ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Determinants of utilization of antenatal care services in developing countries: Recent evidence from Ghana

The purpose of this paper is to estimate the key socio-economic and demographic factors influencing the utilization of antenatal care services in Ghana. The paper utilizes the most recent Ghana Demographic and Health Survey (GDHS V) data. The dependent variable is the intensity of utilization (number) of antenatal care visits. Hence, the negative binomial regression is employed to investigate the socio-economic and demographic correlates of the intensity of antenatal care utilization in Ghana. The study finds that wealth status, age, ownership of health insurance (especially for rural women), educational attainment, birth order, religion and administrative region of residence are significant predictors of the intensity of antenatal care services utilization. In particular, the utilization rate increases in wealth status. The authors also found significant statistical relationship between residence and antenatal care utilization. This finding reinforces the differences in health facilities between the rural and urban areas of Ghana. The authors did not, however, find evidence for proxies for financial and physical access. The GDHS survey lacks data on the distance to the nearest health facility where ANC is sought and a variable for the price of ANC visit. Proxies had to be used to capture these variables. The fact that ownership of health insurance in rural areas increases the number of ANC visits makes it imperative to intensify health insurance awareness and enrollment campaigns in the rural areas so as to bridge the rural-urban gap in ANC utilization. Also, while the free maternal health care policy for expecting mothers is laudable, a minimum level of wealth is required to induce antenatal care visitations. This is because household wealth status still plays a major role even in a free maternal health regime. A new finding of the paper is the significant effect that ownership of health insurance has on the utilization of ANC services among rural women. While generally rural women have a lower propensity to use ANC services compared to urban women, the intensity of usage of ANC services tends to increase for rural women who own health insurance. © 2013, Emerald Group Publishing Limited

Source: UG
Determinants of vaccination decisions and lived experiences of Ghanaians with the COVID-19 pandemic; a qualitative study

Background: Two years after the WHO declared a state of emergency as a result of the rapid spread of the COVID 19 virus from Wuhan, China, the rate of new infections experienced intermittent flare-ups globally, with vac cinations still ongoing in countries such as Ghana. One year after the implementation of Ghana’s COVID-19 vaccine deployment program, Ghanaians have had the opportunity to reflect on their vaccination decisions, albeit the initial vaccine hesitancy. Objectives: The current paper examined the knowledge and lived experiences of Ghanaians during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the factors influencing their vaccination decisions, one year after COVID-19 vaccinations commenced in Ghana, with special focus on the social and geographical histories which influenced their vaccination decisions. Methodology: A qualitative approach using a case study design was used to conduct in-depth interviews among 25 respondents who were 18 years and above, not pregnant, and willing to participate in the study, between 5th and 23rd September 2022. Data was collected in 5 hotspot areas in Ghana with the highest cumulative case counts. A semi-structured interview guide was used to collect data which was analyzed using a thematic approach. Findings: Respondents demonstrated a good level of knowledge on COVID-19 and related vaccines. Fear, panic, and anxiety were some of the experiences lived by respondents during the pandemic. The factors influencing vaccination decisions included conspiracy theories about COVID-19 and related vaccines, subjective notions about the COVID-19 disease, and subjective notions about the vaccine. The type of community one lived in, taboos, and previous successful vaccination programs in the community were geographic factors that informed respondents’ decision to vaccinate or not. Social circles, religion, opinion leaders, and media-based campaigns were the social factors that influenced respondents’ decision to vaccinate or not.

Source: UG
Determinants of Youth Participation in Rice Cultivation in South-Eastern Nigeria.

The study assessed youth participation in rice cultivation in South Eastern Nigeria. It ascertained the rice varieties cultivated by the youth, determined the extent of utilization of rice cultivation technologies, described respondents' challenges in rice cultivation, examined the determinants of youth participation in rice cultivation and determinants of the extent of utilization of improved rice cultivation technologies. Multi-stage sampling procedure was used in selecting 312 respondents for the study. Data were collected with a structured questionnaire and analysed using mean scores, percentages, and regression analysis. The respondents cultivated FARO 44 (84.6%), practiced early planting (𝑥̅=2.9), timely harvesting (𝑥̅=2.6), and cultivated improved varieties (𝑥̅=2.7) as utilised rice improved technologies. The major challenges of youth participation in rice cultivation were inadequate agricultural credit (89.4%) and poor access to improved seeds (86.7%) among others. Age (β=-0.214), education (β=0.212), and access to credit (β=-0.4311) were the determinants of youth participation while internet access (β=1.271), access to extension services (β=2.144) and hours spent on the internet (β=2.142) determined their extent of utilization of technologies. Socio-economic factors and the challenges faced influenced youth participation in rice cultivation. The government and nongovernmental agencies should increase youth access to agricultural digital tools, improve seeds and internet penetration in rural areas.

