ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
A Book Review: Qualitative Inquiry & Research Design: Choosing Among Five Approaches

This paper presents a review on the textbook, ‘qualitative inquiry & research design: choosing among five approaches’. This book was written by John W. Creswell and published by Sage in 2013. The first and second editions of this book were published in 1998 and 2007 respectively. This third edition provides an effective tool for both students and researchers to make the best choice among the many qualitative methods. It is a book worth studying by all who want to develop a sound research career in pure qualitative or mixed research methods.

Source: UCC
Book-Keeping Practices and Accountability of Cocoa Industry in Western North Region. A Study of Suaman District

This study sought to assess the book-keeping practices and accountability in the cocoa industry in Western North Region, a study of Suaman District. As such, specific objectives were to examine the book-keeping practices in the cocoa sector in Suaman District, examine the factors that affect accountability in the cocoa sector in Suaman District, assess the accountability challenges facing the cocoa sector in Suaman District and to analyze the effect of bookkeeping on accountability in the cocoa sector in Suaman District. Data was collected through self-administered questionnaire from the employees of licenced cocoa buying companies in Suaman District who are mandated to submit weekly and monthly accounts to headquarters (district managers, depot keepers and accountants). The study used quantitative research approach for data collection, analysis and interpretation. Cluster sampling and purposive sampling techniques were used to choose the sample size of 65 for the study. The results revealed that book-keeping has a significant effect on accountability in the industry. It also revealed that staff financial indiscipline and inadequate knowledge in book-keeping are some of the challenges facing accountability in the sector. It also revealed that there is over-reliance on manual system of records keeping in the sector. The studies concluded that managers of the sector should invest in education of staff on book-keeping and also introduce accounting software in its operations. It further recommended increase in remuneration packages of staff to reduce misappropriation of funds.

Source: UCC
Bookkeeping and perception of growth of small and medium scale enterprises in the Cape Coast Metropolis

The role of SMEs in the development of any nation cannot be over emphasised. Yet their growth into bigger firms is often beset with many challenges. This study sought to examine the perception of business owners about the effect of bookkeeping on the growth of small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs) in the Cape Coast Metropolis. The study employed the quantitative research method and survey design. The simple random sampling method was used to draw a sample of 100 enterprises from a survey population of 135 registered SMEs from the Cape Coast Chamber of Commerce. A structured survey questionnaire was used in gathering primary data for the study. A total of 100 questionnaires were returned and used for analysis. The study found that most SMEs surveyed did not keep complete written records even though majority (74%) of them perceived bookkeeping as an important tool for business growth. The challenges that confronted SMEs owners in bookkeeping were lack of personal knowledge in bookkeeping, lack of record keepers, time and resources constraints among others. The study also found that majority SME owners perceived bookkeeping to have an effect on the growth of SMEs and level of education of SME owners or managers also had a positive relationship with their bookkeeping practices. The study recommended that the National Board for Small Scale Industries (NBSSI) in Ghana should initiate policies that will intensify education of SMEs operators on bookkeeping since many of them lacked personal knowledge in bookkeeping. Business operators were also recommended to go for seminars and training that will improve their record keeping skills.

Source: UCC
A bootstrap approach to evaluating the performance of akaike information criterion (aic) and bayesian information criterion (bic) in selection of an asymmetric price relationship

This study addresses the problem of model selection in asymmetric price transmission models by combining the use of bootstrap methods with information theoretic selection criteria. Subsequently, parametric bootstrap technique is used to select the best model according to Akaike’s Information Criteria (AIC) and Bayesian Information Criteria (BIC). Bootstrap simulation results indicated that the performances of AIC and BIC are affected by the size of the data, the level of asymmetry and the amount of noise in the model used in the application. This study further establishes that the BIC is consistent and outperforms AIC in selecting the correct asymmetric price relationship when the bootstrap sample size is large

Source: UCC
A bootstrap approach to evaluating the power of the houck’s test for asymmetry

The power of the conventional Houck’s model of asymmetry is examined via parametric bootstrap simulation. The results of the bootstrap simulations indicate that the Houck’s model has low power in rejecting the null of symmetric adjustment. The power of the test depends on the bootstrap sample size, level of asymmetry and the amount of noise in the data generating process used in an application. With a small bootstrap sample and large noise level, the Houck’s model display low power in rejecting the null hypothesis of symmetry.

