ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Forensic touch DNA recovery from metal surfaces– A review

Trace evidence such as touch (also known as contact) DNA has probative value as a vital forensic investigative tool that can lead to the identification and apprehension of a criminal. While the volume of touch DNA evidence items submitted to forensic laboratories has significantly increased, recovery and amplification of DNA from these items, especially from metal surfaces, remains challenging. Currently little is understood with regards to the underlying mechanisms of metal-DNA interactions in the context of forensic science and how this may impact on DNA recovery. An increased understanding of these mechanisms would allow optimization of methods to improve outcomes when sampling these materials. This paper reviews the basis of DNA binding to metal substrates, the merits and limitations of current methods and future perspectives of improving recovery and amplification of touch DNA from metal surfaces of forensic interest

Source: UCC
Formal Communication Practices among Students, Teachers and Administrators in Nkroful Agricultural Senior High School

The main purpose of this study was to investigate the state of formal communication practices in Nkroful Agricultural Senior High School. The convergent parallel mixed method design was employed in the study. Questionnaire (structured) and interview guide (semi-structured) were used to collect the data and were administered personally by the researcher. In all, 352 respondents participated in the study. 351 students and teachers were stratified and then randomly selected. The head of the school was purposively selected. The study revealed that downward channel of communication was the most prevalent in the school. Staff meetings served as the main platform through which teachers received and communicated with administration while on the part of students, it was general assembly and SRC meetings. Additionally, formal communication in the school was found to be impeded by the following: failure on the part of committees to submit reports to the administration regularly; teachers‟ and students‟ distrust for the school administrators for any information given, and failure on the part of administrators to give prompt feedback to teachers‟ and students‟ needs or reports. These hindrances have made both teachers and students feel reluctant in reporting their grievances to the administration hence causing the communication process in the school to become a oneway process instead of a two-way process which is a recipe for agitations. It is recommended that the upward, diagonal and horizontal channels of formal communication should be encouraged in the school. Also, the use of other modes of communication such as letters, memos and the use of notice boards should be encouraged in the school.

Source: UCC
Formation of laser-induced periodic surface structures during femtosecond laser ablation of highly oriented pyrolytic graphite (hopg)

Formation of laser-induced periodic surface structures (LIPSS) during femtosecond laser ablation of highly oriented pyrolytic graphite (HOPG) is investigated. Using a 1 kHz femtosecond pulses (pulse width 130 fs, centre wavelength 800 nm) for micro-processing on HOPG, the calculated ablation threshold is 0.19 J/cm2. Two kinds of different periodic nanostructures were seen through scanning electron microscopy (SEM) characterization of the ablated material surface. These were low-spatial frequency structures with period of about 400 nm and high-spatial-frequency structures with period of about 100 nm. Formation conditions of the nanostructures are analyzed by changing the parameters such as laser energy and pulse number. This result would make femtosecond laser direct-write technologies of carbon nanostructures possible

Source: UCC
Formative Assessment Practices Among Mathematics Teachers: Implication On Students' Learning Outcomes

This study investigates how mathematics teachers in the Sagnerigu Municipality employ formative assessment and how their pupils interpret the feedback they get. Effective instruction requires frequent checks for understanding, and numerous studies have shown that formative assessment enhances student learning. A descriptive survey design involving a quantitative approach was employed to investigate the research questions. The participants of the study entail all the J.H.S 3 students in 14 purposively selected schools and the mathematics teachers who were involved in the study. The study found that QCD and FB were established formative assessment practices among math teachers in the municipality, while LISC and PSA were emerging practices. Students rated the feedback they received from their teachers as moderately useful, and their mathematics learning outcomes were at the "attaining proficiency" level. The study revealed that students combined perception of feeding up, feeding back, and feeding forward differed significantly between students of high-performing schools and low-performing schools. The study recommends that teachers should engage students in the learning process and participate in routine training programmes to enhance the effective utilisation of feedback information. University of Cape Coast https://ir.ucc.edu.gh/xmlui Digitized

Source: UCC
Formative Assessment Practices of English Language Teachers in Senior High Schools

Formative assessment plays a significant role in the academic achievement of students. Thus, teachers’ formative assessment practices will go a long way to affect students’ academic achievement. The study sought to explore the formative assessment practices of English language teachers. Specifically, it examined: (i) the formative assessment techniques frequently used by English language teachers; (ii) the nature of formative feedback strategies provided by English language teachers; and (iii) the perception of English language teachers on how their formative assessment practices contribute to students’ academic achievement. The study employed the mixed-method approach using a questionnaire and an interview guide. Through proportionate and simple random sampling techniques, the questionnaire was administered to 331 students. Seven (7) English language teachers were also interviewed using the convenience sampling. Data was collected from the Komenda Edina Eguafo Abrem Municipality (KEEA). Results from the study revealed that teachers frequently make use of exercises, homework, class test and oral questions in assessing their students formatively. Techniques such as group work, presentations and project work were less frequently used. Teachers employed varied feedback strategies where feedback was given in groups rather than to individuals and it was mostly done orally. Lastly, teachers expressed positive perceptions on how their formative assessment practices contributed to instruction and students’ academic achievement.

