ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Comparing the effects of mnemonic, prior knowledge and modified lecture-based instructional strategies on students’ learning outcomes of ion-identification in Accra girls’ senior high school

The type of instructional strategies adopted by students and teachers affect learners’ educational outcomes such as students’test scores or attitude to the topic after instruction, whether favourably or otherwise. The purpose of this study was to determine the most effective teaching method for the instruction of ion identification, during ion-qualitative analysis in Accra Girls’ Senior School by adopting the pretest posttest control true experimental design. Twelve students each from a randomly selected intact class were randomly assigned to three independent groups. Treatment lasted for two weeks. Instruments used were achievement test, self-administered questionnaire (Cronbach reliability=0.84) and an interview schedule. Three hypotheses were tested at 0.05 level of significance and, data analysed using the one way analysis of covariance followed by Bonferroni post hoc pairwise comparison test .The participants were relatively young (M = 17.33, SD = 0.89) and residential status split between day (50%) and boarding (50%).The respective mean achievement scores for MBIS, RPKBIS and MLM groups, controlling for covariate were 27.69 (SD=0.61), 20.78 (SD=0.60) and 16.37 (SD=0.62). Pairwise comparison indicated statistically significant contributions by all three levels of the independent variable. On all five measures of attitude, students in the mnemonic group scored highest after treatment, with that of prior knowledge trailing. All twelve students in the mnemonic group reported an improved performance due to option to select one’s own mnemonic type for analysis. All three null hypotheses were thus rejected since differences in means were statistically significant (F(2, 32) = 67.39, P < 0.05) . Overall, the study revealed that learners’ test scores and attitude to ion qualitative analysis improved by the largest margin when mnemonic-based instructional method was adopted compared with the prior-knowledge or modified lecture method of instruction. It is recommended that curriculum designers include mnemonics for the ion analysis and students should be encouraged to create and use their own mnemonics especially acronyms for the ion qualitative analysis and periodically study it using “doing practice problems” since these ranked first among other strategies for effectiveness.

Source: UEW
Comparing vertical and horizontal drilling in well control in oil and gas

A brief introduction is given to a range of well control procedures. It was found that many of the procedures rely on a set of simplifying assumptions. This is particularly true in the hand calculations for designing a well kill. This set of assumptions was used to define an analytical model. The premises of the analytical model and some of the procedures were tested in a well control simulator. The main objective of this thesis was to verify some of the well control procedures, and to shed light on their limitations. Particular attention was given to well control methods for a vertical and horizontal well. The aim of the project is using the well control simulator to compare the vertical and horizontal drilling operation in oil and gas exploration. The study involves drilling technology, well design and construction, with reference to collating and comparing data when the two-drilling simulation were performed. Further modifications deemed necessary: • Improved accuracy in reading of bottom hole and choke pressures. • Implementation of additional topside parameters (pit gain, drill pipe pressure) • A more realistic friction model. • Changing the liquid component of the system from water to drilling fluid (altering the liquid density). The results obtained by the kick simulator were compared to hand calculations. The main discovery was that although the hand calculations produce slight errors, the errors exclusively functions as additional safety margins with respect to downhole pressure differential. It was also found that a gas bubble migrating in a shut-in annulus subjects the well to higher loads than the gas filled well scenario.

Source: UEW
Comparison of computer based tutorial and traditional method of teaching brick wall bonding

The study compared computer-based tutorial (CBT) and a ‘traditional’ method of teaching brick wall bonding. The quasi-experimental pretest–posttest non equivalent groups design was used for the study and the experiment was conducted with form two students studying Building Construction at the Armed Force Senior High Technical School and Kumasi Senior High Technical School. In all, 30 students (15 from each school selected by simple random sampling) participated in the study. Computer-Based Tutorial programme for the experiment was developed by me, using interactive tutorial mode of presentation, covering brick wall bonding in Senior High School form two (SHS 2) syllabus. Tutorial was followed by multiple choice and essay test questions with immediate feedback. Hyperlinks were also added to the programme for explanation of the text. The traditional method of teaching consisted of exposition and question and answer. The pre-test was used as the post-test and this was an achievement test comprising ten multiple-choice and four essay test items. The results revealed that the experimental group outperformed the control group in the achievement test in all aspect of the test. Students liked the CBT programme and benefited from it by way of higher achievement. It was recommended that CBT should be incorporated into the teaching of technical subjects at the senior high school level.