Source: UCC
A bootstrap approach to testing for symmetry in the granger and lee asymmetric error correction model

The power of the Granger and Lee (1989) model of asymmetry is examined via bootstrap simulation. The results of the bootstrap simulation indicate that the Granger and Lee model has low power in rejecting the null hypothesis of symmetric adjustments. The power of the test depends on the bootstrap sample size, difference in adjustment speeds and the amount of noise in the data generating process used in the application. With a small bootstrap sample and large noise level the Granger and Lee model display low power in rejecting the null hypothesis of symmetry

Source: UCC
Boundedness and stability in nonlinear delay difference equations employing fixed point theory

In this paper we study stability and boundedness of the nonlinear diference equation x(t + 1) = a(t)x(t) + c(t)∆x(t − g(t)) + q(x(t), x(t − g(t)) .In particular we study equi-boundedness of solutions and the stability of the zero solution of this equation. Fixed point theorems are used in the analysis

Source: UCC
Brain Response To Music Among Pupils In The University Of Cape Coast Basic School

Progress in neuroscience has quickly increased knowledge of neural insights with musical participation. Researchers have endeavoured to identify brain responses that are related to experiences of music participation. However, interest in neuroscientific study of music is hard to find in Ghana. There seems to be a paucity of research on brain response to music stimuli as well as its relationship to brain development. The objective of tbis study was to investigate brain responses to music stimuli. The study was conducted within the framework of brain stages of human development theory. A mixed factorial ANOV A and hypothesis testing were conducted. One hundred students (N=lOO) were randomly sampled to participate in the study. Data for the study were collected using the EmotivEPOC+ EEG and EmotivPRO interface. A one-way repeated measures ANOVA was conducted to investigate the significance of main effect of brain lobes in responses to music among respondents (N = 100). The results of the ANOV A indicated a significant effect among brain lobe, which was observed between the Frontal and the Occipital lobes, Wilks' Lambda A =.92 F (3,97) = 2.87, p = .040.

Source: UCC
Brand Orientation, Brand Identity and Brand Performance of Small and Medium Enterprises in Ghana

This study explores the relationships between brand orientation and the brand performance of SMEs in Ghana. It further looked at the mediating role of brand identity on the relationship between brand orientation and brand identity. Underpinned by the resource-based and the dynamic capability theories, the positivist philosophical paradigm, quantitative research approach, and explanatory research design were adopted for this research work. A structured, pre-tested, self-administered questionnaire was employed. Using a simple random sampling technique, data from 310 SME owners/managers within the Greater Accra region of Ghana was analysed using PLS-SEM. The study reveals no relationship between brand orientation and brand performance among the SMEs surveyed. The study further reveal positive relationship between brand orientation and brand identity; brand identity and brand performance; brand orientation and brand positioning; brand orientation and brand values; brand orientation and brand vision, brand positioning and brand performance; a brand values and brand performance; and brand vision and brand performance of SMEs in Ghana. Brand identity; brand values, and brand vision mediate the relationship between brand orientation and performance. However, brand positioning does not mediate the relationship between brand orientation and brand performance. SMEs should consciously concretize their brand orientation by creating, developing and protecting their brand identity in an ongoing interaction with their customers to harness the full benefit of branding. Owners/Managers of SMEs should consider brand identity by incorporating multiple components.

Source: UCC
Brand Orientation, Brand Identity and brand performance of Small and Medium Enterprises in Ghana

This study explores the relationships between brand orientation and the brand performance of SMEs in Ghana. It further looked at the mediating role of brand identity on the relationship between brand orientation and brand identity. Underpinned by the resource-based and the dynamic capability theories, the positivist philosophical paradigm, quantitative research approach, and explanatory research design were adopted for this research work. A structured, pre-tested, self-administered questionnaire was employed. Using a simple random sampling technique, data from 310 SME owners/managers within the Greater Accra region of Ghana was analysed using PLS-SEM. The study reveals no relationship between brand orientation and brand performance among the SMEs surveyed. The study further reveal positive relationship between brand orientation and brand identity; brand identity and brand performance; brand orientation and brand positioning; brand orientation and brand values; brand orientation and brand vision, brand positioning and brand performance; a brand values and brand performance; and brand vision and brand performance of SMEs in Ghana. Brand identity; brand values, and brand vision mediate the relationship between brand orientation and performance. However, brand positioning does not mediate the relationship between brand orientation and brand performance. SMEs should consciously concretise their brand orientation by creating, developing and protecting their brand identity in an ongoing interaction with their customers to harness the full benefit of branding. Owners/Managers of SMEs should consider brand identity by incorporating multiple components.

