ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Suitability of two methods for determination of point of zero charge (pzc) of adsorbents in soils

The points of zero charge (PZC) of manganese oxide (MnO2), titanium dioxide (TiO2), aluminum (Al) laterite, ferruginous (Fe) laterite, aluminum oxide (Al2O3), and a commercial activated carbon sample (AC001) were determine using acid-base potentiometric (PT) and mass titration (MT). he MT technique has been used extensively for carbonaceous materials but less for soils. In addition, little work has been done on the PZC of these metal oxides and carbon materials under similar experimental conditions concurrently. Our aim is to buttress the ease of MT usage over PT in routine laboratory analysis. He experimental PZC measured by acid-base potentiometric and mass titrations respectively were 4.97 and 4.11 for MnO2; 5.38 and 5.74 for iO2; 4.19 and 4.08 for Al laterite; and 4.45 and 4.10 for Fe laterite. For Al2O3 and activated carbon, mass titration gave 7.53 and 8.41 respectively. Calculated standard deviations between the means of PT and MT were less than 1, and Student’s t-test at 95% confidence interval (CI) gave a P value of 0.135, suggesting that there is no significant difference between PT and MT and buttressing the reliability of the experimental procedures. In routine laboratory work, mass titration should be preferred for PZC measurement of (hydr)oxides and soil materials because it saves time

Source: UCC
The Supedcial UlnarArtery: Development and Surgical Significance

The upper limbs of 72 formalin-fixed human cadavers were examined by dissection for arternial anomalies. In one subject, the ulnar artery was noted to be a branch of the second part of the axillary artery on both right and lefts sides. It ran a superficial course in the arm, crossed the elbow immediately subjacent to the median cubital vein, and continued its course in the fore-arm in a subcutaneous position. In the hand it played a dominant role in the formation of the superficial palmar arch. The anomalous ulnar artery was of a smaller caliber than the radial and common interosseous arteries. Although superficial ulnar arteries have been reported in the literature, the combination of bilateral superficial ulnar arteries originating from the axillary arteries appears to be rare. The developmental and surgical significance of findings were discussed.

Source: UCC
Supervision and performance in basic schools a private - public comparison of the Birim South district of Ghana

The purpose of this study was to compare supervision and performance in public and private schools at basic level in the Birim South District. The study focused on identifying the causes of the low academic standard in the public basic schools and to establish the causes of the relatively high academic performance in the private preparatory schools. One of the questions that the study is expected to answer was how has supervision in public and private schools at the basic level has contributed to the differences in their academic performance. The study involved a total number of 248 pupils with their ages ranging from 10-18 years selected from both public and private basic schools using accidental sampling technique. A total of 98 teachers were contacted from both public and private schools at the basic level in addition to 56 parents sampled with their ages ranging from 20-69 years. Separate questionnaire prepared for pupils, teachers and parents were used for data collection and the findings of the study indicated that pupils in the private schools academic performance is relatively better than their counterparts in the public school owing to effective supervision. It was recommended that there was the need for re-appraisal of the supervisory strategies used in the public school and the supply of adequate physical infrastructure.

Source: UCC
Supervision and Performance of Teachers in Senior High Schools in the Dormaa Municipality

ABSTRACT The study investigated the effect of supervision on performance of teachers in senior high schools in the Dormaa municipality. The study was approached quantitatively with correlational research design. The study specifically pursued the following research objectives, to assess the factors influencing supervision of teachers at Ghana Education Service in the Dormaa Municipality, to assess the effect of supervision on performance of teachers at Ghana Education Service in the Dormaa Municipality. A structured questionnaire was used to gather data from the surveyed respondents. A valid questionnaire of 140 were retrieved from a total sample of 155 teachers from four senior high schools in the Dormaa municipality. The IBM statistical package for social science (SPSS) analytical software version 26 was used to process the data and analysed the data using mean scores and linear regression statistical tools. The study found that the factors that influence supervision exercise had little effect on the supervision process. Also, supervision was found to have significantly and positively effect on employee performance at the selected school. The study further found that the supervision exercise is bewailed by numerous challenges, such as untimely information, lack of logistics, inadequate training of supervisors among others. The study recommends implementation of supervision must be accompanied by mechanisms or policies that create the opportunity to harness employees' performance. Again, staff job satisfaction should be the top priority of supervisors. When staff members feel secured, recognised and allowed to use their skills and abilities better performance is assured. Also, needed resources should be allocated to the supervisory process to facilitate the realisation of its intended goals.

