ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Comparison of maternal health literacy between rural and urban women in Komenda-Edina-Eguafo-Abrem district of Ghana

Maternal health literacy has been identified as key predictor of maternal healthcare service utilization. The purpose of this study was to determine the difference in maternal health literacy between women residing in rural and urban areas of the Komenda-Edina-Eguafo-Abrem district. The study employed a cross-section correlational design. Respondents included 448 women of childbearing ages residing in rural and urban areas selected through compact segment sampling. Information on respondents’ maternal health literacy and health behaviour was collected using a composite data collection instrument. Chi square test, the independent samples t-test, and correlation coefficient were used to analyse data. Respondents resident in rural areas used community-based sources of maternal health information significantly more than did those resident in urban areas, X2 (4, n=399) = 51.5, p=.000. Residence in rural area was significantly associated to infrequent exposure to information. Respondents from rural areas exhibited significantly lower levels of maternal health literacy than did those from urban areas, X2 (4, N=448) = 95.21, p =.000. Higher levels of maternal health literacy were positively related to number of routine visits to antenatal clinic, r = .65, n=392, p = .000 (one tailed); and to delivery at hospital, ñ = .69, n = 448, p = .000, (one tailed). Maternal health literacy among respondents resident in rural areas was lower than that among women resident in urban areas. Educational programmes emphasizing development of knowledge, attitudes, behavioural skills, and confidence needed to access maternal healthcare services should be implemented.

Source: UCC
Comparison of Nutrition and Dental Practices of International Students at the University of Northern Iowa before and after Coming to the United States

This study examined possible changes in nutrition and dental practices of international students after migration to the United States (US). A random sample of 81 international students at the University of Northern Iowa responded to a mail-in survey in the rail Semester of 1999 (65% female, 85% over 21 years old, and 54% graduate students). Chi-square analyses showed that, while in the United States, the sample of international students consumed more high fat food (p = .002 ), more high sugar food (p < .00 l ), more fast food (p < .00 l ), less fruits and vegetables (p = .022 ), and fewer breakfasts (p = .23) than they did before coming. They also brushed their teeth more (p .031 ) and sought less dental care (p < .00 l ). No significant changes were observed in the consumptions of cereals, protein products, milk, and high caffeine beverages. lt was concluded that some nutrition and dental practices of international students studying in the US change for the worse. Implications for culturally appropriate diet education programming for international college students were discussed.

Source: UCC
Comparison of performance of three different seeding sludge under three different hyper-thermophilic temperatures

Performance of three seeding sludge under three different hyper-thermophilic temperatures, 60°C, 65°C and 70°C was investigated and compared with mesophilic (37°C) and thermophilic (55°C) temperatures using the same seeding sludge and substrate in batch tests. Based on German guidelines for batch tests, the seeding sludge were selected for the batch tests using eudiometer tubes. Daily volumes of methane production for the three sludge was measured. Methane yields and degrees of COD degradation of the black water was also calculated and compared. Cow manure at 65°C recorded the highest net normalized cumulative volume of methane content (387.2 mlNCH4-%), methane yield (231.7 mlNCH4/gVS) and degree of COD degradation (79.1%) while BTU at 70°C recorded the least performance of methane yield (0.0 mlNCH4/gVS) and content (0.0 mlNCH4-%) and degree of COD degradation (0.0%). Cow manure at 65°C should be considered when setting-up large-scale hyper-thermophilic digesters

Source: UCC
Comparison of phonon-plasmon interaction in selected nanoparticle doped bulk and monolayer piezoelectric semiconductors in the presence of combined dc-ac fields

