ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Influence of ethnicity on pharmacogenetic variation in the ghanaian population

It has been well established that the frequencies of genomic variants can vary greatly between the populations of different countries. We sought to quantify the intra-population variability in Ghana to determine the value of genotyping studies done at a nationwide level. Further, we investigated the differences between the Ghanaian and other African populations to determine the quality of genomic representation provided by a small subgroup within the continent with regard to the general population. We genotyped 934 unrelated Ghanaian individuals for 15 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) from genes defined as clinically relevant based on their reported roles in the transport of, metabolism of, or as targets of the medicines listed in the World Health Organization Essential Medicines list. Populations within Ghana and between nations in Western Africa were genetically cohesive. In contrast, populations in other areas of Africa were genetically divergent. Gene allele frequency also differed significantly between the populations in African nations and the United States for several of the SNPs. These results demonstrate that national populations in similar geographic regions, like Africa, may have widely varying genetic allele frequencies for clinically relevant SNPs. Further genotyping studies of specific populations are necessary to provide the best medical care to all individuals. © 2009 Nature Publishing Group All rights reserved.

Source: UG
The influence of external electric field on acoustoelectric effect in a superlattice

The de acoustoelectric current jac induced by the interaction of acoustic phonons with the conducting electrons is calculated. The calculation is done in the hypersound regime where qℓ ≫ 1 (here q is the acoustic phonon number and t is the electron mean free path). The electric field consists of dc field E0 and a low frequency alternating field E1. A nonlinear dependence of jac on E0 and E1 is observed. Depending on the direction of the dc field E0 the acoustoelectric current can either be positive or negative. At ωq = 1011 s-1 and in the absence of E0, Jac is very small and tends to zero at E1 = 1.3 × 105 V m-1. Further increase of ωq from 1011 s-1 sees a dramatic shoot "up" of Jac. Lastly the acoustoelectric currrent in the presence of E0 is modulated by E1. © 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Source: UG
Influence of gamma irradiation on the colour parameters of dry smoked shrimps (Penaeus notialis)

Shrimp meat is one of the safest forms of muscle protein consumed in Ghana and in the world at large. Shrimps obtained from three different sources were smoke-dried to a moisture content of 15% and exposed to ionizing radiations from a Cobalt 60 source (Hungary, SLL 515) at doses of 0 (control), 4, 8 and 10 kGy at a dose rate of 2.17 kGy / hour in air. The effect of gamma radiation on colour was monitored before and after gamma irradiation. The colour parameters for the samples and colour change due to gamma irradiation were in the ranges 31.87 – 33.34 (L*-whiteness/blackness), 8.19 – 8.97 (a*-redness/greenness), 18.51 – 20.22 (b*-yellowness/blueness), 20.35 – 22.12 (C-chroma), 65.44 – 66.49 (H o -Hue angle) and 23.53 – 105.88 (B.I-Browning Index). These values were also used for calculation of the total colour change (ΔE), chroma change (ΔC), hue angle change (ΔH) and browning index change (ΔB.I). There were significant differences (P< 0.05) for L*, a*, b*, chroma, hue angle, browning index and overall colour change of shrimps after exposure to gamma radiations. Gamma radiation proved to be an effective preservative method for extension of shelf life of shrimp as neither no peculiar nor recorded.

Source: UG
Influence of hand dominance, gender, and body mass index on hand grip strength

Background: Hand grip strength (HGS) measurements serve as an objective measure of upper extremity function. A reliable hand strength evaluation is vital for assessing treatment effectiveness. Objectives: To determine the influence of hand dominance, gender, and body mass index (BMI) on HGS among university students in Ghana. Method: In our cross-sectional study of 304 participants, height, weight, and BMI were measured using a stadiometer and weighing scale. Hand grip strength was assessed with a dynamometer. We compared HGS in dominant and non-dominant hands for males and females using a paired t-test and analysed the correlation between grip strength and weight, height, and BMI using Pearson’s correlation coefficient. Results: The mean HGS for right-hand dominant (RHD) male participants was 35.62 kg (± 7.36) for the right hand compared with 32.84 kg (± 7.36) for the left hand. For females RHD the mean HGS in the right hand was 24.60 kg (± 6.42) compared to 22.12 kg (± 5.37) in the left hand. The mean weight, height and BMI of participants were 62.86 kg (± 10.30), 1.67 m (± 0.09) and 22.9 kg/m2 (± 4.9), respectively. A significant relationship existed between HGS and height (r = 0.492; p < 0.01) as well as HGS and BMI (r = 0.290; p < 0.01). However, no notable connection was found between HGS and weight (r = 0.001; p = 0.982). Conclusion: Hand grip strength was significantly stronger in the dominant hand of both males and females. Clinical implications: Physiotherapists should test HGS objectively and quantitatively for use in disease evaluation, diagnosis, and therapy.

