ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Views of ‘School-Based Stakeholders’ of Education in the Cape Coast Metropolis on Ghana’s School Feeding Programme

This study examined the views of ‘school-based stakeholders’ in Cape Coast Metropolis on Ghana’s school feeding programme. The study adopted the descriptive survey design and the researcher used the simple random sampling and purposive sampling techniques to select the beneficiary and non-beneficiary schools and respondents for the study. A sample of 180 respondents drawn from a beneficiary and non-beneficiary schools provided data for the study. The respondents comprised headteachers, teachers and pupils of the beneficiary and non-beneficiary schools. A questionnaire and an interview guide were the instruments used to elicit responses from the respondents. The study used the SPSS software to analyze the questionnaire data and the interview data were grouped based on similarities of responses. The study revealed that there is some level of understanding of the aims and objectives of the SFP initiative. It is recommended that there should be intensive publicity and education drive of the aims and objectives of the SFP. Secondly, the study showed that the introduction of the SFP in the studied school has contributed to increase in enrolment, attendance, reduced drop-out rates and improved retention rates. Introduction of the SFP in the non-SFP school would cause pupils to be regular, stay in school and also reduce rate of absenteeism. The study therefore recommends that Government should make the necessary efforts to bring on board all the basic schools on the SFP as a way of improving the literacy rate of the society. The findings really suggest that there are challenges bedeviling the implementation of the SFP initiative. It is therefore recommended that Government should secure funds to address the challenges to ensure the programmes sustainability.

Source: UCC
Violation of human rights: a case of trokosi system in Ketu–South District

The main objective of the study was to assess violation of women’s rights in the Ketu-South District. Being an essentially qualitative study, it adopted a descriptive and exploratory approach to expose the incidence of human rights abuse or violation in the study area. A purposive sampling technique was used. The main instrument used for data collection was the interview guide. The findings from the field show that there are varying views about the origin of the Trokosi system among the people of the various shrines. However, the use of females as atonement to the gods was clear indication in the narrations of how it (the Trokosi system) originated among the Ewes. Further findings reveal that the Trokosis are sexually, physically and psychologically abused. Moreover, respondents were found to be experiencing other forms of abuses in the various shrines. Based on the findings of the study, it is concluded that although there are varying views concerning the origin of the Trokosi system, demands for females to serve the gods on behalf of the people or particular family as a result of predicaments was explicitly mentioned. Again, women and girls who serve at the shrines are denied the most fundamental of human rights due to the practices of the Trokosi system.

Source: UCC
Violet diode laser-induced chlorophyll fluorescence: a tool for assessing mosaic disease severity in cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) cultivars

Violet diodelaser-induced chlorophyll ﬂuorescence was used in agronomical assessment (disease severity and average yield per plant). Because cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) is of economic importance, improved cultivars with various levels of aﬃnity for cassava mosaic disease were investigated. Fluorescence data correlated with cassava mosaic disease severity levels and with the average yield per plant

Source: UCC
Violet diode laser-induced chlorophyll fluorescence: a tool for assessing mosaic disease severity in cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) cultivars

Violet diode laser-induced chlorophyll fluorescence was used in agronomical assessment (disease severity and average yield per plant). Because cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) is of economic importance, improved cultivars with various levels of affinity for cassava mosaic disease were investigated. Fluorescence data correlated with cassava mosaic disease severity levels and with the average yield per plant

Source: UCC
Viral Vector-Based Models of Parkinson’s Disease

In order to study the molecular pathways of Parkinson’s disease (PD) and to develop novel therapeutic strategies, scientific investigators rely on animal models. The identification of PD-associated genes has led to the development of genetic PD models as an alternative to toxin-based models. Viral vector-mediated loco-regional gene delivery provides an attractive way to express transgenes in the central nervous system. Several vector systems based on various viruses have been developed. In this chapter, we give an overview of the different viral vector systems used for targeting the CNS. Further, we describe the different viral vector-based PD models currently available based on overexpression strategies for autosomal dominant genes such as a-synuclein and LRRK2, and knockout or knockdown strategies for autosomal recessive genes, such as parkin, DJ-1, and PINK1. Models based on overexpression of a-synuclein are the most prevalent and extensively studied, and therefore the main focus of this chapter. Many efforts have been made to increase the expression levels of a-synuclein in the dopami- nergic neurons. The best a-synuclein models currently available have been developed from a combined approach using newer AAV serotypes and optimized vector constructs, production, and purification methods. These third-generation a-synuclein models show improved face and predictive validity, and therefore offer the possibility to reliably test novel therapeutics.

