ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
A five-year neonatal mortality trend in a Ghanaian Teaching Hospital after the implementation of strategies to achieve the Millenium Development Goal (MDG) 4

Various strategies have been put in place in Ghana to achieve the United Nations millennium development goal 4 (MDG 4) on reducing childhood mortality rates by two-thirds by 2015. Global under-five mortality rate is declining but the proportion of death due to neonatal deaths is still high. We, therefore, examined the trend in neonatal mortality in a tertiary hospital from 2008 to 2012 to ascertain whether the strategies have been effective. Data were analysed using SPSS v 20.32. Neonatal mortality rates decreased steadily from 32 per 1000 live births in 2008 to 14 in 2011, but increased drastically to 39 per 1000 live births in 2012. The overall neonatal mortality rate was 27 per 1000 live births. Majority, 1434 (83%) of the neonates died within 24 hours of birth and 28 (2%) occurred after 2 weeks. The five topmost causes of neonatal deaths within the period were: prematurity, birth asphyxia, neonatal sepsis, neonatal jaundice, and respiratory distress. In furtherance, neonatal mortality decreased gradually in the first four years but turned upward in the fifth year. Improvement in employee incentives and adequate preparation of care providers for early neonatal care was recommended

Source: UCC
A Five-Year Neonatal Mortality Trend in a Ghanaian Teaching Hospital after the Implementation of Strategies to Achieve the Millenium Development Goal (MDG) 4

Various strategies have been put in place in Ghana to achieve the United Nations millennium development goal 4 (MDG 4) on reducing childhood mortality rates by two-thirds by 2015. Global under-five mortality rate is declining but the proportion of death due to neonatal deaths is still high. We, therefore, examined the trend in neonatal mortality in a tertiary hospital from 2008 to 2012 to ascertain whether the strategies have been effective. Data were analysed using SPSS v 20.32. Neonatal mortality rates decreased steadily from 32 per 1000 live births in 2008 to 14 in 2011, but increased drastically to 39 per 1000 live births in 2012. The overall neonatal mortality rate was 27 per 1000 live births. Majority, 1434 (83%) of the neonates died within 24 hours of birth and 28 (2%) occurred after 2 weeks. The five topmost causes of neonatal deaths within the period were: prematurity, birth asphyxia, neonatal sepsis, neonatal jaundice, and respiratory distress. In furtherance, neonatal mortality decreased gradually in the first four years but turned upward in the fifth year. Improvement in employee incentives and adequate preparation of care providers for early neonatal care was recommended.

Source: UCC
Fixed points and some qualitative properties of neutral functional differential equations, neutral functional difference equations, and dynamic equations on time scale

This thesis is concerned with the qualitative properties of solutions of neutral functional differential equations, neutral functional difference equations and dynamic equations on time scale. Some of the equations are of the first and second order whereas some are systems of equations. All these equations are delay equations with constant or variable delays.Fixed point theory is used extensively in this thesis to investigate the qualitative properties of solutions of neutral delay equations. In particular, the Krasnoselskii’s fixed point theorem, the Krasnoselskii-Burton fixed point theorem and the Banach’s fixed point theorem are used in the thesis. We invert the equations and the results of the inversions are used to define suitable mappings which are then used to discuss the qualitative properties of solutions to certain classes of neutral functional equations considered. Sufficient conditions are established to discuss the qualitative properties such as periodicity, positivity, and stability of the classes of neutral equations of our focus.

Source: UCC
Flavonoid-rich extract of Dissotis Rotundifolia whole plant protects against ethanol-induced gastric mucosal damage

Dissotis rotundifolia is a plant in the family Melastomataceae. 'e methanolic extract of the whole plant is reported to be rich in C-glycosylfavones such as itexin and orientin. Tough there are several reports on the ethno medicinal use of this plant extract in stomach ulcers, experimental-based data is unavailable. 'e drive for carrying out this research was to obtain data on the possible ameliorative effect of the whole plant extract of Dissotis rotundifolia (DRE) in gastric ulcerations induced by ethanol in Sprague Dawley (SD) rats. SD rats were pretreated with 100, 300, and 500 mg/kg of DRE for 14 days after which an ulcerogen-ethanol was administered. Gross examinations of the stomach lining and histological analysis of gastric lesions were carried out coupled with an assessment of the antioxidant activity of gastric mucosa using MDA, GSH, CAT, and SOD as indicators. 'e data suggested a significant attenuation in gastric mucosal damage in DRE-pretreated ethanol-induced gastric ulcer reflected in the antioxidant status. There was also a reduction or absence of hemorrhage, edema, and leucocytes infiltration in DRE-treated groups compared to the negative control group. DRE conserved glutathione (GSH) levels, reduced malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, and enhanced catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) enzyme levels. The present study shows that DRE possess protective effects against ethanol-induced ulcer damage in the stomach of rats, which could be attributed to its antioxidant activity

