ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Outreach and sustainability of inventory credit programme in Ghana

The study examined the outreach and sustainability of the inventory credit programme (ICP) in Ghana using both qualitative and quantitative data between 1996 and 2003. The findings revealed that the outreach of the ICP reached the poor with a depth of 25-47% (nationwide) measured in terms of loan size/GNP per capita. The outreach measured in terms of percentage of female clients served was initially 20%, but fairly increased to 59% over the study period. However, a comparative analysis with two successful MFIs in Ghana and standardised performance benchmarks indicate that the ICP did not perform well in reaching the very poor. The results of the financial performance indicate that the ICP was operationally and financially sustainable. Further, the study showed that the ICP had high loan recovery rate which underlies its profitability. However, the ICP operated with a low efficiency measured in terms of adjusted operational expenses ratio. Based on these findings the study concludes that there is a trade-off between outreach to the poorest and a financial sustainability of the ICP which can be mitigated by the enhanced credit allocation through lower cost structures

Source: UCC
Outsourcing and its implications for employee training and development: A case study of Westel

The aim of this study is to examine the effects of outsourcing on employee training and development in Westel. The study argues that when a task is outsourced, the skills and competencies used for the performance of that task will be lost unless an alternative use for that skill is created. This raises the need for employees to be retrained. The study examined the training needs of employees and how such needs were assessed within Westel. The study used the case study approach. The study found that outsourcing has resulted in loss of skills and competencies in Westel. It was also found that Westel uses the performance appraisal system to discuss training needs of employees. It also uses the postcourse evaluation method to evaluate training. The study has revealed that 69% of employees whose roles were changed were retrained. The conclusions are that Westel practices outsourcing without an outsourcing policy. Outsourcing in Westel resulted in the loss of skills and competencies. However, employees whose skills were affected were retrained. The recommendation for the management of Westel is that an outsourcing policy should be instituted. For the human resource department, it is recommended that the professional development programme for employees should be restructured to cater for the needs of both technical and nontechnic al staff. The recommendation for the employees is that activities that interfere with workflow should be reported to the appropriate authority for redress. Finally, the head of the technical department should discuss the content of the Service Level Agreement (SLA) with the monitoring team.

Source: UCC
“Over my Dead Body”: Knowledge and Attitude of Children towards HIV and AIDS in the Cape Coast Metropolis of Ghana

In Ghana, it was estimated in 2013 that some 34,557 children were living with HIV and AIDS. Researches on children’s perception of risk, knowledge and support services for infected persons have been rarely undertaken. This paper is based on responses obtained from 120 in-school children aged 9-13 years drawn from three schools in the Cape Coast Metropolis of Ghana. The respondents provided qualitative data through essays and quantitative data through questionnaires. All the respondents have had some knowledge on HIV and AIDS and knew of where to access HIV and AIDS information. More than seventy per cent of them were not willing to purchase fresh vegetables from AIDS vendors nor were willing to allow AIDS infected female teachers to continue teaching them. It was recommended that children should be targeted with behavioural change communication messages especially by teachers to enable them live harmoniously with people infected and affected with AIDS

Source: UCC
Over-expression of Id2 and Id3 proteins regulates growth and survival of human colon carcinoma (hct116) cells

