ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Phasal Polarity Expressions in Kusaal

In studies of African languages, Phasal Polarity (PhP) expressions – already, still, no longer, and not yet – have received little attention in the literature on the Mabia (Gur) languages of West Africa. This study aims to address that gap by investigating PhP expressions in Kusaal, a language spoken in Ghana. Previous research has established that while some languages have expressions for encoding all four PhP concepts, other languages have one, two, or three expres sions out of the four, while still other languages lack expressions for encoding all four concepts. The major aim of this study is to establish whether Kusaal has expressions for encoding all four concepts like English and Dutch, or lacks some expressions, like Albanian and Chechen, or even has no formal phasal polarity expressions, like Kalmyk. It will be observed that Kusaal has items for expressing all of the four PhP concepts identified in English: pʋ́ n ‘already’, kpɛ́ ŋ ‘still’, pʋ́ lɛ́ n ‘no longer’, and nán pʋ́ ‘not yet’. In fact, Kusaal has five PhP expressions for the four concepts, since the ‘still’ expression is coded with two morphemes. The availability of ex pressions for encoding PhP concepts in Kusaal makes it possible to add it to the majority of lan guages, which have all four PhP types; this further confirms the observation of van Baar (1997) that “If a language has a PhP expression which covers the areas of already and no longer, this language has at least one other PhP expression which covers the area of still and not yet”. Kusaal has expressions for already and no longer and goes further in having expressions for still and not yet. Though PhP expressions in Kusaal are not significantly distinct from general observations of the concept cross-linguistically, this study provides additional information on the topic from the Mabia (Gur) languages to which Kusaal belongs. The observations in this work can enhance the debate on this subject matter both descriptively and typologically.

Source: UG
A phase analysis of season on the earth surface using GVIP data

October is the peak of fall in the middle latitude whereas August is the beginning of the season in the northern polar region. In the northern polar region, the peak of the infrared reflectance arrives at the beginning of August and it marks the onset of sleet. Thus, fall starts earlier in the northern polar region. However, the emergence of red-leaf is what is actually used as an index of fall. Reddening of leaves progresses from the north to the south. When fall is defined as the period in which leaf blossom is at its peak, then the period could be used to analyze the time of fall in the region. On the contrary, fall dose not occur in the tropical region. However, it is known that the tropics vegetation reaches full blossom a few weeks after the end of the rainy season. This time could be defmed as being equivalent to fall. Thus, our objective is to determine the time of fall all ove:r the world by making a phase analysis of a time, series of NOAA/AVHRR data. The first approach makes use of a method, which considers the date on which the channel 2 data records the peak value to be the date of fall. A global view of fall obtained by this method is presented. Progress of fall is indicated correctly in the eastern part of the Asian continent and the North American continent. The equivalent of fall in West Africa is discussed as representative of the season in the tropical region. © 2002 COSPAR. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.

Source: UG
PhD Students’ Perceptions of Research Seminars in Doctoral Education: A Case Study

There is no doubt that supervision plays a significant role in doctoral education. Supervisors have a fiduciary responsibility for guiding their supervisees throughout their doctoral research and theses writing journeys. In recent times however, many doctoral education programmes have adopted a collegial support system for doctoral students by introducing students’ research seminars to sup plement traditional supervision. Research seminars offer both students and faculty the opportunity to engage in scholarly dialogue aimed at improving the former’s research and thesis. Although such seminars have become commonplace in many doctoral education programmes worldwide, little research exist on students’ per ceptions of research seminars in doctoral learning. In this paper, we contribute to the literature by exploring the perceptions of 12 PhD students from a University in Ghana about research seminars and their usefulness in doctoral education. The findings indicate that the students perceived research seminars in doctoral educa tion as spaces evoking manifold purposes—constructive advice; discrediting stu dents’ work; varied views; and “muffling” students’ voices. Furthermore, the students’ perceptions of the usefulness of research seminars in their learning were trifocal in scope—research and thesis writing, presentation skills, and confidence building. The paper makes some recommendations for improving research seminars in doctoral education for the purpose of enhancing collegial learning.

