Book Chapters
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Book Chapters: A scholarly introduction of chapter length to an edited volume, where the content of the introduction reports research and makes a substantial contribution to a defined area of knowledge.
On the other hand, Review books or articles provide a critical and constructive analysis of existing published literature in a field, through summary, analysis, and comparison, often identifying specific gaps or problems and providing recommendations for future research. These are considered as secondary literature since they generally do not present new data from the author's experimental work. Review articles can be of three types, broadly speaking: literature reviews, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses.
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Item Developing a Cloud Computing Framework for University Libraries.(E-Services, 2019-10-09) Owusu-Ansah, S.; Budu, S.; Budu, R.A.Our understanding of the library context on security challenges on storing research output on the cloud is inadequate and incomplete. Existing research has mostly focused on profit-oriented organizations. To address the limitation within the university environment, the paper unravels the data/information security concerns of cloud storage services within the university libraries. On the score of changes occurring in the libraries, this paper serves to inform users and library managers of the traditional approaches that have not guaranteed the security of research output. The paper is built upon the work of Shaw and the cloud storage security framework, which links aspects of cloud security and helps explain reasons for university libraries moving research output into cloud infrastructure, and how the cloud service is more secured. Specifically, this paper examined the existing storage carriers/media for storing research output and the associated risks with cloud storage services for university libraries. The paper partly fills this gap by a case study examination of two (2) African countries’ (Ghana and Uganda) reports on research output and cloud storage security in university libraries. The paper argues that in storing university research output on the cloud, libraries consider the security of content, the resilience of librarians, determining access levels and enterprise cloud storage platforms. The interview instrument is used to collect qualitative data from librarians and the thematic content analysis is used to analyze the research data. Significantly, results show that copyright law infringement, unauthorized data accessibility, policy issues, insecurity of content, cost and no interoperable cloud standards were major risks associated with cloud storage services. It is expected that university libraries pay more attention to the security/confidentiality of content, the resilience of librarians, determining access levels and enterprise cloud storage platforms to enhance cloud security of research output. The paper contributes to the field of knowledge by developing a framework that supports an approach to understand security in cloud storage. It also enables actors in the library profession to understand the makeup and measures of security issues in cloud storage. By presenting empirical evidence, it is clear that university libraries have migrated research output into cloud infrastructure as an alternative for continued storage, maintenance and access of information.Item Granular Cell Tumour Of The Larynx: A Case Report(Ghana Medical Journal, 2015-12) Appiah-Thompson, P.; Baidoo, K.K.Granular cell tumours (GCTs) are benign tumours rarely found in the larynx even though they are common in the head and neck region. The laryngeal tumour may be asymptomatic but typically patients present with hoarseness of voice, stridor, haemoptysis and dysphagia. The lesion can mimic squamous cell thus deep biopsy must be taken with adjacent normal tissue to confirm this pathology. Immunohistochemical staining is also used. Complete surgical resection of this tumour is the treatment of choice. We present a 25 year old woman with a laryngeal granular cell tumour involving the right vocal cord diagnosed after direct laryngoscopy and biopsy. She was treated by right cordectomy via a laryngofissure approach. We present the case due to the rarity of the laryngeal granular cell tumour and the need to highlight the importance of taking deep biopsies. If biopsies are superficial, an inexperienced pathologist would mistake it for well differentiated carcinoma.Item Highly Prevalent Hyperuricaemia Is Associated With Adverse Clinical Outcomes Among Ghanaian Stroke Patients: an Observational Prospective Study(Ghana Medical Journal, 2015-09) Sarfo, F.S.; Akassi, J.; Antwi, N.K.B.; Obese, V.; Adamu, S.; Akpalu, A.; Bedu-Addo, G.Background: Although a direct causal relationship between hyperuricaemia and stroke continues to be debated, strong associations between serum uric acid (SUA) and cerebrovascular disease exist. Very few studies have been conducted to evaluate the frequency and association between this potentially modifiable biomarker of vascular risk and stroke in sub-Saharan Africa. Therefore the aim of this study was to examine the association between hyperuricaemia and the traditional risk factors and the outcomes of stroke in Ghanaian patients. Methods: In this prospective observational study, 147 patients presenting with stroke at a tertiary referral centre in Ghana were consecutively recruited. Patients were screened for vascular risk factors and SUA concentrations measured after an overnight fast. Associations between hyperuricaemia and