Source: UCC
Virology Journal

Background: Burkina Faso is a high endemicity country for HBV infection. However, there are few data on vaccine coverage against HBV. The aim of this study was to contribute to the improvement of HBV vaccine coverage in Ouagadougou through HBV screening. Methods: Awareness campaigns and voluntary hepatitis B screening were organized in the twelve districts of Ouagadougou by the “SOS Hepatitis Burkina” association. A rapid HBsAg detection test (Abon Biopharma Guangzhou, Co., Ltd. Chine) was performed on 2216 individuals, who voluntarily answered a series of questions. Vaccination against hepatitis B was proposed to HBV negative participants. Results: In a sample of 2216 participants, aged 1 to 78 years (mean age 29.7 ± 14.7 years); a prevalence of 10.4% (230/2216) of HBsAg was obtained. This prevalence was high in the age groups 31 to 40 years (14.5%) and 41 to 50 years (15.0%). The prevalence of HBV was higher in the sixth district (14.3%) of Ouagadougou. At the end of the screening, 1202/1986 HBV negative participants were vaccinated, resulting in a vaccination rate of 60.5%. Vaccination coverage ranged from 44.5 to 73.7% all twelve districts. Conclusions: This study still reports a high prevalence of HBV infection among young people with a peak in the sixth district of Ouagadougou. The study achieved high vaccination coverage in all age groups and districts of Ouagadougou

Source: UCC
Virtual water flows under projected climate, land use and population change: the case of UK feed barley and meat

The flow of water through food commodity trade has been rationalized in the virtual water concept. Estimates of future virtual water flows under climate, land use, and population changes could have instrumental value for policy and strategic trade decisions. This paper estimated the virtual water flows associated with feed barley and meat imports to the UK under projected climate, land use, and population changes from the 2030s to the 2050s. The results show that future virtual water inflows associated with barley imports to balance domestic deficits are larger than total volume of water used in domestic barley production in the UK. Mean virtual water associated with total UK barley production ranged from 206 to 350 million m3. This is much less than the mean total virtual water associated with barley imports (if total barley produced in the UK is used for feed), which ranged from 2.5 to 5.6 billion m3 in the 2030s to the 2050s for all land use and climate change scenarios. If domestic barley production is distributed to the different end uses, the total virtual water inflows associated with imports to balance domestic feed barley supply could be as high as 7.4 billion m3. Larger virtual water inflows (as high as 9.9 billion m3) were associated with feed barley equivalent meat imports. While the UK barley production would be entirely green, imports of either barley or meat would result in large blue water inflows to the UK. Virtual water inflows increased across the time slices for all emissions scenarios, indicating weak effectiveness of yield or productivity gains to moderate virtual water inflows. While increase in yield and land allocated to barley production should be adaptive targets, the UK needs to take policy and strategic actions to diversify trade partners and shift imports away from countries where blue water flows can exacerbate existing or potential water stresses.