Source: UG
A phenomenological study of time concept and management and productivity in a sub-Saharan African context

The purpose of this article was to investigate the concept of time and its management in relation to productivity. Consequently, this work employed phenomenological psychology to unearth the experiences of employees on the concept of time management and its impact on productivity using Ghana as a study. Participants involved both local and expatriate workers sharing their experiences on the subject matter in a conversational style. Results indicated that clock time is considered a flexible resource in both social and professional settings. Findings also revealed that time management drives productivity, and its orientation is consequential to the cultural behaviors of local employees in both public and private organizations based on the quality of their corporate cultures. Hence, rigid timelines can turn around public organizations in sub-Saharan Africa and the world as a whole. © SAGE Publications.

Source: UG
The phenomenon of data loss and cyber security issues in Ghana

Purpose This paper investigates the cyber security awareness and policies within corporate organisations in Ghana. Design/methodology/approach Using both quantitative and qualitative approaches underpinned by questionnaire and document analysis, data was collected from 100 participants centred on cyber security awareness and information policies. Findings The study underscored that although corporate organisations had a good knowledge of IT, their awareness of cyber security remains limited. It observed that most organisations in Ghana are not integrating legal aspects into their information security policies. It proposed the need to increase the security awareness of corpoarate organisation particularly because of the vulnerabilities they are exposed to. Research limitations/implications The implication of the paper with respect to theory, practice and future research lies in the recommendations the authors have proffered, such as the implementation of security awareness training program, need assessment and the outsourcing of qualified service providers. Practical implications The study is useful for policy makers in the management of Ghana's IT infrastructure. Originality/value This study is being undertaken at a period when Ghana has made progressive development and giant steps in the IT industry compared to her counterparts in sub-Saharan Africa. The developed nature of Ghana’s IT infrastructure requires the development of policies for cyber security in order to prevent data loses and protect the national infrastructure from threats. Undertaking a study on cyber security in an environment where cyber issues are hardly discussed is worthwhile.

Source: UG
Phenotypic and Genotypic Characterization of Carbapenem-Resistant Gram-Negative Bacilli Pathogens from Hospitals in Ghana

In Ghana, surveillance efforts on antibiotic resistance so far have not covered carbapenem resistance. In this study, our aim was to apply phenotypic and genotypic methods to identify and characterize carbapenem-resistant (CR) Gram-negative bacteria from the hospital environment in Ghana. A collection of 3840 isolates of Gram-negative bacilli infections from various clinical specimens was screened for carbapenem resistance by disc diffusion for imipenem, meropenem, and doripenem. Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) of the CR isolates was determined by E-test for the three carbapenems. All the CR isolates were further screened for carbapenemase activity by modified Hodge and boronic acid disc synergy tests. The CR isolates were investigated for the presence of carbapenemase and extended-spectrum beta-lactamase genes by PCR and confirmed by sequencing. The overall prevalence of CR isolates was 2.9% (111/3840). Based on the disc diffusion test, prevalence of resistance to carbapenems were doripenem (75%), imipenem (66.7%), and meropenem (58%). The highest measurable MIC levels (≥32 μg/mL) were observed in 56.8% of CR isolates with the nonfermenters, Pseudomonas aeruginosa (24.3%) and Acinetobacter species (18.9%), disproportionately represented. Phenotypic identification of carbapenamase activity occurred in 18.9% of the CR isolates by the modified Hodge test and 2.7% by Boronic acid disc synergy test; 21.6% exhibited carbapenemase production by both methods. All the CR isolates carried ESBL genes (blaTEM and blaSHV), whereas 23.4% were carriers of carbapenemase genes, of which 14.4% were blaNDM-1, 7.2% blaVIM-1, and 1.8% blaOXA-48. Phylogenetically, the CR isolates were diverse and showed limited relatedness to isolates from other geographical regions.

