ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
An Evaluation of intra-trade potential in economic communities of West African States (ECOWAS)

Single currency for West Africa countries has been revered as the solution to a great deal of the sub region’s problems. Attentions of past and present government have been the champion of the introduction of single currency. Top of the reason for the proposed adoption of single currency is to improve intraregional trade. The study employs the gravity model in panel Dynamic Ordinary Least Square (DOLS) to empirically investigate the size of intra-trade potential within West Africa within the gravity model framework. It examines bilateral potential in ECOWAS using time series data from 1980 to 2010. The study observed substantial intra-trade potential between the two monetary uions. The study recommends that ECOWAS diversify its export base and deepen integration not only economic but cultural to improve intra-trade.

Source: UCC
Evaluation of lead and mercury neurotoxic health risk by resident children in the Obuasi municipality, Ghana

This study assesses neurotoxic effects associated with exposure to lead and mercury in borehole, tap and surface water by resident children in the Obuasi municipality in accordance with USEPA risk assessment guidelines. From the results of the study, the hazard quotient for oral ingestion of mercury in tap water in Obuasi is 7.4 and 15 respectively via both central tendency exposure (CTE) and reasonable maximum exposure (RME) parameters, respectively. This means that approximately 7 and 15 (by both CTE and RME parameters, respectively) resident children in Obuasi are likely to show neurologic effects associated with exposure to mercury and lead such as increased nervousness, loss of memory and/or decrease in concentration, impaired writing ability and tremor

Source: UCC
Evaluation of local feedstocks for biochar production and potential use of it as soil amendment for lettuce (lactuca sativa.l) production

agricultural waste can be processed under pyrolysis to generate energy for cooking, resulting in a byproduct called biochar. biochar has the potential to be used as a soil amendment but this facility has not been explored by researchers. unpelletized corn cob and oil palm press were subjected to water boiling test, burning duration test, biomass consumption rate, biochar yield, ph of residual water and flame characteristics using lucia stove. the results generally indicated that corn cob feedstock did better than oil palm press in the parameters assessed. the completely randomized design was used in experiment two to four to assess corn cob biochar effect on growth and yield of lettuce. six treatments and four replications of biochar were used in a pot trial on an oxisol. biochar rates applied were 0 %, 1 %, 2 %, 3 %, 4 % and 5 %. biochar additions showed significant differences on height and total dry matter but not on number of leaves at maturity (p > 0.05). in experiment three, the biochar was combined with three levels of poultry manure (pm) at 2.5, 5 and 10 t ha-1 with four replications. there were significant increases in height, number of leaves and on total dry matter (p < 0.05). among the treatments, 3 % (78 t ha-1) biochar with 10 t ha-1 of pm gave superior response on growth and yield of lettuce. in experiment four biochar applied to soil increased ph, available p, total nitrogen, ecec, exchangeable mg+2 and k+; reduced exchangeable acidity, compared to the control. the results indicate that the biochar generated may serve as a useful liming material on the acidic oxisol.

Source: UCC
Evaluation of NHMRC funded research completed in 1992, 1997 and 2003: gains in knowledge, health and wealth

Objective: To report on strategies for, and outcomes of, evaluation of knowledge (publications), health and wealth (commercial) gains from medical research funded by the Australian Government through the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC). Design and methods: End-of-grant reports submitted by researchers within 6 months of completion of NHMRC funded project grants which terminated in 2003 were used to capture self-reported publication number, health and wealth gains. Self-reported gains were also examined in retrospective surveys of grants completed in 1992 and 1997 and awards primarily supporting people (“people awards”) held between 1992 and 2002. Results: The response rate for the 1992 sample was too low for meaningful analysis. The mean number of publications per grant in the basic biomedical, clinical and health services research areas was very similar in 1997 and 2003. The publication output for population health was somewhat higher in the 2003 than in the 1997 analysis. For grants completed in 1997, 24% (31/131) affected clinical practice; 14% (18/131) public health practice; 9% (12/131) health policy; and 41% (54/131) had commercial potential with 20% (26/131) resulting in patents. Most respondents (89%) agreed that NHMRC people awards improved their career prospects. Interpretation is limited by the relatively low response rates (50% or less). Conclusions: A mechanism has been developed for ongoing assessment of NHMRC funded research. This process will improve accountability to the community and to government, and refine current funding mechanisms to most efficiently deliver health and economic returns for Australia.