Source: UCC
Formative assessment practices of mathematics tutors in selected colleges of education in Ghana

The study primarily focused on formative assessment practices of Mathematics tutors in selected Colleges of Education in Ghana. The study adopted Convergent Parallel research design to guide the study. A sample of 56 Mathematics tutors from the selected Colleges of Education were sampled for the study through census sampling method. Twelve Colleges of Education in Ashanti and Bono Regions were used. Data for this study were qualitative and quantitative in nature. Questionnaires were used to collect quantitative data from the participants on socio-demographic characteristic and knowledge on formative assessment practices. Again, observation checklist and interview guide were used to collect data (qualitative) to confirm the responses from the questionnaire. The study revealed that tutors use oral test to evaluate students during mathematics lessons. It was also revealed that tutors used conventional method of teaching, group work and independent study as teaching approaches during mathematics lessons. Based on the findings, it was concluded that, majority of the respondents used oral test to assess students during lessons. It was therefore recommended that tutors from various Colleges of Education that were involved in the study should used other forms of assessment regularly. It was also recommended that tutors from the colleges that were involved in the study must assign mumerical scores to students work during lessons.

Source: UCC
Formative Assessment Practices of Senior High School Teachers in the Upper West Region of Ghana

The study investigated the formative assessment practices of senior high school teachers in the Upper West Region of Ghana. In order to achieve the purpose of the study, the mixed methods design was used. Survey questionnaire for teachers, semi-structured interview and lesson observation guides were used to collect data from a sample of 309 senior high school (SHS) teachers who were selected through simple random and purposive sampling. Inferential and descriptive statistics were used to analyse the data that were gathered. The key findings of the study revealed that SHS teachers had low knowledge in the practice of formative assessment. In terms of formative assessment practices, formative feedback was found to be the prevalent formative assessment practice of the SHS teachers. The study further revealed oral questioning as the dominant formative assessment technique used by SHS teachers. Large class size, examination-oriented culture/impact of summative assessments (for example, WASSCE), lack of assessment materials, among others, were identified as the major challenges that SHS teachers face in their practice of formative assessment. The results indicated a significant difference between male and female teachers with respect to their practice of formative assessment. Also, significant differences existed in SHS teachers’ formative assessment practices with respect to their years of teaching experience. Finally, SHS teachers’ knowledge of formative assessment was the best predictor of their practice of formative assessment. It was recommended that Ghana Education Service should organise regular in-service training for SHS teachers on formative assessment, build more infrastructure so as to reduce the large class size in schools, among others.

Source: UCC
The forms and functions of passive constructions in Ghanaian newspaper editorials

The present study aimed to explore the relationship between Ghanaian newspaper editorials and the passive voice. Using six hundred (600) editorial articles, three hundred (300) each from the Ghanaian Times and the Daily Graphic, the study sought to ascertain the register features such as field, mode, participants and how they relate to one another, the communicative purpose and passive constructions employed in the above named newspapers, thereby establishing the link between the context and the passive voice. The study employed Systemic Functional Linguistics (SFL) as a theoretical framework and the Register perspectives of Halliday (1978) and Biber and Conrad (2009) as an analytical tool. The study indicated that the context of Ghanaian newspaper editorials determines the grammatical choices made to disseminate significant information to the citizenry of Ghana and this links the relationships among participants in conjunction with the situation of the register. The study showed that editors inform citizens about issues through register variables such as field, mode, tenor, setting, production circumstance and communicative purpose. The study also revealed three kinds of passives: agentive (passives with explicit agentive phrase and passives with implicit agentive phrase), non-agentive (passives without agents) and quasi (passives which resemble agentive passives). The findings have implications for SFL, the Register theory, Grammar and the passive voice. Thus, the choice of the passive voice creates a formal environment for the Ghanaian newspaper editorials.

