ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Reproductive aspects of the black pomfret, Parastromaleus Niger in the Kuwaiti waters of the Arabian Gulf

The reproductive activities of the male and female black promfret parastromateus niger in Kuwaiti waters were investigated from October, 2003 to September, 2005. Analysis of seasonal variations in the gonadosomatic index (GSI) during the two-year study period revealed high values from February to September, suggesting that the black pomfret has a prolonged spawning season, from February to September, suggesting that the black pomfret has a prolonged spawning season, from February to September. GSI fluctuations correlated positively with rising water temperatures in Kuwait from low values in both parameters in January to high values in February/March (r = 0.836, p < 0.05) for males and r = 0.764, p < 0.05 for females), suggesting that temperature plays a role in triggering spawning in both the sexes. Analysis of seasonal distribution of maturity stages for the two years revealed the presence of ripe/running males and females from February to September, thus confirming the spawning periodicity revealed through the analysis of fluctuations in the GSL. Macroscopic and microscopic studies of maturity stages revealed six stages in the males and seven in the females. The logistic function based on pooled data for the two years revealed that the minimum size at sexual maturity (L50) was attained at a size of 30.9 cm SL in males (r2 = 0.284) and 36.5 cam SL in females (r2 = 9.355). The ratio of males to females in monthly samples did not depart significantly from the hypothetical 1:1 during the entire study period (÷ 2 = 61.9, d.f. = 11, p < 0.05). Total fecundity ranged from 71 305 in a fish measuring 39.8 cm SL and weighing 1 572.5 g to 3.895 in a 49 cm SL and 3 630 g fish, with a mean of 1 216.734 eggs. Positive correlations were found between fecundity and ovary-free body weight standard length and ovary weight, and a negative one with egg size. The average relative fecundity was 948 eggs/g ovary-free body weights, which was neither a function of fish standard length nor ovary-free body weight.

Source: UG
Reproductive Autonomy and Modern Contraceptive Use at Last Sex Among Young Women in Ghana

CONTEXT Variability in the conceptualization and measurement of women's empowerment has resulted in inconsistent findings regarding the relationships between empowerment and sexual and reproductive health outcomes. Reproductive autonomy—a specific measure of empowerment—and its role in modern contraceptive use have rarely been assessed in Sub-Saharan contexts. METHODS Survey data were collected from a sample of 325 urban Ghanaian women aged 15-24 recruited from health facilities and schools in Kumasi and Accra in March 2015. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to examine associations between two adapted reproductive autonomy subscales—decision making and communication—and women's use of modern contraceptives at last sex, controlling for demographic, reproductive and social context (i.e., approval of and stigma toward adolescent sexual and reproductive health) covariates. RESULTS In multivariable analyses, reproductive autonomy decision making—but not reproductive autonomy communication—was positively associated with women's modern contraceptive use at last sex (odds ratio, 1.1); age, having been employed in the last seven days and living in Kumasi were also positively associated with modern contraceptive use (1.1-9.8), whereas ever having had a previous pregnancy was negatively associated with the outcome (0.3). Reproductive autonomy decision making remained positively associated with contraceptive use in a subsequent model that included social approval of adolescent sexual and reproductive health (1.1), but not in models that included stigma toward adolescent sexual and reproductive health. CONCLUSIONS The reproductive autonomy construct, and the decision-making subscale in particular, demonstrated relevance for family planning outcomes among young women in Ghana and may have utility in global settings. Future research should explore reproductive autonomy communication and the potential confounding effects of social context.

Source: UG
Reproductive autonomy and pregnancy decision-making among young Ghanaian women

Decision-making regarding the outcome of a pregnancy may include participation of the woman herself, her sexual partner, parents, family, and/or community. This paper examines who had the most say in the outcome of young Ghanaian women’s last pregnancy and whether this correlated with her level of reproductive autonomy (RA). We analysed cross-sectional data from 380 previously pregnant young women in urban Ghana. We measured communication and decision-making RA using modified scales ranging from 3 (low RA) to 12 (high RA). We tested unadjusted associations between the RA sub-scales and who made the pregnancy decision (self, partner, both together, or someone else) and used multinomial regression models to understand these associations when controlling for sociodemographic, reproductive history, and social context variables. In final models, a one-point increase in decision-making RA was associated with an adjusted relative risk ratio of 0.79 (95% CI: 0.66–0.93; p = 0.006) of partner having the most say as compared to the woman having the most say. The communication RA scale was not associated. Programmes that increase RA may be effective in increasing women’s rights to execute decisions about reproductive health and outcomes. Future research should explore this notion and the role of pregnancy disclosure in this relationship.

