ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Marketing micro fashion enterprises through social media a study of Tailex Ghana and Express Tailor Ghana.

The purpose of this study is to determine the role social media play in facilitating the marketing and advertising activities of selected micro-fashion firms in Ghana. It is noted from literature that micro, large, medium, and small-scale fashion enterprises have embraced social media in their marketing and advertising activities. This study sought to identify the various social media platforms used by micro fashion enterprises in their business operations, how these social media platforms are utilized in marketing and advertising, and the challenges micro fashion enterprises encounter in their use of these new communication avenues. Using the qualitative approach, this study triangulated interviews and document analysis to collect data from respondents from two purposively sampled micro fashion enterprises in Ghana – Tailex Ghana and Express Tailor Ghana. The study is underpinned by the Technology Appropriation Model (TAM) and Social Network Theory to explain how the selected micro fashion enterprises adopt and adapt social media especially Facebook to connect with the public (audiences) to market their products and services to attract clients and customers. The study found that micro fashion enterprises use various social media platforms especially WhatsApp, Instagram and Facebook for their brand marketing and promotion activities. These social media platforms allow the micro fashion designers to create marketing, advertising, and promotional contents to promote business networks and awareness to attract many customers. However, these two micro fashion enterprises under study encounter several technological and human related challenges. Based on the findings, this study suggests that social media communication is considered by micro – fashion enterprises as critical platforms for their business and marketing of their brands, especially through advertising to attract customers and maximise sales and profits. Given this, these micro fashion designers, especially Tailex Ghana and Express Tailor Ghana must improve the use of social media platforms for marketing communication and promotion activities.

Source: UEW
Married couples and general public perceptions of childlessness in Kpando Gabi municipality, in the Volta region, Ghana

Childlessness is a public health problem that is characterized by serious social and psychological consequences. It is considered as a major life crisis that has the potential to threaten the stability of individuals and relationships, especially infertility among married couples. Apart from the magnitude of the problem, management of infertility has focused more on women with little attention paid to men. The study was therefore designed to explore married couples and general public perceptions of childlessness in Kpando Gabi Municipality, in the Volta region, Ghana. The quantitative and qualitative instruments used for data collection are Questionnaire and In-depth Interview guide respectively. The sampling techniques used for this study was a simple random sampling technique. Four hundred (400) questionnaires were shared randomly among the selected respondents. Three hundred and sixty-one (361) questionnaires was retrieved. The data collected was processed using SPSS software while chi- square formulae was used in testing the research hypotheses. From the analysis of the data, it was found that, some of the socio-cultural effect of childlessness include: stigmatization, depression, anxiety, abuse, labeling, denial of cultural right, disrespectful attitude from spouse, and polygamy. Furthermore, half of the respondents 57.0% perceived that there is a relationship between spirituality and childlessness, one-third of them 34.5% disagreed to that opinion and 8.5% were not sure. Also, the finding revealed that escape/avoidance, seeking social support, positive reappraisal and self-controlling were the coping strategies adopted by the childless couples. In conclusion, Infertility is a health problem that requires appropriate treatment strategy. However, this study recommended that Government should give adequate attention in developing short term plans and programs that create affordable and accessible medical treatments and counselling centers for infertility in the municipality.

Source: UEW
Mass media exposure and the use of contraceptives among married men and women in selected households in Obuasi-East district

To control the fertility of a country, family planning and the use of contraceptives have been introduced into the country to ensure the prevention of unplanned pregnancy. The study was designed to find out the effects of mass media on the use of contraceptives among married men and women in Obuasi-East District. The study was conducted qualitatively using the case study design. The study sampled 15 married men and women using the purposive and convenience sampling techniques. The data was collected through an interview session and analysed thematically on emerging patterns and also from the research questions. The study revealed that participants had in-depth knowledge on contraceptives. The study confirmed that there are different dimensions of perspectives held by male and female participants. The frequency of information and education from the mass media have reduced significantly compared to previous years. Again, the study established that challenges such as shyness as a result of stereotypes and scarcity of some contraceptives are challenges faced by participants when accessing contraceptives. Finally, the study found out that relevant and authentic information on contraceptives is aired on mass media which serves as a major catalyst when it comes to the effect mass media has on the use of contraceptives. The study concluded that mass media has a significant effect on the use of contraceptives among married men and women and recommends that mass media frequently educate the general public on the use of contraceptives.

