ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Glucose lowering and pancreato-protective effects ofAbrus recatorius (L.) leaf extract in normoglycemic and STZ/Nicotinamide – Induced diabetic rats

Ethnopharmacological relevance: brus recatorius (L.) leaves are used as folk medicine by the local communities in the western region of Ghana to treat diabetes mellitus; however, this health claim remains unverifUed scientifcally. Objective: The study investigated glucose lowering and pancreato-protective eFfects of Abrus recatorius leaf extract (APLE) in normoglycemic and STZ/nicotinamide (NIC)-induced diabetic rats. Method: after preparation of APLE, it was subjected to phytochemical screening, proximate composition and elemental assessments by using standard methods. Oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and maltose, lactose and sucrose oral challenge were assessed in normoglycemic rats post-APLE. Morphological characteristics of glucose response curve (time of glucose peak and shape of glucose response curve) were determined. Subsequently, diabetes mellitus was experimentally established in normoglycaemic adult Sprague-Dawley rats (weighing 150–250 g) of both sexes by sequential injection of Streptozotocin (STZ, 60 mg/kg ip)-reconstituted in sodium citrate bufer and NIC (110 mg/kg ip)-reconstituted in normal saline (1:1 v/v) for 16 weeks. Except control rats (normal saline 5 ml/kg ip; baseline fasting blood glucose [FBG] of 6.48 mmol/L), rats having FBG (stable at 11.1 mmol/L or ≥250 mg/dL) 3 days post-STZ/NIC injection were randomly re-assigned to one of the following groups: model (STZ/NIC-induced diabetic rats), APLE (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg respectively po) and metformin (300 mg/kg po) and treated daily for 28 days. Bodyweight and FBG were measured on weekly basis. FBG was measured by using standard glucometers. On day 28, rats were sacrificed under chloroform anesthesia, blood collected via cardiac puncture; kidney, liver and pancreas surgically harvested. While the pancreas was processed, sectioned and H&E-stained for histological examination, fresh kidney and liver were homogenized for assessment of total anti-oxidant capacity. Median cross-sectional area of pancreatic islets of Langerhans was determined for each group by using Amscope. Results: Cumulatively, APLE (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg respectively) dose-dependently decreased the initial FBG by 55.22, 76.15 and 77.77% respectively compared to model (−1.04%) and metformin (72.29%) groups. APLE treatment recovered damaged pancreatic β-cells and also increased median cross-sectional area (x106 μm2) of pancreatic islets compared to that of model group. APLE significantly (P < 0.05) increased total anti-oxidant capacity (5.21 ± 0.02 AscAE μg/mL) of plasma, kidney and liver compared to model (4.06 ± 0.04 AscAE μg/ mL) and metformin (4.87 ± 0.03 AscAE μg/mL) groups. Conclusion: APLE has demonstrated glucose lowering and pancreas to-protective effects in rats and arrested the characteristic loss in bodyweight associated with diabetes mellitus. This finding preliminarily confirms folk use of APLE as an anti-diabetic herbal medicine, whiles providing a rationale for further translational studies on APLE

Source: UCC
Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase Deficiency and Sickle Cell Trait among Prospective Blood Donors: A Cross-Sectional Study in Berekum, Ghana

Background. Blood transfusion is a therapeutic procedure usually undertaken in patients with severe anaemia. In Ghana, severe anaemia is mostly due to malaria caused by severe Plasmodium falciparum infection, road traffic accidents, and haemoglobinopathy- induced acute haemolysis. Method. This cross-sectional study evaluated coinheritance of sickle cell haemoglobin variant and G6PD enzymopathy among individuals that donated blood at the Holy Trinity Hospital, Berekum, in the Brong-Ahafo Region, Ghana. Demographic data and other pertinent information were captured using questionnaire. Sickle cell haemoglobin variants were determined using cellulose acetate electrophoresis (pH 8.6). Qualitative G6PD status and quantitative G6PD enzyme activity were determined using methaemoglobin reduction and Trinity Biotech G6PD test kit, respectively. Results. Prevalence of sickle cell trait (SCT) and G6PD enzymopathy coinheritance was 7%. In addition, 19.5% of the donors had 10%–60% of normal G6PD enzyme activity suggesting that these donor units are prone to stressor-induced acute haemolysis when given to recipients. Mild G6PD activity (𝑝 = 0.03, OR: 2.410 (CI: 1.049–5.534)), commercial (𝑝 = 0.020, OR: 5.609 (CI: 1.309–24.035)), and voluntary (𝑝 = 0.034, OR: 2.404 (CI: 1.071–5.397)) donors were significantly associated with SCT. Conclusion. Screening for red cell pathologies must be incorporated into existing protocols for populations with high incidence of haemoglobinopathies to protect high-risk recipients.

