ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Robust estimation of Pareto-type tail index through an exponential regression model

In this paper, we introduce a robust estimator of the tail index of a Pareto-type distribution. The estimator is obtained through the use of the minimum density power divergence with an exponential regression model for log-spacings of top order statistics. The pro posed estimator is compared to existing minimum density power divergence estimators of the tail index based on fitting an extended Pareto distribution and exponential regression model on log-ratio of spacings of order statistics. We derive the influence function and gross error sensitivity of the proposed estimator of the tail index to study its robustness properties. In addition, a simulation study is conducted to assess the performance of the estimators under different contaminated samples from different distributions. The results show that our proposed estimator of the tail index has better mean square errors and is less sensitive to an increase in the number of top order statistics. In addition, the estimation of the exponential regression model yields estimates of second-order parameters that can be used for estimation of extreme events such as quantiles and exceedance probabilities. The proposed estimator is illustrated with practical datasets on insurance claims and calcium content in soil samples.

Source: UG
Robust facial expression recognition system in higher poses

Facial expression recognition (FER) has numerous applications in computer security, neuroscience, psychology, and engineering. Owing to its non-intrusiveness, it is considered a useful technology for combating crime. However, FER is plagued with several challenges, the most serious of which is its poor prediction accuracy in severe head poses. The aim of this study, therefore, is to improve recognition accuracy in severe head poses by proposing a robust 3D head-tracking algorithm based on an ellipsoidal model, advanced ensemble of AdaBoost, and saturated vector machine (SVM). The FER features are tracked from one frame to the next using the ellipsoidal tracking model, and the Visible, expressive facial key points are extracted using Gabor filters. The ensemble algorithm (Ada-AdaSVM) is then used for feature selection and classification. The proposed technique is evaluated using the Bosphorus, BU-3DFE, MMI, CK+ and BP4D-Spontaneous facial expression databases. The overall performance is outstanding.

Source: UG
Robust medical image compression based on wavelet transform and vector quantization

Medical imaging, such as Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Computed Tomography (CT), and Ultrasound, serves as a precursor for determining a patient's expedition towards therapeutics or surgery. The rising pervasiveness of chronic illnesses worldwide has resulted in a great increase in the number of diagnostic imaging techniques being executed annually. This, in turn, has given rise to more advanced imaging technologies and software to expedite accurate diagnosis. For the purposes of patient medical history, these images are stored for very long periods. Also, future research and medical developments renders such records very sensitive, emphasizing their need to be stored. Storing, however, poses a great challenge since there is limited storage capacity to preserve these ever growing medical images. Any technology that improves medical image compression is welcome, since indirectly, it also promotes applications such as telemedicine that require fewer bits to transmit imagery over a computer network. In this study is proposed a DWT-VQ (Discrete Wavelet Transform – Vector Quantization) technique to compress images, and to preserve their perceptual quality at a medically tolerant level. In this hybrid technique, speckle and salt and pepper noises in ultrasound imagery are significantly reduced. If the image is not ultrasound, the process has a negligible effect, but the edge is preserved. The images are then filtered using DWT. A threshold approach is applied to generate coefficients by efficient means. The result is then vector quantized. Finally, the quantized coefficients are Huffman encoded. The resulting bits that represent the compressed image are then stored, and retrieved when needed. The result of the proposed technique is promising, as it outperforms other recent techniques.

Source: UG
Rodent-borne infections in rural Ghanaian farming communities

Most research activities involve the use of molecular methods such as regular PCR (PCR), quantitative PCR (Q-PCR), genomic sequence and analysis using different software, genetic engineering, probe hybridization techniques, biological and molecular cloning, evaluation of immune markers for laboratory diagnosis of infections, serological assays involving the use of rapid tests, ELISA-based evaluations and immunofluorescent assay techniques.

Source: UG
Rodents and herpetofauna as household pests in the Accra Metropolis, Ghana

Small manuals and herpetofaunal household pests, known for their economic damages, health implication and nuisance effects on people, are frequently seen in the Ghanaian home environment. This study, therefore, was aimed at assessing the relationship between the level of infrastructural development and the abundance, control methods and perception of people about rodents and herpetofaunal household pests. The results indicated that the incidence of rodents and anurans decreased with increasing infrastructural development on of the areas. The use of control measures as well as the type of control measure employed was also dependent on infrastructural development with the underdeveloped areas employing more physical and sanitary measures on daily basis, contrary to weekly and monthly bases in the developed and developing areas. The chemical control was mostly used in the developing areas while biological control as the main vertebrate pest control method in the developed area. The level of infrastructural development of an area, therefore, gives an indication of the kind of herpetofaunal and small mammal pests likely to be prevent in an area, and the consequence of their infestation. This information is particularly important to the choice of accommodation for rental purposes as well as town or planning.

