ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
The Current State of Parkinsonism in West Africa: A Systematic Review

Parkinsonism is one of the most common neurodegenerative diseases among the elderly. Africa is experiencing an increasing burden of age-related conditions including parkinsonism. However, there is not enough data on the prevalence, symptoms, and management of the disorder in West African patients. )is systematic review examines the current state of parkinsonism in West Africa by discussing its epidemiology, symptomatology, and treatment. We searched PubMed, BioMed Central, and AJOL databases from January 2000 to December 2020 for studies on parkinsonism conducted in West African countries. We included 32 studies in this review: 23 from Nigeria, 5 from Ghana, and 1 each from Benin, Mali, Niger, and Senegal. Out of the 32 reviewed studies, 11 focused on the prevalence of parkinsonism, 4 examined the genetics of Parkinson’s disease (PD), and 17 described the symptomatology and therapy of parkinsonism. )e prevalence of parkinsonism in West Africa ranges from 6.0% to 8.3% of neurologic admissions/consultations. )e estimated crude prevalence of PD in West Africa varies from 15 to 572 per 100,000 people. )us far, no pathogenic genetic variants have been associated with PD in the region. Levodopa is frequently used singly or in combination with other medications to manage parkinsonian symptoms, which is consistent with reports from other African regions. Most of the reviewed studies focused only on PD, limiting assessment of other forms of parkinsonism. Almost all the prevalence studies were hospital-based and monocentric, making it impossible to accurately estimate the true prevalence of parkinsonism in West Africa. Larger community-based prevalence studies are recommended to enable accurate quantification of disease burden. Future genetic investigations should consider a wider array of gene mutations associated with parkinsonism. Moreover, public health surveillance strategies should be established to monitor the epidemiology of the disorder.

Source: UG
Current Status of Pearl Millet Downy Mildew Prevalence across Agroecological Zones of Senegal

Pearl millet is a dominant staple cereal crop for smallholder farmers in Senegal. However, the crop is constrained by various nonbiotic and biotic stresses such as downy mildew disease. To assess the prevalence of this disease in Senegal, a field survey was conducted during the rainy season of 2017 across eight main pearl millet production regions following latitudinal gradient with different climatic conditions. Results showed that downy mildew prevalence was higher in Kaolack (incidence = 68.19%), Kaffrine (incidence = 77.19%), Tambacounda (incidence = 97.03%), Sedhiou (incidence = 82.78%), and Kolda (incidence = 98.01%) than Thies (incidence = 28.21%), Diourbel (incidence = 24.46%), and Fatick (incidence = 37.75%) regions. The field survey revealed an incidence as high as 98% and 28% of infected area in surveyed fields. Significant correlations between geographic coordinates, disease incidence, and infected areas were also observed. This study provided information that could help to understand the prevalence of downy mildew in pearl millet in Senegal.

Source: UG
Current technologies for the removal of iron from aluminum alloys

In the current paper, the Fe-rich phases in and their detrimental effect on aluminum alloys are summarized. The existence of brittle platelet β-Fe-rich phases lowers the mechanical properties of aluminum alloys. The methods to neutralize the detrimental effect of iron are discussed. The use of high cooling rate, solution heat treatment and addition of elements such as Mn, Cr, Be, Co, Mo, Ni, V, W, Cu, Sr, or the rare earth elements Y, Nd, La and Ce are reported to modify the platelet Fe-rich phases in aluminum alloys. The mechanism of the modification is briefly described. Technologies to remove iron from aluminum are extensively reviewed. The precipitation and removal of Fe-rich phases (sludge) are discussed. The dense phases can be removed by methods such as gravitational separation, electromagnetic separation, and centrifuge. Other methods include electrolysis, electro-slag refining, fractional solidification, and fluxing refining. The expensive three-layer cell electrolysis process is the most successful technique to remove iron from aluminum so far.

Source: UG
Current Trends And Challenges: The Landscape Of Perioperative Mortality In Intracranial Surgeries In Low‐ And Middle‐Income Settings: A Narrative Review