As semiconductor plasma medium experiences the spread of an acoustic wave, the wave reacts with several basic excitations. An example of such excitations is plasmon. In such a reaction in the presence of certain physical conditions, there is a lost or gain of energy in the acoustic wave. Monolayer materials have offered several distinctive material concepts and properties that differ dramatically from their bulk counterparts. This work analytically studied longitudinal phonon-plasmon interaction in bulk (CdS) and monolayer (MoS2) semiconductors doped with nanoparticle cluster using fields of combined direct current-alternating current (dc-ac) and fields of commensurate frequencies. The theoretical formulation made use of the hydrodynamic model of plasma and macroscopic model of piezoelectric media to derive an expression for the acoustic gain (  ).Variation of the acoustic gain with velocity ratio, behavior of the acoustic gain per unit length sv with frequency and variation of the acoustic gain with carrier density ( 0en ) were explored graphically and investigated. The results show that velocity ratio ( i.e. the ratio of electrons drift velocity to sound velocity) is greatest for this monolayer material whenever it is subjected to both combined dc-ac fields and fields of commensurate frequencies. This variation also increases with increasing levels of nanoparticle (NP) cluster. Therefore, NP doped monolayer piezoelectric semiconductors will be better candidates for the fabrication of high speed sensors and transducers

Source: UCC
Comparison of post-fire planted and natural dry semi-deciduous forest communities in Ghana

The planting of mixed indigenous tree species for reforestation has gained attention in conservation biology, because they allow the recruitment of other woody species to a site. This study compared the differences in tree species diversity, structure, and composition between secondary dry semi- deciduous forests on two previously burned sites; one site had been planted ten-years prior with mixed mahogany species, while the other naturally regenerated after the fire. Density, dominance, frequency and importance value index (IVI) as well as family important values index (FIV) were computed to evaluate the floristic composition. A variety of diversity measures were also employed to examine heterogeneity in each forest type. For both sites, the most abundant diameter-class was 5-10 cm and the most abundant height-class was 1- 10 m. The study recorded significant differences between the two sites with respect to nearly all the indices of species diversity (Simpson, P = 0.037; Shannon, P = 0.003 and species richness, P = 0.003) employed, with the exception of Pielou’s index of evenness (P = 0.06). The planted site recorded highest values for all the measures of species diversity. However, Sorensen’s similarity index between planted and natural regeneration sites was 0.703. Seventeen and five species respectively were found to be solely associated with the planted and natural regeneration sites. At both sites the four most dominant and abundant tree species which recorded highest importance value index (IVI) were Ficus exasperate, Terminalia superba, Morida lucida, and Antiaris oxicaria. The greatest family importance values (FVI) for both sites were for Moraceae and Fabaceae, especially its sub-family Mimosaceae. The paper concludes that, use of mixed indigenous tree species in restoration facilitate the recruitment of a diverse group of other native tree species

Source: UCC
Comparison of structures and hydrophobicity of femtosecond and nano second laser-etched surfaces on silicon

The rough micro- and nano- scale hierarchical structures on surfaces of materials render the surfaces superhydrophobic. In this context, we obtain both microscale grating structures and nanoscale induced structures (with some splashes) on silicon-based surfaces by means of laser etching and inducing. Our research focuses on the differences of morphology and hydrophobicity for silicon-based microstructured surfaces fabricated by femtosecond laser and nanosecond laser. The results indicated that the grating microstructures fabricated by femtosecond laser are smoother and with smaller top width of groove. Moreover, better micro-nanoscale hierarchical structures can be obtained by femtosecond laser over lapped etching for many times. On the surface with such structures, the water droplet is at Cassie Baxter state and the contact angle (CA) is 144.6◦, which indicates that the surface is middle hydrophobic. This work may provide an effective approach for fabrication of self-cleaning functional surfaces and devices

Source: UCC
Comparison of structures and hydrophobicity of femtosecond and nanosecond laser-etched surfaces on silicon