Source: UG
Influence of height and BMI on weight bearing of male and female individuals at two levels of human immersion- A cross-sectional study

Objective: The study determined the gender difference in body weight bearing at anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS) and xiphisternum levels of human immersion in relation to BMI and height. Methods: Apparently healthy undergraduates (96 males; 97 females) participated in this study. Their body weights were measured on land in erect standing using water-proof weighing scale. The procedure was repeated in water while immersed at ASIS and xiphisternum. Percentage weight bearing (PWB) and body mass index (BMI) were determined from the scores obtained. Inferential analysis included two sample t-test and linear multiple regression at p<0.05. Results: The mean age of the participants was 22.4years. The body weight and height were significantly higher (p<0.05) for male than the female participants. The PWB for male participants was significantly higher (p<0.001) than in the female participant at ASIS (54.8±0.1 vs 47.7±0.1), and at xiphisternum (31.2±0.1 vs 25.5±0.1) levels respectively. Male participants’ PWB was directly correlated with their height (β= 0.26; p=0.011) whilst the female participants' PWB had indirect correlation with BMI (β= -0.38; p<0.001) at xiphisternum level. Conclusion: Male participants experienced higher PWB than their female peers at both immersion levels in this study. The gender difference was influenced by their height and BMI at xiphisternum level only. © 2014, Journal of Physical Therapy. All rights reserved.

Source: UG
Influence of in-vivo endotoxin liberation on anti-anaerobic antimicrobial efficacy

The ability of cefoxitin, clindamycin, imipenem, meropenem, metronidazole and piperacillin-tazobactam to cause Gram-negative anaerobic bacteria to release endotoxin and the influence of such liberated endotoxin on antibiotic efficacy were investigated in in-vivo experiments in animal models. Experimental infections in various animal models (mice, hamster and infant rats) with cultures of wild and reference strains of Bacteroides fragilis group and Fusobacterium spp. were carried out by injecting these animals with different inocula (10 6, 10 7 and 10 8 cfu/ml) of the bacterial suspension. Appropriate doses of the test antibiotics were then injected and the plasma lipopolysaccharide (endotoxin) release measured by the Limulus Amoebocyte Lysate (LAL) Assay. Evidence of worsening of the outcome of the infections post-therapy was assessed, including histopathological changes in the internal organs. Infection with generalized septicemia was established with F. nucleatum in the mice and hamster models while with the B. fragilis group, infections only led to intra-abdominal abscess formation. Plasma endotoxin release was higher in animals infected with F. nucleatum than B. fragilis and was unrelated to the bacterial inoculum. Imipenem, meropenem and cefoxitin, in that order, induced the highest levels of endotoxin activities in the animal model, particularly following F. nucleatum infection. Histological examination of the internal organs of various animals showed variation in the pattern of histopathological changes; grades 3-4 inflammatory changes in the liver were observed in the Fusobacterium-infected animals that were treated with the carbapenems and cefoxitin. Therapy with the other antibiotics did not exacerbate anaerobic sepsis. In this study, bacteremia did not lead to massive endotoxin release and antibiotic therapy appeared not to have negatively influenced the outcome of most of the Gram-negative anaerobic infections, except for infections caused by Fusobacterium spp. However, it is conceivable that if the gastrointestinal tract is the source of the endotoxin in patients with systemic inflammatory response syndrome, then the obligate anaerobes like Bacteroides and Fusobacterium species, which are members of the gut flora, may play a major role in the unfavorable outcome of antibiotic therapy in some of these infections.