Source: UG
Determination of elemental and nutrient composition of water, clam mantle and shell of the Volta clam (Galatea paradoxa) using neutron activation analysis

The Volta clam Galatea paradoxa is a highly priced shellfish providing nutrition, jobs and poverty alleviation for the inhabitants of the lower Volta estuary. Clams are filter feeders straining particulate materials in the surrounding water, thus concentrating microorganisms and other metal elements in the gut and mantle which present possible health hazards. The elemental composition of the water, clam mantle, gut, shell, and bottom sediments were determined using Neutron Activation Analysis for the presence of Ca, Cl, Cu, Mg, Mn, V, Fe, Co, Br, Na and K. Proximate analysis of the mantle for the levels of protein, fat, carbohydrate, ash, wood fiber, phosphorus, free fatty acids and energy were carried out using the method of the Association of Official Analytical Chemists. The riverine water was laden with heavy metals V, Co, Cu, Mn, and Fe, as well as Al. These same metallic elements were detected in higher concentrations in the bottom sediments. Bioaccumulation factor (BAF) which is the measure of the distribution of heavy metals between water and biota (Clam mantle and gut), ranged from 2 to 145 times, depending on the type of contaminant. The clam meat contained high protein (15.3 ± 0.2%), no crude fiber, low fat content (1.80 ± 0.11%), fatty acids as oleic (25.2 ± 0.1%), energy (85.5 ± 0.21 kcal/100 g), carbohydrates (22.10 ± 0.03%), P (485 ± 1 mg/100 g), Ca (793 ± 75 mg/kg), Mg (860.3 ± 90.0 mg/kg). The high concentration of Ca (21,402.7 ± 797.0 mg/kg), Fe (18,071.2 ± 94.0 mg/kg), K (96 ± 14 mg/kg), Mg (540.8 ± 81.1 mg/kg), Na (4,570.0 ± 0.2 mg/kg) gives credence to the use of the shell for poultry feed mineral supplements, and in the emulsion paint manufacturing industry. © 2010 Akadémiai Kiadó, Budapest, Hungary.

Source: UG
Determination of levels of polychlorinated biphenyl in transformers oil from some selected transformers in parts of the Greater Accra Region of Ghana

Although polychlorinated biphenyls have never been manufactured in Ghana, it has been used extensively as dielectric fluid in electric transformers and capacitors. However, very little is known of its health and environmental impacts by both managers of these transformers and capacitors and also the general public. This work therefore seeks to explore INAA as a possible alternative to screening transformer oils for PCBs by determining the total chlorine content. The total chlorine content of transformer oil samples from Ghana that tested positive and some randomly selected samples that tested negative from screening using CLOR-N-OIL test kits, have had their total chlorine estimated. INAA using the Research Reactor located at the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission was used to estimate the total chlorine content of the oil samples. Neutron Activation and gamma ray spectroscopy using HPGe detector coupled to MAESTRO 32 software was used to determine the total chlorine content by integrating the peak area of the spectrum into a simplified program that was developed from the activation equation. Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis was able to validate the result obtained from the test kits screening with accuracy 7.5%.The minimum total chlorine content of the positive samples determined by NAA was 71.34μgg-1. © 2010 Elsevier Ltd.

