ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Sensory evaluation, descriptive textural analysis, and consumer acceptance profile of steamed gamma-irradiated Pleurotus ostreatus (Ex. Fr.) Kummer kept in two different storage packs

The influence of gamma irradiation on the sensory, acceptability and some descriptive textural attributes of dried P.ostreatus were evaluated. Sensory evaluation was carried out using steamed mushroom samples irradiated at doses 0 (control), 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 kGy at a dose rate of 1.7 kGy/h from a Cobalt 60 source (SLL 515, Hungary) batch irradiator and stored in either polythene or polypropylene packs for 12 months at 28–30°C. Using a structured questionnaire, 44 male and female panelists independently assessed the samples for sensory attributes. Organoleptic scores were made according to a nine (9) point hedonic scale. The evaluation showed mean scores of general likeness. There were no significant differences (p > 0.05) recorded for attributes such as appearance, aroma, taste, and mouthfeel. color and overall acceptability recorded some significant differences (p < 0.05). Also, descriptive textural attributes of hardness, adhesiveness, chewiness, and smoothness recorded no significant difference (p > 0.05). Cohesiveness however differed significantly (p < 0.05). Gamma irradiation of samples recorded no adverse effect on its organoleptic attributes. In the consumer acceptability test, the two differently treated samples; mushrooms irradiated with 1kGy and kept in polypropylene packs and non-irradiated mushroom (control) were rated similarly (p > 0.05), although more respondents preferred the control. Mostly, consumers wrongly perceive gamma irradiation to influence organoleptic properties of foods and also destructive to the food matrix hence the need to assess the quality difference organoleptically by human sensory analysis.

Source: UG
Sensory texture profiling and development of standard rating scales for pounded yam

This study evaluated sensory texture profile analysis (STPA) as an objective method for characterizing the texture attributes of "pounded yam," a popular dish in West Africa made by peeling yam, boiling, pounding and kneading it into a glutinous dough. Panelists were carefully selected and trained to assess the texture attributes of pounded yam. Standard rating scales were developed from local foods that are common in Nigeria, and the foods were used as descriptors to exemplify the texture attributes being assessed. Reproducible and consistent results were obtained. It is thus concluded that STPA can be used as an objective method for evaluating the texture attributes of pounded yam. © Copyright 2005, Blackwell Publishing.

Source: UG
A sentiment analysis framework to classify instances of sarcastic sentiments within the aviation sector

Social media in our current dispensation has become an integral part of daily routines. As a result, it is abundant in user opinions. Amid a global pandemic, these online platforms have taken a center stage in the disbursement of relevant information such as travel, emergency and pandemic hotspots. For researchers, this situation has presented itself as a challenge and opportunity to leverage big data for analysis and making informed decisions. This study seeks to develop a framework comprising of three operators, namely Assemble+Deft, Edify+Authenticate and Forecast to classify opinion instances as sarcastic or non-sarcastic. The framework is tested with a Twitter dataset using key state-of-the-art techniques, namely Recurrent Neural Network (RNN) with Gated recurrent unit and Support Vector Machines (SVM). The dataset consists of opinions on effect of COVID-19 pandemic on air travel. The evaluation metrics used include precision, accuracy, recall and F1-score. The experimental analysis showed a significant increase from 9.28% under a standard sentiment review to 10.1% optimized sentiment analysis. The findings further show a significant improvement in the performance of optimized SVM yielding an improved prediction performance compared to RNN. The outcome of this study will support airlines to understand the frustration and complaints of customers and to make concrete decisions on how to improve their services. The framework will serve as a benchmark for future sentiment analysis in other sectors where customer views and comments are core to their services.

Source: UG
Sentiment Analysis Of Tweets Employing Convolutional Neural Network Optimized By Enhanced Gorilla Troops Optimization Algorithm.