Source: UCC
Virtual water fows under projected climate, land use and population change: the case of UK feed barley and meat

The fow of water through food commodity trade has been rationalized in the virtual water concept. Estimates of future virtual water flows under climate, land use, and population changes could have instrumental value for policy and strategic trade decisions. This paper estimated the virtual water fows associated with feed barley and meat imports to the UK under projected climate, land use, and population changes from the 2030s to the 2050s.The results show that future virtual water inflows associated with barley imports to balance domestic deficits are larger than total volume of water used in domestic barley production in the UK. Mean virtual water associated with total UK barley production ranged from 206 to 350 million m3 This is much less than the mean total virtual water associated with barley imports (if total barley produced in the UK is used for feed), which ranged from 2.5 to 5.6 billion m3 in the 2030s to the 2050s for all land use and climate change scenarios. If domestic barley production is distributed to the different end uses, the total virtual water inflows associated with imports to balance domestic feed barley supply could be as high as 7.4 billion m3 Larger virtual water inflows (as high as 9.9 billion m3) were associated with feed barley equivalent meat imports. While the UK barley production would be entirely green, imports of either barley or meat would result in large blue water inflows to the UK. Virtual water inflows increased across the time slices for all emissions scenarios, indicating weak effectiveness of yield or productivity gains to moderate virtual water inflows. While increase in yield and land allocated to barley production should be adaptive targets, the UK needs to take policy and strategic actions to diversify trade partners and shift imports away from countries where blue water flows can exacerbate existing or potential water stresses

Source: UCC
Virulence Genes Distribution and Molecular Characterisation of Antibiotic Resistance in Helicobacter Pylori Infected Patients Presenting with Gastroduodenal Pathologies in the Central Region of Ghana

H. pylori is considered one of the most successful pathogens known to cause infections of the gastric mucosa. The associated disease outcome and treatment approach is influenced by a number of factors. The current study examined the prevalence dynamics, risk factors, antibiotic resistance and bacterial virulence factors in persons infected with H. pylori. Sequencing of genes responsible for antibiotic resistance, PCR amplification of virulence factors and resistant genes were also performed. Information from administered questionnaire were used to determine risk factors. Secondary data from endoscopy referral Centres were analysed for dynamics of prevalence. Infection prevalence was found to be 77.09 % in males and 74.54 % in females. All oesophageal cancer cases were males and gastric cancer cases occurred at 2.8 % in males compared to 0.39 % in females. Stomach and duodenal ulcers, gastritis, hiatal hernias, and esophagitis were all significantly linked to H. pylori infection. iceA2, dupA, and cagE were identified at a rate of 28.16 %, 32.04 %, and 12.62 % respectively. The relationship between iceA2 and conditions such as duodenal and gastric ulcers were statistically significant. Phenotypic resistance rate in levofloxacin, tetracycline, clarithromycin, metronidazole and ciprofloxacin were found to be 40 %, 20 %, 100 %, 100 % and 20 % respectively. A number of mutations in gyrA (eg. H200Y, A199V/T, R190S, H189Y and A97V), rdxA (eg. Q11Stop, R16H, E27G, I36T. Q50Stop, D61G and A67G), and pbp1A (eg. T254I, K315E and T438M) were identified. Again, amino acid substitutions may lead to structural modification of antibiotic resistance genes. Studies on other virulence factors and resistance gene are required to fully understand the infection

Source: UCC
A vision of self-redemption: A thematic study of resistance to slavery in the works of two contemporary Ghanaian writers

This study revisits the Trans-Atlantic slavery and analyses themes in slave resistance on the African continent, as fictionalized in Ghanaian literature. The topic, ‘A Vision of Self-Redemption: A Thematic Study of Resistance to Slavery in the Works of Two Contemporary Ghanaian Writers’, is chosen because resistance is one aspect of slavery which is downplayed in the literature. Whereas the records are eloquent on the atrocities and immorality of that evil institution, those on slave resistance on the African continent pale into insignificance. Again, too much attention is paid to colonialism in Africa whereas too little is said about slavery and slave resistance on the continent. Ayi Kwei Armah and Ama Ata Aidoo are the two main writers selected for the study. The choice of the two is informed by the fact that they are arguably the best-established contemporary Ghanaian writers, and that the theme of slave resistance runs through almost all their earlier works. In all, five themes of resistance are analyzed. The analysis foregrounds human suffering under the yoke of slavery, slaves’ unflinching desire for freedom, and the heroism of our ancestors. Others are the theme of African culpability, and the theme of hope among slaves. Among the findings of the analysis is the fact that slave resistance is precipitated by the intense suffering slaves go through; slavery is painful, and should not be allowed to happen again. Another finding is that slaves find freedom priceless and do everything possible to regain their liberty. It also comes out that slaves demonstrate they are not a mass of submissive objects that accept slavery with passive obedience. Two other findings are that slave resistance is directed against both white slavers and their African collaborators, and that there is hope for victory over slavery, some day. Also emphasized is the point that the Atlantic slave trade remains a big stain on the conscience of humanity; there is therefore the need to guard against and abort any form of exploitation of man by man at its embryonic stage before it blossoms into full-scale slavery. This is the greatest lesson the study seeks to draw attention to, so that such a catastrophe does not befall mankind again.