Source: UCC
Supervision in basic schools in the new Juaben Municipality of Ghana

Even though many interventions have been worked out to enhance teaching and learning in schools, the public outcry about the academic performance of pupils, as well as the general standard of education of some public Basic Schools in the country is said to be on the decline. Stakeholders and many parents have blamed this state of affairs on lack of commitment by administrators of schools and poor performance of teachers. The purpose of the study essentially was to find out about how supervision is been done in the public basic schools and its improvement on teaching and learning. Also to ascertain some existing problems that hinders effective supervision in the schools and offer suggestion and recommendations to improve the quality of education in the municipality. The study was a descriptive study and was conducted among the headteachers, teachers, circuit supervisors, parents and opinion leaders in the municipality. In all 180 respondents were selected. Schools and teachers were selected by the lottery technique whilst the headteachers and circuit supervisors were chosen using purposive sampling approach. A set of questionnaire an interview guide was prepared for each of the respondents. Some of the key findings were that, both internal and external supervision as a form of supervision was preferred; the municipal director and unit manager was not regular in visiting the schools. It was recommended that in service training (INSET) should be organized for teachers and headteachers to highlight the essence of supervison.

Source: UCC
Supervision of basic school teachers in Jasikan district

The study was on supervision of basic school teachers in the Jasikan District in Volta Region of Ghana. The purpose of the study was to find out types of supervision carried out in the district, the type which was being emphasized, the type the teachers preferred and challenges that were confronting supervision. Ninety eight schools and the district education office were covered. In all 200 respondents were involved. Data was collected through interview and questionnaire. The statistical method used in the analysis was descriptive statistics. Percentages were calculated for the summary of the various responses. The major findings of the study were that internal supervision was seen by the teachers as the one being emphasized in the district and that was the type they preferred. Teachers also saw internal supervision as facilitating teaching and learning than external supervision. It was recommended that internal supervision should be supported and the support sustained to enhance teaching and learning. External supervision was also to be strengthened and supported since it had a complementary role to play in the teaching and learning process.

Source: UCC
Supervision of instruction in junior secondary schools (JSS) within the Tema municipality, Ghana

The study was on supervision of instruction in Junior Secondary Schools in the Tema municipality, in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana. The purpose of the study was to find out the state of supervision of instruction in the Tema municipality, the type of supervision emphasized and which type teachers preferred. It was also to find out whether teachers were satisfied with the level of supervision in the municipality and the problems they encountered in their work and whether the supervision improved the performance of pupils in the Basic Education Certificate Examination. The data was collected through questionnaire and interview guide. The hat-trick random sampling selection method was used for the schools from the five circuits chosen. The statistical method used in the analysis was simple percentages. Total sample size was 177. The descriptive survey design was used for the study. The study involved headteachers, teachers, pupils, circuit supervisors, the district director, and the head of inspectorate.Findings made were that with the exception of the teachers who preferred internal supervision to external supervision, all other respondents considered both internal and external supervision as equally important. Major problems faced by external supervisors, was the lack of transportation and logistics. It is recommended that these are to be provided by the municipal director of education for effective supervision. Workshops also should be organized for teachers to sensitize them on the complementary roles played by external supervision.

Source: UCC
Supervisors' professional competencies as perceived by supervisors and extension agents under the unified agricultural extension system in Ghana

The aim of this study was to examine the competency levels of Agricultural Extension I Supervisors in the Ministry of Food and Agriculture in Ghana. It was also to determine the Competency needs of the Supervisors. The study was based on the perceptions of the Supervisors and Extension Agents. It also compared the self-perceived competencies by Supervisors with their competencies as perceived by the Extension Agents and determined the competency needs of Supervisors. In addition, the study looked at the differences between demographic characteristics of Supervisors and the competencies (grouped into eight categories), when the competencies were acquired and the best time to learn them. A descriptive correlational survey design was used. The study covered three out of the ten Regions of Ghana, namely Western, Brong Ahafo and Upper East. In all, 221 Extension Agents and 73 supervisors were involved in the study. Generally, self-evaluation by the Supervisors and the evaluation by the Agents were very similar and most of the 100 competency items studied were rated between 'Moderate' and •High' . Only one competency, Completing monthly or annual reports', was rated above •High' level. There were 16 competency items for which supervisors were rated below 'Moderate' level and which need Urgent attention. They include competencies that relate to: - Preparation of long-range programme of work and involving stake holders in planning extension programmes under Programme Planning. - the development and use of teaching aids including audio-visuals under Teaching. Also planning, organizing and conducting tours and field trips.

