ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Influence of adaptive capacity on the outcome of climate change vulnerability assessment

Climate change vulnerability assessment (CCVA) has become a mainstay conservation decision support tool. CCVAs are recommended to incorporate three elements of vulnerability-exposure, sensitivity and adaptive capacity-yet, lack of data frequently leads to the latter being excluded. Further, weighted or unweighted scoring schemes, based on expert opinion, may be applied. Comparisons of these approaches are rare. In a CCVA for 17 Australian lizard species, we show that membership within three vulnerability categories (low, medium and high) generally remained similar regardless of the framework or scoring scheme. There was one exception however, where, under the warm/dry scenario for 2070, including adaptive capacity lead to five fewer species being classified as highly vulnerable. Two species, Eulamprus leuraensis and E. kosciuskoi, were consistently ranked the most vulnerable, primarily due to projected losses in climatically suitable habitat, narrow thermal tolerance and specialist habitat requirements. Our findings provide relevant information for prioritizing target species for conservation and choosing appropriate conservation actions. We conclude that for the species included in this study, the framework and scoring scheme used had little impact on the identification of the most vulnerable species. We caution, however, that this outcome may not apply to other taxa or regions. © 2017 The Author(s).

Source: UG
Influence of adult learners’ self-direction on group learning

The purpose of the study is to present the group learning behaviours of adult students at a public university in Ghana. The study setting is the University of Ghana, specifically the Department of Adult Education and Human Resource Studies. Adults engage in continuous learning for purposes of personal and professional development. The study draws from the concept of self-directed learning and constructivist theories, examining the relationship between selfdirection and group learning in an adult learning context. Through the qualitative approach, the researchers conducted a thematic analysis of the transcribed interviews to gain insights into what influenced adult learners’ self-direction and peer engagement. The research found that collaborative contexts lead to better student engagement. Also, support from a more capable colleague contributed significantly to successful learning. The main contribution of the study is that the self-direction of the adult learner is critical to moving from the zone of the current development to the zone of potential development. For practice, adult educators need to design curriculum programmes that can encourage adult learners to create student-driven support groups for learning. Concerning workplace learning, adult learners should develop professional relationships and build networks especially voluntary support groups with their peers.

Source: UG
Influence of age on links between major modifiable risk factors and stroke occurrence in West Africa

Background The burden of stroke in Africa is high. Understanding how age associates with major modifiable stroke risk factors could inform tailored demographic stroke prevention strategies. Purpose To quantify the magnitude and direction of the effect sizes of key modifiable stroke risk factors according to three age groups: <50 years (young), 50–65 years (middle age) and > 65 years (elderly) in West Africa. Methods This was a case-control study involving 15 sites in Ghana and Nigeria. Cases included adults aged ≥18 years with CT/MRI scan-typed stroke. Controls were age-and gender-matched stroke-free adults. Detailed evaluations for vascular, lifestyle and psychosocial factors were performed. We estimated adjusted odds ratios (aOR) using conditional logistic regression and population attributable risk (PAR) with 95% Confidence Interval of vascular risk factors by age groups. Results Among 3553 stroke cases, 813 (22.9%) were young, 1441 (40.6%) were middle-aged and 1299 (36.6%) were elderly. Among the 5 co-shared risk factors, dyslipidemia with PAR and aOR (95%CI) of 62.20% (52.82–71.58) and 4.13 (2.64–6.46) was highest among the young age group; hypertension with PAR of 94.31% (91.82–96.80) and aOR of 28.93 (15.10–55.44) was highest among the middle-age group. Diabetes with PAR of 32.29% (27.52–37.05) and aOR of 3.49 (2.56–4.75); meat consumption with PAR of 42.34%(32.33–52.35) and aOR of 2.40 (1.76, 3.26); and non-consumption of green vegetables, PAR of 16.81%(12.02–21.60) and aOR of 2.23 (1.60–3.12) were highest among the elderly age group. However confidence intervals of risk estimates overlapped across age groups. Additionally, among the young age group cigarette smoking, psychosocial stress and cardiac disease were independently associated with stroke. Furthermore, education, stress, physical inactivity

Source: UG
The influence of Bi2O3 and Sb2O3 doping on the Microstructure and Electrical Properties of sintered Zinc Oxide

The influence of Bi2O3 and Sb2O3 doping on the microstructure and electrical characteristics of Zinc Oxide based varistor has been investigated. The as-sintered ceramic varistors with different compositions have been characterized via laboratory X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) and electrical measurements. Bismuth oxide doping resulted in liquid phase sintering, rapid densification, grain growth and electrical varistor precipitating to a spinel phase and thereby inhibiting grain growth. Electrical property measurements indicate varistor behaviour for both cases of doping.