Inhibitor of differentiation (Id) proteins is members of the Helix-Loop-Helix (HLH) group of transcription factors. These proteins uniquely have no DNA-binding domain and they play vital roles in cell growth, differentiation, senescence, apoptosis, angiogenesis and neoplastic transformation. Objective: This work investigated the pro-apoptotic functions of Id proteins and their loss-or gain-of function mutants to delimit the functional domains that are essential for apoptosis in an in vitro model using human epithelial colon carcinoma cell line (HCT116). Plasmids encoding Id1, Id2, Id3 and Id4 proteins were transiently over-expressed in cultured HCT116. Initially, cell proliferation assay with MTT (3-(4, 5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5- diphenyltetrazolium bromide) was performed, followed by apoptotic and cell cycle analyses on the transfected cells. Apoptotic and cell cycle profiles were generated and statistically analyzed. Id3 protein exhibited a pro-apoptotic effect in colorectal cancer cell lines (HCT116). In addition, over-expression of Id3 resulted in growth arrest in HCT116. Id2 Asp5 showed a pro-apoptotic whilst Id2 Ala5 and Id2 HB enhanced viability of HCT116. These findings suggest that Id2 Asp5 may be loss-of-function mutant in HCT116 lines. The aspartate mutant of Id3 (Id3 Asp5) was observed to be pro-apoptotic. However Id3 Ala5 and Id3 HB showed an anti-apoptotic effect. These findings suggest that Id2 Asp5, Id3 Ala5, Id3 HB and Id3NLS may be loss-of-function mutants in HCT116 whilst Id2 Ala5, Id2 HB and Id3 Asp5 are gain-of-function mutants. These results may suggest that Id2 and Id3 may play essential roles in modulating human epithelial colon carcinoma growth and survival and could provide some hope for therapeutic opportunities in the treatment of colonic cancers

Source: UCC
Overnutrition and associated factors among adults aged 20 years and above in fishing communities in the urban Cape Coast Metropolis, Ghana

Objective: The study aimed to highlight the determinants of overnutrition (overweight plus obesity) in fishing communities and establish if these were the same as reported elsewhere in Ghana. Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting: The study was conducted in Idun, Ola and Duakor fishing communities in Cape Coast, Ghana. Subjects: Adults (n 252) aged 20 to 50 years. Results: Results showed that 32% of participants were overweight/obese (BMI $ 25?0 kg/m2). Participants’ mean age was 31?7 (SD 1?0) years, they had 13?7 (SD 8?1) mean years of formal education, their median monthly income was $US 7?4 (interquartile range $US 3?3, 20?0) and their median daily energy intake was 7?3 (interquartile range 5?3, 9?8) MJ. Significant associations (P,0?05) were found between BMI and gender, age, years of education, fat intake and marital status. Females were almost eight times more likely to be overweight/obese than males (adjusted OR57?7; 95% CI 3?6, 16?4). Persons aged $40 years were about six times more likely to be overweight/obese than those aged 20–29 years (adjusted OR56?1; 95% CI 2?6, 14?1). Married people were nearly three times more likely to be overweight/obese than singles (adjusted OR52?8; 95% Cl 1?4, 5?7). People with more than 13 years of formal education (adjusted OR50?3; 95% CI 0?1, 0?9) and people with .30% fat contribution to daily energy intake (adjusted OR50?3; 95% CI 0?1, 0?6) had reduced odds of being overweight/obese. Conclusions: Overnutrition was prevalent in the fishing communities and associated with factors such as age, gender, marital status, educational status and fat intake

Source: UCC
Overnutrition and associated factors among adults aged 20 years and above in fishing communities in the urban Cape Coast Metropolis, Ghana

Objective: The study aimed to highlight the determinants of overnutrition (overweight plus obesity) in fishing communities and establish if these were the same as reported elsewhere in Ghana. Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting: The study was conducted in Idun, Ola and Duakor fishing communities in Cape Coast, Ghana. Subjects: Adults (n 252) aged 20 to 50 years. Results: Results showed that 32 % of participants were overweight/obese (BMI $ 25?0 kg/m2). Participants’ mean age was 31?7 (SD 1?0) years, they had 13?7 (SD 8?1) mean years of formal education, their median monthly income was $US 7?4 (interquartile range $US 3?3, 20?0) and their median daily energy intake was 7?3 (interquartile range 5?3, 9?8) MJ. Significant associations (P , 0?05) were found between BMI and gender, age, years of education, fat intake and marital status. Females were almost eight times more likely to be overweight/obese than males (adjusted OR 5 7?7; 95 % CI 3?6, 16?4). Persons aged $40 years were about six times more likely to be overweight/obese than those aged 20–29 years (adjusted OR 5 6?1; 95 % CI 2?6, 14?1). Married people were nearly three times more likely to be overweight/obese than singles (adjusted OR 5 2?8; 95 % Cl 1?4, 5?7). People with more than 13 years of formal education (adjusted OR 5 0?3; 95 % CI 0?1, 0?9) and people with .30 % fat contribution to daily energy intake (adjusted OR 5 0?3; 95 % CI 0?1, 0?6) had reduced odds of being overweight/obese. Conclusions: Overnutrition was prevalent in the fishing communities and associated with factors such as age, gender, marital status, educational status and fat intake.