Background and Aims: Intracranial surgeries are pivotal in treating cerebral pathologies. particularly in resource-limited contexts, utilizing techniques such as craniotomy, transsphenoidal approaches, and endoscopy. However, challenges in low and middle income countries (LMICs), including resource scarcity, diagnostic delays, and a lack of skilled neurosurgeons, leading to elevated perioperative mortality (POM). This review seeks to to identify major contributors to these challenges and recommend solutions for improved patient outcomes in neurosurgical care within LMICs. Methods: This review examines POM in LMICs using a detailed literature search, focusing on studies from these regions. Databases like PubMed, EMBASE, and Google Scholar were utilized using specific terms related to “intracranial surgery,” “perioperative mortality,” “traumatic brain injuries,” and “LMICs.” Inclusion criteria covered various study designs and both pediatric and adult populations, while excluding stand-alone abstracts and case reports. Results: POM rates for intracranial surgeries differ widely across many low- and middle‐income regions: Africa sees rates from 2.5% to 39.1%, Asia between 3.6% and 34.8%, and Latin America and the Caribbean have figures ranging from 1.3% to 12%. The POM rates in LMICs were relatively higher compared to most first-world countries. The high POM rates in LMICs can be attributed to considerable delays and compromises in neurosurgical care delivery, exacerbated by late diagnoses and presentations of neurosurgical pathologies. This, coupled with limited resources, underdeveloped infrastructure and training gaps complicate intracranial disease management, leading to elevated POM. Conclusion: Intracranial POM is a pronounced disparity within the neurosurgical field in LMICs. To mitigate intracranial POM, it is imperative to bolster healthcare infrastructure,amplify personnel training, foster global partnerships, and harness technologies like telemedicine. Tackling socioeconomic obstacles and prioritizing early detection through Sustained funding and policy shifts can substantially enhance patient outcomes.

Source: UG
Current trends in the incidence of cerebrovascular accidents in Accra.

The incidence of cerebrovascular accidents (CVA) in Accra during three periods--1960-1968, 1976-1983, and 1990-1993, was compared. There was dramatic increase in the incidence between 1990-1993. Uncontrolled hypertension due to non-compliance with drug therapy seems to be the main cause. The economic plight of the people may explain the non compliance. The case fatality was between 41.9% to 50.3% for the years 1990-1993. Cardiovascular diseases, notably hypertension and CVA, have become the major causes of morbidity and mortality in Accra.

Source: UG
Cursing back to life? From psalms to imprecatory prayers: An intercultural reading

Imprecatory prayer is becoming a common phenomenon in Ghana. This plea seeks the complete annihilation of human enemies believed to be the cause of the woes the petitioners face. However, ecclesiastic authorities and academic world find it difficult to dialogue with the practice and reject imprecatory prayers as ‘unchristian.’ Interestingly enough, the same attitude is manifested towards portions of the Bible which contain ‘imprecatory prayers’: The Psalter. As a consequence, while the Historic Mission Churches forbid imprecatory prayers, their members flock to the Charismatic and Prophetic Churches. Against this background, the article analyses Ps 58, one of the ‘imprecatory psalms’ excluded by the official prayers of Historic Mission Churches, to understand its call to action and the perlocutory effect on the reader. The article concludes that the ‘imprecatory prayers’ can be a powerful educational tool to see the world with the eyes of the victims: it offers them a model of prayer of “cursing back to life;” a painful way to reconciliation and to rediscovering justice.

Source: UG
Customary tenure systems under siege: Contemporary access to land in Northern Ghana

Land in most of Africa is controlled under the customary tenure system which is governed by well intentioned social and cultural rules meant to grant equal access to families within groups with common interest in land. Rapid changes in the domestic situation of countries resulting from both refractions of policies and influences from the global economy and emerging complexities within the local socio-economic context has altered the traditional land tenure systems in most parts of Africa. In the rural setting and for agricultural purposes, the customary tenure system seems to be crumbling slowly, while in the urban centres and for housing, industrial and commercial purposes the system has collapsed in favour of a commoditised one. The emerging patterns of access in Northern Ghana show growing inequalities in access, control and ownership. There is the need for a new architecture of land rights negotiated by a participatory process and regulated by both state and traditional institutions. © Springer Science+Business Media B.V. 2009.

Source: UG
Customer behavioural intentions towards mobile money services adoption in Ghana

This study examined the determinants of mobile money service usage intentions and assessed the effect of social influence (SI) on mobile money services adoption and behavioural intentions (BIs). The sample of the study comprised 300 mobile money service users in Ghana. Guided by the conceptual framework and two theories identified to have an effect on technology adoption and consumer behaviour, eight hypotheses were developed and tested using Structural Equation Modelling Techniques. It is discovered that perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, perceived trust and perceived cost of use have a strong influence on mobile money service usage. The study found SI to have a significant effect on the adoption and BI. Providers ensure that their mobile application services are simple to operate, fulfil specific consumers’ needs, protect consumers’ accounts to ensure trust and are affordable, hence positively influencing consumers’ adoption of services.

