ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Formulation, characterization and pharmacokinetic evaluation of gentamicin sulphate loaded albumin microspheres Read More: http://informahealthcare.com/doi/abs/10.1080/02652040601035093

The aim of this investigation was to prepare and evaluate microsphere formulations of gentamicin using bovine serum albumin (BSA) as a polymer matrix and glutaraldehyde as a cross-linker. Microsphere formulations of gentamicin were prepared using a spray dryer and were evaluated for product yield, encapsulation efficiency, particle size and in vitro drug release. The anti-microbial testing was performed using a modified Kirby-Bauer technique which showed that encapsulated gentamicin had an equivalent anti-microbial activity against E. coli bacteria as compared to gentamicin solution. Since it was the goal to deliver a high drug load intra-cellularly, the formulation with the least burst release profile in PBS was evaluated for its pharmacokinetic performance in rats. The in vivo pharmacokinetic evaluation on rats demonstrated increased bioavailability with microsphere formulation in comparison to the traditional solution form. The significant increase in bioavailability shall enable one to reduce the frequency of gentamicin administration and would effectively reduce the dose related side effects of gentamicin such as ototoxicity and nephrotoxicity. Read More: http://informahealthcare.com/doi/abs/10.1080/02652040601035093

Source: UG
Forwarding of Messages Via WhatsApp: The Mediating Role of Emotional Evocativeness

WhatsApp facilitates easy communication as users can send messages. images, videos, and group conversations instantly. Forwarding the messages received is one of the desires of WhatsApp users. Hence, it is imperative to understand the key determinants of this phenomenon. This study examine the level of influences of entertainment, purposive value, social identity, and emotional evocativeness on the decision to forward received messages via WhatsApp. Using a random sampling method, primary data was obtained from 342 respondents from a Private University in Cyberjaya, Malaysia. The data was analyzed through Partial Least Square Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) using SmartPls. Findings show that infotainment does not affect the decision to forward WhatsApp messages; however, purposive value, social identity and emotional evocativeness have significant effects. Similarly, while emotional evocativeness mediates between purposeful value, social identity, and the decision to forward WhatsApp messages, it does not mediate between infotainment and the decision to forward WhatsApp messages. These findings will help users understand the key elements that should be implemented to achieve virality for WhatsApp messages and other social media. Limitations, future study opportunities and practical and theoretical implications also discussed

Source: UG
Fostering sustainable water supply in urban and peri-urban areas of Ghana: The case of Ho Municipality

This paper examines the water management situation in the Ho Municipality of Ghana. It provides an overview of the countrys draft water policy and its implications for water supply in the municipality. Also examined are households adaptation strategies in accessing water in the face of water scarcity and their attendant socio-economic implications. Results show that households adopt several coping strategies to access water in times of scarcity/shortage. These come in two basic forms. One entails utilisation of alternative sources, namely sachet water for drinking purposes, while water from open wells/boreholes served cooking, washing and bathing purposes. The second involves adjustment in water use at the individual level, e.g. reduction in quantity of water used for different purposes as well as the number of times one had to take a bath in a day. These practices have serious implications for health and well being of residents. To sustain water provision in the municipality, the paper calls for diversification of water supplies. This could be accomplished, for example, through linking boreholes to piped-water and also through promotion of rain water techniques to supplement existing supplies.

Source: UG
Four Dissemination Pathways for a Social Media–Based Breastfeeding Campaign: Evaluation of the Impact on Key Performance Indicators

Background: Social media utilization is on the rise globally, and the potential of social media for health behavior campaigns is widely recognized. However, as the landscape of social media evolves, so do techniques used to optimize campaign dissemination. Objective: The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of 4 material dissemination paths for a breastfeeding social media marketing campaign in Ghana on exposure and engagement with campaign material. Methods: Campaign materials (n=60) were posted to a Facebook and Twitter campaign page over 12 weeks (ie, baseline). The top 40 performing materials were randomized to 1 of 4 dissemination arms (control simply posted on each platform, key influencers, random influencers, and paid advertisements). Key performance indicator data (ie, exposure and engagement) were extracted from both Facebook and Twitter 2 days after the material was posted. A difference-in-difference model was used to examine the impact of the dissemination paths on performance. Results: At baseline, campaign materials received an average (SD) exposure of 1178 (670) on Facebook and 1071 (905) on Twitter (n=60). On Facebook, materials posted with paid advertisements had significantly higher exposure and engagement compared with the control arm (P<.001), and the performance of materials shared by either type of influencer did not differ significantly from the control arm. No differences in Twitter performance were detected across arms. Conclusions: Paid advertisements are an effective mechanism to increase exposure and engagement of campaign posts on Facebook, which was achieved at a low cost.