Source: UG
Influence of biomedical sciences on National Health Insurance Scheme in Ghana

Health insurance becomes a viable alternative for financing health care amidst the high cost of health care. This study, conducted in 1997, uses a valuation method to assess the willingness of individuals from the working sector in Accra, Ghana, to join and pay premium for a proposed National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS). Over 97%of the respondents agreed to join the scheme and 62. 8% were willing to contribute 2%of their income as premium. Respondents were mostly aged 30-50 years and 68% in the formal sector with 77% having monthly incomes ranging from currency 100,000 to currency 500,000 ($1=currency 2,400). Only 23.6% had their health care expenditure financed by their employers. Most, 83% indicated they visited hospitals more regularly than laboratories and a 14.5% of the irregular hospital visitors admitted spending over currency 100,000 per year on self-medication. Respondents revealed they spent on the average currency 100,000 and currency 50,000 per year for hospital and laboratory services respectively. The estimated individual health expenditure by biomedical methods was nearly currency 10,000 per month. Estimating individual health expenditure is necessary to set meaningful premiums and biomedical science as laboratory services provided could be a useful tool for such a purpose.

Source: UG
Influence of blood meal and age of mosquitoes on susceptibility to pyrethroids in Anopheles gambiae from Western Kenya

Background Physiological characteristics (age and blood feeding status) of malaria vectors can influence their susceptibility to the current vector control tools that target their feeding and resting behaviour. To ensure the sustainability of the current and future vector control tools an understanding of how physiological characteristics may contribute to insecticide tolerance in the field is fundamental for shaping resistance management strategies and vector control tools. The aim of this study was to determine whether blood meal and mosquito age affect pyrethroid tolerance in field-collected Anopheles gambiae from western Kenya. Methods Wild mosquito larvae were reared to adulthood alongside the pyrethroid-susceptible Kisumu strain. Adult females from the two populations were monitored for deltamethrin resistance when they were young at 2–5 days old and older 14–16 days old and whether fed or unfed for each age group. Metabolic assays were also performed to determine the level of detoxification enzymes. Mosquito specimens were further identified to species level using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method. Results Anopheles gambiae sensu stricto was the predominant species comprising 96% of specimens and 2.75% Anopheles arabiensis. Bioassay results showed reduced pyrethroid induced mortality with younger mosquitoes compared to older ones (mortality rates 83% vs. 98%), independently of their feeding status. Reduced mortality was recorded with younger females of which were fed compared to their unfed counterparts of the same age with a mortality rate of 35.5% vs. 83%. Older blood-fed females showed reduced susceptibility after exposure when compared to unfed females of the same age (mortality rates 86% vs. 98%). For the Kisumu susceptible population, mortality was straight 100% regardless of age and blood feeding status. Blood feeding status and mosquito age had an effect on enzyme levels in both populations, with blood fed individuals showing higher enzyme elevations compared to their unfed counterparts (P < 0.0001). The interaction between mosquito age and blood fed status had significant effect on mosquito mortality. Conclusion The results showed that mosquito age and blood feeding status confers increased tolerance to insecticides as blood feeding may be playing an important role in the toxicity of deltamethrin, allowing mosquitoes to rest on insecticide-treated materials despite treatment. These may have implications for the sustained efficacy of indoor residual spraying and insecticide-treated nets based control programmes that target indoor resting female mosquitoes of various gonotrophic status.

Source: UG
The influence of business schools on the ethical behavior of students: A study from Ghana

Business schools are key actors in the education of the future managers of corporate bodies. The incessant business scandals and negative environmental impact by businesses across the world are exposing business school shortcomings. To instill the benefits of ethical practices at the individual, corporate, national and global level in the next generation of managers, business schools are being encouraged to purposefully incorporate business ethics education as a key component of responsible management education in their practices. This study examines the influence of business schools on students’ ethical behavior. The study employs structural equation modeling to validate the hypotheses developed from the literature review. Using empirical data from Ghana, the results firstly show that compared to business schools with public ownership, those with private ownership impact more positively on students’ ethical behavior. Secondly, is found that business schools which have an affiliation status with bigger business schools impact positively on students’ ethical behavior. Lastly, the findings show that teaching of business ethics in business schools, whether as a core course or an elective, has no significant effect on the ethical behavior of students. Implications of the findings on responsible management education, policy and practice are suggested

Source: UG
The influence of caregiver stress and affiliate stigma in community-based mental health care on family caregiver wellbeing