Source: UG
Determination of Oseltamivir Quality by Colorimetric and Liquid Chromatographic Methods

We developed a colorimetric and chromatographic assay for oseltamivir to assess the authenticity of Tamiflu (F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Basel, Switzerland) because of a growing concern about counterfeit oseltamivir. The colorimetric assay is quantitative and relies on an extractable colored ion-pair complex of oseltamivir with Congo red or bromochlorophenol blue. The reverse-phase chromatographic assay uses an alkaline mobile phase with UV detection. Both methods were evaluated for variability and selectivity and subsequently applied to batches of oseltamivir products acquired through the Internet. The Congo red test showed greater assay sensitivity, linearity, and accuracy. Colorimetric and chromatographic analysis showed all batches of oseltamivir product were within ±15% of the stated amount of active ingredient. The antiviral drug oseltamivir phosphate has been recommended by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as an adjunct in the effective treatment and prevention of influenza. Oseltamivir and zanamivir are both approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in controlling both influenza A and B viruses (1). Oseltamivir phosphate is the active ingredient in Tamiflu (F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Basel, Switzerland) and is available in capsule and powder form. The specter of an avian influenza pandemic has given Tamiflu much notoriety, and anticipation of the potential public health threat has prompted a demand for the product. Consequently, criminal elements have already begun to produce counterfeit Tamiflu. Recently, US Customs agents seized counterfeit Tamiflu entering the United States (2). The bogus products, which contained vitamin C and lacked the active ingredient of oseltamivir phosphate, had been purchased through the Internet. Although these shipments were quickly detected by a joint effort of the FDA and US Customs and Border Protection, these products would easily have gone unnoticed in developing countries, where insufficient resources and infrastructure hamper the ability to monitor and preserve drug quality. WHO estimates that up to 25% of the medicines consumed in developing countries are counterfeit or substandard (3). Simple and affordable colorimetric assays provide a practical means to rapidly monitor drug quality in resource-poor areas. Because oseltamivir phosphate (Figure 1) possesses amine groups, the protonated form may act as a cationic site for anionic dyes such as Congo red and bromochlorophenol blue to produce colored ion-pairing complexes. Congo red has been used in colorimetric determinations of chitosan and poly (N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone) while bromophenol blue has been used i

Source: UG
Determination of Plasmodium Falciparum and Host Genetic Factors that Affect the Efficacy of the Artemisinin-Based Combination Partner Drugs Used in Ghana

Malaria is one of the major causes of morbidity and mortality in sub-Saharan Africa, especially in children under 5 years and pregnant women. The use of Artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT), which is a combination of a fast-acting artemisinin derivative and a relatively slow-acting partner drug, is used for malaria treatment in disease-endemic areas. The ACT partner drugs in Ghana are lumefantrine (LUM), amodiaquine (AQ), and piperaquine (PQ). Plasmodium falciparum isolates with reduced susceptibility to these partner drugs may affect treatment outcome. Mutations in the parasite multidrug-resistant 1 (Pfmdr1) gene is linked to reduced susceptibility to amodiaquine and lumefantrine and increased copy number of plasmepsin II and III (Pfpm 2 and 3) are linked to reduced susceptibility to piperaquine. In addition, the potency of the partner drugs in vivo depends on the metabolism by the cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzyme in the host. Mutations in the CYP2C8 gene are linked to reduced metabolism of amodiaquine in vitro whiles mutations in CYP3A4 may be linked to reduced metabolism of lumefantrine and piperaquine in vitro. This study investigated the host and parasite genetic factors affecting the susceptibility of the parasite to ACT partner drugs. Archived samples from 240 patients (120 given AL and the other half given AA) aged ≤9years participating in antimalarial drug resistance survey in sites representing the three ecological areas of Ghana were used. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) followed by Sanger sequencing was used to determine the polymorphisms in CYP2C8, CYP3A4, and pfmdr1 genes. Real-time PCR was used to determine copy numbers of plasmepsin II/III genes. Of the 93 samples successfully genotyped for CYP3A4, all had wild type alleles which are suggestive that the hosts are good metabolizers of both lumefantrine and piperaquine. Ninety-four samples were successfully genotyped for CYP2C8 of which 61% had wild type alleles, 33% heterozygous, and 5% homozygous derived alleles. The high percentage of wild type alleles observed also suggests that amodiaquine would be metabolized efficiently by the hosts. Ninety-five samples were successfully genotyped for the Pfmdr1 gene. At codon 86, 93% were wild type (N86), 6% mutant (Y86), and 1% mixed clones (N86/86Y). For codon 184, 36% were wild type (Y184), 51% mutant (F184), and 13% mixed (Y184/184F) whiles for codon 1246, 100% were wild type (D1246). The high prevalence of N86, F184, and D1246 (NFD) haplotype suggests parasites with reduced susceptibility to lumefantrine and not amodiaquine. There were both synonymous and nonsynonymous mutations observed in the Pfmdr1 at low prevalence. For Pfpm2 and Pfpm3, 35% and 20% of the isolates respectively had increased gene copy numbers and this is indicative of parasites with reduced piperaquine susceptibility. In conclusion, the parasite's genetic factors rather than the hosts' are likely to drive resistance to ACTs in Ghana.