Source: UEW
Comparison of density and selected microscopic characteristics of stem and branch wood of two commercial trees in Ghana

The objective of this study was to investigate density and some microscopic characteristics (fibre length, vessel lumen diameter, and vessel, fibre and parenchyma proportions) of stem and branch wood of Terminalia superba (ofram) and Pterygota macrocarpa (koto). Branch and stem wood samples were obtained from two natural forest reserves. Wood density was determined in accordance with ISO 3131, whereas the anatomical investigations followed the IAWA Committee 1989 recommendations. The results indicated that at 5�% level of significance, wood density was significantly higher (p�<�0.01) in the branch wood of ofram, but non-significantly lower (p�>�0.1) in the branch wood of koto than that of their respective stem wood counterparts. For both species, significant difference (p�<�0.05) was found in fibre proportion between the branch and stem, while no significant difference (p�>�0.1) was found in ray parenchyma proportion. Branch wood density correlated significantly and positively with only fibre (r�=�0.216, p�<�0.05) and axial parenchyma (r�=�0.286, p�<�0.05) proportions but stem wood density correlated significantly and positively with fibre length (r�=�0.417, p�<�0.01) and fibre proportion (r�=�0.490, p�<�0.01) but negatively with vessel proportion (r�=�?0.669, p�<�0.01) and vessel lumen diameter (r�=�?0.291, p�<�0.05). The results from the present study indicated that the position of wood in a tree (stem or branch) is a factor for consideration in processing and utilizing the two species as the fibre length, vessel lumen diameter, and vessel and fibre proportions affect the strength, porosity, leachability, natural durability and drying of the lumber. � 2015, Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.

Source: UEW
A comparison of female students attitude towards mathematics achievement in single sex and mixed sex senior high schools

The purpose of this study was to compare female students’ attitude towards mathematics achievement. The study employed a non-experimental comparative design using stratified sampling, simple random sampling, and purposive sampling. Questionnaire consisting of attitudinal and achievement tests were answered by 358 female students. Descriptive statistics: frequency, percentages, charts, mean and standard deviation and inferential statistics: independent samples t-test at a significant level of 0.05 were used to analyze the study. Perception, experience, expectation, interest, self-concept and motivation were investigated as constructs that affect the SHS female students’ attitude and the result shows that (i) female students in single sex schools have positive attitude towards mathematics compared to female students in mixed-sex schools, (ii) the mean scores of attitude and achievement of female students in single-sex schools are higher than that of female students in mixed-sex schools. Results from the t-test show that (iii) there is statistically significant difference between attitude towards mathematics and (iv) mathematics achievement of females in single-sex and mixed-sex SHSs. Even though single-sex environment favours female students’ mathematics learning, female students should be explored and sent to the school where they will excel in mathematics and single-sex classes should be practiced in Ghana. Ghana Education Service can adopt single-sex classes in the mixed-sex schools. Teachers should have regular in-service training to be familiar with appropriate teaching strategies that suit each school type.

Source: UEW
A comparison of teaching effectiveness of elective and non-elective physical education teachers from colleges of education on students learning outcome in Brong Ahafo Region Ghana

The purpose of the study was to compare two sets of teachers: one set of which took physical education as an elective course during their pre service preparation while the other set only studied it as a general compulsory course during pre-service preparation. The study was focused on what they do in the name of physical education on the field of work. The study also sought to describe the association(s) that may exist between these two sets of teachers and the students‘ products from their schools. Descriptive survey and correlational design methods were used. The population consisted of physical education teachers and students in basic education schools within the catchment area of Tano North and South Districts of the Brong-Ahafo Region of Ghana. The sample was made up of 40 physical education teachers within the catchment area of Tano North and South Districts of the Brong-Ahafo Region of Ghana. The population was made up of 20 physical education elective teachers and 480 non-physical education elective teachers. In all, 200 students were selected from the participating teachers classes (i.e. 5 students from each teacher‘s class) were used for the study. A class observation form was adapted from the Community College of Aurora‘s Mentor Program Handbook and Staffordshire University‘s Guidelines for the observation of teaching. The findings revealed that there was significant difference between the two set of teachers (t (39) = -12.26, p < .05). Except for the reasons assigned to affect the teaching of physical education at the basic education in the two districts. Based on this, a number of recommendations have been made to district education offices, and when followed would improve the teaching and learning of physical education in Ghana, in particular.