Source: UCC
Breakdown of azadirachtin a in a tropical soil amended with neem leaves and animal manures

A field investigation was conducted to assess the breakdown of azadirachtin A in a tropical coastal savanna soil amen- ded with neem leaves (NL) combined with poultry manure (PM) or cow dung (CD) using gas chromatography. Samples in polythene bags 15 cm long and 4.8 cm in diameter were randomly placed to a depth of 14 cm in the soil, and azadirachtin A concentration was assessed on days 0, 14, 28, 42, 56, 70, and 84. Azadirachtin A degradation in the soil followed first-order reaction kinetics with different half-lives obtained for varying combinations of the amendments. Higher neem amendment levels of 100 g gave shorter half-lives of azadirachtin A than the lower levels of 50 g. Within the 50 g NL group the additions of the poultry manure and the cow dung gave significantly shorter (P < 0.05) half-lives of azadirachtin A than the sole neem amendment, whereas in the 100 g NL group only additions of 10 g CD and 10 g PM were significantly less (P < 0.05) than the sole neem amendment. Different changes resulting from the kind and quantity of animal manure added were observed in the half-lives of azadirachtin A. The 100 g NL group had significantly higher (P < 0.05) moisture content, which, coupled with the likely differences in microbial biomass, could be the major factor responsible for variations in the half-life of the compound. Therefore, the quantity of the neem leaves applied and the addition of animal manure affected the breakdown of azadirachtin A in the soil amended with neem leaves

Source: UCC
Breast cancer in Accra, Ghana

The aim of this study was to look at the pattern of breast cancer over a period of five years and to compare the findings to similar studies done in the Department and elsewhere within the African sub-region. All breast cancers diagnosed in the Department of Pathology of the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, Accra, over a 5-year period were compiled. The slides for the cases were retrieved and reviewed. Invasive ductal carcinomas were graded according to the Scarff-Bloom-Richardson’s grading system. The data were entered and analyzed using the EPI-Info microcomputer software (Version 3.5.1, 2008, Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Atlanta). Breast cancer in Accra is mostly of the ductal type or its variants affecting relatively younger age groups. The mean age of incidence of cancer in Ghana is 48 years, and about 67% have lymph node metastases (at least Stage II or N1) and 74% are of high grade at the time of diagnoses. The percentage of male breast cancers in Ghana is 2.9% (2.0 - 3.75% within the West African sub-region) and is higher than what is reported in Western literature. The results of this study show that there has been no improvement in the stage at which patients present with breast cancer in the past 30 years.

Source: UCC
Breast Cancer in Limited-Resource Countries: Early Detection and Access to Care

Although incidence, mortality, and survival rates vary fourfold in the world’s regions, in the world as a whole, the incidence of breast cancer is increasing, and in regions without early detection programs, mortality is also increasing. The growing burden of breast cancer in low-resource countries demands adaptive strategies that can improve on the too common pattern of disease presentation at a stage when prognosis is very poor. In January 2005, the Breast Health Global Initiative (BHGI) held its second summit in Bethesda, MD. The Early Detection and Access to Care Panel reaffirmed the core principle that a requirement at all resource levels is that women should be supported in seeking care and should have access to appropriate, affordable diagnostic tests and treatment. In terms of earlier diagnosis, the panel recommended that breast health awareness should be promoted to all women. Enhancements to basic facilities might include the following, in order of resources: effective training of relevant staff in clinical breast examination (CBE) both for symptomatic and asymptomatic women; opportunistic screening with CBE; demonstration projects or trials of organized screening using CBE or breast self-examination; and finally, feasibility studies of mammographic screening. Ideally, for complete evaluation, such projects require notification of deaths among breast cancer cases and staging of diagnosed tumors.

Source: UCC
Breast Cancer Metastasis to the Cerebellum: A Rare Event in Our Setting, the Adverse Impact of Late Presentation-Case Report

Although breast cancer is the commonest cancer in Nigerian women (just as it is worldwide), metastasis to the cerebral parenchyma is very rare and spread to the cerebellum has not been reported. Of more than 37 childhood and adult cerebellar cancers managed in this center (which serves six adjoining states in Nigeria) over 17 years, this case constitutes the first to have arisen from a breast cancer. The 33- year-old woman developed a breast lump for which she did not consult a physician for 2 years. Following a simple mastectomy, she had a six-month course of Adriamycin based adjuvant chemotherapy. The histology was an invasive ductal carcinoma. Eight months after surgery, she noted a gait ataxia but could not consult her physician for review and investigation till another six months because of financial constraint. A delayed cranial CT revealed a solitary cerebellar tumour with obstructive hydrocephalus for which surgery was counselled. Again, she declined a sub-occipital craniectomy opting for an alternative spiritual healing for another six months during which she became blind, deaf, and moribund with a Karnofsky Performance Score of 40. At this point she submitted to the option of CSF diversion followed by tumour excision but died 40 days after -definitive surgery. Histology confirmed features of invasive ductal carcinoma. This report illustrates the rarity of cerebellar metastasis from breast cancer in our environment and the adverse impact on outcome of late presentation, finance and faulty religious belief.