Source: UCC
Supervisors’ Remarks in Teaching Practice: The Perspectives of History Student-Teachers

Teaching practice is very germane to the training of prospective teachers as it is a process of producing competent teachers. Rosemary, Richard and Ngara (2013) acknowledge that there are many mechanisms that are put in place to make the exercise (teaching practice) a beneficial experience to trainee-teachers' and supervisors' remarks is a part of one of such mechanisms. In the University of Cape Coast, supervision of the trainees (student-teachers) is done by the University lecturers who observe student-teachers and give their remarks on lessons taught by trainees. The remarks of supervisors, therefore, become critical in shaping trainees to turn out to be effective teachers. Given the relevance of supervisors' remarks, the researcher sought to examine the perspectives of History student-teachers on the remarks given by supervisors during teaching practice. A qualitative research method was followed. Focus group discussions with twenty-four (24) History studentteachers who were in the final and penultimate years of graduation were used to collect the data for the study. Data were presented qualitatively using thick descriptions. Regardless of differences in the reaction of participants on supervisors' remarks on their lessons, majority of them accepted the remarks given by their supervisors. By and large, participants regarded supervisors' remarks as indispensable element in their development as knowledgeable teachers. Nevertheless, conflicting remarks from supervisors on a lesson taught were viewed as affecting the effectiveness of the supervision exercise. Among other things, the study recommends that supervisors must have a sound knowledge of the subject matter they are supervising, and knowledge about subject-specific methodology which will enable them to provide useful remarks.

Source: UCC
Supervisory Practices In Public Junior High Schools In Twifo Atti Mokwaa District Of Central Region

The main objective of this study was to find out supervisory practices of public junior high schools in Twifo Atti-Morkwa District in the Central Region of Ghana. This study was centred on supervisory roles of supervisors such as school heads, School Improvement Support Officers (SISO) Assistant Director (AD) in charge of Supervision, Officials from National Schools‟ Inspectorate Authority (NaSIA) and the District Director of Education, types of supervision, challenges of supervision and measures to address them. The study used both simple random sampling and purposive sampling in selecting 172 respondents made up of 120 teachers, 40 school heads, 10 SISOs, 1 AD in charge of supervision and the District Director of Education. The study employed a descriptive survey design with both questionnaires and interview guides to collect both qualitative and quantitative data. Greater percentage of both school heads and teachers agreed that school heads perform their supervisory roles as expected of them. The study revealed that internal supervision was common in the district. It was also evident from the study that officers from National Schools‟ Inspectorate Authority (NaSIA) do not pay regular visits to the schools in the district. Some challenges of supervision indicated by the study included, transportation difficulties, inadequate provision of teaching learning materials and other logistical constraints, as well as lack of incentives for supervisors such as SISOs. It was recommended that the state should provide the needed logistics to help promote effective supervision of schools in the district. It was suggested through the study that allowances and other incentives should be given to supervisors to boost their morale. It was also suggested that the district assembly should do regular maintenance on the bad roads in the district.

Source: UCC
Supervisory Practices of Private Senior High Schools in the Awutu Senya East Municipality

This study was conducted in the Awutu Senya East Municipality in the Central Region of Ghana with the aim of finding out the supervisory practices of private senior high schools in the Municipality. The study made use of primary data collected from 121 sample respondents consisting of municipal private school coordinator, head teachers, teachers and students. In finding the type of supervision being carried out in the Awutu Senya Municipality, questionnaires and semi- structured interview guides were the instruments used. The interview responses were transcribed and analysed thematically. Findings revealed that most supervisors of Private Senior High schools in the Awutu Senya East municipality undertake brief visits. Instructional supervision was carried out on daily, weekly and monthly basis. The critical problems confronting supervision in the municipality are supervisors‟ lack of confidence, lack of adequate resources for supervision, poor communication skills and low knowledge on supervisory practices on the part of supervisors and workload on the part of headmasters is a major setback to internal instructional supervision. From the findings of the studies, it can be concluded that the major problem affecting supervisory practices in private senior high schools in the Awutu Senya East municipality is inadequate supervision resources. In view of the findings, it is recommended that teachers should change their perception towards supervision by not seeing it as fault finding mission, feedback after supervision should be immediate, that supervisors should be motivated to work harder, supervision resources should be provided to supervisors on timely basis and also supervisors should desist from intimidating teachers during supervision. Besides, the study recommends that supervision in private senior high schools should be restructured to embrace new trends of supervision which emphasises teacher growth rather than teacher defects.