Source: UCC
Flexible Bayesian Methods For Inflation Modelling In Ghana

Inflation data may exhibit structural instability that might have been engineered by informative macroeconomic variables. Failure to include this relevant economic information in the statistical modelling procedure may produce disingenuous information leading to wrong conclusion. In view of this, this thesis proposed Bayesian-Gaussian process regression, GPR methods based on compound covariance function for modelling inflation in Ghana. The approach model inflation as a mean zero Gaussian process in terms of the observation time with a compound covariance function designed to account for the short-, medium-, and long-term structural characteristics of the inflation process. Macroeconomic variables that drive inflation are incorporated into the model via the covariance using moment-based statistics as alternative macroeconomic predictors. The moment-based macroeconomic predictors serve as transformed predictors and were built based on the existing interrelationships among the variables such that they allow automatic control of the interrelationships, autocorrelation and outliers. This allows Bayesian GPR to be applied to macroeconomic data in which there exist interrelationships. MCMC inference methods were built for the developed GPR models and experimented using real macroeconomic data from Bank of Ghana (BoG) website. Results show that Bayesian GPR models with moment-based macroeconomic predictors outperform their original data predictors in fitting inflation on food and non- food data.

Source: UCC
Flexible statistical modelling of the occurrences of transcription factor binding sites along a dna sequence

Experimental studies used in investigating the binding of specific factors to DNA along the genome are time consuming and expensive. Additionally, the increasing amount of data being produced with binding sites for different transcriptional regulators call for modern computational techniques for analysing binding patterns of several factors. In this paper, flexible statistical modelling techniques in the form of multivariate Hawkes processes have been used to model the occurrences of transcriptional regulatory elements (TREs) and their interaction along DNA sequence using 1% human genome ENCODE pilot data. We employed statistical procedures and techniques to model the transcription factor binding sites of addition, similar patterns of interaction effects of each TREs on the others are observed. In all cases, the Hawkes log kernel model gives a better fit. The model, which is also in terms of histone modification elements, adequately captures the extreme inter-distances that usually characterise the transform point processes.ten TREs through favoured or avoided distances. It is generally revealed that there is interaction among transcription factor binding sites. In addition, similar patterns of interaction effects of each TREs on the others are observed. In all cases, the Hawkes log kernel model gives a better fit. The model, which is also in terms of histone modification elements, adequately captures the extreme inter-distances that usually characterise the transform point processes

Source: UCC
Flood disaster risk mapping in the lower mono river basin in Togo, West Africa

Flooding is the most devastating hydro-meteorological hazard in Togo. For instance, communities in the Lower Mono River Basin need attention because they suffer the impacts almost every year. This paper focused on assessment and mapping of social flood risk in the Lower Mono River Basin, West Africa. The study combined GIS, Remote Sensing, and indicator-based flood risk assessment techniques in mapping flood disaster risk. The Risk Assessment Framework of Davidson (1997) and Bolin et al. (2003) that comprises Hazard, Exposure, Vulnerability and Capacity was adopted for the study. The resultant risk map shows that all the communities are exposed to flood risk but particular ones such as Agbanakin, Azime Dossou and Togbavi are found in areas with relatively high flood risk levels. Positive attitude towards early action and early warning systems, collaboration among disaster relief institutions and appropriate building codes are recommended for reduction of flooding disaster risk

Source: UCC
Flood risk assessment and reduction in the Ankobra estuary of the Western Region of Ghana

Floods are common phenomena within the Ankobra estuary. However, the unavailability of records on the nature of floods, exposure of communities to floods and a flood risk map tend to limit effective flood risk control and management within the estuary. This study therefore sought to assess flood risk within the Ankobra estuary and examine how geodesign can be used as a flood risk reduction strategy within the plan. The research techniques employed in the study include interviews, community mapping, observation, measurements (tape) and geographic information systems techniques (onscreen digitising, global positioning system mapping, spatial multi-criteria evaluation and geodesign). Results from the study indicate that the estuary experiences three types of flood (riverine, coastal and urban). Risk levels derived ranged from extreme, 0.75 – 1; high, 0.5 – 0.74; medium 0.25 – 0.49 to low, 0 – 0.24. The extreme risk zone covered an area of 46,725m2; high risk zone covered 701,525m2; moderate risk zone, 248,150m2 and low risk zone, 9,167,758m2. Geodesign simulations (change of height foundation of buildings and remodelled landscape including drainage system) were undertaken. They produced more desirable result than the original risk levels. It was recommended that persons within high risk zones after the geodesign simulations should be relocated to low risk zones.