Source: UG
Four ways geographic information systems can help to enhance health service planning and delivery for infectious diseases in low-income countries

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
Fracture and Toughening of Mycelium-based Biocomposites

This study presents a combined experimental and analytical study of the fracture behavior and toughening mechanisms of bioprocessed mycelium-based biocomposites. The composites comprise hemicellulose hemp ducts (as nutritional and reinforcing components) intertwined with increasing weight percentages of laterite particles. Single-edge notched fracture experiments and in-situ observations of crack growth were used to explore the ef fects of varying proportions of laterite on the composite resistance-curve behavior. The toughening mechanisms, fracture modes, and crack-microstructure interactions were also elucidated. Since crack-bridging and crack deflection were observed to be the dominant toughening mechanisms, they were modeled using fracture me chanics approaches. Crack-bridging was shown to dominate the toughening at lower weight fractions of laterite (0–20 wt%). However, as the laterite content increases (20–40 wt%), a combination of crack-bridging and crack deflection was observed. Finally, at higher laterite weight fractions (>40 wt%), crack-tip shielding occurred primarily via crack deflection. The fracture mechanics predictions of resistance-curve behavior are shown to be consistent with the experimental measurements. The results suggest that mycelium-based and mycelium-laterite composites can be engineered with tunable fracture toughness. The implications of the results are also discussed for the development of sustainable building materials.

Source: UG
Fragmentary ancestors? Medicine, bodies, and personhood in a Koma Mound, Northern Ghana

Excavation of a single mound at Yikpabongo, Koma Land, northern Ghana, recovered a signi fi cant assemblage of ceramic fi gurines and fi gurine parts radiocarbon dated to the early second millennium ad . Rather than haphazard deposition of waste materials, the contextual arrangements suggest meaningful intention, and that the mound might have been a shrine, possibly linked in part to a medicinal or healing function. Potentially, signi fi cant statements were also being made about bodies and persons via the fi gurines, their fragmentation and selection, and their association with selected human remains-skulls, teeth, long bones-and other materials-pottery, lithics, iron, and glass beads. Complex beliefs seemingly underpinned these actions and this is explored in relation to the concept of the ancestors and how this might have helped structure past personhood and ontology. © Springer Science+Business Media New York 2012.

Source: UG
A framework for analysing the role of ICT on agricultural commercialisation and household food security

Lack of agricultural information has been attributed to the inability of smallholder farmers to transition from subsistence to commercial agriculture. Recent efforts to improve smallholder access to agricultural information have seen increased application of ICT technologies in developing agriculture. These efforts use ICT-based market information to reduce transaction costs of smallholder participation in markets, promote commercialization, and improve household food security. Emerging studies document the benefits of such ICT-based applications in agriculture, including increased incomes and improved performance of agricultural markets. Unfortunately these studies have been context specific and the link between provision of ICT-based market information, smallholder commercialization and household security remains unclear. This paper develops a framework that can be used to analyze the link between ICT application in smallholder agriculture, household commercialization, and food security. The paper generates testable hypotheses relating ICT application in agriculture and reduction in transactions costs, smallholder farmer commercialization, and household food security. It then provides illustrative cases where ICT application in agriculture has benefited smallholder production and improved market performance. However, more research must be done to test the generated hypotheses. The paper discusses the implications of the framework for practitioners.

Source: UG
A framework for healthcare interventions to address maternal morbidity

The maternal health agenda is undergoing a paradigm shift from preventing maternal deaths to promoting women's health and wellness. A critical focus of this trajectory includes addressing maternal morbidity and the increasing burden of chronic and noncommunicable diseases (NCD) among pregnant women. The WHO convened the Maternal Morbidity Working Group (MMWG) to improve the scientific basis for defining, measuring, and monitoring maternal morbidity. Based on the MMWG's work, we propose paradigms for conceptualizing maternal health and related interventions, and call for greater integration between maternal health and NCD programs. This integration can be synergistic, given the links between chronic conditions, morbidity in pregnancy, and long-term health. Pregnancy should be viewed as a window of opportunity into the current and future health of women, and offers critical entry points for women who may otherwise not seek or have access to care for chronic conditions. Maternal health services should move beyond the focus on emergency obstetric care, to a broader approach that encompasses preventive and early interventions, and integration with existing services. Health systems need to respond by prioritizing funding for developing integrated health programs, and workforce strengthening. The MMWG's efforts have highlighted the changing landscape of maternal health, and the need to expand the narrow focus of maternal health, moving beyond surviving to thriving. © 2018 World Health Organization; licensed by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics.