Source: UG
Reproductive guilds (maturation, spawning frequency and fecundity pomfret, parastromateus niger (Caranguidae) in the Kuwaiti water Gulf

Oogenesis, oocyte maturation pattern, spawning rhythm, spawning frequency, batch fecundity and oocyte diameter-frequency distribution of the black pomfret, Parastromateus niger (Block, 1795) in Kuwaiti waters were investigated from October, 2003 to September, 2005, using histological and morphological methods. The process of development is divided into four major phases: (i) primary growth phase; (ii) secondary growth; (iii) maturation phase; and (iv) spawning phase, followed by the regressed phase. Development of the yolky oocyte maturation, in dear differentiation between a ready batch of oocytes (ready for spawning ) and a reserve pool. Consequently, P. niger is capable of spawning multiple times throughout the reproductive season. Spawning frequency estimates, based on final oocyte maturation (FOM) method indicated that the species spawns once every 2.8 days during an 8-month spawning season lasting from February to September, with a potential annual number of 22.4 spawns. Batch fecundity (BF) (2132-2001 648, mean 406 010 eggs), was significantly positively related to both standard length (SL) P < 0.05) and ovary-free body weight (OFBW) (P < .0.05), both parameters being good predictors of BF (r2 = 30.8% for SL, from 22 cm onwards, and r2 = 29.6% for OFBW, from 129.5 g onwards). No significant differences in monthly BF were found throughout the spawning season. Relative batch fecundity was 336 eggs/g OFBW; thus, estimate for potential annual relative batch fecundity was 7525 eggs g-1 OFBW. The oocyte diameter-frequency distribution analysis revealed a multimodal distribution (at 100-200, 300-400 and 500-700 µm), confirming the evidence of multiple spawning.

Source: UG
Reproductive rights and options available to women infected with HIV in Ghana: perspectives of service providers from three Ghanaian health facilities

Abstract Background Owing to improved management of HIV and its associated opportunistic infections, many HIV-positive persons of reproductive age are choosing to exercise their right of parenthood. This study explored the knowledge of health workers from two Ghanaian districts on the reproductive rights and options available to HIV-positive women who wish to conceive. Methods Facility-based cross-sectional in design, the study involved the entire population of nurse counselors (32) and medical officers (3) who provide counseling and testing services to clients infected with HIV. Both structured and in-depth interviews were conducted after informed consent. Results Two main perspectives were revealed. There was an overwhelmingly high level of approbation by the providers on HIV-positive women&#8217;s right to reproduction (94.3%). At the same time, the providers demonstrated a lack of knowledge regarding the various reproductive options available to women infected with HIV. Site of facility, and being younger were associated with practices that violated client&#8217;s right to contraceptive counseling (p&#8201;&lt;&#8201;0.05) in each case. Some of the providers openly expressed their inability to give qualified guidance to HIV-positive women on the various reproductive options. Conclusions Taken together, these findings suggest that many HIV-positive clients do not receive comprehensive information about their reproductive options. These findings highlight some of the problems that service providers face as HIV counselors. Both service providers and policy makers need to recognize these realities and incorporate reproductive health issues of HIV-persons into the existing guidelines.

Source: UG
Reproductive rights and options available to women infected with HIV in Ghana: perspectives of service providers from three Ghanaian health facilities.

Background: Owing to improved management of HIV and its associated opportunistic infections, many HIV-positive persons of reproductive age are choosing to exercise their right of parenthood. This study explored the knowledge of health workers from two Ghanaian districts on the reproductive rights and options available to HIV-positive women who wish to conceive.Methods: Facility-based cross-sectional in design, the study involved the entire population of nurse counselors (32) and medical officers (3) who provide counseling and testing services to clients infected with HIV. Both structured and in-depth interviews were conducted after informed consent.Results: Two main perspectives were revealed. There was an overwhelmingly high level of approbation by the providers on HIV-positive women's right to reproduction (94.3%). At the same time, the providers demonstrated a lack of knowledge regarding the various reproductive options available to women infected with HIV. Site of facility, and being younger were associated with practices that violated client's right to contraceptive counseling (p < 0.05) in each case. Some of the providers openly expressed their inability to give qualified guidance to HIV-positive women on the various reproductive options.Conclusions: Taken together, these findings suggest that many HIV-positive clients do not receive comprehensive information about their reproductive options. These findings highlight some of the problems that service providers face as HIV counselors. Both service providers and policy makers need to recognize these realities and incorporate reproductive health issues of HIV-persons into the existing guidelines. © 2013 Laar; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.