Source: UG
Determination of polar and dispersive contributions of surface tensions of some macromolecular solutions

The determination of the surface tension of some liquids or solutions has been carried out using a tensiometer. The determination of the contact angle between the liquids and a planar surface has also been carried out using photography. Polar and dispersive contributions of the surface tension were obtained by calculation while the polarities of the liquids and solutions were determined applying Wu equations. This method gave the different results for solutions prepared from macromolecular compounds (acroleineethanolamine macromolecular solution 1 g/l, acroleine-diethanolamine macromolecular solution 1 g/l, acroleine-urea macromolecular solution 0.7 g/l and polyglutaraldehyde-ethanolamine macromolecular solution 1 g/) synthesized by Malonda from glutaraldehyde and acroleine. The dispersive and polar contributions of the surface tension were computed and used to calculate the surface tensions of solutions by the simple measurement of the contact angle. The results have revealed that the polarities were weak: 2% for all solutions except for the acroleine-diethanolamine macromolecular whose polarity was 6%. The surface tensions for all solutions varied from 67 to 59 dynes/cm.

Source: UG
Determination of rare earth elements by neutron activation analysis in altered ultramafic rocks from the Akwatia District of the Birim diamondiferous field, Ghana

Rare earth element (REE) analysis using instrumental neutron activation (INAA) was carried out on ultramafic rocks from the Akwatia District of the Birim diamondiferous field, Ghana, with the primary objective of investigating their kimberlitic characteristics. The total REE concentrations range from 113 to 1610 ppm and fall within the interval of those reported in the literature for kimberlites. Despite the marked difference in the REE contents, all the analyzed samples show similar REE patterns that resemble those of kimberlites. However, compared to most of the kimberlites, the ultramafic rocks have small negative Eu anomalies and low light-REE/heavy-REE ratios, suggesting that the rocks have been significantly assimilated by crustal rocks. © 2005 Akadémiai Kiadó.

Source: UG
Determination Of Salivary Lactoferrin Levels Before And After Non-Surgical Periodontal Treatment In Patients With Aggressive Periodontitis.

Objective: This study determined levels of Salivary lactoferrin (sLf) before and after non-surgical periodontal treatment (NSPT) in individuals with localized and generalized aggressive periodontitis compared to healthy controls. Methodology: The study was an interventional and prospective design. Nineteen participants were clinically and radiographically diagnosed as having AP and 18 participants who did not show evidence of the disease or other diseases, served as controls. All participants received NSPT which included scaling and polishing for the controls and scaling and root planing (SRP) for the cases. Unstimulated whole saliva was collected from participants before and after NSPT. Salivary Lactoferrin levels were quantified using the Human Lactoferrin ELISA kit. Results: The mean ages were: GAP=33.80±8.93, LAP=32.11±8.07 and Controls = 31.39±8.98 years. Concentration of sLf before NSPT among the cases was 70.92±26.84 (-µg/ml-) and the controls had 48.39±28.56 (-µg/ml-). After treatment, concentration of sLf was 68.57±25.34 (-µg/ml-) for cases and 43.42±21.54(- µg/ml-) for controls. A significant difference was observed at baseline between cases and controls (p= 0.018) and after treatment (p=0.003) which indicated sLf levels were higher in the diseased than non-diseased individuals. Conclusion: Elevated sLf levels serve as an indication for increased degree of inflammation and this biomarker can be used to determine the severity of AP