Source: UG
Customer involvement capability and service firm performance: The mediating role of innovation

This study contributes to the literature on customer involvement by assessing the influence firm-level customer involvement capability has on service firm performance in two economic contexts. The study further examines innovation as a necessary mediator between customer involvement capability and firm performance. Data collected from service firms operating in two countries, the United Kingdom and Ghana, is analysed and used to validate the article's theoretical and empirical contributions. The results show that customer involvement cap ability has a positive and direct relationship with service firm performance in Ghana but a negative and direct relationship in the British context. The implication is that the effect of firm-level capability can be context specific and that its development must therefore be aligned with the context in which a firm operates. On the other hand, it was found that in both contexts, innovation (product and process) mediated the relationship between involvement capability and firm performance.

Source: UG
Customer involvement capability and service firm performance: The mediating role of innovation

This study contributes to the literature on customer involvement by assessing the influence firm-level customer involvement capability has on service firm performance in two economic contexts. The study further examines innovation as a necessary mediator between customer involvement capability and firm performance. Data collected from service firms operating in two countries, the United Kingdom and Ghana, is analysed and used to validate the article's theoretical and empirical contributions. The results show that customer involvement capability has a positive and direct relationship with service firm performance in Ghana but a negative and direct relationship in the British context. The implication is that the effect of firm-level capability can be context-specific and that its development must therefore be aligned with the context in which a firm operates. On the other hand, it was found that in both contexts, innovation (product and process) mediated the relationship between involvement capability and firm performance. © 2017 Elsevier Inc.

Source: UG
Customer knowledge management practices on a social media platform: A case study of MTN Ghana and Vodafone Ghana

The purpose of the paper is to examine how social media can be employed to assist in customer knowledge management in two multinational telecommunication companies operating in Ghana. The study employed case study and netnography as research design. Data was obtained from Twitter and Facebook fan pages of MTN Ghana and Vodafone Ghana. A social media supported Customer Knowledge Management framework was adapted as a conceptual lens. Data was thematically analysed. The findings show that MTN Ghana and Vodafone Ghana have employed social media to manage customer knowledge. The companies engage their customers on Facebook and Twitter to access their knowledge and provide the customers with knowledge about their products and services.

Source: UG
Customer loyalty and value anticipation: does perceived competition matter?

Purpose – Drawing on customer value theory and the demanding nature of today’s customers, this paper examines the moderating effects of competition, as perceived by customers, on the nexus between customer value anticipation (CVA), satisfaction, and loyalty. Design/methodology/approach – Utilizing data from the Ghanaian banking sector, which has been going through some reforms that are changing the banking landscape, the study analyzes data from 587 customers. Respondents were drawn from a cluster of banks within an enclave with different types of customers and epitomized the competitive nature of Ghana’s banking sector. Findings – CVA drives customer satisfaction, attitudinal loyalty, and behavioral loyalty among bank customers. However, between attitudinal and behavioral loyalty, customers will be more behaviorally loyal to banks that successfully anticipate their needs than they would be in attitude. The relationships between CVA and satisfaction and loyalty are such that the level of competition among sector players does not alter the effect; thus, when a bank can anticipate customer value, customers are going to stay loyal to such a bank irrespective of the competitive offers. Originality/value – Although the impact CVA has on satisfaction and loyalty is justified in the existing literature, extant research has not systematically examined the influence of external boundaries and situational effects on the potency of anticipating customer value in detail. The current study shows the effect of competition on CVA and customer behavioral outcomes. The study further concludes that irrespective of competition, banks that are perceived to be high on CVA will have their customers being loyal. This is very important in the development of bank marketing and product innovation strategies.

Source: UG
Customer relationship management practices affecting customer loyalty supporting small airline carriers in Ghana

The airline industry in Ghana has experienced some significant growth largely driven by the influx of local and foreign airline operators. In this paper, six CRM practices namely: complaint handling, trust, commitment, communication, competences and social bonds were identified and proposed as drivers of customer loyalty through satisfaction. 341 passengers of small airline carriers in Ghana were sampled for this research. SEM was used to analyse the filed data. While the paper found a partial mediation, trust and compliant handling are the two significant drivers of customer loyalty of which the latter is the strongest predictor of customer loyalty. The paper recommends that managers of small airlines carriers should be honest, provide reliable and quality services to boost trust and confidence of passengers. They must create strong social relation with passengers as a strategy to build trust and instil confidence in them. This paper has presented industry specific evidence for small airline carriers which is non-existent in academic literature.