Sentiment analysis has become a difficult and important task in the current world. Because of several features of data, including abbreviations, length of tweet, and spelling error, there should be some other non-conventional methods to achieve the accurate results and overcome the current issue. In other words, because of those issues, conventional approaches cannot perform well and accomplish results with high efficiency. Emotional feelings, such as fear, anxiety, or traumas, often stem from many psychological issues experienced during childhood that can persist throughout life. In addition, people discuss and share their ideas on social media, often unconsciously representing their hidden emotions in the comments. This study is about sentiment analysis of tweets shared by several people. In fact, sentiment analysis can determine whether the shared comments and tweets are positive or negative. The paper introduces the use of a Convolutional Neural Network (CNN), a kind of neural network, optimized by the Enhanced Gorilla Troops Optimization Algorithm (CNN-EGTO). Two datasets provided by the SemEval-2016 are used to evaluate the system, while the polarity of tweets were manually determined. It was determined by the findings of the present study that the suggested model could approximately achieve the values of 98%, 95%, 98%, and 96.47% for accuracy, precision, recall, and F1-score, respectively, for positive polarity. In addition, the suggested model could gain the values of 97, 96, 98, and 97.49 for precision, recall, accuracy, and F1-score, respectively, for negative polarity. Consequently, it was found that the suggested model could outperform the other models by considering their performance and efficiency. These values of performance metrics represent that the suggested model could determine the polarity of sentence, positive or negative, with great efficiency.

Source: UG
Sentinel surveillance for influenza and other respiratory viruses in Côte d'Ivoire, 2003-2010

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
Sequence and immunologic conservation of Anaplasma marginale OmpA within strains from Ghana as compared to the predominant OmpA variant

A primary challenge in developing effective vaccines against obligate, intracellular, bacterial tick-borne pathogens that establish persistent infection is the identification of antigens that cross protect against multiple strains. In the case of Anaplasma marginale, the most prevalent tick-borne pathogen of cattle found worldwide, OmpA is an adhesin and thus a promising vaccine candidate. We sequenced ompA from cattle throughout Ghana naturally infected with A. marginale in order to determine the degree of variation in this gene in an area of suspected high genetic diversity. We compared the Ghanaian sequences with those available from N. America, Mexico, Australia and Puerto Rico. When considering only amino acid changes, three unique Ghanaian OmpA variants were identified. In comparison, strains from all other geographic regions, except one, shared a single OmpA variant, Variant 1, which differed from the Ghanaian variants. Next, using recombinant OmpA based on Variant 1, we determined that amino acid differences in OmpA in Ghanaian cattle as compared to OmpA Variant 1 did not alter the binding capacity of antibody directed against OmpA Variant 1, supporting the value of OmpA as a highly conserved vaccine candidate.

Source: UG
Sequential evaluation of cutaneous delayed hypersensitivity responses to recall and to lymphoid cell line antigens in Burkitt's lymphoma.

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
Serious complications associated with uvulectomy performed by a 'native doctor'

Les thérapeutes traditionnels pratiquent souvent l'ablation de la luette pour diverses raisons: fièvre, angine, dysphagie, nausées, vomissements, douleurs abdominales, insomnies. Etude de 20 cas de complications après cette intervention observés à Kaduna (Nigeria). Les plus fréquentes sont: les hémorragies (13 cas, dont 3 avec choc hypovolémique), la dysphagie (9 cas)

Source: UG
A Sero-epidemiological Approach to Explore Transmission of Mycobacterium ulcerans

The Bacteriology Department aims to improve the quality of life first for Ghanaians and the world at large by conducting research into bacterial diseases of public health importance to Ghana and globally. In addition to working on enteric pathogens and sexually transmitted diseases, the department’s current main focus is on the two most important mycobacterial diseases of public health importance to Ghana, namely Buruli ulcer (BU) and tuberculosis (TB).

Source: UG
Sero-epidemiology as a tool to screen populations for exposure to mycobacterium ulcerans

The Bacteriology Department aims to improve the quality of life first for Ghanaians and the world at large by conducting research into bacterial diseases of public health importance to Ghana and globally. In addition to working on enteric pathogens and sexually transmitted diseases, the department’s current main focus is on the two most important mycobacterial diseases of public health importance to Ghana, namely Buruli ulcer (BU) and tuberculosis (TB).

Source: UG
Sero-Epidemiology of Toxocara Canis Infection in Children Attending Four Selected Health Facilities in the Central Region of Ghana

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
Sero-Epidemiology of Toxoplasmosis amongst Pregnant Women in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana

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
SERO-prevalence of herpes simplex virus type 1 and type 2 among women attending routine Cervicare clinics in Ghana