Source: UG
A framework for identifying and selecting long term adaptation policy directions for deltas

Deltas are precarious environments experiencing significant biophysical, and socio-economic changes with the ebb and flow of seasons (including with floods and drought), with infrastructural developments (such as dikes and polders), with the movement of people, and as a result of climate and environmental variability and change. Decisions are being taken about the future of deltas and about the provision of adaptation investment to enable people and the environment to respond to the changing climate and related changes. The paper presents a framework to identify options for, and trade-offs between, long term adaptation strategies in deltas. Using a three step process, we: (1) identify current policy-led adaptations actions in deltas by conducting literature searches on current observable adaptations, potential transformational adaptations and government policy; (2) develop narratives of future adaptation policy directions that take into account investment cost of adaptation and the extent to which significant policy change/political effort is required; and (3) explore trade-offs that occur within each policy direction using a subjective weighting process developed during a collaborative expert workshop. We conclude that the process of developing policy directions for adaptation can assist policy makers in scoping the spectrum of options that exist, while enabling them to consider their own willingness to make significant policy changes within the delta and to initiate transformative change. © 2018

Source: UG
A framework for stakeholder engagement in the adoption of new anti-malarial treatments in Africa: a case study of Nigeria

Background Recent reports of artemisinin partial resistance from Rwanda and Uganda are worrisome and suggest a future policy change to adopt new anti-malarials. This is a case study on the evolution, adoption, and implementation of new anti-malarial treatment policies in Nigeria. The main objective is to provide perspectives to enhance the future uptake of new anti-malarials, with an emphasis on stakeholder engagement strategies. Methods This case study is based on an analysis of policy documents and stakeholders’ perspectives drawn from an empirical study conducted in Nigeria, 2019–2020. A mixed methods approach was adopted, including historical accounts, review of programme and policy documents, and 33 qualitative in-depth interviews and 6 focus group discussions. Results Based on policy documents reviewed, the adoption of artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT) in Nigeria was swift due to political will, funding and support from global developmental partners. However, the implementation of ACT was met with resistance from suppliers, distributors, prescribers, and end-users, attributed to market dynamics, costs and inadequate stakeholder engagement. Deployment of ACT in Nigeria witnessed increased developmental partner support, robust data generation, ACT case-management strengthening and evidence on antimalarial use in severe malaria and antenatal care management. A framework for effective stakeholder engagement for the future adoption of new anti-malarial treatment strategies was proposed. The framework covers the pathway from generating evidence on drug efficacy, safety and uptake; to making treatment accessible and affordable to end-users. It addresses which stakeholders to engage with and the content of engagement strategies with key stakeholders at different levels of the transition process. Conclusion Early and staged engagement of stakeholders from global bodies to community level end-users is critical to the successful adoption and uptake of new anti-malarial treatment policies. A framework for these engagements was proposed as a contribution to enhancing the uptake of future anti-malarial strategies

Source: UG
A framework for the study of zoonotic disease emergence and its drivers: spillover of bat pathogens as a case study

Many serious emerging zoonotic infections have recently arisen from bats, including Ebola, Marburg, SARS-coronavirus, Hendra, Nipah, and a number of rabies and rabies-related viruses, consistent with the overall observation that wildlife are an important source of emerging zoonoses for the human population. Mechanisms underlying the recognized association between ecosystem health and human health remain poorly understood and responding appropriately to the ecological, social and economic conditions that facilitate disease emergence and transmission represents a substantial societal challenge. In the context of disease emergence from wildlife, wildlife and habitat should be conserved, which in turn will preserve vital ecosystem structure and function, which has broader implications for human wellbeing and environmental sustainability, while simultaneously minimizing the spillover of pathogens from wild animals into human beings. In this review, we propose a novel framework for the holistic and nterdisciplinary investigation of zoonotic disease emergence and its drivers, using the spillover of bat pathogens as a case study. This study has been developed to gain a detailed interdisciplinary understanding, and it combines cutting-edge perspectives from both natural and social sciences, linked to policy impacts on public health, land use and conservation.