Source: UCC
Overnutrition and associated factors among adults aged 20 years and above in fishing communities in the urban Cape Coast Metropolis, Ghana

Objective: The study aimed to highlight the determinants of overnutrition (overweight plus obesity) in fishing communities and establish if these were the same as reported elsewhere in Ghana. Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting: The study was conducted in Idun, Ola and Duakor fishing communities in Cape Coast, Ghana. Subjects: Adults (n 252) aged 20 to 50 years. Results: Results showed that 32 % of participants were overweight/obese (BMI $ 25?0 kg/m2). Participants’ mean age was 31?7 (SD 1?0) years, they had 13?7 (SD 8?1) mean years of formal education, their median monthly income was $US 7?4 (interquartile range $US 3?3, 20?0) and their median daily energy intake was 7?3 (interquartile range 5?3, 9?8) MJ. Significant associations (P , 0?05) were found between BMI and gender, age, years of education, fat intake and marital status. Females were almost eight times more likely to be overweight/obese

Source: UCC
Overt communication or covert rhetoric: A study of American medical informed consent forms

Informed consent forms are a sine qua non in today’s biomedical research. This article explores the rhetoric of ten informed consent forms approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration and an American mid-western university, and how researchers addressed bioethical concerns. Results show that the forms contain a strong apodictic logic congruent with the values enshrined in the canonical codes. Researchers, however, took precautions to distance themselves from the process of consent lest they be accused of influencing subjects. The report signals the need for vigorous technical communication research

Source: UCC
An Overview of Political and Economic Development in Ghana from 1957-2008

This paper examines the overview of the political and economic development in Ghana from 1957 to the year 2008. The past five decade has witnessed morass in the political and the economic landscape of Ghana. Governments, both civilian and military all came to power with the promise of a better Ghana for Ghanaians. However, for over fifty years after independence, the country has not experienced a major economic take-off, even though there has been some level of stability in the political terrain. The study adopted both primary and secondary sources of data to examine the political and the economic development of Ghana from 1957 to 2008. Out of 68 respondents, 52% asserted that Ghana, like most developing countries, lacks the capital needed to enhance economic growth and development. Hence, donor assistance has played a significant role in the development of the country.As a result of the continuous flow of assistance from the developed world to aid the development of the country, Ghana has become aid dependent.Seventy two percent (72%) of Ghanaians are of the view that Ghana is donor dependent. The inability of the country to internally generate revenue for budget funding makes it impossible for the country to wean itself off donor assistance. This study therefore concludes that political stability is very relevant in the search for sustainable economic growth and development in the search for sustainable economic growth and development in Ghana

Source: UCC
An overview of the community led total sanitation approach in some selected communities in the Central Region

This study was to assess the Community Led Total Sanitation (CLTS) approach to sanitation delivery in selected communities in the Central region.One hundred and forty–five householders were randomly selected from four communities. Interview guides, interview schedules and observational checklists were used to obtain the data from respondents. Frequencies, percentages, tables and cross-tabulations were used to analyse the data. The study revealed that the practice of open defecation was eradicated after CLTS implementation and community members adopted improved household latrines. Again, the findings showed the triggering of community members was handled mainly by Local NGOs with the support of Plan Ghana and Community Water and Sanitation Agency (CWSA).The study identified a number of institution involved in CLTS implementation such as CWSA, Plan Ghana, Water and SanitationCommittee Members (WATSANs) and District Water and Sanitation Teams (DWSTs). Findings revealed that these institutions knew exactly what their roles were and roles of their partner institutions. However, the study revealed some major institutional challenges including inadequate funds for CLTS monitoring and WATSAN activities, inadequate logistical support for the WATSANs and the DWSTs, limited number of staff and capacity at the district level among others.It is recommended that the banks must assist community members through micro-credits for latrine construction;WATSANs given adequate financial motivation; adequate funds provided by the district for follow-up activities etc.