Previous studies have noted the inadequacies within Ghana’s mental health system. These studies highlighted challenges associated with caregiving before the passage of Ghana’s current Mental Health Act (Act 846) of 2012. Yet, there is paucity of research on the wellbeing of caregivers in communitybased mental health care, following the passage of the Mental Health Act. This study investigated the influence of caregiver stress and affiliate stigma on family caregiver wellbeing. Further, it assessed the differences in stress, affiliate stigma, and wellbeing between community and institutional family caregiver groups in the Eastern Region of Ghana. Two hundred and eighty family caregivers of persons living with any type of mental illness were purposively sampled for the study. Results of Hierarchical Multiple Regression analysis showed that, caregiver stress negatively significantly influenced caregiver wellbeing. Moreover, results of a Multivariate Analysis of Covariance showed a significant difference between community and institutional family caregivers in the combined experience of stress, affiliate stigma and wellbeing, with community family caregivers scoring higher on wellbeing than did institutional family caregivers. Implications for caregiver interventions in the Eastern Region of Ghana are discussed

Source: UG
Influence of childhood attachment on adolescents’ interpersonal relationship and self-esteem among undergraduate students of the University of Ghana

Childhood insecurities may affect a wide range of personality development such as interpersonal relationship and self-esteem during adolescence. The present study explores the effect of childhood attachment on adolescents’ interpersonal relationship and self-esteem among undergraduate students of the University of Ghana. The study also examines gender differences in interpersonal relationship and self-esteem. A total of two hundred undergraduate students from the University of Ghana were selected using convenient sampling to complete the Rosenberg Self Esteem Scale, the Perceived Interpersonal Relationship Scale (PIRS) and the Childhood Attachment Inventory (CAI). Data were analyzed using the multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA). Results reveal that adolescents who have secured childhood attachment have good interpersonal relationship and higher level of self-esteem than adolescents who have unsecured attachment. There was however no gender differences found in adolescents interpersonal relationship and self-esteem. Based on the findings, it is recommended that parents assess how they relate with their children and not to inculcate trepidation in their children since these have the tendency to affect personality development during adulthood.

Source: UG
Influence of clinical and demographic factors on static balance among stroke survivors.

Stroke is often characterized by disturbance in balance and mobility among the survivors with its attendant rehabilitation potentials. Static balance serves as a foundation for attainment of functions in patients with stroke, yet its determinants are usually under-estimated. This study was therefore designed to determine the influence of some clinical and demographic factors on static balance in stroke survivors. Eighty (80) hemiparetic stroke survivors participated in this cross-sectional survey. Demographic variables include age, height, weight and body mass index (BMI) whilst knee range of motion, (ROM) duration of stroke, levels of disability and spasticity of the paretic lower limbs of the participants were the clinical variables. Universal Goniometer, Barthel Index, and Modified Ashworth Scale were used to assess ROM, disability and spasticity levels respectively. The outcome measure for static balance was Functional Reach Test. Pearson's correlation coefficient analysis was performed to establish the correlations between some selected variables and the static balance. Level of significance was set at p<0.05. The mean age of the participants was 56.7+/-12.8 years. They comprised 37(46.2%) right hemiparetic and 43 (53.8%) left hemiparetic patients. Significant positive correlation was observed between functional reach scores and knee ROM, spasticity and disability levels (r=0.3; r=0.5; 0.2) respectively. However, the mean age, weight, height and BMI of the participants were not significantly correlated with functional reach scores. Joint range of motion, spasticity and disability levels were the main determinants of static balance in stroke survivors. These factors should be considered whilst priotizing goals during rehabilitation of stroke survivors.

Source: UG
Influence of composted organic waste and urea fertilization on rice yield, N-use efficiency and soil chemical characteristics

Nutrient mining in rice-rice cropping system due to inadequate amount of chemical fertilizer applied is one of the reasons for low rice yield in Ghana. To address this challenge, a field trial was initiated to determine the best nutrient management option to improve yield of rice and soil fertility. The field experiment was conducted at the University of Ghana’s Soil and Irrigation Research Centre - Kpong during 2014 and 2015 cropping seasons to evaluate the influence of composted organic waste and urea fertilization on rice yield, Nitrogen-use efficiency and soil chemical characteristics. The study was laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications and six treatments as follows; N1: Control (no nitrogen application), N2: 100% N from compost, N3: 50% N from compost + 50% N from urea, N4: 70% N from compost + 30% N from urea, N5: 30% N from compost + 70% N from urea, N6: 100% N from urea. N fertilization through compost or urea increased grain yield, yield components, N uptake, N use efficiency and also improved the chemical properties of the soil than the control. Although grain yield under 100% Urea N, and combination of compost N + Urea N at ratio of 50:50 and 30:70 were at par, the soil chemical property significantly improved through integrated compost- urea application. The study indicated that substituting 30 or 50% of the required urea N with the same amount of N through compost improved both soil chemical property and rice yield. © 2017 Ecological Laboratory. All rights reserved.