Source: UCC
Forms and levels of phosphorus in a strongly weathered acid soil in ghana: the contribution of corn cob biochar

Different rates of corn cob biochar were applied to a strongly weathered acid soil as an amendment. The impact of the amendment on levels and forms of phosphorus (P) was determined. The biochar was applied to the soil at a rate of 0, 26, 52, 78 and 150 t ha-1. The amended soil was incubated in a greenhouse for a period of 1 – 8 weeks. Sub samples of the unamended/control and amended soils were taken at periods of 2, 4, 6 and 8 weeks and then analysed for pH, total P, Bray – 1 P and water – extractable P. Significant improvements were recorded in the pH of the amended soil. The application rate of 150 t ha-1 recorded the highest increase in pH (78.4%) while the lowest change (64.9%) was recorded by the application rate 52 t ha-1. The total P decreased as the rate of amendment increased, implying that total P was mineralized as the amount of carbon in the amendment increased. This resulted in the increase in available P. The yield of lettuce (Lactuca sativa) generally increased with rate of biochar application but the P content in the shoot of the plant was less than the optimum

Source: UCC
Formulation and In-vitro Evaluation of Sustained Release Diclofenac Sodium Matrix Tablets using Blends of Cashew Gum, Xanthan Gum and Hydroxypropylmethylcellulose as Hydrophilic Drug Release Modifiers

Sustained release diclofenac sodium matrix tablets (~100 mg) were prepared by wet granulation using blends of cashew gum, xanthan gum and HPMC as drug release modifiers. The flow properties of diclofenac sodium granules and the physical properties of the compressed matrix tablets namely, weight variation, tablet thickness, crushing strength, friability, drug content and swelling index were evaluated. In vitro dissolution studies were performed in phosphate buffer (pH 7.5) using Voltaren Retard® tablet as a reference drug. Kinetic models and difference (f1) and similarity (f2) factors were employed to evaluate the drug release data. The granules exhibited good flow properties while the physical properties of tablets generally fell within acceptable limits. Tablet formulations containing 60-100 % xanthan gum exhibited high water absorption capacities in phosphate buffer pH 7.5. Formulations F10, F12, F13 and F15 passed the dissolution test for modified release oral tablets while the rest failed the test. Formulations F7 to F15 appeared similar to the reference drug (p < 0.05; f1 ≤ 10; f2 ≥ 60) and could be used interchangeably. Drug release data fitted well to the Higuchi square root model and the Korsmeyer-Peppas equation, indicating anomalous or non-Fickian drug release. Blends of cashew gum, xanthan gum and HPMC when employed in the appropriate ratios could optimize the sustained release activity of diclofenac sodium matrix tablets.

Source: UCC
Formulation Of Titanium Dioxide Climate Smart – Portland Cement From Selected Kaolin Deposits In The Central Region, Ghana

Ordinarily Portland cement and other cementitious materials have played key roles in the construction industry over the years. However, in recent times, exposure of civil structures to toxic contaminants such as NOx, SOx, among others have resulted in sulphate attack which affect their structural integrity. Hence the main thrust for this thesis is as follows: (1) to determine chemical composition of major oxides such as TiO2 concentration in the study area's kaolin samples; (2) to extract the TiO2 content and used in formulating TiO2- ordinary Portland cement; and (5) make policy recommendation to relevant stakeholders in the building and construction industries on the use of climate-smart Portland cement. Selective flocculation technique was used to extract TiO2 and Fe2O3 from the kaolin samples. Results from the determination of compressive and flexural strength are tested according to EN 197-1:2005 standards, water of absorption in line with ASTM C1403-15 standards, workability or flow of the mortar according to ASTM C109 standards, and lastly sulphate attack was carried out in line with ASTM C1012 guidelines. The compressive and flexural strength increased considerably when 5% TiO2 was added to the Portland cement than the control. This means local cement manufacturing companies can extract TiO2 from kaolin and incorporate it into the formulation of their Portland cement to improve its ability to withstand the changing harsh climate.

Source: UCC
Fostering Critical Thinking in Large Classes: An Investigation into Literacy Practices on Undergraduate Courses

The study observed five introductory courses for one semester at one public University in Ghana to find out academic literacy practices being engendered and how critical thinking is fostered through those practices. Five lecturers observed were interviewed. Forty students from classes observed participated in group interviews. Interviews were replicated with five lecturers and sixteen students in two other public universities. Data was triangulated to identify emergent patterns of lecturers’ and students’ experiences with teaching and learning. Findings raise questions around the levels of congruence between lecturers’ personal epistemology and practice. Consensus about the importance of critical thinking in lecturers’ aims for student learning was not translated into literacy practices. There is a disconnection between the goals for learning and the teaching, learning and assessment system. Practices described by both lecturers and students are completely in tension with university polices. Lecturers need to learn new skills to cope with large classes.