Source: UCC
Glycaemic Index and Glycaemic Loads of Six Selected Ghanaian Fruits

This study assessed the glycaemic index and glycaemic loads of six selected Ghanaian local fruits and their impact on blood glucose levels. The main goal of this research was to find out if the consumption of the selected fruits has any impact on blood glucose levels. The purpose of this investigation is to help consumers who are prediabetic, diabetic, and hypertensive in making right choices when selecting fruits and taking in right quantities to promote good health. The study sought: to find out the nutritive value of the selected fruits, find the glycaemic indices of the six fruits, the glycaemic load of the six fruits, and compared how these fruits affected blood glucose levels. The experimental research design was used. The study was conducted in the Cape Coast Metropolis in the central region. The six Ghanaian local fruits: African locust bean, African grapes, Shea fruit, Tropical almond, Baobab and Breadnut were used. A blood glucose test was conducted to determine the effects of the six fruits on blood glucose levels. Findings from the data collected by the researcher showed that the glycaemic indices ranging from 18.42 to 41.39 of all the fruits were low as well as glycaemic loads ranging from 0.61 to 6.09. Proximate analyses was used to assess the protein content, fat content, ash content, moisture content and available carbohydrates. The were found to have significant levels of minerals which is good for the body.

Source: UCC
The Glycaemic Index and Load o f Three Ghanaian Staple Foods: Sweet Potato, Taro and Ripe Plantain

Consumption of local staples in Ghana comes with a lot of health-related issues regarding their load. The study therefore sought to assess the glycaemic index and load of sweet potatoes, taro and firm ripe plantain, which are commonly consumed in Ghana. The study was conducted at the Biriwa Baobab Medical Centre in Mfantseman Municipality of the Central Region of Ghana. Nineteen (19) participants (9 males and 10 females) were purposively and randomly selected in accordance with the study protocol for determining glycaemic index and load of the test foods for the study. A crossover experimental design was adopted for the study. The results of the study showed that there was a statistically significant difference in the glycaemic index of sweet potatoes, taro and firm ripe plantain at p < 0.004. Additionally, there was a statistically significant difference in the glycaemic load of sweet potatoes, taro and firm ripe plantain at p < 0.00. Also, a statistically significant difference in the chemical composition of sweet potatoes, taro and firm ripe plantain was discovered at p < 0.00. It was concluded that sweet potatoes had the least GI of 33.92 while firm ripe plantain and taro had medium and high GIs of 58.89 and 98.76 respectively. The GLs of the test foods were 161.85, 62.88 and 43.64 for taro, firm ripe plantain and sweet potatoes respectively. All the test foods had high GLs (GL≥20). The study therefore recommended among others that dieticians help in educating the general public on the consequences of consuming high glycaemic foods.

Source: UCC
Glycaemic Index and Load of Fonio Composite Bread

Type II diabetes has been associated with glycaemic load and index of food due to the quantity or amount of carbohydrate available in such foods. Determination of glycaemic index and load of bread made from fonio cereal was the focus of the study. The study was conducted in Tamale Metropolis with four research objectives and two hypotheses. One hundred and three participants took part in the study, comprising ninety three sensory evaluation panellists and ten for glycaemic load test. True experimental research design was used and the samples were manipulated to see the needed effect. Fonio was successfully combined with white bread flour and whole wheat flour to come out with three different types of bread coded as ‗F30‘, ‗F50‘ and ‗F70‘. The sensory result revealed appearance, aroma, taste, Sweetness and texture for product ‗F30‘ were all liked by the 93 respondents. In the case of product ‗F50‘ and ‗F70‘, the same findings were obtained as in the case of ‗F30‘. The study further revealed that ‗F30‘, ‗F50‘ and ‗F70‘ all have low glycaemic load. In the case of glycaemic index, ‗F70‘ had the least glycaemic index and this was followed by ‗F50‘ and ‗F30‘. The proximate analysis on the fonio composite bread thus revealed that eight different nutrients were present in the formulated breads in different proportions. The nutrients were fat/oil, fibre, protein, dry matter, moisture, ash, Carbohydrate and glucose. Also, the study found out that there was no statistically significant difference between glucose level before and after consumption of the three fonio composite breads. There was statistical difference in terms of nutrients among the three developed fonio composite bread.