The rough micro- and nano- scale hierarchical structures on surfaces of materials render the surfaces superhydrophobic. In this context, we obtain both microscale grating structures and nanoscale induced structures (with some splashes) on silicon-based surfaces by means of laser etching and inducing. Our research focuses on the differences of morphology and hydrophobicity for silicon-based microstructured surfaces fabricated by femtosecond laser and nanosecond laser. The results indicated that the grating microstructures fabricated by femtosecond laser are smoother and with smaller top width of groove. Moreover, better micro-nanoscale hierarchical structures can be obtained by femtosecond laser over-lapped etching for many times. On the surface with such structures, the water droplet is at Cassie Baxter state and the contact angle (CA) is 144.6◦, which indicates that the surface is middle hydrophobic. This work may provide an effective approach for fabrication of self-cleaning functional surfaces and devices

Source: UCC
Comparison of technical efficiency between foreign-owned and domestic-owned pharmceutical manufacturing firms in Ghana

This study compares technical efficiency levels of foreign-owned firms with that of domestic-owned firms using 2009 survey data of pharmaceutical manufacturing firms in Ghana. Thus, the study attempts to find out whether or not~ (a) foreign-owned firms are more technically efficient than domestic-owned firms, (b) the technical efficiency of foreign-owned firms and that of domestic-owned firms are influenced by the same firm-specific characteristic (socioeconomic) factors and (c) output levels of foreign-owned firms and domestic-owned firms are each, more responsive to capital than to labour. The stochastic frontier production function and the ordinary least squares (OLS) model were respectively used to separately estimate mean technical efficiency of each firms group and the factors that influenced technical efficiency levels of firms. Foreign-owned firms were observed to have greater mean technical efficiency level. Professionals employed, ages of firms' plants and maintenance exercises undertaken by firms were observed to have influenced the technical efficiency levels of both firm groups. The Ghana Investment Promotion Centre should intensify its function to encourage more foreign investors in the pharmaceutical manufacturing industry. Domestic-owned firms should enter into joint venture activities with foreign investors to encourage the transfer of efficiency related technology

Source: UCC
A Comparison Of The Antimicrobial (Antifungal) Properties Of Garlic, Ginger And Lime On Aspergillus Flavus, Aspergillus Niger And Cladosporium Herbarum Using Organic And Water Base Extraction Methods

The study aim at comparing the antimicrobial (antifungal) properties of garlic, ginger and lime on Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger and Cladosporium herbarum using organic and water base extraction. Pure cultures of the test fungal were isolated from rotten vegetables, air spora, and a swab of the skin surface whilst filtered plant extracts were obtained by means of organic (absolute ethanol) and aqueous (distilled water) extraction techniques. The pour plate technique was applied in the antifungal sensitivity testing using Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA) and results obtained by measuring diameter of fungal growth over a 7day incubation period. Growth results showed high but varied levels of antimicrobial effectiveness. Ginger showed the highest antimicrobial effect against all the test fungi (P<0.01) followed by garlic (P<0.05) and then lime (P<0.01) in Aspergillus species but not in effective on C. herbarum (P>0.05) using ethanol extraction. In the water (aqueous) base extraction medium, lime exhibited the highest antimicrobial (antifungal) effect (P<0.01) on all test fungi, followed by garlic (P<0.01) on Aspergillus species,(P<0.05) on C. herbarum whilst ginger was ineffective on Aspergillus species (P>0.05) but highly fungicidal on C. herbarum (P<0.01). Thus water base extraction technique was the most effective in inducing antifungal properties of lime whiles ethanol base extraction technique was the best for ginger. Garlic on the other hand exhibited a good antimicrobial (antifungal) property in both ethanol and water extraction media. The study thus confirms the antifungal properties of these medicinal plants and suggests the type of extraction to yield the best results.