Source: UCC
Breast examination practices of women at Ho in the Volta Region of Ghana

The study was conducted to find out whether women at Ho, in the Volta Region of Ghana have been engaging in breast examination practices for early detection of breast abnormality and also to find out about factors that would influence the women to examine their breasts. The study was a descriptive survey. Multi-stage sampling technique was used to select a sample size of 1,259 women. Descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression were used to analyse the data. The result exhibited that about 57% (n = 715) of the sampled women at Ho had low level of knowledge of breast cancer. Also, 88% (n = 1,109) of the women had low level of awareness of breast examination practices. Extent of practice of Breast Self-Examination (BSE), Clinical Breast Examination (CBE) or mammography was equally low as 71% (n = 900) of the respondents did not engaged in examination of their breasts. Advice by nurse/doctors [OR = 7.20, 95% CI = 5.11-10.13, p = .000], primary education [OR = 2.51, 95% CI = 1.16-5.42, p = .019], breast health education at health care facilities [OR = 2.47, 95% CI = 1.75-3.51, p =.000]., short distance to breast examination centres [OR = 2.11, 95% CI = 1.28-3.41, p = .003], fear of having breast cancer [OR = 0.51, 95% CI = 0.37-.0.72, p = .000] and shyness of breast being touched by another person [OR = 0.44, 95% CI = 0.29-0.66, p = .000] were respectively found to be strong significant influencing factors for practice of BSE, CBE and mammography. The study established that most women at Ho have not been examining their breasts. Stakeholders in breast health issues should therefore develop pragmatic strategies to execute the strong significant influencing factors identified in this study to motivate women at Ho to regularly engage in breast examination practices.

Source: UCC
Breast-i Is an Effective and Reliable Adjunct Screening Tool for Detecting Early Tumour Related Angiogenesis of Breast Cancers in Low Resource Sub-Saharan Countries

Background. What cheaper alternative breast screening procedures are available to younger women in addition to clinical breast examination (CBE) in Sub-Saharan countries? In 2009, we first described BreastLight for screening and reported high sensitivity at detecting breast cancer. Due to limitations of BreastLight, we have since 2014 been using the more technologically advanced Breast-i to screen 2204 women to find cheaper screening alternatives. Methodology. First, the participant lies down for CBE and then, in a darkened room, Breast-i was placed underneath each breast and trained personnel confirm vein pattern and look out for dark spot(s) to ascertain the presence of suspicious angiogenic lesion(s). Results. CBE detected 153 palpable breast masses and Breast-i, which detects angiogenesis, confirmed 136. However, Breast-i detected 22 more cases of which 7 had angiogenesis but were not palpable and 15 were missed by CBE due to large breast size. Overall confirmed cases were 26, with Breast-i detecting 7 cases missed by CBE. Breast-i and CBE gave sensitivities of 92.3% and 73%, respectively. Conclusion. Breast-i with its high sensitivity to angiogenesis, reliability, and affordability will be an effective adjunct detection device that can be used effectively to increase early detection in younger women, thereby increasing treatment success.

Source: UCC
Breast-i Is an Effective and Reliable Adjunct Screening Tool for Detecting Early Tumour Related Angiogenesis of Breast Cancers in Low Resource Sub-Saharan Countries

What cheaper alternative breast screening procedures are available to younger women in addition to clinical breast examination (CBE) in Sub-Saharan countries? In 2009, we first described BreastLight for screening and reported high sensitivity at detecting breast cancer. Due to limitations of BreastLight, we have since 2014 been using the more technologically advanced Breast-i to screen 2204 women to find cheaper screening alternatives. Methodology. First, the participant lies down for CBE and then, in a darkened room, Breast-i was placed underneath each breast and trained personnel confirm vein pattern and look out for dark spot(s) to ascertain the presence of suspicious angiogenic lesion(s). Results. CBE detected 153 palpable breast masses and Breast-i, which detects angiogenesis, confirmed 136.However, Breast-i detected 22more cases of which 7 had angiogenesis but were not palpable and 15 were missed by CBE due to large breast size. Overall confirmed cases were 26, with Breast-i detecting 7 cases missed by CBE. Breast-i and CBE gave sensitivities of 92.3% and 73%, respectively. Conclusion. Breast-i with its high sensitivity to angiogenesis, reliability, and affordability will be an effective adjunct detection device that can be used effectively to increase early detection in younger women, thereby increasing treatment success

Source: UCC