Source: UG
Reproductive status following artificial insemination in Sanga cows in the Accra Plains of Ghana

The reproductive performance records of 126 Sanga cows bred through artificial insemination (Al) at the Amrahia Dairy Farm from January 1998 to December 2007 were assessed. The intervals from calving to first Al service, calving to conception and calving interval were prolonged. They averaged 158.8 ±8.9 days, 177.5 ± 9.5 days and 517.9 ± 13.5 days respectively. These parameters were not affected (P>0.05) by season of calving preceding Al, season of insemination or sex of calf. The conception rate at first Al service and for all inseminations were low 42.6 % and 46.0% respectively. They were not affected (P<0.05) by the season of insemination. Gestation length averaged 281.6 ±1.4 days. The mean birth weight of calves was 25.7 ± 0.3 kg. Male calves had higher birth weights than female calves (26.9 ±0.4 versus 24.5 ± 0.5 kg; P<0.05). Improving the nutritional status of the cows through strategic supplementation coupled with effective heat detection mechanisms and appropriate timing of Al, as well as efficient methods of storage, transport and handling of semen should improve the reproductive performance of cows.

Source: UG
Reproductive Toxicity of Theobroma cacao: Increase in Survival Index, Nongenotoxic, and Proimplantation Potential

Unsweetened natural cocoa (UNCP) was evaluated for reproductive toxicity in rats. A preliminary genotoxic potential was evaluated by the DNA comet assay test using C57Bl/6 mice. Both therapeutic dose (TD; 900 mg/kg) and high dose (HD; 9000 mg/ kg) of UNCP were used. White Wistar rats were used in two experimental groups. .e females received UNCP 15 days before crossing with untreated males. .e males received UNCP for 48 days before mating with untreated females. Subacute toxicity was observed during a 14-day oral administration of UNCP. Results show that a high tail DNA% was observed with methyl mesylate administration in all tissues analysed. .e lowest tail DNA% value was observed in the liver (1.64 ± 0.26) and kidney (1.63 ± 0.30) during UNCP (TD) administration. UNCP did not induce observable physical congenital malformations on the pubs of treated female and male rats, lacks genotoxic potential, and did not adversely affect pregnancy index, pub weights, and survival index, but UNCP exhibited proimplantation potential (p > 0.05).

Source: UG
Reproductive-Age Women’s Knowledge and Care Seeking for Malaria Prevention and Control in Ghana: Analysis of the 2016 Malaria Indicator Survey

Introduction . Malaria is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, requiring individual and environmental level controls to prevent its adverse morbidity effects. This study examined reproductive-aged women’s knowledge and care-seeking practices for malaria prevention and control in Ghana. Methods . The 2016 Ghana Malaria Indicator Survey data for reproductive-age women was analysed (n=5,150). Multilevel mixed-effects logistic regression model was used to determine factors associated with reproductive-aged women’s knowledge and care-seeking practices for malaria. Results . 62.3%, 81.3%, and 64.6% knowledge levels on causes, signs/symptoms, and prevention of malaria were found, respectively, among respondents. Age, wealth and educational status, religion, region, and place of residence (rural) were found to significantly influence respondents’ knowledge of causes, signs/symptoms, and care-seeking practices for malaria. A 15% differential among Insecticide Treated Nets (ITNs) awareness and use was found. Increasing age (≥35 years) was associated with increasing knowledge of malaria. Regional variations were observed to significantly influence knowledge of malaria treatment. Conclusion . Though ownership of ITNs and knowledge of malaria prevention were high, it did not necessarily translate into use of ITNs. Thus, there is a need to intensify education on the importance and the role of ITNs use in the prevention of malaria.