Source: UCC
A comparison of the antimicrobial (antifungal) properties of garlic, ginger and lime on aspergillus flavus, aspergillus niger and cladosporium herbarum using organic and water base extraction methods

The study aim at comparing the antimicrobial (antifungal) properties of garlic, ginger and lime on Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger and Cladosporium herbarum using organic and water base extraction. Pure cultures of the test fungal were isolated from rotten vegetables, air spora, and a swab of the skin surface whilst filtered plant extracts were obtained by means of organic (absolute ethanol) and aqueous (distilled water) extraction techniques. The pour plate technique was applied in the antifungal sensitivity testing using Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA) and results obtained by measuring diameter of fungal growth over a 7day incubation period. Growth results showed high but varied levels of antimicrobial effectiveness. Ginger showed the highest antimicrobial effect against all the test fungi (P<0.01) followed by garlic (P<0.05) and then lime (P<0.01) in Aspergillus species but not in effective on C. herbarum (P>0.05) using ethanol extraction. In the water (aqueous) base extraction medium, lime exhibited the highest antimicrobial (antifungal) effect (P<0.01) on all test fungi, followed by garlic (P<0.01) on Aspergillus species,(P<0.05) on C. herbarum whilst ginger was ineffective on Aspergillus species (P>0.05) but highly fungicidal on C. herbarum (P<0.01). Thus water base extraction technique was the most effective in inducing antifungal properties of lime whiles ethanol base extraction technique was the best for ginger. Garlic on the other hand exhibited a good antimicrobial (antifungal) property in both ethanol and water extraction media. The study thus confirms the antifungal properties of these medicinal plants and suggests the type of extraction to yield the best results

Source: UCC
Comparison of the constructivist approach and the traditional approach in the teaching of particulate nature of matter

The purpose of this study was to compare the use of an intervention strategy based on the constructivist theory to that of the traditional way of teaching in secondary schools in addressing students misconceptions about the particulate nature of matter. Two schools with two senior secondary school science classes in the Cape Coast district were randomly selected from a total of 7 schools. One hundred and forty-eight students were used. The main instrument used for the collection of data was a questionnaire on the particulate nature of matter. The statistical tests used were the McNemar chi-square and t-test. The results of the study showed that the experimental group which was instructed using the constructivist approach performed better on the post-test with fewer students still holding unto their misconceptions after the intervention compared to the control group who were instructed through the traditional approach. As a result of these findings, it is suggested that in teaching the particulate nature of matter, the constructivist learning strategy which allows students to construct the accepted learning ideas for themselves should be adopted.

Source: UCC
Comparison of the recycling efficiency of metakaolin and laboratory-synthesized zeolite types lta and lsx on used lubricant engine oil

Zeolite types LTZ and LSX were synthesized from bauxite and kaolin in Ghana and characterized by x-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy and Fouries transformed infrared spectroscopy. The zeolites were then applied to used lubricant oil and parameters lubricant engine oil were measured and compared to those of fresh ones. Parameters such as flashpoint, viscosity index, pour point, sulfur content, heavy metals, specific gravity, refractive index and carbon residue were analyzed. The results obtained showed that zeolite types A and X successfully removed heavy metals, particularly lead, copper and iron that were in the spent oil. A removal efficiency of 23.40 % Fe, 96.76 % Zn, 19.05 % Cu and 12 % Cr were obtained for Zeolite A with a yield of 62 % whilst 32.81 % Fe, 39.00 %, Zn, 47.61 %, Cu and 24 % Cr were obtained for zeolite LSX with a yield of 67 %. The viscosity index of the virgin, zeolite LTA treated and zeolite LSX treated oils were 115, 121 and 115 respectively. These results showed that used engine oils recovered using glacial acetic acid and zeolites A and LSX can be reused

Source: UCC
A comparison of the solubilizing potential of some aminopolycarboxylic acids, hortrilon® and fetrilon® for use in phytoextraction