stroke outcomes were analysed using Kaplan-Meier and Cox proportional hazards regression analysis. Results: The frequency of hyperuricaemia among Ghanaian stroke patients was 46.3%. Non-significant associations were observed between hyperuricaemia and the traditional risk factors of stroke. SUA concentration was positively correlated with stroke severity and associated with early mortality after an acute stroke with unadjusted hazards ratio of 2.3 (1.4 - 4.2, p=0.001). A potent and independent dose-response association between increasing SUA concentration and hazard of mortality was found on Cox proportional hazards regression, aHR (95% CI) of 1.65 (1.14-2.39), p=0.009 for each 100μmol/l increase in SUA. Conclusions: Hyperuricaemia is highly frequent and associated with adverse functional outcomes among Ghanaian stroke patients. Further studies are warranted to determine whether reducing SUA levels after a stroke would be beneficial within our setting.Item Knowledge and use of information and communication technology by health sciences students of the University of Ghana(Ghana Medical Journal, 2016-09) Dery, S.; Vroom, F.D.; Godi, A.; Afagbedzi, S.; Dwomoh, D.Background: Studies have shown that ICT adoption contributes to productivity and economic growth. It is therefore important that health workers have knowledge in ICT to ensure adoption and uptake of ICT tools to enable efficient health delivery. Objective: To determine the knowledge and use of ICT among students of the College of Health Sciences at the University of Ghana. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted among students in all the five Schools of the College of Health Sciences at the University of Ghana. A total of 773 students were sampled from the Schools. Sampling proportionate to size was then used to determine the sample sizes required for each school, academic programme and level of programme. Simple random sampling was subsequently used to select students from each stratum. . Results: Computer knowledge was high among students at almost 99%. About 83% owned computers (p < 0.001) and self-rated computer knowledge was also 87 % (p <0.001). Usage was mostly for studying at 93% (p< 0.001). Conclusions: This study shows students have adequate knowledge and use of computers. It brings about an opportunity to introduce ICT in healthcare delivery to them. This will ensure their adequate preparedness to embrace new ways of delivering care to improve service delivery.Item Changing landscape of public health and medical education curriculum(Ghana Medical Journal, 2018-09) Ofori-Adjei, D.The landscape of public health in many sub-Saharan African countries has been changing rapidly over the past few decades. Marked changes have been seen in the demographic structure of populations, economics, lifestyle changes, social upheavals (war and migration) and these have impacted disease patterns. The population structure indicates that the workforce age band is showing a bulge and life expectancy is ris-ing with an increasingly elderly population. The eco-nomic status of many of these sub-Saharan countries are said to be improving with changes in status from low income to low middle income status. Newer health technologies have influenced the diagnos-ing, assessment and treatment of health problems. Pub-lic health challenges are transitioning from communica-ble diseases to non-communicable diseases, with no discernible reduction in infections, such that sub-Saharan African countries are said to be suffering from the double burden of disease. This change has risen to such levels that non-communicable diseases are rapidly becoming major causes of morbidity and mortality. While some communicable diseases remain endemic, several strategies exist for minimising their health ef-fects. Outbreaks of new and emerging infections have exposed the inadequacies of the health systems, such as occurred with the recent outbreak of Ebola virus disease in West Africa.Item Hearing impairment among chronic kidney disease patients on haemodialysis at a tertiary hospital in Ghana(Ghana Medical Journal, 2019-09) Boateng, J.O.; Boafo, N.; Osafo, C.; Anim-Sampong, S.Background: Chronic kidney disease is a major public health challenge, globally. Inadequate excretion of metabolic waste products by the kidneys results in circulation of these toxic materials in the body. This can cause damage to tissues and organ systems including the auditory system which can lead to hearing loss. Aim: The study was aimed at determining the prevalence, degrees and types of hearing impairment among Chronic kidney disease patients on haemodialysis in Ghana. Methods: A case-control study involving 50 Chronic Kidney disease patients and 50 age and gender-matched control group was carried out at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH). A structured questionnaire was administered to obtain basic socio-demographic data and case history of the participants. Audiological assessment was performed using a test battery comprising otoscopy, tympanometry and pure tone audiometry in a soundproof booth. Results: Higher hearing thresholds were recorded across all the frequencies tested among the case group than the control group (p < 0.05) in both ears. Only sensorineural hearing loss was identified among the cases. The prevalence of hearing loss was 32% among the case group and 12% among the control group. No significant association was observed between hearing loss and duration of Chronic kidney disease (p = 0.16), gender of Chronic kidney disease patient and hearing loss (p = 0.88), and duration of Chronic kidney disease and degree of hearing loss (p=0.31). Conclusion: Our study showed that Chronic Kidney disease patients on haemodialysis are at higher risk of experiencing hearing loss.Item Ageing in Ghana: A Public Health and Cultural Perspective(Ageing, Physical Activity and Health: International Perspectives, 2018-03) Badasu, D.M.; Aryeetey, R.; Bitugu, B.B.; Ocansey, R.This chapter discusses the current situation of aging in Ghana from a cultural and public health perspective. There are traditionally established norms by which aging is integrated into societal living. However, due to the processes of modernization, particularly increasing urbanization and migration, these norms are being transformed rapidly in such a way that the traditional safety nets have come under severe stress. Emerging formal care systems are, therefore, expected to complement the traditional debilitated norms. However, these formal care systems are still a long way off from adequately supporting the huge unmet need for care of the elderly, especially in urban settings. Gender differences as well as local cultural norms are taken into consideration for the proposal of options and programs to adequately address the needs of the elderly and support them in their aging process, including physical activity. In the absence of structured interventions, volunteer and club activities can be promoted to keep the elderly in an active lifestyle. © 2018 selection and editorial matter, Karin Volkwein-Caplan and Jasmin Tahmaseb McConatha.Item The Sojourner's return: Risks and challenges of the study abroad experience on re-entry(Study Abroad Contexts for Enhanced Foreign Language Learning, 2018-04) Attah, D.A.; Boafo-Arthur, S.; Boafo-Arthur, A.Thousands of students are participating in study abroad programs, which is a major decision that could alter the life of a student and shape his/her future. It is important, therefore, to carefully weigh the options that come with being an international student. This chapter explores the history of study abroad, students' study abroad experiences, and the benefits of these programs. Study abroad benefits include personal growth, intercultural development, and career attainment. Educators consistently assert that a significant part of the studying abroad experience is training future global leaders to be more effective and efficient, respecting the diversities of people and cultures, including political and economic systems, and the willingness to take a stand for the world's welfare. Following this, the re-entry experiences of students who return to their home countries at the end of their studies are examined with respect to the physical, social, and psychological risks that student returnees are faced with.Item Massive Inguino-scrotal Hernia(Management of Abdominal Hernias: Fifth Edition, 2018-04) Ohene-Yeboah, M.Introduction Inguinal hernia is very common worldwide. In low- and middle-income countries, the estimated repair rate is 30 per 100,000 population per year. Inguino-scrotal Hernia Definition. Kingsnorth H3 and H4 hernias that are 20–30 cm below the pubic crest are massive. Massive hernias are associated with loss of domain as abdominal contents lie in the hernia sac over time. These massive hernias often cause difficulty in walking, sitting or lying down, with mobility dramatically restricted. These hernias are repaired with the patient in the standard prone position with general anaesthesia and endotracheal intubation. The standard oblique groin incision that is extended 1 or 2 cm beyond the pubic tubercle onto the crest adequately exposes the mass of tissue entering the scrotum. Operative steps: The inguinal canal is opened in the standard manner. The internal ring is extended lateral, and the hernia is reduced. If this fails, an omentectomy and/or a colectomy is performed. The posterior wall is repaired with the Lichtenstein procedure. Preoperative progressive pneumoperitoneum and plastic techniques or procedures may be used to increase the capacity of the abdominal cavity and prevent postreduction intra-abdominal hypertension. Closure: The groin and the lower abdominal incisions are closed in the standard manner. Post-operative management: In the immediate post-operative hours, the blood pressure, the urine output and the nasogastric aspirate have to be closely monitored.Item Visibilization of Hidden Characteristics of Firefighting Tasks and Factors Predictive of Firefighters’ Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders(Advances in Intelligent Systems and Computing, 2019-01) Sanda, M.A.; Kodom-Wiredu, J.K.Based on the notion that the Fire-service profession is a strenuous and hazardous occupation, this study explored and identified the hidden characteristics of firefighting tasks, and factors predictive of firefighters’ work-related musculoskeletal disorders in the Ghana Fire Service. Quantitative data was collected from three hundred and six firefighters and analyzed using both factor and correlation analysis. It was found that the firefighters experience several traumas characterized by exposure to human entrapment and loss in fires accidents, and personal terrible sensory experiences, the enormity of which increase with increasing years of firefighting-task performance. The firefighters are also exposed to several WMSDs whose enormity is felt irrespective of years of task performance. It is concluded that the identified hidden aspects of the firefighting-task characteristics provide insights into the enormity of trauma and WMSD associated with the task performance, which could be used to optimize the future design and management of the firefighting-task. © Springer International Publishing AG, part of Springer Nature 2019.