Source: UG
Role and outcomes of community health workers in HIV care in sub-Saharan Africa: a systematic review

Introduction: The provision of HIV treatment and care in sub-Saharan Africa faces multiple challenges, including weak health systems and attrition of trained health workers. One potential response to overcome these challenges has been to engage community health workers (CHWs). Methodology: A systematic literature search for quantitative and qualitative studies describing the role and outcomes of CHWs in HIV care between inception and December 2012 in sub-Saharan Africa was performed in the following databases: PubMed, PsychINFO, Embase, Web of Science, JSTOR, WHOLIS, Google Scholar and SAGE journals online. Bibliographies of included articles were also searched. A narrative synthesis approach was used to analyze common emerging themes on the role and outcomes of CHWs in HIV care in sub-Saharan Africa. Results: In total, 21 studies met the inclusion criteria, documenting a range of tasks performed by CHWs. These included patient support (counselling, home-based care, education, adherence support and livelihood support) and health service support (screening, referral and health service organization and surveillance). CHWs were reported to enhance the reach, uptake and quality of HIV services, as well as the dignity, quality of life and retention in care of people living with HIV. The presence of CHWs in clinics was reported to reduce waiting times, streamline patient flow and reduce the workload of health workers. Clinical outcomes appeared not to be compromised, with no differences in virologic failure and mortality comparing patients under community-based and those under facility-based care. Despite these benefits, CHWs faced challenges related to lack of recognition, remuneration and involvement in decision making. Conclusions: CHWs can clearly contribute to HIV services delivery and strengthen human resource capacity in sub-Saharan Africa. For their contribution to be sustained, CHWs need to be recognized, remunerated and integrated in wider health systems. Further research focusing on comparative costs of CHW interventions and successful models for mainstreaming CHWs into wider health systems is needed.

Source: UG
The role of ABA and MAPK signaling pathways in plant abiotic stress responses

As sessile organisms, plants have developed specific mechanisms that allow them to rapidly perceive and respond to stresses in the environment. Among the evolutionarily conserved pathways, the ABA (abscisic acid) signaling pathway has been identified as a central regulator of abiotic stress response in plants, triggering major changes in gene expression and adaptive physiological responses. ABA induces protein kinases of the SnRK family to mediate a number of its responses. Recently, MAPK (mitogen activated protein kinase) cascades have also been shown to be implicated in ABA signaling. Therefore, besides discussing the role of ABA in abiotic stress signaling, we will also summarize the evidence for a role of MAPKs in the context of abiotic stress and ABA signaling. © 2013 Elsevier Inc.

Source: UG
Role of academic libraries in the achievement of quality education as a sustainable development goal

Purpose: This study explored the role of academic libraries in the achievement of quality education as a Sustainable Development Goal. Design/methodology/approach: The study adopted a qualitative research approach and descriptive case study design. This study focuses on academic libraries from four universities in Ghana. From each university, the researchers purposely selected four respondents, comprising the heads of the libraries, deputies, and two assistant librarians or library assistants. Primary data were collected through semi-structured interviews. observations and document reviews. The results were analyzed and presented in descriptive and interpretive forms. Findings: The study established that the majority of the library staff were aware of the sustainable development goal, SDG 4. The libraries provided relevant materials to support students’ learning and organize training on information literacy and engaging library patrons in periodic information literacy programs to create awareness of SDG 4. Since the libraries do not have their own internally developed policies on SDG 4, they depend on the general United Nations (UN) document on the SDG and SDG 4 as a guide in information delivery; and the general policies on information delivery, teaching and quality assurance of the universities in general and the libraries in particular. The study concluded with a framework to guide the successful accomplishment of SDG 4 in libraries. Research limitations and implications The study focused on academic libraries in Ghana and adopted the purposive sampling technique, which makes it assume a weak power of generalization. Practical implications: The study has implications for academic libraries and librarians in Ghana. achieving SDG 4. It will guide librarians and academic libraries in formulating policies to guide them in their activities. The framework developed as a result of the findings will equally guide the librarians in their quest to provide information to achieve SDG 4. Originality/value: This study’s originality lies in its articulation of academic libraries’ initiatives in the actualization of SDG 4 in Ghana with a developed framework to guide librarians and academic libraries. Academic libraries and librarians who are eager to contribute their quota to the achievement of SDG 4 will find this study useful.