Source: UG
The influence of information about organic production and fair trade on preferences for and perception of pineapple

The influence of information about organic production and fair trade on hedonic and analytic judgments of pineapple was studied in British (n = 44) and Dutch (n = 51) subjects. The subjects received pineapple pieces of three regularly grown varieties, in which information about organic production and fair trade was systematically varied. Taken over all subjects, organic or fair trade information did not seem to have much influence on liking or on perception. Although they seemed to positively affect liking when presented alone, in combination, they did not. When subjects were grouped according to their - indirectly measured - affective attitudes towards organic or fair trade products by means of conjoint analysis, perception differed as a result of the information provided. Subjects with a positive attitude towards organic or fair trade information perceived the products to have an overall stronger sensory impact in the presence of such information than its in absence, whereas the opposite was true for subjects with a negative attitude towards organic or fair trade information. When the subjects are considered as a uniform group, the individual differences indicating different outcome of underlying cognitive processes cannot be revealed. © 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Source: UG
Influence of insecticide resistance on the biting and resting preferences of malaria vectors in the Gambia

The scale-up of indoor residual spraying and long-lasting insecticidal nets, together with other interventions have considerably reduced the malaria burden in The Gambia. This study examined the biting and resting preferences of the local insecticide-resistant vector populations few years following scale-up of anti-vector interventions. Indoor and outdoor-resting Anopheles gambiae mosquitoes were collected between July and October 2019 from ten villages in five regions in The Gambia using pyrethrum spray col lection (indoor) and prokopack aspirator from pit traps (outdoor). Polymerase chain reaction assays were performed to identify molecular species, insecticide resistance mutations, Plasmodium infection rate and host blood meal. A total of 844 mosquitoes were collected both indoors (421, 49.9%) and outdoors (423, 50.1%). Four main vector species were identified, including An. arabiensis (indoor: 15%, outdoor: 26%); An. coluzzii (indoor: 19%, outdoor: 6%), An. gambiae s.s. (indoor: 11%, out door: 16%), An. melas (indoor: 2%, outdoor: 0.1%) and hybrids of An. coluzzii-An. gambiae s.s (indoors: 3%, outdoors: 2%). A significant preference for outdoor resting was observed in An. arabiensis (Pearson X2 = 22.7, df = 4, P<0.001) and for indoor resting in An. coluzzii (Pearson X2 = 55.0, df = 4, P<0.001). Prevalence of the voltage-gated sodium channel (Vgsc)-1014S was significantly higher in the indoor-resting (allele freq. = 0.96, 95%CI: 0.78– 1, P = 0.03) than outdoor-resting (allele freq. = 0.82, 95%CI: 0.76–0.87) An. arabiensis pop ulation. For An. coluzzii, the prevalence of most mutation markers was higher in the outdoor (allele freq. = 0.92, 95%CI: 0.81–0.98) than indoor-resting (allele freq. = 0.78, 95%CI: 0.56– 0.86) mosquitoes. However, in An. gambiae s.s., the prevalence of Vgsc-1014F, Vgsc 1575Y and GSTe2-114T was high (allele freq. = 0.96–1), but did not vary by resting location.The overall sporozoite positivity rate was 1.3% (95% CI: 0.5–2%) in mosquito populations. Indoor-resting An. coluzzii had mainly fed on human blood while indoor-resting An. arabien sis fed on animal blood. In this study, high levels of resistance mutations were observed that could be influencing the mosquito populations to rest indoors or outdoors. The prevalent animal-biting behaviour demonstrated in the mosquito populations suggest that larval source management could be an intervention to complement vector control in this setting.

Source: UG
The influence of institutions and organizations on urban waste collection systems: An analysis of waste collection system in Accra, Ghana (1985-2000).