Source: UEW
Material waste minimisation at the construction phase of a building project through the implementation of lean construction principles

Material waste is made up of unwanted materials generated during construction, such as rejected structures and materials, materials that have been over ordered or are surplus to requirements, and materials that have been used and discarded. In Ghana, between 5% and 27% of the materials acquired for construction projects are wasted. Ghana's construction business finds it challenging to compete globally due to the current free global economic order. The study sought to assess material waste minimisation at the construction phase of a building project through the implementation of lean construction principles. The objectives of the study include; to assess the level of contribution of some waste minimization measures to waste reduction in the Ghanaian construction industry, to determine the level of understanding of the lean concept among construction practitioners in Ghana, and to determine the obstacles to successful lean construction implementation in the Ghanaian construction industry. Quantitative was used as the research design. A questionnaire survey was adapted to get feedback on the opinions of respondents about the wastage of building materials and the implementation of lean principles in the Ghanaian construction industry. The study adopted a census approach in the first stage in which the population of D1K1 contractors operating in the study area was determined. In the second stage, systematic random sampling was adopted to select the construction professionals covered in the survey using the sampling frame compiled for the list of professionals. Out of the total construction professional population of 105 in the study area, 83 of them representing 79.05% were chosen as the sample size for the study. The findings from the study revealed that purchasing just enough raw materials, using materials before they expire, good coordination between store and construction personnel to avoid overordering, using more efficient construction equipment, and using proper site management

Source: UEW
Materials mix ratio and binder type effects on physical and mechanical properties of particleboard from mixed-wood sawdust and Cocos nucifera (Coconut) husks

Finding supplements to wood and curbing environmental effects of waste disposal have become global topical issues. We investigated density, dimensional stability and bending properties of particleboards from mixed-wood sawdust and Cocos nucifera (coconut) husk fibres in respective mix ratios of 100%: 0; 70%: 30%; 50%: 50%; and 0%:100% using cassava starch and urea-formaldehyde (UF) binders. 1993 BS EN protocols 310 (for density and bending properties) and 317 (for water absorption and thickness swelling) were employed. Particle sizes were 1� ? 3�mm based on sieving with 3�mm mesh. Density was low to medium range (? 397�? 666�kg/m3) though UF bonded boards were relatively and continuously higher with increased coconut fibres proportions compared to CS bonded ones. Also, UF bonded boards absorbed less water and exhibited dimensional stability relative to CS bonded boards. Bending strength of UF bonded boards was higher (MOEs ranging from ? 40%. to 1097%., and MORs being ?125�652% higher) compared to the CS bonded counterparts. Materials mix ratio, binder type and their interactions had significant effect (p &lt; 0.01) on density, MOE, and MOR. In conclusion, producing particleboard from coconut fibre and mixed-wood sawdust is possible with CS and UF as binders, but 0%W:100%C mixed ratio exhibited better MOE and MOR. Hence, efforts should be made to convert Cocos nucifera husks and sawdust into particleboard production to make available more alternative/supplementary materials/products to wood to reduce deforestation rate and curtail the environmental problems associated with the residues� disposal. � 2021, Indian Academy of Wood Science.

Source: UEW
Maternal perception, attitude, knowledge and practices towards exclusive breastfeeding. a case study at Tano north district in the brong-ahafo region of Ghana

The practice of not giving breast milk to baby has been connected with unexpected infant death syndrome and other neonatal morbidity and mortality. Mothers who breastfeed their babies have several benefits such as decreased risk of postpartum bleeding and others. In addressing this problem, maternal knowledge and perception towards exclusive breastfeeding was assessed. The objective of this study was to assess maternal perception, knowledge, attitude and practices of exclusive breastfeeding among nursing mothers. Cross sectional study type was used to conduct the study. A semi structured questionnaire was used in the study to collect data from the respondent. Sampling was used to select 100 nursing mothers who are still breastfeeding in the Tano North District. The study revealed maternal knowledge, practices, age, marital status and level of education can influence exclusive breastfeeding. It was revealed that 86% affirming to mature mothers affecting breastfeeding. This means that mature mothers exclusively breastfeed more than experienced mothers and teenagers. It was also revealed that (65%) of mothers affirming to the practice of exclusive breastfeeding because of advice from midwives. However, among the reasons some nursing mothers do not practice exclusive breastfeeding were breast milk alone cannot satisfy the child (82%), suffer from pains in the breast during breastfeeding (11%) and sores on the nipples prevent them from practicing (28%). The study also affirms that babies that were not exclusively breastfed but introduced to infant formulas were susceptible to various disease and infections and were either less or overweight. It is recommended that initiation of breastfeeding within the first hour of life also Infants should be exclusively breastfed for the first six months of life to achieve optimal growth, development and health.