Source: UG
Customer satisfaction of electronic products and services in Ghanaian banks

Ankrah (2012) stated that, Technology has brought about a complete paradigm shift in the functioning of banks and delivery of banking services. Technology is no longer an enabler, but a business driver. The growth of the internet, mobiles and communication technology has added a different dimension to banking. The information technology (IT) available today is being leveraged in customer acquisitions, driving automation and process efficiency, delivering ease and efficiency to customers. The purpose of this research is to find out the level of satisfaction of bank customers using electronic products and services provided by the banks. This was influence by the fact that customer satisfaction has a direct relationship with profitability. The Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) originally proposed by Davis (1989) was used as the framework within which this study was executed. This study adopted the survey method and the instrument used in this study was the questionnaire. The population for this study was the bank customers from six banks all selected at their head offices in Greater Accra region. Proportionate sampling was used to select the sample from the six banks. The raw data was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS 17.0). It came to light from the findings that, most of the bank customers are satisfied with the operations of the banks. It was also clear that, almost all the banks have websites, but it was observed that most of the bank customers do not visit the bank’s websites or even if they do, once in a while. Even though the banks offer SMS banking, it is noticeable that most of the bank customers do not use the SMS banking. In the same vein, it is apparent that most of the bank customers do not use the internet banking. The hypothesis tested statistically at a significance level of 0.05 also confirms the fact that, customers are satisfied with the services of banks with modern technology. This research would help the bank management to know the level of electronic products and services usage as well as improving the level of satisfaction and strengthening the bond between the banks and their customers, thereby helping them to retain and/or expand their overall customer base. This research would also add to existing literature in the field of information technology in banking and both students and scholars can also draw knowledge from this research.

Source: UG
Customers' Perceived Risk and Trust in Using Mobile Money Services—an Empirical Study of Ghana

Although mobile money (MM) has been explored in the existing literature, the roles of trust and risk in MM use have received little attention from researchers. Furthermore, many of the existing studies have treated these constructs as unidimensional. The extant literature also shows that perceived risk has received little attention from researchers who have conducted studies on MM. Thus, the objective of this study is to examine the roles of trust and perceived risk in customers' intent to adopt MM services in Ghana. Both trust and perceived risk were broken down into various dimensions. The study involved 671 respondents who were selected via an intercept approach and an online survey. Structural equation modelling was used to test the study’s hypotheses. The findings show that perceived risk is negatively associated with customers’ intent to use MM services and economy-based trust. Trust in service providers and economy-based trust are positively associated with customers’ intent to use MM services. The implications of the findings are provided in the latter part of this study.

Source: UG
Cutaneous leishmaniasis in the Volta district of Ghana: An uncertain reservoir for focal disease outbreak

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
Cutting-edge creation of dislocated spaces: Canaries and Guinea, from Agustin Espinosa to Agustin Miranda [Creación vanguardista de espacios dislocados: Canarias y Guinea, de Agustín Espinosa a Agustín Miranda]

For almost half of the last century, Spanish impressions of African realities were restricted to the territory of Morocco. The Canarian writer Agustín Miranda Junco with his Cartas de la Guinea (1940) expands the Spanish African vision, based on the prejudices of the time about the idea of empire disseminated by Franquismo. However, a closer look at the text gives us the ability to articulate a theory about an idea that draws on the sources of insular tradition and moves away from the speeches of the time. We believe that Miranda chose Lancelot 28o-7o(1929) as one of his main models. This book, written by Agustín Espinosa, his friend and fellow member of the Surrealist Faction of Tenerife, is defined by the author as a tourist guide of the island of Lanzarote, which was replaced by Lancelot.

Source: UG
Cyanogenic glucoside content of fresh and processed peels of four improved cassava cultivars

The cyanogenic glycoside levels of the four relatively new Ghanaian cassava cultivars were determined spectrophotometrically. The mean values obtained were 393.8, 548.9, 702.1 and 424.7 ppm for Afisiafi, Abasafitaa, IITA9904 and Tech Bankye respectively. The effects of sun-drying and a combination of soaking and sun-drying on the cyanogenic glycoside content were investigated. Soaking in water for 24 hr followed by sun-drying for 24 hr resulted in a 63-74 % reduction in cyanogenic glycoside levels compared with 27- 64 % reduction after sun-drying for 48 hr. The results showed a significant reduction in cyanide potential of all the varieties following sun-drying and the combination of soaking and sun-drying (p<0.05). The combination of soaking and sun-drying was more effective than the sun-drying alone.

Source: UG