Source: UG
Role of actor networks in primary health care implementation in low- and middle-income countries: a scoping review

Background: Primary health care (PHC) improvement is often undermined by implementation gaps in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). The influence that actor networks might have on the implementation has received little attention up to this point. Objective: This study sought to offer insights about actor networks and how they support PHC implementation in LMICs. Methods: We reviewed primary studies that utilised social network analysis (SNA) to determine actor networks and their influence on aspects of PHC in LMICs following the five-stage scoping review methodological framework by Arksey and O’Malley. Narrative synthesis was applied to describe the included studies and the results. Results: Thirteen primary studies were found eligible for this review. Ten network types were identified from the included papers across different contexts and actors: professional advice networks, peer networks, support/supervisory networks, friendship networks, referral networks, community health committee (CHC) networks, inter-sectoral collaboration networks, partnership networks, communications networks, and inter-organisational network. The networks were found to support PHC implementation at patient/household or community-level, health facility-level and multi-partner networks that work across levels. The study demonstrates that: (1) patient/household or community-level networks promote early health seeking, continuity of care and inclusiveness by enabling network members (actors) the support that ensures access to PHC services, (2) health facility-level networks enable collaboration among PHC staff and also ensure the building of social capital that enhances accountability and access to community health services, and (3) multi-partner networks that work across levels promote implementation by facilitating information and resource sharing, high professional trust and effective communication among actors. Conclusion: This body of literature reviewed suggests that, actor networks exist across different levels and that they make a difference in PHC implementation. Social Network Analysis may be a useful approach to health policy analysis (HPA) on implementation.

Source: UG
The Role of African Traditional Healers in the Management of Mental Challenges in Africa

This paper is aimed at describing the practices of African Traditional Healers, highlighting their contributions to those seeking relief to their mental health challenges and offering recommendations on how to improve on their services. This is because, reports from the World Health Organization (2003) show that the prevalence of the mental illness is epidemically high and that by the year 2020, depression is estimated to be the leading health problem in the world. The African faces considerable mental health challenges that are linked to civil wars, unemployment and AIDS epidemic. Unfortunately there are only a few trained mental health professionals in the continent to handle these conditions. Therefore, African Traditional Healers are widely sought after by masses of non-elite and elite Africans to meet their psycho-social needs, yet little is written in the literature about the practices of these healers and how they contribute to the maintenance of mental health throughout the continent.

Source: UG
The role of agriculture in reducing regional disparities in Ghana: An economy wide modelling analysis

The development pattern in Ghana is characterised by a north-south divide in which the north lags far behind the south. Ghana has achieved sustained growth and poverty reduction during the 1990s, but such growth did not benefit the three poor northern regions and the development gap has increased between the south and north. One of the most important reasons is that much of the growth has been generated by export agriculture in which northern Ghana has little contribution if any. This paper sets out to identify avenues for pro-poor growth in Ghana, focussing on agricultural opportunities, particularly in northern Ghana. Using an economy wide, multimarket model and based on time series production data between 1991 and 2000 and Ghana Living Standards Survey data of 1991/92 and 1998/99, this paper analyzes the possible poverty reduction trends up to 2015 by assuming different patterns of growth. The results show that agriculture-led growth has a larger poverty reducing effect than nonagriculture-led growth. Within agriculture, growth in staple crop production reduces poverty more than export crops. In northern Ghana, the staple crops whose growth exerts the largest effect on poverty reduction are groundnut, cassava and cowpea. However, despite the large effects of the agriculture-led growth, the projections of poverty rates in the regions, particularly Upper East are still high implying a need for complementary avenues for poverty reduction. A review of the literature shows that while the north generally is a net migration area, the rewards of migration have been limited because people who migrate have no skills and are, therefore, limited to entering the informal job market where wages are low. The implication is to enhance this labour with education and skills. Ultimately, the regions must attract production investment to boost economic activity and generate local growth. The state must play a leading role in investing in productive and social infrastructure as a way of facilitating the environment for private sector operators.

