ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
The use of Beauveria bassiana for the control of the larger grain borer, Prostephanus truncatus, in stored maize: Semi-field trials in Ghana

Laboratory research in Ghana demonstrated the effectiveness of an isolate of Beauveria bassiana (IMI 389521) from the United Kingdom against the larger grain borer Prostephanus truncatus (Horn) (Cole optera: Bostrichidae), a major pest of stored maize. The minimum effective concentration, following artificial infestation trials on maize, was between 109 and 1010 cfu/kg maize. Before moving out to village level control, a major requirement was to determine if the product could effect control in artificially infested maize held under real environmental conditions in several locations in Ghana. Therefore, this study investigated the efficacy of formulated conidia of B. bassiana, IMI 389521, at two concentrations (1 109 and 3.16 109 cfu/kg maize) to control P. truncatus on stored maize kernels under semi-field conditions in Ghana. Maize (‘Obatanpa’ cultivar) kernels were treated with the formulated B. bassiana product and stored in polypropylene woven bags in cribs in Southern Ghana. After 24 h, one hundred adults of P. truncatus were placed into each bag containing the treated maize. Mortality and the percent of weight loss of kernels were assessed every two weeks for three months. The semi-field trials revealed the possibility of successfully controlling adult P. truncatus on maize kernels treated with B. bassiana at 3.16 109 cfu/kg maize. However, due to the minimal protection of kernels after four weeks, re-treating maize kernels after this period is recommended to ensure maximum protection during prolonged storage.

Source: UG
The use of bibliometric in determining the scientific and social impact of research publications at the University of Ghana

The growing awareness of the importance of scientific research demands that science is measured using indicators that are valid. One of the validated tools for measuring scientific outputs is the use of bibliometrics. Bibliometric is a quantitative tool used to analyse scientific publication. The importance of bibliometric analysis hinges on two factors. First, the notion that scientific publication is an indicator of research output and secondly, the notion that citation from research publications is an indicator of scientific impact on the research community. Based on data extracted from Scopus (Elsevier) on the overview of publication output by subject area of the University of Ghana from 2009-2013, there is the indication that majority of the publications captured are skewed towards the natural sciences. Also, critical examination of the top 10 journals by number of articles from the University of Ghana between 2009 -2013 shows a skewed towards the natural sciences. This therefore affirms the position that most publications from the University of Ghana in international bibliometric databases comes from the natural sciences It is based on these observations that this article proposes that the usage of bibliometrics a lone to evaluate scientific outputs of researchers and among different research fields at the University of Ghana could lead to bias in research output assessment. The paper therefore recommends two sub-group of bibliometric indicators for assessing University of Ghana faculty members ' research outputs: internal documents and international bibliometric database

Source: UG
The use of botanicals by resource poor farmers in Africa and Asia for the protection of stored agricultural products

Purpose of review: This review focuses on the current state of the use of botanical pesticides by resource-poor farmers in Africa and Asia for protection of durable stored produce against pest infestation, with the view of identifying critical challenges and information gaps that need further research. Findings: The use of plant materials may be a safe, cost-effective method of grain preservation against pest infestation among lowresource poor farmers who store small amounts of grains. There is a dearth of information on the use of plant materials by rural farmers in Asia and Africa for stored product protection and several plants being used in different countries are yet to be identified. The most promising candidate plant materials for future use as grain protectants are Azadirachta, Acorus, Chenopodium, Eucalyptus, Mentha, Ocimum, Piper and Tetradenia, together with vegetable oils from various sources. Neem is the only traditional plant from which several commercial products have been developed worldwide, especially in India. Several secondary compounds are responsible for the insecticidal action of botanicals. Active research is ongoing in several countries to determine the efficacy and use of locally available plants for controlling insect pests. However, the bulk of the trials are laboratory-based and of short duration. Little or no information is available on how farmers actually apply botanicals to protect their stored produce against pest infestation. It should be possible to use the existing farmer knowledge about botanical pesticides as a framework to develop more cost-effective and sustainable storage-pest control strategies for small-scale farmers in sub-Saharan Africa. Directions for future research: For the use of botanicals for stored product protection to be validated, further information is required on: the exact application procedures and formulations used by farmers; their residual effects against key pests over a longer duration; toxicity of the materials to non-target organisms; and local availability of appropriate extraction and application techniques. A major research priority is a well designed on-farm trial to validate the efficacy of botanicals for stored product protection using standard procedures and formulations that can be transferred to other communities. Donor agencies and entrepreneurs must support and give priority to research projects and initiatives that pursue optimal methods of using plant protectants on durable products at the farm level with the focus on the development of the most cost-effective procedures for application, as well as identifying the active components, safety standards and the development of commercial products at a reasonable cost. © 2007 Stewart Postharvest Solutions (UK) Ltd.