Source: UG
Republic of Ghana: New Frontier of Democracy New Land of Opportunity

While The New Republic Of Ghana is continuing with the second five-year development plan adopted in 1959, The United Africa Company is energetically making its own contribution to the country's advancement "That the powers of Government spring from the will of the people and should be exercised in accordance therewith; "That freedom and justice should be honored and maintained; "That the union of Arica should be striven for by every lawful means and, when attained, should be faithfully preserved; "That the Independence of Ghana should not be surrendered or diminished on any grounds other than the furtherance of African unity; "That no person should suffer discrimination on grounds of sex, race, tribe, religion or political belief; "That Chieftaincy in Ghana should be guaranteed and-preserved; "That every citizen of Ghana should receive his fair share of the produce yielded by the development of the country; "That ' subject to such restrictions as may be necessary for preserving public order, morality or health, no person should be deprived of freedom of religion or speech, of the right to move and assemble without hindrance or of the right of access to courts of law; and "That no person should be deprived of his property save in accordance with law, and that no law should be made by which a person is deprived of his property without adequate compensation other than a law imposing taxation or prescribing penalties for offences or giving restitution for civil wrongs or protecting health or property."

Source: UG
Republished research: Implementation research: What it is and how to do it

The field of implementation research is growing, but it is not well understood despite the need for better research to inform decisions about health policies, programmes, and practices. This article focuses on the context and factors affecting implementation, the key audiences for the research, implementation outcome variables that describe various aspects of how implementation occurs, and the study of implementation strategies that support the delivery of health services, programmes, and policies. We provide a framework for using the research question as the basis for selecting among the wide range of qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods that can be applied in implementation research, along with brief descriptions of methods specifically suitable for implementation research. Expanding the use of well designed implementation research should contribute to more effective public health and clinical policies and programmes.

Source: UG
Repurposing an integrated national influenza platform for genomic surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 in Ghana: a molecular epidemiological analysis

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
Repurposing an integrated national inﬂuenza platform for genomic surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 in Ghana: a molecular epidemiological analysis

The Epidemiology Department contributes to the mission of the institute through basic and applied epidemiological research on, but not limited to, malaria and other diseases of public health importance. It is also home to the Social Science Unit of the Institute, including the Health Support Centre for HIV/AIDS and other communicable and noncommunicable health problems.

Source: UG
Reputational risks in banks: A review of research themes, frameworks, methods, and future research directions

This study examined the research trends on reputational risk in banks using a systematic literature review and network analysis (SLRNA) approach on 35 research articles published between 2010 and 2020. It was found that only developed countries (i.e., the United States and Europe) has been actively contributing to research on reputational risks in banks, suggesting that reputational risks management of banks has not gained the global attention it deserves. Moreover, we identified five broad research themes from the thematic network analysis, namely, reputational risk of operational losses, reputa national effects of media tone, performance implications of reputational risk management, management of reputational risk in banks, sustainability practices, and reputational risk of banks in the project finance market. Nonetheless, there are still several areas that require further attention. These include the conceptualization of reputational risk management in banks that explore the dynamic and interdependencies in a system think ing framework, the role of corporate governance, environmental and social issues on reputational risk, how sustainability practices shape reputational risk management, the role of political connections in mitigating the reputational effect of operational loss events, and how information and communication technology (ICT) mechanisms impact reputational risk management in banks.

Source: UG
Reputational risks in banks: A review of research themes, frameworks, methods, and future research directions

This study examined the research trends on reputational risk in banks using a systematic literature review and network analysis (SLRNA) approach on 35 research articles published between 2010 and 2020. It was found that only developed countries (i.e., the United States and Europe) have been actively contributing to research on reputational risks in banks, suggesting that reputational risks management of banks has not gained the global attention it deserves. Moreover, we identified five broad research themes from the thematic network analysis, namely, reputational risk of operational losses, reputational effects of media tone, performance implications of reputational risk management, management of reputational risk in banks, sustainability practices and reputational risk of banks in the project finance market. Nonetheless, there still a number of areas that require further attention. These include conceptualization of reputational risk management in banks that explore the dynamic and interdependencies in a system thinking framework, the role of corporate governance, environmental and social issues on reputational risk, how sustainability practices shape reputational risk management, the role of political connections in mitigating reputational effect of operational loss events, and how information and communication technology (ICT) mechanisms impact reputational risk management in banks.

Source: UG
A research agenda for helminth diseases of humans: Health research and capacity building in disease-endemic countries for helminthiases control

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