ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Trope, text and context in Nyadodo of the Ewe of Ghana.

The study on nyadodo has been motivated by the conviction that apart from the well known oral artistic genres of the Ewe, nyadodo texts also provide a lens into the oral literature and values of the people. Looking closely at nyadodo texts by the use of literary tools, the study revealed a beauty of language whose quality is enhanced through tropes that are drawn from the people’s physical environment as well as their social and biographical experiences. The study discusses nyadodo as a genre that shares some micro and macro elements with other oral genres of the Ewe, even though it has a unique structure of attribution. The study collected a number of nyadodo texts and employed rhetorical-sociolinguistics, a composite analytical tool, for data analysis. The result revealed various levels of meaning and a delineation of typology of referents. Further, the analysis showed an interlocking of aspects of Ewe world view, its socio-cultural norms and values in the tropes. The study concludes that the Ewe use nyadodo to interrogate life, examine character and to guide members to live a responsible life. Further investigations into other aspects of nyadodo such as author delineation, cross-cultural study and gender forms are recommended.

Source: UCC
Trypanosome Infection and Genetic Variation in Major Histocompatibility Complex DRB3 Gene in Cattle in Ghana

The accurate diagnosis of trypanosome infection and control of trypanosomosis remain challenging problems to cattle production in Ghana and other countries in sub-Saharan Africa. In this study, two PCR methods, based on ITS primers and Trypanosoma vivax-specific primers, were evaluated for the diagnosis of trypanosome infection in 110 each of four breeds of cattle in Ghana, namely, N'Dama, Zebu, WASH and Sanga. Whereas ITS primers did not detect any infection in all 440 animals, T. vivax-specific primers detected 4 positives in WASH and 7 positives in N'Dama. Haematological studies showed that mean PCV values for T. vivax-infected WASH and N'Dama were lower in infected compared to uninfected animals with the difference being highly significant (p < 0.01) in N'Dama. Using HRM analysis followed by sequencing, MHC DRB3 gene in 51 N'Dama and 52 WASH were genotyped. Seventeen alleles were found in each breed, indicating that this gene was highly polymorphic in the two breeds. Alleles 2101 and 2002 were significantly associated (OR = 40.45, RR = 28.13, p = 0.02 and OR = 41.57, RR = 29.40, p = 0.03) with susceptibility to T. vivax infection in N'Dama and WASH, respectively. The study, using West African cattle breeds, demonstrated that ITS primers are less sensitive than T. vivax-specific primers in the diagnosis of trypanosome infection. This study is the first to use HRM analysis in genotyping MHC in cattle, from available literature. Also from available literature, this is the first study to determine MHC allelic variants associated with susceptibility to T. vivax infection in cattle.

Source: UCC
Turning Up the Volume for Precision Herbal Medicine in Africa in an Era of COVID-19 and Planetary Biodiversity Loss

What would it take in terms of the structural reforms in science, technology, and culture to cultivate sustainable therapeutic and preventive medicine innovations against zoonotic infections such as coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in the 21st century? In May 2019, the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services warned that ‘‘around one million animal and plant species are now threatened with extinc- tion.’’ Biodiversity is essential for drug discovery and development. We are currently facing a dual challenge in therapeutics innovation with COVID-19 and loss in planetary biodiversity. Hence, there is an urgent need for new ideas and strategies for drug discovery as well as repurposed drugs for the COVID-19 pandemic. To these ends, the existing scholarship in, and the field of precision herbal medicine provide an alternative source for discovery of novel therapeutics against the novel coronavirus. We propose that the application of precision herbal medicine in Africa could usefully contribute to current efforts for therapeutics innovation for the COVID-19 pandemic, and beyond. The pandemic calls for interdisciplinary dialogue and turning up the volume for precision herbal medicine in Africa, and importantly, in ways informed by robust systems science as well as broad public engagement to codesign medicines in the 21st century.

Source: UCC
Tutors perception of well-being factors and professional practice in colleges of education

The study investigated tutors’ perception of well-being factors that influence their professional practice in the colleges of education in the Eastern Region of Ghana. Simple random sampling technique was used to select 202 respondents from four out of seven colleges of education in the Eastern Region of Ghana to respond to the questionnaire. The questionnaire was adapted from standardised questionnaire to measure all the variables. The main findings of the study were that most of the tutors in colleges of education in the eastern region of Ghana were satisfied with their wellbeing and do not have significant influence on tutors’ professional practice. Again, it was also attested that communal well-being was negative predictor of tutors’ professional practice. Furthermore, tutors were pleased with their colleges of education environmental facilities and equipment. Because of these, it was suggested that tutors’ perception of well-being factors that influence their professional practice can be conducted in the other Colleges of Education in Ghana to ascertain the reliability of their perception. It was recommended that GTEC and various College of Education management should place much premium on the personal well-being of tutors to help them continue to improve, commit and dedicate themselves to the course of their professional practice.