Source: UG
Use of buffy-coat smears in the diagnosis of septicaemia in children

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
Use Of Chlorhexidine Digluconate 7.1% Gel For Umbilical Cord Care In Selected Regions In Northern Ghana: Qualitative Perspectives Of Key Stakeholders.

Background: The Government of Ghana in 2017 included chlorhexidine (CHX) digluconate 7.1% gel in the essential medicines list to replace methylated spirit for umbilical cord care. However, there are limited studies around the use of the CHX gel. This paper explores the perspectives of stakeholders in childcare regarding the use of the gel for umbilical cord care in selected regions in Northern Ghana. Methods: Data for the study were from 42 in-depth interviews and 12 focus group discussions conducted among mothers, caregivers, fathers, traditional birth attendants, and health care providers (including pharmacists and over the counter medicine sellers). The transcribed data was analysed and organized into themes and sub-themes using thematic analysis approach. The data analysis was conducted using NVIVO version 12 analytical software. Results: CHX gel was used side-by-side with methylated spirit for umbilical cord care in the study areas. Use of methylated spirit for umbilical cord care was found to be common, and in the home setting there was evidence of use of traditional substances such as shea butter, toothpaste, cow dung, herbs and chalk. However, shea butter was regarded as the “golden standard” for cord care among non-health professionals. Co-use of traditional and orthodox cord care substances was also rife. The limited use of the CHX gel was attributable to the fact that some participants, especially health providers were convinced that the gel and methylated spirit were both effective; hence they continued prescribing methylated spirit over the gel for cord care. Evidence on the efficacy of the gel was mixed perhaps a reflection of the limited awareness and knowledge about the CHX gel, and the limited use behaviour / use skills. Additionally, awareness of the inclusion of the CHX gel in the national health insurance was also mixed. Conclusions: The CHX gel is yet to replace other cord care substances as the use of methylated spirit and traditional substances were still prevalent. Hence, a comprehensive strategy is needed to create awareness and educate providers, significant others, and the community about the gel and its efficacy if it is to replace methylated spirit as the cord care substance.

Source: UG
The Use of Communication Technology in Trafficking and Counter-Trafficking of Women in Ghana.

Globally, human trafficking remains a significant issue that troubles all actors in the international sytem. This business of human trade entails the conscription, transport, harbouring and exploitation of persons and prevails because of the substantial profit they yield. Worldwide women constitute about 71 per cent of trafficked victims, and in Africa, they make up 55 per cent of these victims. The principal form of exploiting these women is sexually, and forced labour is next in ranking. In society’s socio-economic and political transformation, technology has become a compelling force. With the growth in technological innovation, the revolution of the world into a single unit has intensified. Anchored on the concept of globalization and the study sought to assess the two-dimensional role played by communication technology in the trafficking of women in Ghana. In evaluating this, the communication technology tools employed by traffickers during the various stages of trafficking was explored using the Action-Means-Purpose model; also an analysis of whether the existing counter-measures have been successful in addressing trafficking in Ghana was done using preventive measures (prosecutions and awareness) and security and collaboration as the benchmarks; finally the study explored how communication technology can be used to counter human trafficking in Ghana. A critical qualitative analysis of both primary and secondary data formed the basis of the study’s conclusions. The approach used to gather primary data was via face-to-face semi structured interviews with purposely selected informants from anti-trafficking agencies and people with lived experience. The study found that despite government’s efforts to counter-trafficking, the clandestine and enhanced platform communication technology provides for traffickers has made the eradication process quite cumbersome. However, the government has leveraged on this same resource to help fight the menace. The study recommends that tools of communication technology such as social media should be utilized efficiently to fight trafficking of women and actors like NGO’s, tech-companies and religious leaders in Ghana should also tap into the communication technology resource to contribute to counter-human trafficking.