Source: UCC
Supplementary dataonrapid sampleclean-up Procedure of aminophosphonatesforLC/MS analysis

Minimising matrix effects through high sample purity is ofmajor importance for LC/MS analysis. Here we provide supplementary data and protocols related to the article “Rapid sample clean-up procedure of aminophosphonates for LC/MS analysis” (revised article submitted to Talanta)[1].It is demonstrated that the tested phosphonates iminodi(methylenephosphonic acid)(IDMP),hydroxyethelidene(diphosphonic acid)(HEDP), aminotris (methylenephosphonic acid)(ATMP),ethylenediaminetetra (methyloenephosphonic acid)(EDTMP)and diethylenetriaminepenta (methylenephosphonic acid)(DTPMP)dissolved in tap water are not detectable by LC/MS without sample clean-up.Only the smallest aminophosphonate amino(methylenephosphonic acid)(AMPA)was detectable but the recovery is decreased drastically. The optimized sample clean-up with cation exchange resin (CER)Dowex 50WX8 is described in detailand Illustrated. The protocol is provided. The influence of the incubation time, addition of different ammonium acetate concentrations, different samples pHs and different water qualities is demonstrated and preferred clean up conditions are recommended. Calibration results of all tested aminophosphonates are validated regarding limit of detection, limit of quantification, lower limit of quantification, absolute and relative process standard deviation. A final recommendation for the best clean-up condition for all six tested aminophosphonates is provided

Source: UCC
Supplier Development and Operational Performance of food and Beverage firms in Ghana: The Role of Buyer-Supplier Commitment

Today, a lot of Ghanaian food and beverage firms have recognised how important supplier development is to creating and sustaining their competitive advantage. This study aimed at examining the effect of supplier development on operational performance of food and beverage firms in Ghana through the mediating role of buyer-supplier commitment. Positivist philosophy and correlational research design was used for the study. The target population for the study was 152 food and beverage firms located in Greater Accra, Ghana, who have registered with Food and Beverage Association Ghana (FABAG, 2022). Also, the study employed a census sampling technique to collect data from 152 respondents (Procurement officers) using structured questionnaires. PLS-SEM technique was used to analyse the data. The findings from the study revealed that supplier financial support, supplier training and early supplier involvement in new product development as a construct of supplier development all had a significant positive effect on operational performance of food and beverage firms in Ghana. Further, buyer-supplier commitment significantly and positively mediated the relationships between supplier development and operational performance of Ghanaian food and beverage firms. The study therefore recommended that in order for management of the food and beverage firms in Ghana to improve their operational performance, they should develop their suppliers by providing them financial support, training and involving them at the early stage of production as well as establishing buyer-supplier commitment with suppliers.

Source: UCC
Supplier Development and Sustainable Performance of Cocoa Bean Suppliers in Ghana: The Role of Operational Efficiency, Firm Ambidexterity and Buyer-Supplier Relationship Quality

Despite the enormous supplier development initiatives given to cocoa bean suppliers in Ghana by key stakeholders in the cocoa industry, especially from the License-buying companies [LBCs], cocoa bean suppliers continue to perform abysmally regarding sustainability performance and operational efficiency. Furthermore, it is difficult for cocoa bean suppliers to change their operations to take advantage of opportunities embedded in supplier development initiatives. The study examined the effect of supplier development on the sustainable performance of cocoa bean suppliers in the Western North region of Ghana. It analysed the intervening roles of operational efficiency, firm ambidexterity, buyer-supplier relationship quality and firm characteristics. It employed an explanatory research design and quantitative approach, collecting primary data through a structured questionnaire in a cross-sectional survey. Multi-stage sampling was employed to select the participants. Caretakers and owners served as proxies for the cocoa supply farms. Out of 450 cocoa bean suppliers, 424 completed the questionnaires leading to 94.22% response rate. SMART PLS software was utilised to analyze the data via the two-stage embedded approach of model configuration. Supplier development and operational efficiency account for a moderate variance in sustainable performance. Buyer-supplier relationship quality and firm ambidexterity amplify supplier development's influence on operational efficiency. Ghana Cocoa Authority should continue and intensify its policy on non-price incentives for cocoa farmers. Cocoa bean suppliers should increase their technical efficiency to transfer the advantages in supplier development into sustained performance.

Source: UCC