Source: UG
Phenotypic characterisation and molecular polymorphism of indigenous poultry populations of the species Gallus gallus of Savannah and Forest ecotypes of Benin

The study of the phenotypic characterisation and molecular polymorphism of local chicken populations was carried out in Benin on 326 chickens of the Forest ecological area and 316 of the Savannah ecological area, all were 7 months old at least. The collection of blood for the molecular typing was achieved on 121 indigenous chickens of which 60 from the Savannah ecological area and 61 from the Forest ecological area. The genotyping was carried out for 22 microsatellite loci. Weight and body measures of the Savannah chickens were significantly higher (P < 0.001) than those of the Forest chickens. In the Savannah ecological area, the most frequent plumage colours were the black (22.15%), the white (19.62%), the coppery black (7.59%) and the golden partridge (7.59%). In the Forest area, the fawn (15.34%), the black (10.43%), the white (6.8%), the silver white (6.8%) and the golden partridge (6.75%) were the dominant feather colours. Thus, phenotypic characterisation showed significant differences between Savannah and Forest local chickens. The FST calculated between the Savannah and Forest populations revealed a low genetic differentiation and the dendogram showed that Savannah and Forest chickens were quite intermingled. In conclusion, local populations from Savannah and Forest area may be considered as ecotypes, but not as two distinct breeds.

Source: UG
Phenotypic characterization of beef cattle breeds and production practices in Liberia

Phenotypic characterization of animal genetic resources (AnGR) involves identification of distinct breed populations, describing their external and production characteristics in a given environment and management, and taking into account the social and economic factors that affect them. A survey involving 346 livestock farmers was conducted in the 15 counties of Liberia to collect data on production practices and phenotypic characteristics of beef cattle. A pre-tested structured questionnaire, focus group discussions, and in-depth interviews were utilized in data collection. Phenotypic descriptors were measured using a measuring tape and weighing scale. The purpose for keeping beef cattle, preferred cattle traits, and challenges of beef cattle farmers were also assessed. Liberia's beef cattle are predominantly of Ndama (50%), Muturu (38%), and Zebu (11%) breeds. Beef cattle are mainly kept on free range with little investment in housing, feeding, and veterinary care. Beef cattle are raised mainly for income generation, with high cost and low availability of feed (32%), insufficient housing (25%), diseases (21%), and high costs of veterinary medicines (12%) being the main challenges faced by the farmers. Liberian beef cattle were characterized as being docile (53%) or moderate (33%) in temperament, with solid/uniform coat color pattern (61%), black coat color (26%), and non-pigmented skin (84%). The animals had mainly erect or lateral ears, straight back lines, and are sloped rumps. Disease (54%) and drought tolerance (30%) were the main adaptive traits reported. The body weight of beef cattle sampled ranged from 213 to 226 kg, the body length from 119 to 122 cm, and the heart girth from 134 to 140 cm. The government of Liberia should improve policies on local AnGR management and support stakeholder institutions to ensure their sustainable use and conservation.

Source: UG
Phenotypic characterization of HIV type 1 isolates from Ghana

Most research activities involve the use of molecular methods such as regular PCR (PCR), quantitative PCR (Q-PCR), genomic sequence and analysis using different software, genetic engineering, probe hybridization techniques, biological and molecular cloning, evaluation of immune markers for laboratory diagnosis of infections, serological assays involving the use of rapid tests, ELISA-based evaluations and immunofluorescent assay techniques.