Urban waste collection system is a pivotal component of all waste management schemes around the world. Therefore, the efficient performance and the success of these schemes in urban pollution control rest on the ability of the collection systems to fully adapt to the prevailing cultural and social contexts within which they operate. Conceptually, institutions being the rules guiding the conduct of public service provision and routine social interactions, waste collection systems embedded in institutions can only realize their potentials if they fully evolve continuously to reflect evolving social and technical matrices underlying the cultures, organizations, institutions and social conditions they are designed to address. This paper is a product of an analysis of waste collection performance in Ghana under two different institutional and/or organizational regimes; from an initial entirely public sector dependence to a current mix of public-private sector participation drawing on actual planning data from 1985 to 2000. The analysis found that the overall performance of waste collection services in Ghana increased under the coupled system, with efficiency (in terms of total waste clearance and coverage of service provision) increasing rapidly with increased private-sector controls and levels of involvement, e.g. for solid waste, collection rate and disposal improved from 51% in 1998 to about 91% in the year 2000. However, such an increase in performance could not be sustained beyond 10 years of public-private partnerships. This analysis argues that the sustainability of improved waste collection efficiency is a function of the franchise and lease arrangements between private sector group on the one hand and public sector group (local authorities) on the other hand. The analysis therefore concludes that if such franchise and lease arrangements are not conceived out of an initial transparent process, such a provision could undermine the overall sustainability of private sector initiatives in collection services delivery in the long term, as in the case of the Accra example.

Source: UG
Influence of land tenure practices on artisanal mining activity in Ghana

This paper examines the issue of land tenure and how it influences artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) activity in Ghana. Over the past few decades, attempts by governments in sub-Saharan Africa to regulate or formalize ASM as a result of the sector's increasing socio-economic and environmental importance have largely been unsuccessful. Even though mining laws have tended to vest all minerals in the state, increasing evidence suggests that mineral-rich lands for artisanal mining continue to be frequently traded between local landowners and miners or interested groups outside the official legal regime. This development, i.e. land trading for artisanal mining, contributes significantly towards proliferation of illegal ASM activity and hence potentially challenges attempts by governments and development partners to formalise the sector. © 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Source: UG
The Influence of Leadership Behaviours on Employees' Job Satisfaction in the Health Training Institutions in the Upper West Region-Ghana

Effective leadership and employees’ job satisfaction are fundamental to the success of educational institutions. Adopting ideal leadership behaviour by the Nurse Leaders can have a positive influence on employees’ job satisfaction and institutional outcomes. It is widely accepted that employees’ who are satisfied with their jobs have a tendency of being more innovative, creative, motivated and committed, focusing on tasks that are beneficiary to the organization as compared to employees’ that are dissatisfied (Gutierrez, Candela, & Carver, 2012). Using the Path-goal leadership theory as the organizing framework the study to explored the leadership behaviours of Nurse Leaders and the influence of these behaviours on employees’ job satisfaction at the seven Health Training Institutions (HTIs) in the Upper West Region-Ghana. Quantitative cross-sectional design was used to collect data from 179 respondents. The data was analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 22. Data was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Descriptive statistics such as frequencies central tendencies and percentages were used to describe leadership behaviours and job satisfaction. Whereas inferential statistics such as correlation, linear multiple regression and moderation to predict relationship between the study variables. Nurse Leaders in the HTIs practised all the five leadership behaviours (directive, supportive, participative, achievement- oriented and laissez-fair) but are more inclined to the directive (autocratic) leadership behaviour. The study established a significant positive but moderate correlation between directive, participative and achievement-oriented leadership behaviours and employees’ job satisfaction, while supportive leadership shows a strong positive significant correlation with employees’ job satisfaction, but laissez-faire had no correlation with employees’ job satisfaction. There is a significant positive correlation (r = 0.465, p <0.001) between job characteristics and employees’ job satisfaction. Result indicates gender, higher educational qualification and place of work or institution predicted the outcome variable (job satisfaction), whereas, supportive, participative and achievement-oriented leadership behaviours also predicted job satisfaction. The study variables explained 40.9% of the variance in employees’ job satisfaction. Result shows job characteristics moderated the relationship between leadership behaviours (directive, participative, achievement-oriented and laissez-faire) on job satisfaction. Finally, years of experience under supportive leadership behaviour was significant. The study recommends that Nurse Leaders should be conversant with the varied leadership behaviours and adopt the most ideal for the effectiveness of the HTIs in the Upper West Region-Ghana.