Source: UEW
The comparisons between the usage of timber and steel formworks and their impact on the environment in the construction industry with particular reference to some selected construction companies in the Accra Metropolis

This project is concerned about the comparisons between the usage of timber and steel formworks and their impact on the environment in the construction industry in Ghana. In order to achieve the objectives of the study, some selected construction companies in the Accra Metropolis were used. Although timber formwork has dominated the construction industry worldwide, forests all over the world has been depleted. This has led to greater impacts to economies of poor nations and its people whose livelihood is threatened. In the light of this problem, was whether to continue to use timber as formwork for temporary works or find other alternative materials like steel. Steel is more environmental friendly, recyclable, sustainable and this can reduce logging, save our forests and reduce global warming and greenhouse effects partially or wholly. Although steel formwork application helps reduce construction waste problem, its initial cost is very high and medium and small scale building contractors may not be able to afford its use. Timber for formwork is easily available, cheap easy to work with, on like steel which needs welders and sophisticated welding equipment (welding plant, electricity etc.). The aim of the study is to scrutinize the use of timber and steel from the processing stage to the finish stage as concrete finishing. Some of the objectives are cost involved, availability, uses, speed of erection, striking, strength, handling, waste generation, recyclability, sustainability, environmental friendliness etc. The research design is quantitative and the population of the study concerned is construction companies. Although the stakeholders concerned were many, the researcher has to concentrate was on the final product for formwork. The random method of sampling was used with a sample size of 32 construction companies. Analyses were presented in a descriptive statistical format using the mean score. Questionnaires, University of Education, Winneba http://ir.uew.edu.gh xvii interviews and observations were the research instruments. Percentages were used as a statistical tool for the analysis from the responses of the research instruments. The presentation of data, analysis and discussion of results was carefully done in order to achieve the project objectives. In order to reduce logging and its associated effects on the environment it became necessary that timber used for temporary works as formwork be replaced by steel or a combination of both materials should be used. This would, in the long run help to regenerate our forests, which in turn save our environment from destruction.

Source: UEW
A compartmental model to investigate the dynamics of the COVID-19 pandemic: A case study in five countries

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infections, was declared a pandemic by the WHO on March 12, 2020. By April 10, 2020, it has spread to almost 215 UN Territories, affected more than 1,600,000 people, and become fatal to more than 100,000 people. We propose a compartmental model to investigate the dynamics of the COVID-19 pandemic and analyze the effects of governments and health officials' intervention strategies, using data in the USA, Italy, Spain, Germany, and France. These are the countries with the most confirmed cases of the COVID-19 as of April 11, 2020. We perform parameter estimations, sensitivity, and predictive analysis and compare the COVID-19 trend in these understudy countries. Based on the model, we compute the basic reproduction number of the pandemic in these countries. The results indicate that the most sensitive parameters are the contact rate and degree of intervention; these parameters have high value in containing the pandemic. The basic reproduction number in each of the countries under study is more than unity. Based on our findings, the COVID-19 pandemic will continue to spread; but higher compliance with the intervention strategies will help minimize the disease's spread. � 2021 World Scientific Publishing Company.

Source: UEW
Competences of students with visual impairment in using orientation and mobility techniques in Wenchi shs in the bono region of Ghana

This study was done to assess the competencies of students with visual impairment in using orientation and mobility (O&M) techniques at Wenchi Senior High School in the Bono Region of Ghana. Thirty-five respondents were selected purposively for the study. An in-depth interview and observations checklist were conducted to elicit both quantitative and qualitative data. Data from the observational checklist were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Science version 21.0 (SPSS 21.0) and a descriptive statistical method was used to calculate the frequency and percentages for each item-by-item analysis. The recorded interviews were transcribed and analyzed thematically. The study revealed that orientation and mobility training programs in the schools were not as effective as expected. The students were competent to use the human guide techniques, but not competent to use the mobility cane techniques and the independent travel techniques. Challenges in the school include inadequate resource teachers, lack of orientation and mobility instructor, inadequate mobility canes, the few canes were old and rigid canes, the school environment not disability friendly, the human guide not willing to offer assistance to students with visual impairment, stigmatization and limited time for orientation and mobility training. Recommendation such as qualify orientation and mobility instructor, ensuring improved universal designs in the schools for the blind, curriculum modification, provision of enough mobility canes, availability of automatic extendable walking canes, enough resource teachers and public sensitization on stigmatization against individuals with visual impairment.