Background Herpes simplex virus infection is a global health concern with disproportionately high burden in low and middle-income countries. There is a paucity of data on the prevalence of HSV infection in Ghana, which necessitated the present study. The aim of the study was to provide up-to-date data on sero-prevalence of HSV-1 and HSV-2 infection among women attending Cervicare clinics in Ghana. Methods This was a cross-sectional study in which 380 women attending routine Cervicare clinics at Regional Hospitals in Kumasi and Accra, Ghana were enrolled into the study. Serum HSV-1 IgG and HSV-2 IgG were determined by ELISA method. The Chi-square test was used to investigate the association between sero-prevalence of HSV-1 and HSV-2 and socio-demographic and behavioral factors using the Statistical Package for the Social Scientists (SPSS) version 22. Statistical significance was accepted at p < 0.05. Results The overall HSV-1 and HSV-2 sero-prevalence estimates were 99.2% (95% CI: 98.0–100%) and 78.4% (95% CI: 74.5–81.8%) respectively. The study observed 78.2% cross-positive prevalence of HSV-1 and HSV-2 among the studied participants. There was no association between the presence of HSV-1 and HSV-2 infection and age (χ2 = 2.351, p = 0.799 and χ2 = 1.655, p = 0.895 respectively). Our findings however, revealed association between the prevalence of HSV-2 and the age at coitarche (p = 0.021) as well as with number of sexual partners (p = 0.022). Conclusions The sero-prevalence estimates of HSV-1 and HSV-2 among the study population of women in Ghana were found to be high. This high prevalence could be attributed to high endemicity and inadequate intervention in this population. There is the need to raise awareness through organized public health screening and education to ensure control.

Source: UG
Sero-prevalence of HHV-8, CMV, and EBV among the general population in Ghana, West Africa.

Background: Human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8), cytomegalovirus (CMV) and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) are prevalent in Africa, but less common elsewhere and the modes of transmission are still subject to debate. Generally, they rarely cause disease in the immunocompetent host but are highly oncogenic when associated with immunosuppression. Although the high prevalence of HHV-8, CMV and EBV has been well documented in Africa, such data are sparse from Ghana. Methods: Serum samples from 3275 HIV-seronegative healthy blood donors and 250 HIV-AIDS patients were tested for antibodies specific for HHV-8, CMV and EBV by IgG ELISA assays. Differences in seropositivity rates by gender and age were evaluated using the Chi-square test with Yates correction. Results: Of the 3275 HIV-seronegative healthy blood donors tested, 2573 (78.6%) were males and 702 (21.4%) were females, with ages ranging from 18 to 65 years (median 32.6; mean 31.2; mode 30). Of the 250 HIV-AIDS patients tested, 140 (56%) were males and 110 (44%) were females, with ages ranging from 17 to 64 years (median 30.8; mean 30.3; mode 28). Among the HIV-seronegative healthy blood donors, overall seroprevalence of HHV-8, CMV and EBV was 23.7%, 77.6% and 20.0%, respectively. Among the HIV-AIDS patients, overall seroprevalence of HHV-8, CMV and EBV was 65.6%, 59.2% and 87.2%, respectively. The seroprevalence of HHV-8 (p < 0.005) and EBV (p < 0.001) was statistically significantly higher in HIV-AIDS patients compared to HIV-seronegative healthy blood donors. There was no statistically significant difference (p = 0.24) between CMV seroprevalence in HIV-AIDS patients and HIV-seronegative healthy blood donors. Age and gender were not independent determinants (p > 0.05) for all three infections among HIV-seronegative healthy blood donors and HIV-AIDS patients in Ghana. Conclusion: The results presented herein indicate that HHV-8, CMV and EBV infections are hyperendemic in both HIV-seronegative and HIV-seropositive Ghanaians, and suggest primarily a horizontal route of transmission of these three viral infections in Ghana.

Source: UG
Seroepidemiological study of rotavirus infection in rural Ghana

Children in a village in rural Ghana were found to have acquired antibody to rotavirus by the age of two years. The results of our study suggest that primary infection takes place early in infancy. Fifty-six per cent of the three- to 20-months-old had a four-fold rise in antibody levels during the six months follow-up period and 72.2% of them had one or more episodes of diarrhoea compared with 42.8% of those whose antibody levels stayed the same or decreased. The major epidemic season is considered to be the dry season.

Source: UG
Serological and PCR-based markers of ocular Chlamydia trachomatis transmission in northern Ghana after elimination of trachoma as a public health problem

The Bacteriology Department aims to improve the quality of life first for Ghanaians and the world at large by conducting research into bacterial diseases of public health importance to Ghana and globally. In addition to working on enteric pathogens and sexually transmitted diseases, the department’s current main focus is on the two most important mycobacterial diseases of public health importance to Ghana, namely Buruli ulcer (BU) and tuberculosis (TB).