Source: UG
Phenotypic evidence of emerging ivermectin resistance in Onchocerca volvulus

Background: Ivermectin (IVM) has been used in Ghana for over two decades for onchocerciasis control. In recent years there have been reports of persistent microfilaridermias despite multiple treatments. This has necessitated a reexamination of its microfilaricidal and suppressive effects on reproduction in the adult female Onchocerca volvulus. In an initial study, we demonstrated the continued potent microfilaricidal effect of IVM. However, we also found communities in which the skin microfilarial repopulation rates at days 90 and 180 were much higher than expected. In this follow up study we have investigated the reproductive response of female worms to multiple treatments with IVM. Methods and Findings: The parasitological responses to IVM in two hundred and sixty-eight microfilaridermic subjects from nine communities that had received 10 to 19 annual doses of IVM treatment and one pre-study IVM-naïve community were followed. Skin snips were taken 364 days after the initial IVM treatment during the study to determine the microfilaria (mf) recovery rate. Nodules were excised and skin snips taken 90 days following a second study IVM treatment. Nodule and worm density and the reproductive status of female worms were determined. On the basis of skin mf repopulation and skin mf recovery rates we defined three categories of response-good, intermediate and poor-and also determined that approximately 25% of subjects in the study carried adult female worms that responded suboptimally to IVM. Stratification of the female worms by morphological age and microfilarial content showed that almost 90% of the worms were older or middle aged and that most of the mf were produced by the middle aged and older worms previously exposed to multiple treatments with little contribution from young worms derived from ongoing transmission. Conclusions: The results confirm that in some communities adult female worms were non-responsive or resistant to the anti-fecundity effects of multiple treatments with IVM. A scheme of the varied responses of the adult female worm to multiple treatments is proposed. © 2011 Osei-Atweneboana et al.

Source: UG
Phenotypic evidence of T cell exhaustion and senescence during symptomatic plasmodium falciparum Malaria

T cells play significant roles during Plasmodium falciparum infections. Their regulation of the immune response in symptomatic children with malaria has been deemed necessary to prevent immune associated pathology. In this study, we phenotypically characterized the expression of T cell inhibitory(PD-1, CTLA-4) and senescent markers (CD28(-), CD57) from children with symptomatic malaria, asymptomatic malaria and healthy controls using flow cytometry. We observed increased expression of T cell exhaustion and senescence markers in the symptomatic children compared to the asymptomatic and healthy controls. T cell senescence markers were more highly expressed on CD8 T cells than on CD4 T cells. Asymptomatically infected children had comparable levels of these markers with healthy controls except for CD8+ PD-1+ T cells which were significantly elevated in the asymptomatic children. Also, using multivariate regression analysis, CTLA-4 was the only marker that could predict parasitaemia level. The results suggest that the upregulation of immune exhaustion and senescence markers during symptomatic malaria may affect the effector function of T cells leading to inefficient clearance of parasites, hence the inability to develop sterile immunity to malaria.

Source: UG
PHENOTYPIC PERFORMANCE OF NEW PRO-VITAMIN A MAIZE (Zea mays L.) HYBRIDS USING THREE SELECTION INDICES

The development of new bio-fortified maize hybrids is crucial for achieving food security and alleviation of micronutrient deficiencies. This study aims at assessing the performance of new pro-vitamin A maize hybrids and identifying potential high-yielding hybrids using base index, multivariate selection index, and rank summation index. Twenty-four pro-vitamin A maize hybrids and one hybrid check were evaluated in the rainy seasons of 2018 and 2019 at Ladoke Akintola University of Technology Teaching and Research farm in Ogbomoso, Nigeria. Hybrids were planted each year in a 5 × 5 α lattice design with three replications. Data collected on grain yield and agronomic traits were analysed. The hybrids showed significant (P < 0.001) variations for all measured traits except plant aspect and maize streak virus scores. The mean grain yield of hybrids over two years varied from 1,106 kg/ha (LY 1312-12) to 5,144 kg/ha (LY 1501-9). The highest yielding hybrid across the years had a 31% yield advantage over the single-cross hybrid used as a check. The base index had the highest selection differential (34%) for grain yield. The rank summation index had a strong correlation with the multivariate selection index (r = ‒0.86+++) followed by base index (r = ‒0.56+++). The three selection indices used identified three superior three-way cross hybrids (LY 1409-21, LY 1501-9 and LY 1501-1) with a slight change in rank order. These outstanding hybrids which combine high productivity with nutrients may be considered for advanced multi-location and on-farm testing before their release to farmers in derived savanna agroecology of Nigeria.