Source: UCC
Evaluation of nutritive value of aspilia africana: preliminary studies

Digestibility trials were conducted by total collection method on Aspilia africana hay as complete feed for castrated goats. The goats had average weight of 22.5±0.58 kg and age of 18.0±0.57 months, respectively. The prepared Aspilia africana hay had a chemical composition of 10.56% crude protein, 28.3% acid detergent fibre, 31.8% neutral detergent fibre, and digestible energy of 3.45 kcal/g DM. The digestibility coefficients for feed dry matter, crude protein, acid detergent fibre, neutral detergent fibre, and gross energy were 62.5±4.7, 78.85±4.59, 59.44±2.17, 63.3±1.44, and 66.47±2.54, respectively. The implications of these finding with regard to small ruminant production in West Africa are discussed

Source: UCC
Evaluation Of Patient Organ And Effective Doses From Selected Lnterventional Radiology Procedures: The Radiation Protection Point Of View

The objective of this study was to assess patient organ and effective doses from the selected interventional radiology procedures and propose effective dose prediction strategies. This objective was achieved by surveying dose area product and peak skin doses for three interventional radiology procedures (endovascular aortic aneurysm repair, stenting of femoropopliteal and transarterial chemoembolization). Organ and effective doses were assessed and a mathematical relation for predicting effective dose from dose-area-product has been established for each of the three interventional radiology procedures. Also, percentage differences between two dose assessment protocols (ICRP 60 and ICRP 103) was estimated. The study was undertaken by performing Monte Carlo (PCXMC version 2) simulations of dose data of ninety-nine (99) patients who underwent the interventional procedures. The dose data was analyzed with ICRP 60 and ICRP 103 dose assessment protocols. The study revealed that mean effective doses for endovascular aneurysm repair, stenting of femoropopliteal and transarterial chemoembolization were 28.495, 1.969 and 20.278 mSv; 23.985, 1.429 and 17.644 mSv; respectively for ICRP 60 and ICRP 103 protocols. This means that percentage difference between the ICRP 60 and ICRP 103 protocols were respectively 15.8,27.4 and 13.0%. From outcome of the study, it is recommended that the derived mathematical equations from this study could be adopted and used as predictor tool to estimate effective doses of patients before the interventional radiology procedure is undertaken. Also, in the assessment of radiation doses in interventional radiology procedures, ICRP 103 protocol should be used instead of ICRP 60 protocol.

Source: UCC
Evaluation of performance appraisal system in rural banks: a case study of the lower Pra rural banks in the Shama district of the Western region

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the performance appraisal system in the Lower Pra Rural Bank. Both quantitative and qualitative research methods were used to assess the performance appraisal system in the rural bank. The quantitative aspect adopted a cross-sectional approach using a self administered questionnaire while the qualitative aspect took the form of in-depth interviews to obtain qualitative data to supplement the quantitative data. A total of 50 respondents were involved in the study. From the findings, the performance appraisal system has greatly increased the general satisfaction of employees, resulted in development of plans to improve performance, and has given employees opportunity to communicate upwards their views and feelings about the job and greater knowledge of strengths and weaknesses. Performance appraisal results are used to make promotion and identification of potentials decisions. The performance appraisal system in the bank makes the need for training of employees more pressing, makes the need for training to be linked to performance outcomes and provides a regular and efficient training needs audit for the entire bank. Challenges to the effective implementation of the bank’s performance appraisal system are lack of regular training for appraisers and employees lack of understanding of the performance appraisal process. There is the need for management to ensure that all employees are adequately educated on the system and to also ensure that performance appraisal procedures reflect the corporate goals of the bank.