Source: UG
The role of arachidonic acid and its metabolites in insulin secretion from human islets of langerhans

The roles played by arachidonic acid and its cyclooxygenase (COX)-generated and lipoxygenase (LOX)-generated metabolites have been studied using rodent islets and insulin-secreting cell lines, but very little is known about COX and LOX isoform expression and the effects of modulation of arachidonic acid generation and metabolism in human islets. We have used RT-PCR to identify mRNAs for cytosolic phospholipase A(2) (cPLA(2)), COX-1, COX-2, 5-LOX, and 12-LOX in isolated human islets. COX-3 and 15-LOX were not expressed by human islets. Perifusion experiments with human islets indicated that PLA(2) inhibition inhibited glucose-stimulated insulin secretion, whereas inhibitors of COX-2 and 12-LOX enzymes enhanced basal insulin secretion and also secretory responses induced by 20 mmol/l glucose or by 50 mumol/l arachidonic acid. Inhibition of COX-1 with 100 mumol/l acetaminophen did not significantly affect glucose-stimulated insulin secretion. These data indicate that the stimulation of insulin secretion from human islets in response to arachidonic acid does not require its metabolism through COX-2 and 5-/12-LOX pathways. The products of COX-2 and LOX activities have been implicated in cytokine-mediated damage of beta-cells, so selective inhibitors of these enzymes would be expected to have a dual protective role in diabetes: they would minimize beta-cell dysfunction while maintaining insulin secretion through enhancing endogenous arachidonic acid levels.

Source: UG
The role of board dynamics in explaining payout policy and shareholders’ wealth: Evidence from the banking sector in Africa

The paper investigates the role of board dynamics in explaining the effect of payout policy on shareholders’ wealth creation at the market and bank levels. The study employs the 2SLS estimation of a panel dataset of 528 banks from 29 African countries from the year 2006 to 2018. The study finds that board dynamics enhance payout policy. The study shows that board dynamics create market- and bank-level wealth to shareholders. Further, payout policy reduces shareholders’ wealth creation in the market but increases bank-level wealth of shareholders. The study finds that payout policy can be utilized as a substitute control device in the presence of board governance mechanism in order to protect shareholders’ wealth. In general, the marginal effect of payout policy on shareholders’ wealth creation conditioned on board dynamics is relatively stronger at the market level compared to the bank level.

Source: UG
The role of change readiness in the relationship between learning organisation and successful change implementation

Purpose – Although change is a necessary part of organisational life, achieving a successful change is complex. Change readiness is a critical element in successful change implementation, yet studies assessing change readiness as an underlying mechanism in the link between organisational-level factors and successful change implementation are scarce, particularly in the African context. Accordingly, the present study examined the extent to which change readiness mediates the link between learning organisation and successful change implementation in the Ghanaian context. Design/methodology/approach – The study utilized a standardized questionnaire to collect data from 364 participants, working in public and private universities in Ghana. The participants were selected via the convenience sampling strategy to complete the survey on the main variables at a single point in time. The study was purely quantitative, as path analysis – a form of structural equation modelling was employed to test the hypothesized relationships in the study. Findings – The results show that both learning organisation and change readiness facilitated successful change implementation. Finally, it was observed that change readiness served as an important mediating mechanism in the link between learning organisation and successful change implementation. Practical implications – Change readiness was found to explain the link between learning organisation and successful change implementation. Thus, it is important that managers and leaders of public and private sector educational institutions in Ghana invest resources into preparing and getting employees to accept, be committed to and ready for change. Originality/value – The present study contributes to the scarce knowledge of the mediating role of change readiness in the link between learning organisation and successful change implementation in the African context.

Source: UG
The role of combined measurement of tissue mRNA levels of AMACR and survivin in the diagnosis and risk stratification of patients with suspected prostate cancer

To determine whether the measurement of tissue mRNA levels of AMACR and survivin has a role in distinguishing prostate cancer (PCa) from benign lesions and high risk from low-risk PCa in men with suspected PCa. TRUS prostate biopsies from 170 patients with suspected PCa were used to measure the mRNA levels of AMACR and survivin using semi-quantitative RT-PCR technique. The diagnosis, staging and risk stratification of PCa was based on established clinical criteria. The ability of tissue mRNA levels to distinguish benign from malignant prostate and high- and low-risk PCa was assessed. The diagnostic value for the two genes was evaluated by calculating their individual and combined sensitivity and specificity, which were compared with that of PSA. Histological examination showed 90/170 (53%) of patients had benign prostate pathology, while 80/170 (47%) had PCa. Tissue mRNA levels of both AMACR and survivin were able to distinguish benign from PCa biopsies (p<0.0001) and also high-risk from low-risk PCa cases (p<0.02, p<0.05, respectively). Compared with serum PSA levels, the combined use of tissue mRNA levels of AMACR and survivin yielded a higher detection specificity (84 vs. 22%). Based on AMACR and survivin combined sensitivity and specificity, these mRNA markers can be used as an adjunct to distinguish patients with and without PCa and in men with PCa may help to identify those with low- or high-risk PCa.

Source: UG