Source: UEW
A mathematical model for predicting the effects of tyre pressure on fuel consumption

This study studies the relationship between tyre pressure and fuel consumption of vehicles using experimental methods and mathematical model to predict vehicle fuel consumption. The model obtained was F = 0.6272- 2.5941p+3.3428p2�0.018 where F is the fuel consumed and p is the tyre pressure of a vehicle, which can also be used to predict the amount of fuel consumed by other vehicles. The model was validated with its own data which showed a deviation of �5% which is within experimental error. Using the recommendedtyre pressures the model reduces the fuel consumption by 17.6% thus reducing cost of fuel. From theexperiment, it was observed that the relationship between the fuel consumption and the tyre pressures of various vehicles is in the form of F = B2p2 - B1p+B0� e, where B0, B1, B2 and 'e' depends on other factors of the vehicle such as the age of thevehicle and the conditions under which the measurements were taken. This equation can be used to predict fuel consumptions for vehicles when their tyre pressures are known. In all, it was seen from the research that any deviation in tyre pressure of vehicles resulted in an additional fuel consumed by vehicles. It is recommend that, there should be a massive public education or awareness about the need to keep recommended tyre pressure at all times because when tyre pressure falls below the recommended value, the decrease in the pressure invariably leads to an increase in fuel consumption. � Maxwell Scientific Organization, 2013.

Source: UEW
A mathematical model of tuberculosis (TB) transmission with children and adults groups: A fractional model

We consider a novel fractional model to investigates the (tuberculosis) TB model dynamics with two age groups of human, that is, the children and the adults. First, we formulate the model and present the basic results associated to the model. Then, using the fractional operators, Caputo and the Atangana-Baleanu and obtain a generalized model. Further, we give a novel numerical approach for the solution of the fractional model and obtain their approximate solution. We show graphical results with various values of the fractional order. A comparison of the two operators are shown graphically. The results obtained through Atangana-Baleanu operator is flexible than that of Caputo derivative. The infection in tuberculosis (TB) infected people decreases fast when decreasing the fractional order. � 2020 the Author(s), licensee AIMS Press.

Source: UEW
Mathematical modeling of cancer and hepatitis co-dynamics with non-local and non-singular kernel

Cancer and hepatitis are increasingly becoming a global threat and reducing the total workforce in the world. Atangana-Baleanu in Caputo sense (ABC) is employed to examine the co-infection model of cancer and hepatitis dynamics. The Banach space theory is used to establish the existence and uniqueness solutions of the co-infected model. The stability analysis and reproductive number is investigated. Numerical simulation based on Adams-Moulton rule is made use to obtain qualitative information on the co-infected model. The numerical solution results suggest that the fractional order values and the chosen parameter values have influence on the dynamics of cancer and hepatitis cells in the human body. � 2020 the author(s).

Source: UEW
Mathematical Modeling of Carreau Fluid Flow and Heat Transfer Characteristics in the Renal Tubule

This study looks into the steady heat transfer issue of a flow of an incompressible Carreau fluid. Carreau fluid exhibits the shear thinning and thickening characteristics at low, moderate, and high shear rates. At the tubule wall, the fluid absorption is used as a function of pressure gradient and wall permeability through the tubule wall. Supposing the tubule radius considerably small in comparison to its length, the governing equations are considerably simplified. Significant quantities of interest are computed analytically by using perturbation, and the influence of emergent parameters is discussed through graphical results. The comparisons of results with existing data are set up to be good agreement. � 2022 Muhammad Rooman et al.

Source: UEW
Mathematical modelling of poor nutrition in the human life cycle

Nutrition is very crucial in the survival of human race and more importantly the development of a child from the womb to adulthood. In some instances, the age of the individuals determines the kind of nutrients required. Therefore, the human cycle has something to do with the nutrients obtained. We formulate a mathematical model as a system of non-linear ordinary differential equations to investigate the effects of poor nutrition from conception to adulthood using the poor pregnant woman nutrient status. The steady states are studied and R0 of poor nutrition in the society are calculated. To keep the society healthy and free of malnutrition, malnourished pregnant females are encouraged to eat foods that contain all the nutrients needed for development. The model is supported with numerical simulation. � Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd 2019.