Source: UG
Framework for time relevant water monitoring system

The emergence of telecommunications in the last decade and advances in the field of instrumentation have enabled many new applications to be developed in particular for remote monitoring of physical environment by sensors spatially distributed. A framework for water quality monitoring is been proposed based on a telecommunications infrastructure. In this proposal, we review some of the benefits that may be derived by developing nations and key challenges that need to be addressed in the monitoring of water quality for rural communities in Africa. It is proposed that Fibre Optic Sensors can be used to design compact and highly efficient sensor systems. The proposed framework may be extended to other areas of national economic importance. © Springer International Publishing Switzerland 2015.

Source: UG
Framework for WASH Sector Data Improvements in Data-Poor Environments, Applied to Accra, Ghana

Improvements in water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) service provision are hampered by limited open data availability. This paper presents a data integration framework, collects the data and develops a material flow model, which aids data-based policy and infrastructure development for the WASH sector. This model provides a robust quantitative mapping of the complete anthropogenic WASH flow-cycle: from raw water intake to water use, wastewater and excreta generation, discharge and treatment. This approach integrates various available sources using a process-chain bottom-up engineering approach to improve the quality of WASH planning. The data integration framework and the modelling methodology are applied to the Greater Accra Metropolitan Area (GAMA), Ghana. The highest level of understanding of the GAMA WASH sector is achieved, promoting scenario testing for future WASH developments. The results show 96% of the population had access to improved safe water in 2010 if sachet and bottled water was included, but only 67% if excluded. Additionally, 66% of 338,000 m3 per day of generated wastewater is unsafely disposed locally, with 23% entering open drains, and 11% sewage pipes, indicating poor sanitation coverage. Total treated wastewater is <0.5% in 2014, with only 18% of 43,000 m3 per day treatment capacity operational. The combined data sets are made available to support research and sustainable development activities.

Source: UG
Framing of COVID-19 safety protocols in Kusaal musical health communication: Language and literary analysis

This article examines how indigenous language and music are used to promote the education of the Kusaal-speaking communities within the Upper East Region of Ghana on the COVID-19 safety protocols. Using the framing theory, the study conceptualises how the music composer frames COVID-19 safety protocols in a very practical yet entertaining manner to evoke adherence by natives to the protocols through a local musical performance called googi. The singer who doubles as the composer employs several language, linguistic and literary techniques to communicate the major themes (COVID-19 protocols) of the song. Further, the music communicates hope and promise in the capacity of ancestral deities to step back into time during periods of catastrophe to alleviate the sufferings of their subjects. The paper is entirely qualitative; it deploys the parallel text approach in transliterating the song. This study is the first of its kind in Kusaal and in the Mabia languages of West Africa and it has the potential of contributing significantly to debates around the subject matter. Future studies could examine how other local languages could be adopted as edutainment tools in the fight against global pandemics.

Source: UG
Franchising in African markets: Motivations and challenges from a Sub‐Saharan African country perspective

The purpose of this article is to explore and understand the motivations and challenges of franchising in an African economy. While interest in franchising is increasing in African markets, there is a paucity of research on franchising from the perspective of local African firms participating in these international relationships. The motivations and challenges of franchising from the perspective of African businesses have not been largely investigated so far. Using in‐depth interviews, we allow motivations and challenges at play to emerge. Convenient and snowball sampling techniques were used for choosing the unit of analysis, which resulted in four respondent firms. A thematic approach was adopted for analyzing the data from the field. Support services, brand name, and franchisor's experience are identified to be the motivations for franchising. Financial assistance from the franchisor, demand, and competition also play a key role in an African firm's decision to franchise. Legal constraints and infrastructure constraints were the key challenges faced by franchisees in Ghana. The findings of this study may hold for franchisees in other African markets. However, contextual differences may be considered in the application of these findings.

Source: UG
Freedom of Information and Records Management in Ghana

In recent years there has been a drive towards the passage and implementation of freedom of information (FOI) legislations in many countries. Access to information is gaining acceptance as a necessary tool in ensuring the participation of the citizenry in democratic governance. An effective implementation of a freedom of information law is expected to lead to an open, transparent and accountable society. This paper identifies some countries which have passed and implemented the FOI laws and the relevance of the law in the Ghanaian context. Some basic elements of FOI are provided, a summary of the Ghanaian draft bill given and the basic information infrastructure in the country examined. The paper argues that an effective records management system is required to ensure a successful implementation of a freedom of information law and cites from the United Kingdom and India Acts to support this position. Some weaknesses of the bill such as, lack of an impartial internal review procedure, independent implementing and monitoring authorities are identified and suggestion made for solving these problems.

Source: UG