Source: UCC
Fostering sustainable peace in post-war Liberia: A theological appraisal of the work of the Lutheran church in Liberia

Sustainable peace is a great need in post-war Liberia. The Lutheran Church in Liberia is determined to provide an appropriate Christian response to building sustainable peace in the country. The main objective of this study, therefore, was to do a theological appraisal of the post-war peacebuilding work of the Lutheran Church in Liberia.In order to do this, a conceptual study of conflict in general and a contextual study of the Liberian civil war in particular were conducted to enhance the understanding of the Liberian conflict. Interviews and participant observation were used to collect the data for the field work.The study found out that the Lutheran Church has three programmes aimed at helping to build sustainable peace in Liberia. These include the Trauma Healing and Reconciliation Programme, HIV/AIDS Testing and Counselling Programme and the Lutheran Development Service in Liberia programme. These theologically relevant interventions have made great impact in various communities in Liberia. However, the Lutheran Church has some deficiencies (e.g. lack of effective monitoring, inability to mobilize funds internally, and internal rivalry) and external challenges (e.g. insecurity, social injustice, and land disputes in the country). In view of the challenges, the Lutheran Church alone cannot effect sustainable peace in the country. Therefore, the study has made several recommendations for sustainable peace in Liberia, which include the need for joint-church effort, the need for government support and collaboration, the need for educational reform, and the need for inter-religious dialogue.

Source: UCC
Foundations of academic writing: how to produce publishable research articles from theses and dissertations

Increasing globalisation and the demanding economic stage of the world today require straight-to-point and on-the-move documents for the world’s busy people. Extensive reports are very burdensome for business people, professors, and other professionals who need quick and concise information. Conference proceedings, journal articles, memoirs and executive summaries are but some of the materials readily read by these people who sparingly refer to elaborate versions for confirmation and affirmation. This paper, therefore, presents a set of suggestions for reducing findings/results obtained in masters/doctoral theses and dissertations into research journal articles for publication. Although the ideas encompassed here are not prescriptions for the production of research articles, it represents a set of guidelines and proposals that one ought to take into consideration in preparing academic papers.

Source: UCC
The foundations of job motivation among teachers of second cycle institutions in Mampong Municipality of the Ashanti Region

Motivation is the key to creating an environment where optimal performance is possible in organisations including educational institutions. On the basis of this assertion, this study focused on the ‘correlates of job motivation among teachers of second cycle institutions in the Mampong Municipality of Ashanti Region’.The research design used was a descriptive survey with a sample of 119 respondents. The respondents were graduate teachers selected from Amaniampong, Saint Joseph Seminary and Saint Monica’s Senior High Schools. A questionnaire was the instrument that was used to collect data for the study.The questionnaire was pilot-tested with respondents selected from the Kofiase Seventh-day Adventist Senior High School with 20 respondents. Data collected were edited and analysed manually and electronically using the SPSS. Specifically, frequency tables and percentages were used to present the results that emerged from the analysis. The results of the study indicated that 70% to 95% of graduate teachers agreed with factors that other researchers proposed to be the factors that motivate graduate teachers, while about 62% were dissatisfied with the conditions of service. Based on the findings of the study it was recommended that the Ghana Education Service should take remedial measures to address the concerns raised by respondents especially, those that related to salary, incentives, opportunity for professional growth and development and promotion modalities.

Source: UCC
The fragile ‘absolute’: Heremakhonon and the crisis of representation and historical consciousness

The Diasporian subject’s encounter with Africa, framed around the trope of return to Africa, constitutes a crucial part of the poetics and discourse of Negritude and Afrocentrism. However, until Heremakhonon’s intervention the condition of possibility of this trope was hardly contested and refuted. Drawing on Gilles Deleuze this article examines the criticality of encounter in Heremakhonon. Encounter in Heremakhonon emphasises experiential contact as a strategy for a radical tropological deconstruction of the return to Africa. We contend that Veronica Mercier’s existential struggle in Heremakhonon dramatizes a broader crisis of representation and historical consciousness

Source: UCC
Fragment formation in the break-up of a drop falling in a miscible liquid

When falling in a lighter miscible solvent, a drop of liquid deforms to a torus which then breaks up into several fragments or just disappears by diffusion. By using liquids of different compositions we show the universal behaviour of the phenomenon, and its dependence on two nondimensional numbers, the fragmentation number F, and the Schmidt number S. While F marks the transition from diffusion to splitting, here we show the role of S in controlling the number of horizontal fragments after the first break-up. The process is explained in terms of competitions of different time scales

Source: UCC