Source: UG
The Use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine among Patients Diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus at Lekma Hospital

The use of complementary and alternative medicine for the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus stems from the experiences, beliefs, and its efficacy. This study was intended to explore the use of complementary and alternative medicine among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and to find ways of improving patient -centered care in managing type 2 diabetes successfully. The study used an exploratory descriptive research design and purposive sampling was used to recruit 13 respondents from all the patients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus who seek health service at the facility. The study was conducted at the Ledzokuku-Krowor Municipal Assembly (LEKMA) Hospital situated at Teshie Nungua in the Greater Accra Region. Semi-structured interview guide was used to conduct in-depth interviews. All interviews were audio recorded and transcribed word for word. Data were analyzed using thematic content analysis. The key findings were; people diagnosed with type 2 diabetes use complementary and alternative medicine due to convincing information from family and friends, the belief in alternative medicine and media influence. Negative attitudes of health professionals in the mainstream health care was found to be a driving force to alternative medicine use. Marketing of herbal medicine, overdose of herbal medicine and possible kidney failure were identified as some risk associated with herbal medicine use. It is recommended that curriculum developers include customer care in the nursing curriculum to enhance clients care. Again, the Ministry of Health need to collaborate with the National Insurance Authority to integrate the cost of complementary and alternative medicine.

Source: UG
Use of Computer Assisted and Interactive Cognitive Training Programs with Moderate to Severely Demented Individuals: A Preliminary Study

The purpose of this study was to investigate the potential effects of interactive cognitive training and computer-assisted programs in reducing decline in older adults with dementia. The primary goal of this program was to maintain participants’ level of cognitive function. The participants were assessed with neuropsychological tests prior to, and immediately following, an intensive six-week cognitive training program. The results showed that the participants improved significantly on measures of overall cognitive function, including short-term memory and cognitive failures. The participants did not demonstrate significant decline on any of the measures from pretest to post-test levels. This preliminary study indicates that a combined interactive cognitive training and individual-based computer training program may effectively reduce decline and even improve some cognitive and behavioral functioning in demented older adults.

Source: UG
The Use of Computers by Students to Access Information Literacy: Case of Okuapeman Senior High School (S.H.S.), Ghana

The use of computers by students to access information literacy is very important and integral because it forms the basis for lifelong learning. The study seeks to investigate how students recognize their information needs, the strategies used by them to locate and access information needed, how they evaluate search results and the challenges to the effective use of information by the students at the Okuapeman Senior High school. The study employed survey methodology and adopted the proportionate sampling procedure through the use of a structured questionnaire to sample 84 students out of the population of 670. The findings revealed that students need information for academic work, problem-solving, personal development, career development, an update on current issues, decision making, entertainment, employment and pleasure. They mostly consult knowledgeable person and teachers to complete their information task. The students select the most appropriate search tools, use the appropriate keyword(s), identify appropriate search techniques, and define appropriate search strategy through the use of both Internet and the Library to locate and access information. The students read critically to identify the key points thereby evaluating their search results. The challenges they encounter include poor attitudes of library staff and lack of time. Based on the findings the following recommendations were made: employing trained school librarian, installing internet connectivity, allocating more time and improving searching skills so that students can effectively use computers to access information literacy.