Source: UCC
Tutors' attitude toward students' appraisal of teaching effectiveness in the Bono Region of Ghana

The study focused on tutors' attitudes towards students' appraisal of their teaching effectiveness in the Bono Region of Ghana. A quantitative descriptive survey design was adopted to conduct this study. The population of the study involved four Collages of Education selected from the Bono Region of Ghana. A multistage sampling technique was used in the selection of the sample to be included in the study. Questionnaires were used to gather data in the present study. Data were analysed with Microsoft Excel and Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25. The analysis conducted were frequencies and percentages, independent sample t-test, Pearson Product Moment Correlation, and one-way ANOVA. A Cronbach‘s Alpha was used to test the reliability of the study instruments. Findings from the study indicated that tutors have a positive attitude towards students' appraisal of teaching. It was recommended that even though student appraisal of teaching is beneficial and accurate, it should not be the only indicator of measuring the tutor's effectiveness.

Source: UCC
Tutors’ and students’ utilization of ICT in the colleges of education in the Eastern region, Ghana

The study examines tutors’ and students’ utilization of ICT in the colleges of education in the Eastern Region of Ghana. In all, 257 respondents, made up of 176 students and 81 tutors, representing a retrieval rate of 95.2%, responded to the questionnaires with an alpha reliability of (0.759 for tutors and 0.712 for students) and this formed the sample of study. The study which was descriptive in nature employed the use of questionnaires for the collection of data. Frequencies were tallied and their corresponding percentages computed and were presented in tables. Generally, computers were available in all the six colleges of education but were inadequate for students use since the student-computer ratio is approximately 17:1. Again, although majority of 146 (56.8%) respondents had personal computers, they hardly used them. Also, the computer laboratories 86 (33.5%), internet cafés 82 (31.9%) and offices 69 (26.8%) mainly served as the venues for accessing ICT services by the respondents. Further, inadequate computers and peripherals for the students, conflicting teaching-time schedule, and dysfunctional hardware were the main barriers to the successful integration of ICT in the colleges of education. However, the colleges of education could improve access, availability and proficiency through tutors and students development programmes. Provision could also be made by Principals on the teaching-time schedule for students to improve their proficiency levels. Tutors, on the other hand, should be trained adequately by the Ministry of Education to enable them integrate ICT in their teaching and learning process effe

Source: UCC
Tutors’ perception of principals’ instructional supervision in colleges of education in Ghana

The purpose of the study was to examine tutors’ perception of principals’ effective instructional supervision in Colleges of Education in Ghana. The study employed cross-sectional descriptive survey design. The population of the study was tutors of Colleges of Education in Ghana. The study made use of questionnaire developed by the researcher. Stratified and quota sampling techniques were used. Three hundred respondents were used in the study. Means and standard deviations were used to analyse data on the research questions. One-way multiple analysis of variance (MANOVA) was used to test both hypotheses. The findings of the study revealed that tutors in Colleges of Education in Ghana held positive perception on principals’ effective instructional supervision with regard to techniques, supervisory roles and functions and skills and abilities. The findings further showed that tutors held negative perception on the challenges faced by principals in carrying out effective instructional supervision. The study, however, found no significant gender difference in tutors’ perception in instructional supervision and statistically significant difference in years of experience of tutors’ perception of principals’ instructional supervision. The study recommends that, principals should continue to maintain effective line of communication and make concise decisions in Colleges of Educations. There should be more orientation programs on instructional supervision for beginning tutors. Also, principals should have high professional qualifications and organize in-service training on instructional supervision for themselves and tutors in order to be more effective in carrying out instructional supervision in the Colleges of Education.

Source: UCC
Typhoid ileal perforation in Nigerian children: an analysis of 106 operative cases

Typhoid ileal perforation ¬TP) is a major problem in developing countries and carries a high mortality. The purpose of this retrospective study from Nigeria was to review the outcome in children less than 15 years of age who underwent surgery for TP from 1984 to 1999. Demographic data, clinical features, results of investigations, Findings at surgery, postoperative course, and complications were recorded. There were 55 boys and 51 girls. The median age at presentation was 10 years range 3±14). The surgically confirmed perforation rate was 11.0%. The clinical features in children older than 5 years were similar to already documented patterns in the literature. In children less than 5 years old the predominant symptoms were fever and vomiting only. Therefore, in the very young a high index of suspicion is required to avoid delay in diagnosis. Ninety eight patients ¬92.5%) had simple double-layer closure of the perforation. The mean hospital stay among survivors was 23.6 18.8 days. The commonest postoperative complications were wound infection and enterocutaneous fistula. The overall mortality was 23.8%, increasing to 50% in children aged less than 5 years, although the difference was not statistically significant ¬P > 0.05). To improve survival in TP, attention should be focused on perioperative resuscitation and early intervention. The provision of potable water, adequate sanitation, and active immunisation are means to eradicate the disease.