Source: UCC
Evaluation of Physical Characteristic of Sandy Soil, the Effects of Amendments Using Comsol Multiphysics and Laboratory Experiments.

Information on soil water retention and hydraulic properties is paramount for assessing soil properties and modeling movement of water in the soil. This research aims at investigating soil amendments (zeolite, activated charcoal, and rice hush ash) impacts on water retention, physical properties, and hydraulic properties of sandy soil. To assess the changes in water content of sandy soil due to the soil amendments, retention curve of water tests were carried out using both simulation and experimental methods. The results of the water retention tests showed an increase of water content and a decrease in the hydraulic properties (hydraulic conductivity) of sandy soil. Simulation results using the COMSOL Multiphysics model also shows similar trend as water retention increase and a decrease in hydraulic conductivity with rice husk ash, zeolite, and activated charcoal applications respectively. The results confirmed that the COMSOL Multiphysics model gave accurate simulation results in comparison with the experiments. These results suggest there are numerous benefits of adding soil amendments to sandy soil in relation to increasing the retention of water and decreasing hydraulic conductivity. This study also shows that zeolites, rice husk ash and activated charcoal improve the water content level in sandy soils, thus controlling water losses. Therefore, rice husk ash, zeolite, and activated charcoal addition to sandy soil is an effective way to improve plants soil in drought areas.

Source: UCC
Evaluation of plasmodium falciparum chloroquine resistant markers in selected health facilities in central region after seven years of banning chloroquine treatment in Ghana

The continuous Chloroquine (CQ) use resulted in intensified parasite resistance to CQ. This led to adaptation of artemisinin based combination therapy (ACT) as the first-line antimalarial drug for the treatment of uncomplicated malaria in January, 2005. Despite the replacement, anecdotal evidences suggest that CQ is still being used in many communities in Ghana. This study was conducted to investigate the continuous use of CQ and its effect on CQ resistance markers in the Central Region, Ghana. Using questionnaire, mystery buying and Sakar-Solomon’s urine CQ assay method, a survey was conducted to ascertain the continuous use of CQ. The prevalence of point mutations of Pfcrt and Pfmdr1 genes were assessed from Plasmodium falciparum infected blood samples of subjects, employing the nested PCR and RFLP techniques. Out of 618 subjects, 2.43% of the subjects preferred to use CQ injection while 0.49% confirmed the use CQ for treatment of malaria. Out of 69 community pharmacies and chemical shops surveyed, 14.49% had stocks of CQ which were being dispensed. Qualitative urine assay revealed that 16.9% out of 444 participants had CQ in their urine samples. Of the 214 P. falciparum isolates, 71.9% were found to have the K76T mutation of Pfcrt. The risk of becoming infected with CQ resistant P. falciparum strain with mutation at position 76 of pfcrt in people who had chloroquine in their urine was thirteen times [OR=12.63, 95%CI (8.57-18.62)], p<0.0001. Those who stay at communities where community pharmacies or chemical shops stocks chloroquine are five times more likely to become infected with CQ resistant P. falciparum strain, with mutation at position 76 of pfcrt [RR=4.97, 95%CI (2.97-8.86)], p<0.0001. In conclusion the prevalence of chloroquine resistance markers have remained high in the country due to continuous chloroquine use.

Source: UCC
Evaluation of Post-Operative Visual Outcomes of Cataract Surgery in Ghana