Source: UCC
Glycemic Control Markers to Pounded Plantain Varying in Cultivar Plantain (Musa spp., AAB group: cv afoto, cv agnrin, cv ameletiha)

The rapid increase in diabetes incidence in Côte d’Ivoire indicates the need to evaluate the nutritional profile of foods. In this study, we performed a nutritional characterization and glycemic index/load (GI/GL) of pounded plantain, which is the predominant mode of banana consumption. Five groups of 13 apparently healthy subjects consumed in random order 5 experimental products variants and twice a glucose solution. Proximate composition was conducted by AOAC standard methods. The GI was obtained following ISO/FDI 26642:2010 protocol and the GL was calculated from test food’s GI, considering the amount of available carbohydrate in the traditional portion size. Moisture of samples ranged from 55.8–70.9g/100g. Based on dry weight per 100 gram, the samples had 0.2-0.8g ash, 0.3-1.3g lipids, 3.5-10.5g protein, 1.8-1.9g crude fibre, 86.8- 94.1g carbohydrates and 398.4-403.5kcal for energy. Excepted pounded plantain from agnrin variety at “green” stage of ripeness (GI 40), the corresponding GI values were high (GI 75-84). The GL values of the foods tested were also considered high, varying from 60 to 144. Data showed that pounded plantain is potentially a source of high GI/GL carbohydrate.

Source: UCC
Glycemic Responses, Glycemic Index, and Glycemic Load Values of Some Street Foods Prepared from Plantain (Musa spp., AAB Genome) in Côte d’Ivoire

The glycemic index (GI) and glycemic load (GL) of four culinary preferences including five local street dishes prepared from three varieties of plantain at different maturity stages was determined. The GI was obtained following ISO/FDI 26642:2010 protocol, and the GL was calculated from test foods’ GI, considering the amount of available carbohydrate in the traditional portion size. GI values were 44 for Klaclo (with Ameletiha variety at all black stage), 39 for Aloco (with Agnrin variety at full yellow stage), 39 for Aloco (with Agnrin variety at full yellow with black spots stage); 45 for Chips (with Ameletiha variety at green stage) and 89 for Banane braisée (with Afoto variety at light green stage). GI values were inversely correlated with the total sugar and carbohydrate in foods (p < 0.01), and no relationship existed between the GI values and the amount of protein (p = 0.89). Except for Chips (GL = 12), the GLs of the others foods were high (GL > 20). Contrary to Banane braisée, the consumption of Klaclo, Aloco, and Chips may promote the control of postprandial glucose response. Data provides the first GI published values of plantain-based foods commonly consumed in the urban area of Abidjan (Côte d’Ivoire).

Source: UCC
Goal setting and employee performance in the banking sector of the Cape Coast Metropolis

The study examined the effect of goal setting on the job performance of staff in the banking sector of the Cape Coast Metropolis. The study employed the explanatory research design to approaching the study quantitatively. The targeted population included 302 permanent employees of 14 banks in the Cape Coast metropolis excluding supporting staff such as drivers, messengers and cleaners. One hundred and seventy-two (172) respondents were surveyed through simple random sampling technique. Structured questionnaires were personally administered. It was found that goal acceptance accounted for 28.8% positive variance in employee performance in the banking industry of the Cape Coast Metropolis. Also, it was found that goal specificity accounted for 14.4% positive variance in employee performance in the banking sector of the Cape Coast Metropolis. Whilst, goal difficulty accounted for 10.6% positive variance in the performance of workers in the banking sector of the Cape Coast Metropolis. The study recommended that managers in the banking industry of the Cape Coast Metropolis must put in measures that can influence their workers to develop interest in accepting assigned goals.