Source: UCC
Typhoid-Malaria Co-infection in Ghana

Malaria and typhoid fever are among the most endemic diseases in the tropics. The emergence of multi-drug resistant strains of Salmonella typhi and Plasmodium falciparum poses a big challenge to eradication of both diseases. Both diseases share similar transmission factors, putting individuals in areas endemic for both infections at a substantial risk of contracting both infections concurrently. The main objective of the study was to determine the incidence of malaria and typhoid fever co-infection in the Sunyani and Kumasi metropolises. One hundred and twenty-nine participants were recruited for the study. Twenty-two (17.0%) of the subjects tested positive for typhoid fever, twenty-four (18.6%) tested positive for falciparum malaria, and five (3.9%) were co-infected with falciparum malaria and typhoid fever. No association (P=0.585) was found between malaria and typhoid fever infection.

Source: UCC
UK-based real-time lymphoproliferative disorder diagnostic service to improve the management of patients in Ghana

Abstract The objective of the study was to evaluate the feasibility of a UK-based real-time service to improve the diagnosis and management of lymphoproliferative disorders (LPDs) in Ghana. Adult patients reporting to hospital with a suspected LPD, during a 1 year period, were prospectively enrolled. Bone marrow and/or lymph node biopsies were posted to the Haematology Malignancy Diagnostic Service (HMDS), Leeds, UK and underwent morphological analysis and immunophenotyping. Results were returned by e-mail. The initial diagnoses made in Ghana were compared with the final HMDS diagnoses to assess the contribution of the HMDS diagnosis to management decisions. The study was conducted at the two teaching hospitals in Ghana—Komfo Anokye, Kumasi and Korle Bu, Accra.

Source: UCC
UK-based real-time lymphoproliferative disorder diagnostic service to improve the management of patients in Ghana

The objective of the study was to evaluate the feasibility of a UK-based real-time service to improve the diagnosis and management of lymphoproliferative disorders (LPDs) in Ghana. Adult patients reporting to hospital with a suspected LPD, during a 1 year period, were prospectively enrolled. Bone marrow and/or lymph node biopsies were posted to the Haematology Malignancy Diagnostic Service (HMDS), Leeds, UK and underwent morphological analysis and immunophenotyping. Results were returned by e-mail. The initial diagnoses made in Ghana were compared with the final HMDS diagnoses to assess the contribution of the HMDS diagnosis to management decisions. The study was conducted at the two teaching hospitals in Ghana—Komfo Anokye, Kumasi and Korle Bu, Accra. Participants comprised 150 adult patients (≥12 years old), 79 women, median age 46 years. Bone marrow and lymph node biopsy samples from all adults presenting with features suggestive of a LPD, at the two teaching hospitals in Ghana, over 1 year were posted to a UK LPD diagnostic centre, where immunophenotyping was performed by immunohistochemistry. Molecular analysis was performed where indicated. Diagnostic classifications were made according to international criteria. Final diagnosis was compared to the initial Ghanaian diagnosis to evaluate discrepancies; implications for alterations in treatment decisions were evaluated. Median time between taking samples and receiving e-mail results in Ghana was 15 days. Concordance between initial and final diagnoses was 32% (48 of 150). The HMDS diagnosis would have changed management in 31% (46 of 150) of patients. It is feasible to provide a UK-based service for LPD diagnosis in Africa using postal services and e-mail. This study confirmed findings from wealthy countries that a specialised haematopathology service can improve LPD diagnosis. This model of Ghana–UK collaboration provides a platform on which to build local capacity to operate an international quality diagnostic service for LPDs

Source: UCC
Umbilical Cord Care Practices Among Mothers/caretakers With Neonates Within the Tamale Metropolis

Varied practices adopted for umbilical cord care are dependent on cultural and religious beliefs, educational level and availability of resources. Poor umbilical cord care practices have been linked with infections, neonatal mortality and morbidity as a result of pathogenic entry. An assessment of current trends in umbilical cord care will enable the institution of best practices to reduce associated mortality and morbidity in neonates. This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted within four selected health facilities (TTH, TWH, TCH and RCH clinic) within the Tamale metropolis. Mothers with infants aged 3 to 28 days seeking postnatal care services from the study sites were eligible to enroll in the study. A total of 358 mothers were selected using a simple random sampling technique: A semi-structured pre-tested questionnaire was used for data collection. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 23.0. Risk variables associated with umbilical cord infection were analyzed using logistic regression. The mean age of the mothers was 27.2 ± 5.1 years with majority (58.1%) being within the 25-33 years age group. 10.6% of the mothers had their deliveries at home. Umbilical cord infection was observed in 15.4% of the neonates with 49.4% having their cord separation time within 2 to 7 days (5.8±2.6 days). Scissors (47.2%) and razor blade (26.2%) were the most preferred cord cutting materials with methylated spirit (62.8%) and shea butter (24.3%) being the preferred topical agents applied to the cord. Although improved cord separation times was observed in this study, there is the need for the Ministry of Health and Ghana Health Service to review policy documents on cord care.