Source: UG
Influence of depression and interpersonal support on adherence to antiretroviral therapy among people living with HIV

Background Poor adherence and under-utilization of antiretroviral therapy (ART) services have been major setbacks to achieving 95-95-95 policy goals in Sub-Saharan Africa. Social support and mental health challenges may serve as barriers to accessing and adhering to ART but are under-studied in low-income countries. The purpose of this study was to examine the association of interpersonal support and depression scores with adherence to ART among persons living with HIV (PLWH) in the Volta region of Ghana. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional survey among 181 PLWH 18 years or older who receive care at an ART clinic between November 2021 and March 2022. The questionnaire included a 6-item simplified ART adherence scale, the 20-item Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D), and the 12-item Interpersonal Support Evaluation List-12 (ISEL-12). We first used a chi-squared or Fisher’s exact test to assess the association between these and additional demographic variables with ART adherence status. We then built a stepwise multivariable logistic regression model to explain ART adherence. Results ART adherence was 34%. The threshold for depression was met by 23% of participants, but it was not significantly associated with adherence in multivariate analysis(p=0.25). High social support was reported by 48.1%, and associated with adherence (p=0.033, aOR=3.45, 95% CI=1.09–5.88). Other factors associated with adherence included in the multivariable model included not disclosing HIV status (p=0.044, aOR=2.17, 95% CI=1.03–4.54) and not living in an urban area (p=0.00037, aOR=0.24, 95% CI=0.11–0.52). Conclusion Interpersonal support, rural residence, and not disclosing HIV status were independent predictors of adherence to ART in the study area.

Source: UG
Influence of depression and interpersonal support on adherence to antiretroviral therapy among people living with HIV

Abstract Background Poor adherence and under-utilization of antiretroviral therapy (ART) services have been major setbacks to achieving 95-95-95 policy goals in Sub-Saharan Africa. Social support and mental health challenges may serve as barriers to accessing and adhering to ART but are under-studied in low-income countries. The purpose of this study was to examine the association of interpersonal support and depression scores with adherence to ART among persons living with HIV (PLWH) in the Volta region of Ghana. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional survey among 181 PLWH 18 years or older who receive care at an ART clinic between November 2021 and March 2022. The questionnaire included a 6-item simplified ART adherence scale, the 20-item Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D), and the 12-item Interpersonal Support Evaluation List-12 (ISEL-12). We first used a chi-squared or Fisher’s exact test to assess the association between these and additional demographic variables with ART adherence status. We then built a stepwise multivariable logistic regression model to explain ART adherence. Results ART adherence was 34%. The threshold for depression was met by 23% of participants, but it was not significantly associated with adherence in multivariate analysis(p=0.25). High social support was reported by 48.1%, and associated with adherence (p=0.033, aOR=3.45, 95% CI=1.09–5.88). Other factors associated with adherence included in the multivariable model included not disclosing HIV status (p=0.044, aOR=2.17, 95% CI=1.03–4.54) and not living in an urban area (p=0.00037, aOR=0.24, 95% CI=0.11–0.52). Conclusion Interpersonal support, rural residence, and not disclosing HIV status were independent predictors of adherence to ART in the study area.

Source: UG
The influence of distance and quality on utilisation of birthing services at health facilities in Eastern Region, Ghana

Objectives Skilled birth attendance is the single most important intervention to reduce maternal mortality. However, studies have not used routinely collected health service birth data at named health facilities to understand the influence of distance and quality of care on childbirth service utilisation. Thus, this paper aims to quantify the influence of distance and quality of healthcare on utilisation of birthing services using routine health data in Eastern Region, Ghana. Methods We used a spatial interaction model (a model that predicts movement from one place to another) drawing on routine birth data, emergency obstetric care surveys, gridded estimates of number of pregnancies and health facility location. We compared travel distances by sociodemographic characteristics and mapped movement patterns. Results A kilometre increase in distance significantly reduced the prevalence rate of the number of women giving birth in health facilities by 6.7%. Although quality care increased the number of women giving birth in health facilities, its association was insignificant. Women travelled further than expected to give birth at facilities, on average journeying 4.7 km beyond the nearest facility with a recorded birth. Women in rural areas travelled 4 km more than urban women to reach a hospital. We also observed that 56% of women bypassed the nearest hospital to their community. Conclusion This analysis provides substantial opportunities for health planners and managers to understand further patterns of skilled birth service utilisation, and demonstrates the value of routine health data. Also, it provides evidence-based information for improving maternal health service provision by targeting specific communities and health facilities.

Source: UG
The influence of economic policy uncertainty shocks on art market

We contribute to the literature by studying the impact of economic policy uncertainty shocks on returns in the global art market, the global paintings market and the U.S.A art market from 1998: Q1 to 2018:Q3. Based on the frequency domain Granger causality test and continuous wavelets analysis, the results show that an increase in policy uncertainty shocks significantly reduces returns on art and paintings and that the effect is stronger during extreme volatility periods. Policy implications are derived at the end of the article.

Source: UG