Source: UG
Determination of selected elements in red, brown and green seaweed species for monitoring pollution in the coastal environment of Ghana

The concentrations of 23 elements, namely Al, As, Br, Ca, Cd, Cl, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hf, Hg, I, K, La, Mg, Mn, Na, Ni, Sc, Sm, V, and Zn, in seven Rhodophyta (red), three Phaeophyta (brown) and five Chlorophyta (green) seaweed species from different areas along the coast of Ghana were determined using instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA). These species can be potentially used as biomonitors. The INAA method involved irradiations using thermal and epithermal neutrons at the Dalhousie University SLOWPOKE-2 Reactor (DUSR) facility followed by conventional and anti-coincidence γ-ray spectrometry. The precision in terms of relative standard deviation was within ±4%. The accuracy of the methods was evaluated by analyzing four reference materials. Our results were within ±3% of the certified or information values in all cases. © 2006 Akadémiai Kiadó.

Source: UG
Determination of sex from footprint dimensions in a ghanaian population

Clinical Anatomy, Clinical Pathology, Medicine, Surgery, Theriogenology, Epidemiology and Disease Prevention, Food (Meat and Milk Hygiene and Inspection, Zoonoses and Environmental Health, Obstetrics, Mastitis and Udder Management, Veterinary Economics and Business Management, Veterinary Ethics, Jurisprudence and Extension, Clinics and Student Project. Long Vacations

Source: UG
Determination of the absolute configuration of the novel anti-trypanosomal iridoid molucidin isolated from Morinda lucida by X-ray analysis

The Department of Parasitology conducts research into parasitic diseases of public health importance with the overall goal of reducing their transmission and the heavy disease burden that they impose on affected populations. The Department maintains focus on parasitic diseases in general. These include major diseases such as malaria, and others listed under the Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD) control initiative such as, lymphatic filariasis, onchocerciasis, schistosomiasis, soil-transmitted helminthiasis, trypanosomiasis and leishmaniasis.

Source: UG
Determination of the fatty acid and anti-oxidant vitamin profile of Nigerian rubber and palm kernel seed oils

The rubber seed is a semi-dried substance that does not contain any unusual fatty acid but is a rich source of polyunsaturated fatty acids that make up more than 50% of its total fatty acid composition. The palm kernel oil is one of the most widely used of the lauric acid oil which contains a high level of saturated fatty acids such as lauric acid. The fruits are fleshy and elongated, egg-shaped and of a reddish colour The oils from the two seeds were extracted with hexane using the soxhlet extraction technique. These oils were later screened by determining their fatty acid and anti-oxidant vitamins by the use of GC-FID. The rubber seed oil had oleic-24.06mg/kg; linoleic-22.50mg/kg; linolenic-36.30mg/kg and palm kernel had:lauric-45.81mf/kg; myristic-18.23mg/kg; palmitic-6.94. In other words rubber seed oil was composed more of unsaturated fatty acids while the palm kernel oil was composed more of saturated fatty acids. The oils were also screened for anti-oxidant vitamins with a GC-FID, and were found to contain vitamin E and other vitamins which make them vital materials for industrial applications. © Research India Publications.

Source: UG
Determination of the G and P types of previously nontypeable rotavirus strains from the African Rotavirus Network, 1996-2004: Identification of unusual G types

The main research focus of the Electron Microscopy and Histopathology Department in the past 20 years has been in the areas of enteric diarrhoeas with special emphasis on rotavirus. Through its diarrhoea surveillance studies, the Department has helped to firmly establish rotaviruses as a major cause of diarrhoea in children, and document the circulation of unusual rotavirus genotypes in Ghana. The Department has also recently expanded its diagnostic repertoire to include the identification and characterization of noroviruses, astroviruses, and other enteric viruses.

Source: UG
Determination of the series resistance of a solar cell through its maximum power point

A simple analytical approach has been developed to determine the series resistance, Rs, of a solar cell. The method adopted here depends only on the knowledge of the open-circuit voltage, Voc, and the current and voltage at the maximum power point, Isc and Vmp respectively. This approach, based on a knowledge of these operating output parameters of the cell, provides a theoretical framework for an existing computer simulated approach which has been widely used in industries.

Source: UG