Source: UG
Phenotyping urban built and natural environments with high-resolution satellite images and unsupervised deep learning

Cities in the developing world are expanding rapidly, and undergoing changes to their roads, buildings, vegetation, and other land use characteristics. Timely data are needed to ensure that urban change enhances health, wellbeing and sustainability. We present and evaluate a novel unsupervised deep clustering method to classify and characterise the complex and multidimensional built and natural environments of cities into interpretable clusters using high resolution satellite images. We applied our approach to a high-resolution (0.3 m/pixel) satellite image of Accra, Ghana, one of the fastest growing cities in sub-Saharan Africa, and contextualised the results with demographic and environmental data that were not used for clustering. We show that clusters obtained solely from images capture dis tinct interpretable phenotyp orientation; length and arrangement of roads) environment, and population, either as a unique defining charac teristic (e.g., bodies of water or dense vegetation) or in combination (e.g., buildings surrounded by vegetation or sparsely populated areas intermixed with roads). Clusters that were based on a single defining characteristic were robust to the spatial scale of analysis and the choice of cluster number, whereas those based on a combina tion of characteristics changed based on scale and number of clusters. The results demonstrate that satellite data and unsupervised deep learning provide a cost-effective, interpretable and scalable approach for real-time track ing of sustainable urban development, especially where traditional environmental and demographic data are limited and infrequent.

Source: UG
Philosophical Appraisal of World War 1 and Pan-Africanism in the 20th Century: A Food for Thought

War is a rational instrument of national policy or a blight on humanity which may cause drastic change on the society or a final conflict which will, someday, resolve the path followed by all wars. Pan-Africanism is a philosophy and movement that promotes the globalization and solidarity of Africans. Pan-Africanism is based on the belief that unity is vital to economic, social and political progress hence aims to ‘unify and uplift’ the people of African descent. This study tries to analyze the philosophical definition and classifications of War, World War I and Pan-Africanism. The study, further, examines comparatively the relationship that exists among war, World War 1and Pan-Africanism motifs. Would the War motif phenomenon be a perpetual means to an end? This study used a comparative analysis methodology, and concludes by inspiring the Blacks at home and in diaspora on ways to give hope or avert any form of intentional or assumed wars or derogatory ideas found in any indigenous or western historical writings from present or future occurrences

Source: UG
Philosophy and Opinions of Marcus Garvey

This Volume is compiled from the speeches and articles delivered and written by Marcus Garvey from time to time. My purpose for compiling same primarily, was not for publication, but rather to .keep as a personal record of the opinions and sayings of my husband during his career as the Leader of that portion of the human family known as the Negro Race. However, on second thought, I decided to publish this volume in order to give to the public an opportunity of studying and forming an opinion of him; not from inflated and misleading newspaper and magazine articles, but from expressions of thoughts enunciated by him in defence of his oppressed and struggling race ; so that by his own words he may be judged, and Negroes the• world over may be informed and inspired, for truth, brought to light, forces conviction, and a state of conviction inspires action. The history of contact between the white and black races for the last three hundred years or more, records only a series of pillages, wholesale murders, atrocious brutalities, industrial exploitation, disfranchisement of the one on the other; the strong against the weak; but the sun of evolution is gradually rising, shedding its light between the clouds of misery and oppression, and quickening and animating to racial consciousness and eventual national independence black men and women the world over . It is human, therefore, that few of us within the Negro race can 'comprehend this transcendent period. We all suffer in a more or less degree; we all feel this awakened spirit of true manhood and womanhood; but it is given to few the vision of leadership.

Source: UG