Source: UCC
An overview on exploitation of male sterility for development of hybrids and seed production in hot pepper

Male-sterility in chili was documented for the first time in the 1950’s. Since then, considerable knowledge has been accumulated on the nature of the trait, the means of its identification, induction, inheritance of both genetic and cytoplasmic genetic male-sterility, maintenance of inbreds, and their potential for breeding hybrid cultivars. Heterosis for various economic traits like; maturity, fruit weight, size, number and total yield have been utilized. Today, several internationally known seed companies and research institute use the genetic mechanism [msms] on a large scale for producing hybrids of sweet pepper, whereas the cytoplasmic genetic sterility [(S) Rf rf] is used mainly for breeding pungent hybrids. The possibilities of exploitation of male sterility for crop improvement as well as production of F1 hybrids have been reviewed and discussed in the present paper. Biochemical as well as biotechnological aspects of this phenomenon has also been vividly reviewed

Source: UCC
Overweight and obesity among women in Ghana.

Overweight and obesity are among the leading threats to global health because of their association with increased risk of mortality and morbidity. Based on the pragmatist philosophical stance, a mixed method design was employed in this study to compare the socio-demographic and behavioural factors associated with overweight or obesity between childbearing and non childbearing women in Ghana, using data from the 2003 and 2008 Ghana Demographic and Health Surveys. Further, perceptions, attitudes and experiences of women concerning overweight and obesity were explored using in-depth interviews with purposefully sampled women. using in-depth interviews with purposefully sampled women. In the interviews, participants subjectively explained overweight and obesity. They knew about some causes and consequences of overweight and obesity, but mostly relied on unconventional measures to manage their weight. Some weight stereotyping was evident, with some women denying their overweight or obese status. There is the need for the Ministry of Health to collaborate with other relevant agencies to undertake multi-faceted interventions that target specific groups and behaviours in order to curtail overweight and obesity among women in Ghana.

Source: UCC
Ownership Structure and Performance of Firms Listed on Ghana Stock Exchange

The study examined the relationship between ownership structure and performance of firms listed on the on the Ghana Stock Exchange. The study collected annual series of data spanning from 2007 to 2016. The study made use of quantitative approach and employed a sample of 25 firms listed on the Ghana Stock Exchange to examine the effect of ownership structure on firm performance. The study also obtained data on ownership structure from audited annual reports while data on performance was obtained from Ghana Stock Exchange factbook, GSE profile of listed firms and audited annual report. The study employed the generalized least squares panel regression analysis technique to analyse the data. The study also measured performance on the aspect of accounting base measure (Return on Asset) and market base measure (Tobin‟s Q). The findings revealed that institutional ownership, government ownership have a significant negative relationship with both return on asset and Tobin‟s Q which are measures of firm performance. The study also found a negative significant relationship between managerial ownership and firm performance. However, block shareholding have a negative relationship with firm performance. The study suggest that there is the need to encourage block shareholding since is a good governance mechanism to reduce agency cost and increase firm performance.