Source: UCC
A Vision of Successful Schooling: Ghanaian Teachers’ Understandings of Learning, Teaching and Assessment

This article reports on an empirical study exploring Ghanaian teachers’ understandings of teaching, learning and assessment. It argues that received views of poorly trained teachers with untheorized and badly reasoned professional practices may mask a more complex situation. In defining learning, teachers in the study reproduced models consistent with transmission or behaviouristic theories. However, when asked to describe their most successful experiences, teachers’ understandings were more in accord with social constructivism. Also, their aspiration towards interactive models of classroom assessment was circumscribed by the normal context of assessment discourse and by bureaucratic requirements. The article concludes that, given the right circumstances, teachers can reflect on their experiences and produce a more sophisticated account of teaching and learning. It suggests ways in which in-service work might make use of these insights, recommending further attention to the discursive frames of teachers’ professional reflections within dialogue and active engagement through school-based coaching.

Source: UCC
Visitors’ Perceptions and Experiences of Pollution at Beaches in the Accra Metropolis

Beaches are valuable tourism resources in terms of natural, economic, social and recreational prospects. Yet, environmental pollution at beaches has become the foremost global challenge that continues to threaten, distress, and limit the quality of beach resources for tourism. The study, therefore, examines visitors' perceptions and experiences of pollution at beaches in the Accra Metropolis of Ghana. The study adopted a quantitative cross-sectional design. Data for the study was collected from primary sources. A questionnaire was used to collect the data from 309 visitors at beaches in the Accra Metropolis. Descriptive analysis, Factor analysis and Chi-square Test of Independence were employed in the analysis of the data. The study found that visitors perceive pollution at the beaches from two dimensions; as detractors to beach scenery and safety, and as detractors to beach health and wellness of beach users. The study also revealed that visitors' perceptions of pollution were significantly related to visitors' recreational experiences, and their post-visit behavioural intentions to the beaches. It was concluded that visitors perceive pollution negatively as scenery and safety detractors, as well as health cum wellness detractors which directly affects/deters visitors' recreational uses and experiences at the beaches. It is recommended that all beach facilities should improve sanitation at the beaches, by establishing designated sanitation desks dedicated to regularise the cleaning of washrooms and keeping litter-free beach areas. This should be further supported and enhanced through collaborative efforts from stakeholders in the Accra Metropolis.

Source: UCC
Visual Function among Commercial Vehicle Drivers in the Central Region of Ghana

Aim: To determine the relationship between some visual functions: colour vision defects, abnormal stereopsis, visual acuity and the occurrence of road traffic accident (RTAs) among commercial vehicle drivers in the central region of Ghana, and to assess their knowledge of these anomalies. Method: A descriptive cross-sectional study employing a multi-stage random sampling approach was conducted in the major commercial towns within the central region of Ghana. Participants were taken through a comprehensive eye examination after the administration of a structured questionnaire. Results: 520 male commercial vehicle drivers were enrolled for this study with a mean age of 39.23 years ±10.96 years and mean visual acuity of 0.02 ± 0.08 logMAR. Protans were more likely to be involved in RTAs ( 2 = 6.194, p = 0.034). However, there was no statistically significant association between abnormal stereopsis (OR = 0.89 95% CI: 0.44---1.80, p = 0.56), poor vision due to refractive error ( 2 = 3.090, p = 0.388) and the occurrence of RTAs. While 86.9% were aware of abnormal stereopsis, only 45% were aware of colour vision defects. There was a statistically significant association between stereopsis anomaly and colour vision defect (r = 0.371, p < 0.005). Conclusion: The study found an association between protanopia and RTAs but none between stereopsis anomalies, refractive errors and the occurrence of RTAs. Drivers were less knowledgeable on colour vision defects as compared to stereopsis anomalies.