Phytoextraction has been introduced as a new technology to clean up soils contaminated with heavy metals as the use of conventional methods to clean up the soil is very expensive and destructive to the ecosystem. However, using plants to clean up contaminated soils takes a considerable period before the contaminants are removed from the soil by the plants. This has necessitated the use of amendments to enhance phytoextraction in order to shorten the period of contaminants removal by plants. In view of this, a pot experiment was conducted to study the effect of various aminopolycarboxylic acids (EDTA, EDDS, NTA dry and NTA liquid) and two commercial fertilizers which are Hortrilon® and Fetrilon® on their ability to solubilize Cd and Zn in contaminated soils. It was observed that the inducing effect of EDTA on the solubility of Cd and Zn persisted throughout the experimental period. Initially, EDDS enhanced the solubility Cd and Zn, however, its effect dissipated with time. The application of both NTA dry (powder) and NTA liquid had a significant effect on the solubility of Zn as a result of the formation of Zn-NTA soluble complexes. Hortrilon® and Fetrilon® solubilized significant concentrations of both Cd and Zn with Hortrilon® having the greatest inducing effect on the solubility of Cd and Zn

Source: UCC
Comparison of Three Gaze Position Calibration Techniques in First Purkinje-Image Based Eye Trackers

Significance: This study highlights potential differences that can arise in gaze-position estimates from first Purkinje image-based eye trackers based on how individual Hirschberg ratios (HRs) are calculated. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the accuracy and repeatability of eccentric-viewing, prism-based, and theoretical techniques that are routinely used to calibrate HR in first Purkinje image-based eye trackers. Methods: Hirschberg ratios of 28 participants (18 to 40 years old) were obtained using the PlusOptix PowerRef 3 photorefractor and eye tracker. In the gold standard eccentric-viewing technique, participants viewed eccentric targets (±12°, 4° steps) at 2 m. In the prism-based technique, 4 to 16Δ-D base-out and base-in prisms were placed in 4Δ-D steps before an eye occluded with an infrared filter; the fellow eye fixated a target at 1 m. Each participant's HR was calculated as the slope of the linear regression of the shift in Purkinje image relative to the pupil center for each target eccentricity or induced prism power. Theoretical HR was calculated from the participant's corneal curvature and anterior chamber depth measures. Data collection was repeated on another visit using all three techniques to assess repeatability. Data were also obtained from an Indian cohort (n = 30, 18 to 40 years old) using similar protocols. Results: Hirschberg ratio ranged from 10.61 to 14.63°/mm (median, 11.90°/mm) in the eccentric-viewing technique. The prism-based and theoretical techniques demonstrated inaccuracies of 12 and 4% relative to the eccentric-viewing technique. The 95% limits of agreement of intrasubject variability were ±2.00, ±0.40, and ±0.30°/mm for the prism-based, eccentric-viewing, and theoretical techniques, respectively (P > .05). Intraclass correlation coefficients (95% confidence interval) were 0.99 (0.98 to 1.00) for eccentric, 0.99 (0.99 to 1.00) for theoretical, and 0.88 (0.74 to 0.94) for prism-based techniques. Similar results were found for the Indian cohort. Conclusions: The prism-based and theoretical techniques both demonstrated relative inaccuracies in measures of HR compared with the eccentric-viewing technique. The prism-based technique exhibited the poorest repeatability.

Source: UCC
A comparison of two methods of teaching compound subtraction (Decompomposition versus base-complement addition)

The study focused on comparing the efficiency of the Decomposition (conventional method) and Base Complement Addition (non-conventional method) using two randomized groups ofpupils. The comparison was done on measures of speed, accuracy and retention. In all, sixty pupils (thirty from each school) were selected from St. Peter’s and Jesus Cares Preparatory Schools at Dunkwa Offin in the Upper Denkyira East Municipality in the Central Region of Ghana. The researcher used simple random sampling to select primary three pupils for the study. Pretest-posttest design was used in the study. The t-test and median test (all tested at 0.05 level of significant) were the statistical tools used in the study. The Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) was used to analyse the measures of speed, accuracy and retention of the pupils of Decomposition and Base Complement Addition groups. The analysis revealed that Base Complement Addition group performed better than their counterparts in the Decomposition group on measures of speed, accuracy and retention. These differences were significant at 0.05 significant levels. It was recommended that students should be encouraged to conduct further research on the topic in different geographical areas, the sample size must be increased and the intervention period must be extended.

Source: UCC