Source: UG
Influence of low dose of gamma radiation and storage on some vitamins and mineral elements of dried oyster mushrooms (Pleurotus ostreatus)

Mushrooms contain some of the most potent natural medicines on the planet. Vitamins A, C, D, Mineral elements, contents, as well as total soluble solids (Brix o ) of dried composition of Pleurotus ostreatus were investigated after exposing to gamma radiation doses of 0 (control), 0.5, 1, 1.5, and 2 kGy at a dose rate of 1.7 kGy per hour in air from a Cobalt 60 source (SLL 515, Hungary) batch irradiator prior to storage (0 month) and after storage (12 months) at room temperature (28 ± 2°C). Results obtained showed some significant (p &lt;.05) differences due to irradiation and storage. Before storage, vitamins A, C, and D contents of dried and irradiated mushrooms ranged 0.003 ± 0.08–0.014 ± 0.08, 0.042 ± 1.06–0.132 ± 1.06, and 0.040 ± 0.76–0.057 ± 0.76 mg/g, respectively. After 12 months, vitamin contents decreased and ranged 0.0029 ± 0.08–0.010 ± 0.08, 0.038 ± 1.06–0.125 ± 1.06, and 0.031 ± 0.76–0.05 ± 0.76 mg/g for vitamins A, C, and D, respectively. Total soluble solids recorded 1.5 Brix o , however, showed no significant difference (p &gt;.05) and did not change in 12 months after gamma irradiation up to 2 kGy. Sodium ranged from 14.00 ± 0.7 to 14.90 ± 0.8 mg/100 g. Potassium content varied from 30.20 ± 0.5 to 33.10 ± 0.6 mg/100 g. Magnesium content ranged 1.27 ± 0.15–3.53 ± 0.04 mg/100 g. Calcium ranged 11.00 ± 0.4–12.53 ± 0.4 ± 0.03 mg/100 g. Phosphorus content ranged 6.11 ± 0.30–6.41 ± 0.35 mg/100 g, whereas Nitrogen content was found to be 3.00 ± 0.03–3.60 ± 0.25 mg/100 g. Microelements or heavy metals included Copper; detected ranged 0.00 ± 0.00–0.02 ± 0.001 mg/100 g, Zinc content ranged 0.01 ± 0.002–0.03 ± 0.001 mg/100 g. Iron content was found to be in the range 0.29 ± 0.01–0.37 ± 0.1 mg/100 g. Manganese content was found to be in the range 0.03 ± 0.001–0.04 ± 0.01 mg/100 g. Lead content was found to be 0.00 ± 0.00–0.03 ± 0.001 mg/100 g. Food processing and storage has the potential to slightly alter the stability of vitamins in foods. Pleurotus ostreatus showed appreciable levels of mineral elemental composition, essential vitamins A, C, and D, and can be endorsed as a natural medicinal food product in the food and pharmaceutical industries. The heavy metals detected were with also below the upper limits permissible by the WHO standards and is thus safe for human consumption. © 2016 The Authors. Food Science & Nutrition published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Source: UG
Influence of method of residue application and moisture content on water soluble nitrogen in a rhodickandiustalf amended with different fallow plant materials

Use of plant residues as nutrient sources presents a viable option to resource poor farmers who sparsely use mineral fertilizer in crop production. A study was conducted to gain an insight into how different application methods of residues from different fallow management systems under two moisture regimes would affect soluble N release in a Rhodic Kandiustalf. Three residue types viz, elephant grass from a natural fallow (T1) and another as a fallow following a previously fertilized maize (T2) and a fallow legume (T3) were surface applied and incorporated in a Rhodic Kandiustalf at both field capacity (FC) and 60% field capacity over a sixteen-week period. Incorporation of mucuna residues and elephant grass from previously fertilized maize fallow released similar soluble N levels which were higher than levels from the natural elephant grass amendments. At 60% FC, both mucuna and elephant grass from the fertilized maize fields that were surface applied had slower N releases than the grass from the natural fallow, suggesting the elephant grass from the natural fallow field could be used as an N source amidst light watering to avoid leaching in the dry season.

Source: UG