Source: UCC
Flooding and its effects on the quality of health of residents of Maamobi in the Ayawaso North Municipality of The Greater Accra Region Of Ghana

The occurrences of floods in Accra have become an annual event with severe consequences mostly felt by the urban poor. The study assessed flooding and its overall effects on the quality of life of residents of Maamobi in the Ayawaso East Municipality of the Greater Accra region of Ghana. The study was a descriptive survey and the views of 150 respondents were sought through the administration of questionnaires. Primary and Secondary sources of data collection method were used and data collected from the field was processed and analysed through the use of Statistical Product and Service Solutions (SPSS) version 16.0. Opinions were quite varied regarding the human-induced activities contributing to flooding as majority (42%) of the respondents believed it is poor urban development. It was revealed from the study that 68% of the respondents believed that they experienced flooding whenever there was a heavy rainfall within the Community and 54% often times experienced flooding between May and June of each year. Knowledge and perception of residents about flood are key in solving flooding-related activities within the community. However, the knowledge and perception of respondents on the condition of flood was quite mixed but a majority of 62% of the respondents believe shallow running water is a flood condition. It can therefore, be concluded that the knowledge and perception risk of residents of Maamobi with regards to flooding are quite high; making them to adapt strategies to mitigate flooding disaster. Government should mainstream flood risk management into wider development plan. This can afford local government not to ignore risks, particularly those related to flood, climate change, urbanization and environmental degradation.

Source: UCC
Flooding and livelihood adaptation strategies of farmers in Builsa South and Talensi districts in the Upper East Region

The livelihoods of farmers in the Upper East Region of Ghana, is based on crop production which is often been affected by floods. As a result, farmers have continuously been adjusting their livelihood against the impacts of floods. This study examined the effects of flooding on farmers‟ livelihood and the adaptation strategies of farmers to ensure food security. Using cross-sectional and descriptive designs, a concurrent mixed method approach involving both quantitative and qualitative research methodologies were used. The sample size was 343 respondents who were selected using multi-stage and simple random sampling techniques. In addition, four key informants were purposively selected for in-depth interviews while two focus group discussions with male and female farmer groups were also conducted. Analysis of data involved the application of descriptive statistics and chi-square test. The study found that respondents largely had access to farmlands for crop production even though they did not have absolute control over the lands. Also, floods negatively affected farmers, leading to the reduction in crop production. The major challenge confronting flood adaptation was finance and inadequate institutional support. However, the study concludes that floods contributed to serious food security challenges among farmers in the selected districts. It was, therefore, recommended that farmers should engage in small scale enterprises in the form of petty trading and joint businesses to support their traditional livelihood source which can boost their food security. Farmers should also work with the various NADMO coordinators in the districts to develop a comprehensive public information system within their localities to create awareness on the dangers and impacts of floods as a way of preparing themselves for the floods.

Source: UCC
Flooding and Livelihood Adaptation Strategies of Farmers in Builsa South and Talensi Districts in the Upper East Region

The livelihoods of farmers in the Upper East Region of Ghana, is based on crop production which is often been affected by floods. As a result, farmers have continuously been adjusting their livelihood against the impacts of floods. This study examined the effects of flooding on farmers’ livelihood and the adaptation strategies of farmers to ensure food security. Using cross-sectional and descriptive designs, a concurrent mixed method approach involving both quantitative and qualitative research methodologies were used. The sample size was 343 respondents who were selected using multi-stage and simple random sampling techniques. In addition, four key informants were purposively selected for in-depth interviews while two focus group discussions with male and female farmer groups were also conducted. Analysis of data involved the application of descriptive statistics and chi-square test. The study found that respondents largely had access to farmlands for crop production even though they did not have absolute control over the lands. Also, floods negatively affected farmers, leading to the reduction in crop production. The major challenge confronting flood adaptation was finance and inadequate institutional support. However, the study concludes that floods contributed to serious food security challenges among farmers in the selected districts. It was, therefore, recommended that farmers should engage in small scale enterprises in the form of petty trading and joint businesses to support their traditional livelihood source which can boost their food security. Farmers should also work with the various NADMO coordinators in the districts to develop a comprehensive public information system within their localities to create awareness on the dangers and impacts of floods as a way of preparing themselves for the floods.

