn (221.92 mg/kg) and Cr (107.01 mg/kg) respectively exceeded the Canadian (200 mg/kg; 64 mg/kg) and the EU (100-200 mg/kg; 50-100 mg/kg) standards, the ranges of Cu (14.27-138.85 mg/kg) and Pb (6.46-628.31 mg/kg) also exceeded their EU range of 50-100 mg/kg. The results indicated that there was no immediate risk to Ni and Hg on the public parks studied; however, Pb, Cd, Zn, Cu, and Cr may pose some adverse effects as they exceed their respective guideline limits in soil. The ranges of non-carcinogenic risk for adults and children were 0.0186-0.0787 and 0.0197-0.0850 respectively while the corresponding ranges for carcinogenic risks were 3.75 × 10-7-1.28 × 10-6 and 4.17 × 10-7-1.31 × 10-6. Even though risk assessment suggested low and acceptable health risk levels to patrons, there is the need for close monitoring since Pb, Cd, Zn, Cu, and Cr have shown tendency of accumulating beyond acceptable limit.

Source: UG
Levels of antibody to conserved parts of plasmodium falciparum merozoite surface protein I in Ghanaian children are not associated with protection from clinical malaria.

The Epidemiology Department contributes to the mission of the institute through basic and applied epidemiological research on, but not limited to, malaria and other diseases of public health importance. It is also home to the Social Science Unit of the Institute, including the Health Support Centre for HIV/AIDS and other communicable and noncommunicable health problems.

Source: UG
Levels of elements in selected food substances that support usage in the management and treatment of erectile dysfunction

Background: The use of fruits and vegetables for the management and treatment of erectile dysfunction has gained popularity due to the cheaper cost, accessibility and perceived absence of side effects. Much of the work done on plant-based aphrodisiacs has focused on the phytochemistry of secondary metabolites. Aim: This work sought to analyze selected fruits and vegetables that are commonly used in the management of erectile dysfunction in Ghana and quantify the levels of some micro- and macro-elements necessary for good penile health in order to determine the usefulness or otherwise of the selected produce. Methods: Energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy was used to detect and quantify the levels of potassium (K), calcium (Ca), selenium (Se), magnesium (Mg), iron (Fe), and zinc (Zn) in carrot roots, cucumber fruit, garlic bulb, ginger rhizome, nutmeg fruit, sweet potato tuber, tiger nut tuber and watermelon fruit. Results: The analysis revealed the presence of K, Ca, Mg, Fe and Zn. Levels of Se were below detection. The concen tration of K was the highest in each of the food substances. However, in terms of recommended daily allowance, Mg had the highest contribution. Cucumber fruit and the rind of watermelon fruit had the highest levels of micro- and macro elements implicated in erectile dysfunction. Conclusion: The potential use of these foods to treat and manage erectile dysfunction may not only be due to the presence of phytochemicals alone but also the presence of significant levels of micro- and macro-elements required for good penile health.

Source: UG
Levels of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins, dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) and biphenyls (PCBs) in blood of informal e-waste recycling workers from Agbogbloshie, Ghana, and controls.

The formation and environmental release of highly toxic organohalogen compounds associated with informal recycling of waste electric and electronic equipment (e-waste) is a growing problem at e-waste dumps/recycling sites (EWRSs) in many developing countries worldwide. We chose a cross-sectional study design to measure the internal exposure to polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) as well as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) of individuals working on one of the largest EWRSs of Africa, located at Agbogbloshie, Accra, Ghana, and in controls from a suburb of Accra without direct exposure to EWRS activities. In whole blood samples of 21 age matched male exposed individuals (mean age: 24.7 years, SD 6.0) and 21 male controls (mean age: 24.4 years, SD 5.7) 17 PCDD/F congeners were determined. Moreover three indicator PCB congeners (#138, #153 and #180) were measured in blood of 39 exposed (mean age: 27.5 years, SD 11.7) and 19 non-exposed (mean age: 26.8 years, SD 9.7) patients. Besides a health examination, biometric and demographic data, residential and occupational history, occupational exposures and working conditions were recorded using a standardized questionnaire. In the exposed group, median PCDD/F-concentrations were 6.18 pg/g lipid base WHO2005-TEq (range: 2.1–42.7) and significantly higher compared to the control group with 4.60 pg/g lipid base WHO2005-TEq (range: 1.6–11.6). Concentrations were different for 2,3,7,8-TetraCDD, three HexaCDD and all 10 PCDF congeners, indicating a combustion pattern. Using a multivariate regression analysis exposure to EWRS activities was the most important determinant for PCDD/F exposure. Median PCB levels for the indicator congeners #138, #153 and #180 were 0.011, 0.019 and 0.008 μg/l whole blood (ranges: 0.002–0.18, 0.003–0.16, 0.002–0.078) in the exposed group and, surprisingly, significantly higher in the controls (0.037, 0.062 and 0.022; ranges: 0.005–0.46, 0.010–0.46, 0.004–0.21). In a multivariate regression approach e-waste related activities had no positive influence on internal PCB exposure, but rather the time living in Accra. The internal PCB exposure is in particular notable for a country where PCBs have historically never been produced or used. The impact of EWRS activities on organohalogen compound exposure of individuals working at and living in the surroundings of the Agbogbloshie EWRS, and the surprisingly high PCB exposure of people living in Accra not involved in e-waste activities require further investigation.

Source: UG
Levels of serum alanine/aspartate aminotransferase and urea in apparently healthy rural community in Ghana: A case study in Sabin-Akrofrom and Trede in the Ashanti region

The Clinical Pathology Department conducts research that contributes to intervention strategies and safeguards of public health in Ghana. In view of this the Department carries out research into plant medicine development, drug interactions and regulation, bio-monitoring and prevention of poisoning from environmental toxicants (e.g. mycotoxins specifically aflatoxins and toxic heavy metals). The Department also provides specialized laboratory services in support of public health programmes.

Source: UG
Levels of serum eosinophil cationic protein are associated with hookworm infection and intensity in endemic communities in Ghana

The Department of Immunology conducts research in the field of immunology of infectious and non-infectious diseases. The Department has the overall goal of contributing knowledge to better diagnosis, management, control and prevention of infectious and non-infectious diseases in Ghana and worldwide. This is consistent with the overall strategy of the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR) and in line with the strategy of the College of Health Sciences of the University of Ghana.

Source: UG
Levels of soluble CD163 and severity of malaria in children in Ghana

The Department of Immunology conducts research in the field of immunology of infectious and non-infectious diseases. The Department has the overall goal of contributing knowledge to better diagnosis, management, control and prevention of infectious and non-infectious diseases in Ghana and worldwide. This is consistent with the overall strategy of the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR) and in line with the strategy of the College of Health Sciences of the University of Ghana.

Source: UG