Source: UCC
Goitre-Related Factors for Predicting Difficult Intubation in Patients Scheduled for Thyroidectomy in a Resource-Challenged Health Institution in North Central Nigeria

BACKGROUND: Airway management problems may arise when intubating patients with goitre scheduled for thyroidectomy. Goitres are not uncommon in sub-Saharan Africa, thyroidectomy being the main treatment. The aim of this study was to determine incidences of difficult intubation (DI), failed intubation (FI)and predictors of DI using a modified intubation difficulty score (IDS). METHODS: One hundred and twenty-five consenting patients with goitre scheduled for thyroidectomy were recruited. Goitrerelated factors (GRF) of duration of illness, diagnosis, neck circumference, tracheal deviation and narrowing and retrosternal extension were recorded as well as Mallampati classification and BMI. At intubation, modified IDS was determined for each patient. Patients with modified IDS ≤ 5 were categorized as easy intubation group (E), and those with modified IDS >5 were categorized as difficult intubation group (D). The GRF of all patients in group D were compared with matched patients in group E. RESULTS: Incidence of DI was 13.6% with 2 (1.6%) cases of failed intubation. Comparing groups D and E, duration of illness was 4.28 ± 3.78 years in group D versus 7.44 ± 7.63 years group E, p = 0.1353. Neck circumference was 41.42 ±5.30 cm in group D versus 37.43±2.68 cm in group E, p = 0.0200. Tracheal deviation, narrowing and retrosternal extension, and surgical diagnosis were not significantly different among both groups. CONCLUSION: Incidence of DI was 13.6% and that of FI was 1.6%. Neck circumference was found to be a predictor of difficult intubation in goitre patients scheduled for thyroidectomy using the modified IDS.

Source: UCC
The Gonja-Nawuri conflict in retrospect: achieving peaceful coexistence in a troubled land of Northern Ghana

This study examined the roles of indigenous actors and the complementary efforts made by Government and Civil Society Organizations to resolve the deadlock between the Gonja and Nawuri ethnic groups in the Kpandai district of Ghana. Classical conflict theories such as primordial, constructionist and instrumentalist were employed to underpin the causes of the conflict. In-depth interviews and focus group discussions were employed to obtain data from the respondents, while purposive sampling technique was used to select 96 respondents who had in-depth knowledge of the conflict. The analysis revealed that the government of Ghana employed multiple strategies such as deployment of security personnel, setting up of committees – the Justice Ampiah Committee, and the Permanent Peace Negotiation Team to manage and resolve the conflict but to no avail. Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) such as the Nairobi Peace Initiative only succeeded in opening communication between the conflict parties in Kumasi but could not also resolve the conflict. The study also revealed that interveners sidelined indigenous conflict resolution mechanisms and local authorities such as the chiefs, religious leaders, the gerontocratic approach and Tengdana- all embedded in the local culture of resolving conflict. The study further discovered that endogenisation of conflict resolution, where both indigenous knowledge and interveners‟ roles are combined is best fit to resolve inter-ethnic conflicts. It is recommended, among others, that the government, CSOs, and local actors should complement the roles of each other to find a lasting solution to the conflict.

Source: UCC
The Good and the Bad of Structural Adjustment Programme in Africa: Evidence from Ghanaian Gold Mining Industry

Structural adjustment programme (SAP) is the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank agenda for addressing the debt and economic crises of some Third World countries. To help countries however, the World Bank/IMF demand reforms. SAP programmes have been implemented by many African countries including Ghana that embraced the policy in April 1983. The article evaluates the impact of SAP on adjusting countries in Africa with particular focus on the Ghanaian gold mining industry, which the policy impacts mostly through privatisation, one of the conditions of SAP that has resulted in foreign direct investments and influx of multinational companies into the country. Using predominantly academic and popular literature, and industry data from the Ghana Chamber of Mines and World Bank reports on industry, it emerges that the policy has integrated Ghana, like other adjusting African nations, into the global economy and reshaped the gold mining industry. The policy however falls short of what it was intended to achieve; rather worsening the situations including detachment of the Ghanaian government from her own mineral resources; ‘subsidiarity’ of Ghanaian gold mining industry; and massive unemployment.