Source: UCC
Flooding related challenges of lagoon settlements: A case study of Keta, Ghana

Floods occur when a body of water rises to overflow land which is normally not submerged. The causes and socio-economic effects of flooding in the lagoon settlement basin have been investigated in this research. The Keta Lagoon floods its banks and as a consequence leads to destruction of lives and properties. This study aimed at investigating the effects of lagoon flooding on communities along the Keta lagoon, as an environmental hazard on life, property and the socio-economic activities of residents. The study adopted descriptive research design and employed both primary and secondary data and used convenient sampling technique to administer 395 questionnaires. Four (4) key informants were purposely selected from related institutions. The study found out that the causes of flooding in the Keta lagoon settlement basin were both natural and artificial. Climate change contributed to the natural cause of flooding through increase in annual and seasonal rainfall at least, over the last thirty years. Rise in rainfall led to increase in the discharge of the Keta lagoon. The man-made causes of flooding in the Keta lagoon include poor land use, unplanned development of settlements, and indiscriminate disposal of refuse into and on the banks of the lagoon. The socio-economic effects of floods in the basin include loss of life and property as well as financial and health problems faced by inhabitants of the basin. Also, the actions and inactions of concerned institutions have encouraged the haphazard development of settlements in the basin. The resettlement of communities in the Keta Lagoon basin and the enforcement of laws which protect the environment and its inhabitants as well as the proper disposal of refuse were key recommendations made as a solution to the problem.

Source: UCC
Floods in the Douala metropolis, Cameroon: attribution to changes in rainfall characteristics or planning failures?

With urban populations worldwide expected to witness substantial growth over the next decades, pressure on urban land and resources is projected to increase in response. For policy-makers to adequately meet the challenges brought about by changes in the dynamics of urban areas, it is important to clearly identify and communicate their causes. Floods in Douala (the most densely populated city in the central African sub-region), are being associated chieﬂy with changing rainfall patterns, resulting from climate change in major policy circles. We investigate this contention using statistical analysis of daily rainfall time-series data covering the period 1951 2008, and tools of geographic information systems. Using attributes such as rainfall anomalies, trends in the rainfall time series, daily rainfall maxima and rainfall intensity duration frequency, we ﬁnd no explanation for the attribution of an increase in the occurrences and severity of ﬂoods to changing rainfall patterns. The culprit seems to be the massive increase in the population of Douala, in association with poor planning and investment in the city’s infrastructure. These demographic changes and poor planning have occurred within a physical geography setting that is conducive for the inducement of ﬂoods. Failed urban planning in Cameroon since independence set the city up for a ﬂood-prone land colonization. This today translates to a situation in which large portions of the city’s surface area and the populations they harbor are vulnerable to the city’s habitual annual ﬂoods. While climate change stands to render the city even more vulnerable to ﬂoods, there is no evidence that current ﬂoods can be attributed to the changes in patterns of rainfall being reported in policy and news domains

Source: UCC
Floristic composition and abundance of weeds in an oil palm plantation in Ghana

The weed flora in an oil palm plantation situated in a semi-deciduous forest zone in Central Region of Ghana was assessed to identify the weeds and evaluate their abundance. The comprehensive stock of weeds obtained was analyzed to determine the relative abundance of taxa and life forms. One hundred and thirty-six weed species belonging to 33 dicot families, 3 monocot families and 8 families of Pteridophyta were identified. The weed families derived from seven subclasses; the most diverse of the dicots were the Rosidae and Asteridae. The monocots present were from the Commelinidae. Eight plant life forms were identified; the most diverse were the herbs, which consisted of 79 species and 56 genera; and the shrubs which consisted of 32 species and 26 genera. In terms of abundance and distribution, weeds of Poaceae and Asteraceae were found to be far more invasive. Chromolaena odorata, Aspillia africana and Melanthera scandens of the Asteraceae, Panicum maximum and Imperata cylindrica of the Poaceae and Mallotus oppositifolius of the Euphorbiaceae were widespread and problematic. The diversity of weed species was high in the oil palm plantation

Source: UCC
Folding forms of Escherichia coli DmsD, a twin-arginine leader binding protein

Escherichia coli DmsD interacts with the twin-arginine leader sequence of the catalytic sub-unit (DmsA) of DMSO reductase. DmsD was purified as a mixture of a number of different folding forms including: dimer (A); monomer (B); a minor thiol oxidized form; a heterogeneously folded or multi-conformational monomer form which displayed a ladder of bands on native-PAGE (D); and proteolytically degraded and aggregated forms. Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE), under denaturing and non-denaturing conditions, was used to examine the folding and stability of DmsD. Additionally, the biophysical methods of dynamic light scattering, circular dichroism, fluorescence, and mass spectroscopy were also used. Form D could be converted to form B by treatment with 4M urea, which is the concentration at which form B begins to denature. Forms A/B could be converted to D by incubation at pH 5.0. Forms A/B and D all had twin-arginine leader binding activity. 2004 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved

Source: UCC