Purpose: To evaluate post-operative visual outcomes after cataract surgeries performed at 2 tertiary referral hospitals in Ghana Methods: A retrospective consecutive case review of hospital –elective-cataract surgeries of all ages performed at two tertiary referral centers in Southern Ghana during a 3-year-period was carried out. Data was compiled on demographic characteristics, pre- and postoperative visual acuities and surgical complications. The preoperative and postoperative visual status was classified using the World Health Organization (WHO) category of Visual Impairment and Blindness. The standard parameters of assessing outcome of cataract surgery and the WHO criteria for grading the outcome of cataract surgery were used. Results: A total of 1288 unilateral cataract extractions were performed within the 3-year-period of this review. Mean age of the patients at operation was 64.47 ± 16.7years. Small incision cataract surgery (SICS) with intraocular lens implant (83.8%) was the major surgical technique. One thousand two hundred and eighty four eyes (99.7%) were blind (VA <3/60) before surgery of which fewer than 9.5% remained blind postoperatively. The proportion of post operative eyes with good outcome (6/6-6/18) was 22.0% within 48 hours of surgery and 41.2% at 4-6 weeks follow up. Outcome was poor (<6/60) in 29.2% within 48 hours of surgery and 9.5% at 4-6 weeks follow up. Nearly half of the operative eyes had borderline outcome (6/24-6/60) within 48 hours of surgery and at follow up. ECCE +IOL operating technique achieved the best results, resulting in 54.6% of the operated eyes achieving good outcome. Only 2.8% of the operated eyes had surgical complications at follow up, of which posterior capsular opacities (50%) and vitreous loss (13.3%) were the major causes. A total of 1164 (90.4%) of the operated eyes did not have optical correction after surgery. Conclusion: Over 41.2% of post-operative eyes patients in this study had very good visual outcome following cataract surgery in the study population. Nevertheless, greater attention to post-operative care and uncorrected refractive error is needed.

Source: UCC
Evaluation of Project Management Practices on Effective Implementation of Road Projects in the Western North Region of Ghana: A Case Study of the Benchema Junction-Adjoafua Road Project.

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of Project Management Practices on effective implementation of road construction Projects in Western North Region of Ghana. This study adopted a descriptive survey design. The target population of the study were the capital-intensive building construction projects undertaken by the licensed architectural, quantity surveyor firms and engineering firms, who totaled to 703. The study used stratified sampling to select 96 projects. The sample size was calculated using Krejcie and Morgan’s formula. This study used primary data which was collected through use of a questionnaire. The questionnaires were self-administered with the help of research assistants. Inferential and Descriptive statistics such as percentages, mean and standard deviations were used to perform data analysis. After data had been collected through questionnaires, it was prepared in readiness for analysis by editing, handling blank responses, coding, categorizing and keying into statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) computer software for analysis. The study finding was that resource planning, monitoring, top management support and communication were significantly and positively related with effective implementation of road construction projects of the Western North region of Ghana. The study recommends the management of firms undertaking building construction projects to set up rules and regulations that will guide the adoption of these management practices in order to effectively implement the projects they undertake. They should make objectives that incorporate these practices. The study also recommends that the agents regulating the firms undertaking road projects to formulate policies that will ensure that proper management practices are adopted in these firms. They can also support the firms by providing training programs for the management to train on these aspects.

Source: UCC
Evaluation of radiation-induced cancer risk to patients undergoing panoramic dental radiographies using experimental measurements and simulations

Patient doses related with panoramic dental radiographies are comparatively low, but the frequency at which these examinations are taken is high. Hence, it is necessary to justify these examinations to ensure that doses to patients, especially children are kept as low as reasonably allowable. The risk of exposure-induced cancer deaths to the four standard age groups, comprising 5-, 10-,15-year-olds and adults were evaluated in this research. The mean REIDs were estimated based on the patients’ age, mass, height, gender, as well as the input doses, exposure factors, beam geometries and simulation parameters. The respective ranges of REID estimates (per ten million) were 6.45-2.04 for males, 8.32-2.62 for females; 7.45-2.51 for males, 9.02-3.62 for females; 8.50-2.03 for males, 11.02-4.12 for females; 7.99-2.65 for males, 10.52-3.90 for females; 8.45-1.95 for males, 10.68-3.09 for females; 9.85-3.21 for males, 11.05-4.09 for females. Individual radiogenic cancers were observed for leukaemia, lung cancers, liver cancers, stomach cancers and other cancers for all ages and gender. Breast cancer was observed in female patients, with negligible risk in males. In an instance, the respective REIDs for the cancer types for the age groups were 2846.00×10-9-786.00×10-9 in males, 2415.00 ×10-9-613.00×10-9 in females; 630.00×10-9-147.00×10-9 in males, 1114.00×10-9-240.00×10-9 in females; 19.99×10-9-3.89×10-9 in males, 9.56×10-9-1.89×10-9 in females; 26.65×10-9-5.40×10-9 in males, 28.45×10-9-6.60×10-9 in females; 15230.00×10-8-2560.00×10-8 in males, 18790.00×10-9-4499.00×10-9 in females; and 2250.00×10-10-78.00×10-10 in females only. According to the findings of this study, radiation exposure generally increased the risk of cancer in youngsters more than adults, and more in female patients compared to male patients.