Source: UEW
A mathematical view towards improving undergraduate student performance and mitigating dropout risks

In this paper, we assess the relevance of social and cognitive factors such as self-efficacy, locus of control and exposure to negative social influence in relation to undergraduate student dropout. To this purpose, we analyze a compartmental model involving a system of nonlinear ODEs, which is loosely based upon the SIR model of mathematical epidemiology and describes the academic performance of the student population. We examine threshold values that govern the stability of the equilibria and can be viewed as target values to be reached in order to alleviate undergraduate students dropout. A backward bifurcation is observed to occur, analytically and numerically, provided that certain conditions are satisfied. A sensitivity analysis is then performed to find how the threshold values respond to changes in the parameters, a procedure for estimating these parameters being also proposed. Concrete values are then computed using survey data from a Ghanaian university. The impact of parameter variation upon the dynamics of the system, particularly on certain population sizes and on threshold values, is also numerically illustrated. Our findings are then interpreted from a social cognitive perspective, realistic policy changes being proposed along with appropriate teaching and coaching strategies. � 2021 Authors. Published by Vilnius University Press.

Source: UEW
Mathematics teachers’ perceived knowledge and practice for teaching problem-solving in public junior high schools in Berekum West District

This study explored public Junior High School Mathematics teachers’ perceived knowledge and practice for teaching problem-solving, their problem-solving instructional strategies, how they engage pupils in problem-solving and measures to improve the teaching of problem-solving in the Berekum West District in the Bono Region of Ghana. The study employed Polya’s problem-solving models to develop a conceptual framework for the teachers’ perceived knowledge, practice of problemsolving, engagement of pupils in problem-solving and measures to improve the teaching of problem-solving. Four research questions were formulated to guide the study. The study employed a sequential explanatory research design and used the census technique to collect data from all the 80 Junior High School Mathematics teachers for the quantitative phase and trimmed the number down to only five teachers for the qualitative phase. The research main instruments used for the study were questionnaire (structured), interview guide and observation guide. Questionnaire data were analysed using descriptive statistics (frequency, mean & standard deviation). The qualitative data were analysed thematically. Thus, the interviews were subjected to interpretive thematic analysis and the observations were also subjected to content analysis. The results revealed that public Junior High School Mathematics teachers in the Berekum West District have a good perceived knowledge for teaching problem-solving in general. Besides, majority of the respondents agreed that Mathematics problem-solving task pupils to reason logically and critically. Also, the results suggested that even though public Mathematics teachers in the Berekum West District have a good perceived knowledge of problem-solving, they moderately used problem-solving instructional strategies. In terms of pupils’ engagement in problemsolving, the results revealed a high mean score for manipulative materials than the other kinds of pupils’ engagement. In conclusion, public Junior High School Mathematics teachers in the Berekum West District were inactive in engaging pupils in problem-solving. It was therefore recommended that District Directorate of Education should focus on regular teacher collectives where Mathematics teachers will meet to share ideas, solve problems, discuss ways of teaching Mathematics through problem-solving.

Source: UEW
Mathematics teachers’ perception on classroom assessment and practices at the junior high schools in Ghana_ a case study at Awutu-Senya district

Academic performance of students in mathematics is challenged by several factors. The study aimed at finding out mathematics teachers’ perceptions on classroom assessment and practice at the Junior High Schools in Ghana. Descriptive survey design using questionnaire for teachers, students’ questionnaire, inspection of documents and interview of teachers were used to collect data. The respondents were 30 teachers and 20 students selected randomly from schools in Awutu-Senya district (Awutu and Kasoa circuits). The data collected were analyzed using percentages. The study revealed that 70% of the mathematics teachers who participated perceived classroom assessment as a tool that the teacher uses to inform him/her on how the students have learnt. It also revealed that 100% of the participated teachers indicated that assessment is useful to both teachers and students, teachers use correct teaching and learning methods and had knowledge about classroom assessment practices but teachers did not provide students written comments on their marked exercises and assignments. Based on the findings, the study recommended that teachers should be properly supervised in order to check unmarked exercises for students and written comments as feedback. Students should be made to copy questions for exercises and class test before answering them in their exercise books. Mathematics teachers at the JHS level of education also need to use different assessment strategies to monitor student progress in mathematics.

Source: UEW