Source: UG
Use of Dietary and Herbal Supplements among Elderly Ghanaians in the Keta Municipality

Background: Globally, dietary and herbal supplements (DHS) are used frequently by adults and especially the elderly to control and prevent chronic disease. However, little is known about DHS use in sub-Saharan Africa. We estimated the prevalence and frequency of DHS use among elderly residents of the Keta Municipality in Ghana. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional survey was administered to 580 male and female elderly (65+ years) residents in the Keta municipal area in the Volta region. Respondents were selected using a multi-stage sampling approach involving a random selection of sub-municipalities, communities, and individuals at each level. The survey tool developed for the study collected recall data on socio-demographic characteristics; DHS use behavior, health history, and reasons for using DHS. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify independent determinants of DSH use. Results: About 42% of respondents reported the use of a DHS in the last month. Almost 90% of users reported the use of multivitamins or mineral supplements. More than 90% reported taking their supplement daily and more than 65% of users took supplements at least twice daily. Elderly who have completed secondary school or a higher level of education were significantly more likely to use any DHS (OR=4.9; 95% CI: 2.08, 4.93). Those who were regularly taking medicines for any diagnosed disease were more likely to also take supplements (OR=17.9; 95% CI: 10.0, 32.0). The main reason for using DHS was to improve health (90.5%). About half of DHS users identified health workers as their prescribing source (59.5%). However, 30% of all users indicated self-prescription for DHS. Conclusion: Multivitamin supplements and to a lesser extent, herbal supplements are used regularly by almost half of elderly Ghanaians residing in the Keta Municipality. The public health system needs to recognize this frequent use of DHS and to assure safety in its use among this critical age group.

Source: UG
Use of Digital-Physical Security System in a Developing Country’s Port: A Case Study of Ghana

The purpose of this study is to understand how the use of digital-physical security (DPS) improves port security by enabling or constraining stakeholders’ goals in a developing country. Information Systems (IS) research on digital-physical security has focused more on power networks, automotive, manufacturing, and healthcare sectors. Digital-physical security (DPS) research on ports in developing countries remains limited. Therefore, port security systems as a significant IS research is yet to receive the necessary attention. To address this gap, this study employed affordance theory as the analytical lens and qualitative interpretive case study as the methodology to investigate use of digital-physical security for a port in Ghana. The research findings show that developing countries can use digital-physical security systems to improve port security. The findings have implication for research, practice, and policy. The originality of the paper lies in its focus on how a developing country can use digital-physical systems to improve port security as a significant IS research phenomenon.

Source: UG
The use of electronic resources by postgraduate students of the University of Cape Coast

Developments in Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) have radically taken over every sphere of activity in university libraries. Academic libraries owe it a key duty to keep pace with technological advancement in order to cope with users’ continual sophisticated information requirements. The main purpose of this study was to examine the use of electronic resources by postgraduate students of the University of Cape Coast, and with a view of giving recommendations based on findings. The major objectives of the study are: (1) To determine postgraduate students’ awareness of electronic resources in the library. (2) To find out the frequency of usage of e-resources by students. (3) To determine the computer literacy level of postgraduate students. And (4) To identify the likely problems in the utilization of electronic resources by postgraduate students. The findings revealed that most of the postgraduate students were aware of the e-resources in the library. The findings of this study also revealed that most postgraduate students rather preferred to access information from Google scholar, and other web based databases more frequently than the databases in the library. The respondents identified poor internet connection as the most significant constrained for ineffective access e-resources.

Source: UG
Use of electronic resources in research and learning in a health sciences library in Ghana: An analysis of awareness and perception of users

University libraries play a critical role by facilitating the use of their electronic resources and facilities. for students’ learning and research activities. Health and medical students and professionals are expected to use the electronic resources provided for their academic and research work. This study, therefore, seeks to investigate the acceptance and utilization of electronic resources in research and learning among users of the College of Health Sciences Library of the University of Ghana. The study employed a survey research design along with a quantitative approach to collect data from 128 respondents. A questionnaire was used for data collection, and it was analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 22 (SPSS) software. The study found that a majority of the respondents were aware of the electronic resources provided by the library, and they used various types of e-resources such as Google, Wikipedia, ScienceDirect and PubMed electronic sources. Moreover, the study found that the computer literacy skills of users have a positive relationship with their awareness of e-resources. Furthermore, there is no significant relationship between gender and the perceived usefulness of the use of e-resources. Last but not least, the high cost of personal internet data and low internet bandwidth were challenges encountered by most of the respondents when accessing e-resources. The study made the following recommendations, among others: regular training on the use of e-resources, and libraries must collaborate effectively with lecturers to create awareness in the lecture hall and also some of the e-resources should be part of teaching instruction.

Source: UG