Source: UCC
Good governance in the management of water and sanitation systems: A case study of Water and Sanitation Development Boards (WSDBs) in Western region

The National Community Water and Sanitation Programme (NCWSP) adopted the Community Management policy, as a key strategy to ensure the sustainability of water supply and sanitation services. The main problem however, was the low governance and management capacity of the Water and Sanitation Development Boards (WSDBs) which threatens the sustainability of the water supply and sanitation systems The purpose of the study was to examine how good governance and management practices by the WSDBs affect the sustainability of Small Towns' water supply and sanitation services. The study adopted a survey research method which included interviews and discussions held with 213 respondents made up of WSDBs, District Chief Executives, District Coordinating Directors, Traditional Authorities, Area Councils, Unit Committees, Assembly members and Water Users, using structured interview guide. The results of the study revealed low calibre of the WSDB membership, low representation by women, conflicts, poor communication and inadequate control systems. Based on the findings of the study, recommendations were made for a review of the qualification of the membership, the bye-laws, regular training and effective control systems. In particular, it is stressed that platforms should be created to provide avenues for dialogue between the WSDBs on the one hand and the District Assembly authorities and Traditional authorities on the other. This will improve communication and reduce the conflicts in water management.

Source: UCC
Good Manufacturing Practices (Gmp) To Improve The Safety And Quality Of Smoked Fish

Current methods employed in traditional fish smoking as well as the implementation of good manufacturing practices (GMP) and Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP) were investigated to identify microbial contaminants along fish processing value chain and to improve the safety and quality of traditional fish processing in Cape Coast. The total viable bacterial, coliforms, E. coli, and fungal counts were determined using the pour plate method. Physicochemical and nutritional qualities were also assessed by measuring pH, texture, brix, weight, browning index, chemical quality was analysed for peroxide value, histamine and polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) and nutritional qualities were also assessed by conducting proximate analysis. The total viable bacterial counts (TVBC) of the fresh fish were in the range of 4.18±0.02 – 4.20±0.13 (log CFU/g), coliforms, E.coli and fungal counts for the fresh fish were also 2.84±0.09 –2.72±0.09, 1.59±0.07 –1.11±0.10 and 3.86±0.08 - 3.65±0.07 (log CFU/g) respectively. After washing the fish with tap water, microbial count reduced to 3.60±0.03 – 398±0.03 (log CFU/g) for TVBC, 2.24±0.09 – 2.39±0.12 (log CFU/g) for coliforms, 1.09±0.00 – 0.85±0.21(log CFU/g) for E.coli, and 2.84±0.09 – 2.90±0.08 (log CFU/g) for the fungal count. Smoking led to a reduction in ˂ 1 log CFU/g counts for coliforms, E. coli, and 1.09 ± 0.12 – 1.39 ± 0.12 log CFU/ g fungal count. Implementation of GMP/HACCP led to lower counts of TVBC, coliforms, E. coli, and fungal counts below detection limits (<1.0 log cfu/g) of smoked fish. Histamine levels were in the range of 14.67 ± 1.92 mg/kg to 17.55 ± 5.9 mg/kg, were within the acceptable limits while peroxide values in the range of 48.26–56.85 meq/kg to 22.63–27.65 meq/kg remained higher than recommended levels with no detection of PAH4 levels in the smoked fish. This study has revealed that applying HACCP through the observation of good manufacturing practices, minimum handling, as well as segregation of raw materials from finished products, can improve the microbial quality of smoked fish.

Source: UCC
Google Classroom for mobile learning in higher education: Modelling the initial perceptions of students

The study adopted a modified Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology2(UTAUT2) as a theoretical foundation to investigate students’ initial perceptions of Google Classroom as a mobile learning platform. By including six non-linear relationships within the modified model, the study examined the nuances in interaction terms between Habit and Hedonic Motivation, in relation to the other constructs in the original UTAUT2 model towards Google Classroom intention formation and use behaviour. Based on this, a questionnaire was used to collect data from 163 students, employing a purposive sampling technique with Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) utilized for statistical analysis. Overall, the results revealed important significant non-linear relationships between Hedonic Motivation and Habit with the rest of the UTAUT2 factors within the model. Students’ positive intentions to accept Google Classroom were anchored on Habit, Hedonic Motivation and Performance Expectancy. However, both Habit and Hedonic Motivation had significant and positive non-linear relationships with Performance Expectancy, Effort Expectancy and Social Influence towards Google Classroom usage intentions. Uniquely, Habit was the strongest predictor of Behavioural Intention. Again, the Importance-Performance Map Analysis (IPMA) proved that Habit was the most important factor in determining actual usage (Use Behaviour) of Google Classroom rather than Behavioural Intention.

Source: UCC