Source: UEW
Complementary feeding practices among mothers of children aged 6 - 24 months: A case study of Atwima Kwanwoma district in the Ashanti Region of Ghana

Malnutrition and poor complementary feeding are more predominant in many Ghanaian communities. Complementary feeding if not practiced appropriately at this age can make the child more prone to infections, reduce their illness recovery rates and as well cause high mortality in children. Hence, this study was aimed at assessing the complementary feeding practices among mothers of children aged 6 - 24 months at Atwima Kwanwoma District in the Ashanti Region of Ghana. Descriptive survey was adopted for this study. The study population consisted of all mothers who had children between the ages of 6-24 months and visited the district health center in the Atwima Kwanwoma District. Purposive sampling was used in selecting 280 mothers of children aged 6 - 24 months for the study. The study showed good complementary feeding practices among the mothers that visits health center in the Atwima Kwanwoma District in timely introducing solid, semi-solid or soft foods, using appropriate method of feeding during illness, adequacy of energy in complementary feeds. According to the showed that socioeconomic factors, mothers knowledge level, postnatal care and the social network, and cultural practices influences mothers complementary feeding practice. It was evident that enriching or making the child’s food with more energy, improving the intelligence of the child, provision of essential nutrients for continued growth and development, and eliminating the risk causing deficiencies and malnutrition of the child are the key determinants of early introduction of complementary feeding. It was concluded that mothers of children aged 6 - 24 months practice good complementary feeding. It was recommended that government and nongovernment organizations should increase the various health-related activities to grow mothers’ awareness and practice regarding complementary feeding.

Source: UEW
Complete collection of clinical practice specialization in Guidance and Counselling

Psychology is the study of the mind and behavior, encompassing various techniques and therapies to help individuals overcome psychological issues and improve their mental health. Psychotherapy is a crucial aspect of psychology, involving talking to a trained therapist to address and work through psychological issues. Common forms of psychotherapy include cognitive behavioral therapy, psychodynamic therapy, and humanistic therapy. Psychological presentations, such as anxiety, depression, mood swings, and disordered eating behaviors, can vary depending on the individual and their specific issues. We used a combination of techniques, such as cognitive restructuring, relaxation techniques, mindfulness exercises, and communication skills training, to help individuals understand and overcome their issues. This practicum included the exploration and use of various psychological techniques in psychotherapy. seminars were also organized to address diverse psychological issues tailored towards participants interests. a total of about 19 clients were given individual psychotherapy, 7 couples therapy and 5 major presentations were organized for over 300 participants during the period of practicum

Source: UEW
Compliance with the public procurement act 2003, (act 663) a case study of selected second cycle educational institutions in Ashanti region of Ghana

This study examined the compliance with Public Procurement Act 2003, (ACT 663) among selected second cycle educational institutions in the Ashanti Region of Ghana. The objective was to determine the level of awareness of management and procurement staff of selected schools with the Public Procurement Act and examined the level of compliance with the provisions in Act 663 by the selected senior high schools in the Ashanti Region of Ghana. It also aims at identifying factors affecting compliance with the transparency provisions of Act 663 and examined procurement practices on the cost of boarding fees. The simple random and purposive sampling techniques were used to select the sample which consisted of a population of ten (10) selected senior high schools with ten (10) respondents from each selected senior high school making a sampling size of one hundred (100) in the Ashanti Region. The finding from the study revealed that the selected educational institutions and respondents were aware of the Public Procurement Act 2003, (ACT 663) as used in the country. Respondents were also aware that the Procurement Act is applicable in all government establishment including second cycle institutions. The results of the study on the effects of procurement practices on cost of feeding revealed that lack of transparency makes the cost of items especially food very expensive, further respondents disagreed that procurement practices had no effects or bearing on the cost of items purchased. It came to light the policies and procurement procedures outlined in the Public Procurement Act do not totally apply to schools. This is because some of the products, works or services they acquire do not necessarily fall under the threshold of the procurement methods. Among the recommendations are, senior high schools be provided with procurement units that are managed by quality personnel who have the requisite knowledge, training and competence in procurement.

Source: UEW