Source: UCC
UN 2030 Sustainable development goals and AU 2063 the African Union aspirations: A paradigm Ghanaian public university cannot ignore

Purpose: The purpose of the study is to find out how public academic libraries in Ghana are practicalising the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations 2030 and the African We Want Aspirations 2063. Design/methodology: Random sampling was used to select library staff of four Public University libraries in Ghana. A questionnaire was administered to sixteen library staff of each library and the data gathered was analysied quantitatively. The structured questionnaire was made up two main categories; the first part looked of what the library is currently doing about the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations 2030 and the African Union 2063 Aspirations, whilst the other part considered what respondents thought should be done by these libraries to make the goals attainable. Findings: It was revealed that all the libraries acquired information sources which when effectively utilised, could bring about the attainment of the goals, the libraries allow faculty members, students and other users of the library to take part in the selection process of library information resources, all the libraries are members of the Consortium of Academic and Research Libraries in Ghana (CARLIGH) as such they could collaborate to ensure success in their undertakings, all the libraries practice Selective Dissemination of Information (SDI), they also allow the premises of their libraries to be used for other activities like exhibitions, durbars and other activities however, only one library has a section for the visually impaired. Research Limitations: The research looked at the common goals of the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the AU Africa We Want Aspirations. Practical implication: All agents of education have a role to play in the dispensation of these goals. It is therefore crucial for the activities of Ghanaian academic libraries to be made known. Social implication: The development of any nation is the total responsibility of everyone therefore assessing the role played by all should be a matter of concern.

Source: UCC
Undergraduate Competences as Labour Market Mechanism for Curriculum Alignment in Ghana: Case of University of Cape Coast School of Business

The increasing graduate unemployment rate in Ghana is a matter of concern not only to government but also to stakeholders in education. In an era of globalisation, the issue has culminated in discourses about curriculum planning and alignment. Using a concurrent mixed method, the study purposely focused on exploring graduate competences as a labour market mechanism for curriculum alignment. In this regard, 63 participants comprising alumni, Human Resource Managers and lecturers were sampled using multiple procedures. In the end, the study showed that employers’ highly ranked integrated curriculum and their responses favoured an amalgamation of education and practical training tailored to promote organisational growth. A significant difference was found between responses of lecturers and alumni regarding their preference for graduate competences as the basis for curriculum alignment. The study finally advocated, among other things, for competency-based curriculum philosophy as the underpinning variable to underlie Business Education curriculum in Ghana.

Source: UCC
Undergraduate Economics Students’ Opinion about Research Supervisors: The Ghanaian Public University Context

Supervisor-student relationship is crucial for completion of an undergraduate programme since students, as a requirement to complete, are expected to write a project work. The purpose of this study was to find economics students’ views about their supervisors. Using a cross-sectional descriptive design, 148 economics major trainee teachers from two faculties in a public university were randomly selected. The study showed that students had opinions that supervisors are guides who must show interest in students’ research. Again, students’ opinion was that they did not have adequate guidance and mentoring from supervisors and this contributed to their negative perceptions relative to their relationship with supervisors. Also, gender was found to have an association with students’ perception about relationship with supervisors. The study advocated for measures to be put in place to mitigate the negative effects of student-supervisor rift which has detrimental effects on student completion rates among students in Ghana.

Source: UCC
Undergraduate Students’ Perspectives on Plagiarism

Plagiarism is a pervasive and increasing problem at all levels of study in higher education. Institutional awareness of plagiarism has largely been to focus on a pedagogical response and deterrence through punishment. The study sheds light on students’ experiences of plagiarism, their understandings of and attitudes towards it. Based on a self-reported study of a stratified sample of 300 undergraduate students drawn from three colleges of a public university in Ghana, this paper explores the nature of plagiarism and students’ understanding of the concept. The study revealed that unattributed copying and falsification of references was a common activity amongst students as a result of poor understanding and lack of real engagement with plagiarism and referencing issues. It is evident that the institution’s ‘awareness strategies’ to avoid or minimize plagiarism is not effective. The paper concludes that institutional efforts to dissuade students from plagiarism should be centred on focusing not only on deterrence through punishment but on developing a more holistic institutional pedagogical approach instead of in a piecemeal manner.

Source: UCC