Source: UCC
Evaluation of Renal Function in Pregnant Women with Malaria: A Case-Control Study in a Mesoendemic Area

Background. Malaria is known to have devastating effects on mortality in tropical and subtropical regions with the effect being magnified in people with weakened immunity such as those in pregnancy. We assessed the effect of malaria on renal function of pregnant women receiving antenatal care in a mesoendemic area of Ghana. Methodology. A case-control study that enrolled a total of 100 pregnant women (50 with confirmed gestational malaria as cases and 50 without malaria as controls). Sociodemographic characteristics, obstetric history (obtained with a questionnaire), urea, creatinine, sodium, and potassium were analyzed using a chemistry automated analyzer. Results. Plasma urea and creatinine were significantly increased (𝑃 = 0.0003 and 𝑃 < 0.0001, resp.) among cases compared to the controls. Also the levels of urea (𝑃 = 0.033), creatinine (𝑃 = 0.032), and parasitaemia (0.016) were significantly increased with increasing gestational age. Conclusion. Malaria has a significant impact on renal function (most importantly, urea and creatinine) and is also significantly associated with increasing gestational age among our study participants.

Source: UCC
The evaluation of revenue mobilization strategies of metropolitan, municipal and district assemblies in Ghana: the case study of Accra metropolitan Assembly

The study is on the topic “Evaluation of Revenue mobilization strategies of metropolitan, municipal and district Assemblies in Ghana. The case of Accra Metropolitan Assembly”. The study set out to discover other revenue sources that are not being explored by the Assembly, what strategies are adopted for revenue collection and accounting standards. Finally, the study considered the contribution of internally generated fund. The sample was made up of Core Management staff of the District Planning Committee, Permanent Revenue collectors, Commission collectors, Staff of Urban Town and Area Councils and Assembly members. One Hundred of these consisting of 63 males and 37 females were selected using probability and non-probability sampling techniques. The results indicated that there are other revenue sources that are not being explored by the Assembly. It also revealed that though the IGF of the Assembly is contributing to the development of the Municipality, it is not enough to significantly fund projects. Consequently, Government funding is extremely important. To increase revenue mobilization of the Assembly, the study discovered that there should be continuous education of the taxpaying public, prosecution of defaulters and training for Revenue collectors

Source: UCC
Evaluation of reward management at the trust hospital in Accra

Rewards are mostly used by organizations and institutions to recognize the efforts of hardworking, innovative, and dedicated employees. In most cases, they are meant to urge employees to maintain or increase performance, and also motivate others to improve on their work output. The general objective of the study was to examine the reward system in the Trust Hospital in Accra. The study was guided by the positivist philosophy of research – a quantitative approach. The sample size for the study was 153 respondents and the data collection was done with the use of questionnaires. The Chi-square for goodness fit, frequency tables and bar charts were used in analysing the data. It was observed from the study that the Trust Hospital had various types of financial and non-financial reward packages used to motivate its workers, but the most frequent of all were bonuses, mortgage loans, educational loans, and fuel allowances. Free health care, training, and recognition packages were also given to the employees. Furthermore, the background characteristics of the respondents in the hospital (except for sex) had no effect on employees’ perceptions of fairness in the hospital’s reward system. In conclusion, the general ambivalence shown about distributive justice and some other disagreements expressed, give cause for one to say that there is limited justice in the distribution of rewards at the Trust Hospital. It is, therefore, recommended that the management of the hospital should ensure transparency and fairness in the reward process, so as to ensure the trustworthiness of the system.

Source: UCC