Source: UG
Serological detection of Dioscorea alata potyvirus on white yams (Dioscorea rotundata) in Ghana

A baseline survey was conducted in ten important yam growing districts in Ashanti and Brong Ahafo regions of Ghana during June/July, 2004 to detect the incidence of viral diseases of white yam (Dioscorea rotundata, Poir). One hundred and seventy six leaf samples were collected and virus-indexed using the Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) technique. Four yam virus antisera homologous to Yam mosaic virus (YMV), genus Potyvirus, Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV), genus Cucumovirus, Dioscorea alata potyvirus (DAV), genus Potyvirus and Dioscorea alata badnavirus genus Badnavirus were used. None of the antisera raised against Dioscorea alata badnavirus (DaV) and Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) reacted positively. Antiserum raised against YMV reacted positively to antigens in 38% of the samples, while 20.5% reacted positively to DAV antigens. Eleven percent of the total samples collected reacted to both YMV and DAV antisera. Forty one percent of the samples however reacted negatively with all the antisera. The detection of DAV on white yam is the first evidence to be reported in Ghana. This finding provides useful information for the management of viral diseases of yam in Ghana. © 2007 Academic Journals Inc.

Source: UG
Serological evidence of vector and parasite exposure in Southern Ghana: the dynamics of malaria transmission intensity

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
Serological evidence of vector and parasite exposure in Southern Ghana: the dynamics of malaria transmission intensity

The Department of Immunology conducts research in the field of immunology of infectious and non-infectious diseases. The Department has the overall goal of contributing knowledge to better diagnosis, management, control and prevention of infectious and non-infectious diseases in Ghana and worldwide. This is consistent with the overall strategy of the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR) and in line with the strategy of the College of Health Sciences of the University of Ghana.

Source: UG
Serological evidence of Zika virus infection in febrile patients at Greater Accra Regional Hospital, Accra 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
Seroprevalence and factors associated with Hepatitis B virus infection among students in two senior high schools in the Krachi Nchumuru district in Ghana-A cross sectional study

Background There is paucity of hepatitis B virus (HBV) data among student populations although Ghana is HBV endemic. Screening and identification of factors associated with HBV transmission in schools will support the intervention in the elimination of the virus by 2030. This study assessed the seroprevalence and factors associated with HBV among students in two Senior High Schools in the Krachi Nchumuru District in Ghana. Methods Through cross-sectional design and simple random sampling technique, 300 first-year students were enrolled from selected Senior High Schools. Structured questionnaires were used to collect data on demographic and exposure factors while rapid test kit was used to detect HBV infections. Chi-square/Fisher exact test and multivariable logistic regression were performed to determine the association between the variables at a 95% confidence interval and 0.05 significant level. Results Seroprevalence of HBV was 14% (42/300) among the students. The prevalence was significantly (p=0.001) higher in males 19.4% (34/175) than females 6.4% (8/125). 77.7% (233/300) were aware of HBV infection. Males who were circumcised were 4 times more likely to be infected with HBV (AOR=4.09, 95%CI=1.82–9.19) (p=0.001) compared with those uncircumcised. Conclusion HBV screening and education on hygienic genital circumcision practices must be prioritized in endemic countries.

Source: UG
Seroprevalence of antibodies against plasmodium falciparum sporozoite antigens as predictive disease transmission markers in an area of Ghana with seasonal malaria transmission

The Department of Immunology conducts research in the field of immunology of infectious and non-infectious diseases. The Department has the overall goal of contributing knowledge to better diagnosis, management, control and prevention of infectious and non-infectious diseases in Ghana and worldwide. This is consistent with the overall strategy of the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR) and in line with the strategy of the College of Health Sciences of the University of Ghana.

Source: UG
Seroprevalence of brucellosis in cattle and humans in the Akwapim-South district of Ghana: Public health implications

A total of 183 cattle comprising 54 bulls, 53 milking cows, 76 heifers and 44 calves in the Akwapim-South district of Ghana were tested for antibodies against Brucella abortus using the Rose Bengal plate test. The results indicated that cattle in the Akwapim-South district were infected with Brucella with a mean seroprevalence of 6.6%. There was no difference in the seroprevalence either between females 11/129 (8.5%) and males 1/54 (1.9%), or among the three different breeds of cattle (Sanga, West African short horn (WASH) and white Fulani) in the study area. However, there was a significant increase in seropositivity with respect to age. A significant association between antibodies against Brucella and a history of abortions and retained placenta in cows indicated that brucellosis might be responsible for significant economic losses to farmers in the area. However, no evidence of human brucellosis was detected by antibody screening in selected risk groups. Copyright (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V.

Source: UG