Source: UCC
Visual impairment attributable to uncorrected refractive error and other causes in the Ghanaian youth: The University of Cape Coast Survey

Purpose: To determine the prevalence of visual impairment attributable to refractive error and other causes in a youthful Ghanaian population. Methods: A prospective survey of all consecutive visits by ﬁrst-year tertiary students to the Optometry clinic between August, 2013 and April, 2014. Of the 4378 ﬁrst-year students aged 16---39 years enumerated, 3437 (78.5%) underwent the eye examination. The examination pro- tocol included presenting visual acuity (PVA), ocular motility, and slit-lamp examination of the external eye, anterior segment and media, and non-dilated fundus examination. Pinhole acuity and fundus examination were performed when the PVA ≤ 6/12 in one or both eyes to determine the principal cause of the vision loss. Results: The mean age of participants was 21.86 years (95% CI: 21.72---21.99). The prevalence of bilateral visual impairment (BVI; PVA in the better eye ≤6/12) and unilateral visual impairment UVI; PVA in the worse eye ≤6/12) were 3.08% (95% CI: 2.56---3.72) and 0.79% (95% CI: 0.54---1.14), respectively. Among 106 participants with BVI, refractive error (96.2%) and corneal opacity (3.8%) were the causes. Of the 27 participants with UVI, refractive error (44.4%), maculopathy (18.5%) and retinal disease (14.8%) were the major causes. There was unequal distribution of BVI in the different age groups, with those above 20 years having a lesser burden. Conclusion: Eye screening and provision of affordable spectacle correction to the youth could be timely to eliminate visual impairment.

Source: UCC
Visual Outcome in Ocular Toxoplasmosis: A Case Series of 30 Patients from Ghana

Purpose: To determine visual outcome (low vision and blindness) in patients with inactive ocular toxoplasmosis. Methods: This study employed a cross sectional design involving a series of 30 patients with inactive toxoplasmic ocular lesions. Ophthalmic assessment including best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) measurement, slit lamp biomicroscopy, and dilated fundus examination by indirect ophthalmoscopy was performed on all participants. Ocular toxoplasmosis was diagnosed based on characteristic retinal lesions in addition to a positive serologic testing using commercial ELISA kits. Visual impairment (VI) was determined based on the International Classification of Diseases. Results: Their ages ranged from 16-59 years (mean age of 34.2 ± 14.19), with 19 (63.3%) males and 11 (36.7%) females. There were 33 infected eyes in all (3 patients had bilateral cases). The most common complaint (77%) was blurred vision in the infected eyes. 11 (33%) eyes had mild or no visual impairment (VI category 1), 22 (67%) eyes had low vision (VA<6/18), and 11 (33%) eyes were blind (VA<3/60). Posterior pole (p<0.001) and larger retinal lesions (p=0.04) were the major causes of visual impairment. However, there was no association between visual impairment and the number of lesions occurring in the infected eyes (χ2=3.52, p=0.11). Older patient age was significantly associated with: posterior pole lesions (0.003), larger retinal lesion sizes (p=0.001) and multiple lesions (p=0.001). Only three cases each of strabismus and bilateral involvement suggest that acquired infection is more common in this Ghanaian population. Conclusion: Low vision and blindness were common in Toxoplasma eye infection in our Ghanaian population and that posterior pole and larger retinal lesions rather than multiple lesions were the major causes of reduced vision.

Source: UCC