Source: UCC
Ownership Structure and Performance of Unlisted Firms in Ghana

Major organizational decisions that greatly influence enterprise performance have the core mandate from the nature of ownership, which require constant empirical evaluation. The main purpose of the study was to examine the relationship between ownership variables and financial performance of unlisted enterprises in Ghana using the 2013 World Bank Enterprise Survey panel dataset which have two time period and 720 enterprises. The study used the quantitative research approach. Five different ownership variables were used along with profitability per employee as proxy enterprise financial performance for the analysis. Comparison of means based on ANOVA and static panel regression models were used for the analyses. The results suggested that differences in financial performance of enterprises can be explained by ownership structure of an enterprise. Specifically, ownership concentration had negative but increasing effects on profitability per employee of enterprises. The analysis revealed that unlisted enterprises with traded or non-traded shares outperformed the partnership enterprises, but had identical performance with the sole proprietors in terms of profit per employee in the manufacturing sector. Foreign ownership was found to impact directly on profitability in the service sector but not in the manufacturing sector of Ghana. Formal status was also found to be beneficiary in the manufacturing enterprises than service enterprises. The study recommends that owners of enterprises in the manufacturing sector must open up to foreign direct investment by reducing inside concentration. Management of enterprises in the service sector must go formal in order to reap the benefits of formality.

Source: UCC
Oxidative Stress among Ghanaian Patients presenting with Chronic Kidney Disease

Dyslipidaemia and lipid peroxidation are known risk factors for chronic kidney disease (CKD). This study assessed the lipid profile and oxidative stress/lipid peroxidation in CKD patient, using the oxidative stress marker, Malondialdehyde (MDA) and antioxidants; Vitamins A and C, Cata- lase and Uric Acid. The study population included 146 individuals with mean age 50.18 ± 1.14 with various CKD, s and who were undialysed. Another 80 healthy subjects without kidney pathology but of similar age and sex distribution were used as controls. With the exception of HDL-C, which showed no significant difference when CKD patients were compared with controls (1.35±0.0 5 vs 1.61±0.20, p= 0.2114, total cholesterol (TC) (4.54±0.13 vs 5.63±0.13, p=0.0274), low density lipopro- tein cholesterol (LDL-C) (106.30 ± 4.00 vs 126.30± 5.57, p=0.0134), and triglycerides (TG) (1.52± 0.08 vs 1.84±0.09, p=0.0086) increased significantly in the CKD patients. Serum MDA increased significantly (1.22 ± 0.10 vs 2.66 ± 0.07, p=0.0001) in the CKD patients as compared to the controls and increased with the severity of the condition. Vitamin A (9.76±3.03 vs 16.1±5.21, p=0.0012), Cat- alase (57.49±1.18 vs 71.98±2.91, p=0.0001) and Uric Acid (266.68±11.00 vs 333.90±10.02, p=<0.0001) increased significantly in the CKD subjects compared to controls, whilst vitamin C (0.54±0.02 vs. 0.34±0.05, p=0.0001) decreased significantly among the CKD subjects. Dyslipidaemia and in- creased oxidative stress with abnormal antioxidant levels are common in CKD patients. Therapeu- tic regimens aimed at strengthening the antioxidant defenses besides normalizing lipid concentra- tions would protect CKD patients against oxidative stress and any related complications.

Source: UCC
Oxygen Therapy:Assessing Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Nurses Working in Three Selected Hospitals in the Tarkwansuaem Municipality

Oxygen therapy has been an important aspect in clinical practice for more than 20 decades. Oxygen is an undeniable live-saving gas when its double-edged nature is evaluated appropriately. Hence, as its administration plays a vital role in nursing practice, it is imperative for nurses and midwives to ensure that patients are provided with only the therapeutic characters of oxygen therapy while the toxic characters are prevented. This study aimed to assess knowledge, attitude and practice of nurses and midwives regarding oxygen therapy. In this study, a quantitative, cross-sectional hospital-based study was conducted, covering 207 nurses and midwives of which 182 survey responses were valid for data analysis. Data was analysed with descriptive and inferential parametric statistics. In this study, participants demonstrated knowledge, attitude and practice gap on oxygen therapy. 1.10% of the participates had adequate knowledge (≥ 80) with about 4 out of 10 (37.91%) participants having satisfactory attitude, which is low level of attitude. More so, in relation to the practice in oxygen therapy, none of the nurses and midwives could be categorized to have safe practice. Likewise, majority of the participants (60.44%) reported not to have adequate resources in their hospitals. Key recommendations include a need for periodic retraining on oxygen therapy to enhance attitude and knowledge of nurses and midwives and to ensure standard quality of nursing practice in this area.

Source: UCC