ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Developing manipulative skills of children with severe intellectual disabilities, using drawing and painting

There is a relatively small body of research on the motor performance of children with severe intellectual disabilities. Adequate levels of motor skills may contribute to lifelong enjoyment of physical activity, participation in sports and healthy lifestyles. This paper is An attempt to examine current practices of developing the manipulative skills of children with severe intellectual disabilities with the view to accurately analyzing, categorizing, documenting and coming up with areas of best practices. This study explores the role of drawing and painting in developing the manipulative skills of children with severe intellectual disabilities. It was also aimed to address the role of the teacher in teaching drawing and painting and the significant role of drawing and painting in the development of the manipulative skills of children with severe intellectual disabilities. It was also to observe their experience in drawing and painting and other activities such as combing of hair and lacing of shoes. The data gathered from the beginning till the end helped to determine the effectiveness of the study. The findings were that most of the children with severe intellectual disabilities could not hold drawing tools appropriately and join the broken lines correctly and paint within a given space correctly. At the end of the exercise, the subjects were able to grab the drawing tools correctly, join broken line, and also coloured all boxes correctly. This study highlights the importance of improving motor skill performance in children with severe intellectual disabilities, and the results support the notion that the level of motor and cognitive functioning are related in children with severe intellectual disabilities.

Source: UEW
Developing technical expertise in secondary technical schools: The effect of 4C/ID learning environments

In this study, the effectiveness of learning environments, developed in line with the specifications of the four components instructional design model (4C/ID model) and the additional effect of ICT for fostering the development of technical expertise in traditional Ghanaian classrooms, was assessed. The study had a one-by-one-by-two pretest-posttest quasi-experimental design. Three functionally equivalent classes of students from three similar (secondary technical) schools were randomly exposed to three different treatments. The sample consisted of 129 students. The treatment groups consisted of one control group with a regular method of teaching and two experimental groups: a 4C/ID learning environment with ICT; and a 4C/ID learning environment without ICT. The content for the treatments was selected from the secondary technical education syllabus. Technical teachers were trained to implement the interventions. After the pilot study, the materials were validated by experts and revised. Teachers were retrained. The main study, consisting of six sessions, was conducted in regular classrooms in three schools. Results indicated that a 4C/ID learning environment promotes the development of technical expertise in secondary technical education better than teaching designed in line with a regular method of teaching. Moreover, results reveal no significant difference in learning gains for the 4C/ID learning environment between the group with ICT and the group without ICT. In the final section, the theoretical, research and practical implications of the results for the instructional design and technology community as well as for educational practice, are discussed. � 2007 Springer Science+Business Media B.V.

Source: UEW
Development and effects of music education on the Presbyterian college of education, Akropong- Akuapem

Western and Ghanaian traditional music form an integral part of the formal school curriculum. This study, therefore, traces the advent and development of music education and its role in the lives of students in the Presbyterian College of Education, Akropong. The study adopted a qualitative paradigm using a single case study as a design. Ten (10) members (both past and present) comprising the principal, tutors, students and the clergy were purposively sampled for the study. Interview, observation, and classified documents were used to collect primary data. Qualitative data gathered from the sample was analyzed using a thematic content analysis method — responses from respondents were categorized into themes. The findings of the study revealed that the emergence of Western music in the formal school curriculum in Ghana is credited to the missionaries, but its development and the birth of traditional Ghanaian music in the college curriculum is credited to Dr. Ephraim Amu and Professor J. Nketia. The study of both Western and Ghanaian traditional forms of music in the school curriculum have soaked up in students a sense of patriotism, socialization, responsibility, creativity and spirituality. The study recommends that both western and traditional songs should be taught in schools, colleges and universities through the rudiments of music. Music tutors in these institutions should encourage students to use the rudiments of music in composing original versions of Ghanaian traditional music.

Source: UEW
Development and evaluation of beetroot -enriched cupcakes

Beetroots are nutrient dense root vegetables available worldwide. They find use as colourants in many food products as well. The aim of this research was to incorporate beetroot in the form of powder and paste at different percentage levels (10, 20, 30, 40, and 50%) into cupcakes and evaluate the organoleptic properties, nutritional composition and shelf life of the resultant cupcakes. sensory evaluation was carried out on the various formulated cupcakes. The most acceptable product was chosen and evaluated for its proximate, nutritional, textural, antioxidant properties and shelf life. Results from the study revealed that, appearance, colour, sponginess, taste and mouthfeel the properties decreased with increased in beetroot substitution. However, consumer overall acceptability is observed to be highest (8.06±0.85: Like very much) for the control sample, followed by 7.94±0.68 for 10% beetroot powder fortified sample, 7.38±0.85 for the 20% beetroot powder fortified sample and then 7.37±0.76 and 7.37±0.90 for 20% and 10% beetroot paste fortified samples respectively. Nutritionally, beetroot powder improved the protein, ash, fibre and carbohydrate contents of the fortified cupcakes. Fat was not affected in any significant way whilst carbohydrate contents were reduced by the incorporation of beetroot. Incorporating beetroot did not improve springiness, adhesiveness and cohesiveness of the cupcakes (p>0.05). However, beetroot powder produced cupcakes with higher hardness (p<0.05) compared to beetroot paste samples. Cupcakes fortified with 20% beetroot powder obtained significantly better (p<0.05) nutritional, mineral, vitamin C and colour properties compared to control 100% wheat flour sample, 20% and 50% beetroot paste samples. The shelf life of the 20% beetroot powder fortified sample is 21 days when refrigerated and 4 days when stored at room temperature using a multiple regression of both microbiological and physicochemical predictors. Incorporating beetroot powder up to 20% into cupcakes maintain the consumer acceptability and considerably improves nutritional properties. The resultant product has improved mineral and fibre composition as well as Vitamin C and antioxidant properties that provides important nutrition while ensuring maximum utilization of beetroots and economic impact.

Source: UEW
Development and implementation of individualised education programme for learners with intellectual disabilities in basic schools In Central Region, Ghana

The purpose of this study was to investigate the development and implementation of individualised education programme for learners with intellectual disabilities in basic schools in the Central Region of Ghana. An explanatory mixed method design was adopted using a sample of 30 special education teachers and 30 general education teachers from nine basic schools in the Central Region of Ghana. Purposive sampling technique was used to select nine schools, while convenience sampling technique was used to select the actual respondents for the study. Questionnaire and focus group interview guide were used to gather data for the study. Data from the questionnaire were analysed using percentages and frequencies whilst qualitative data was analysed using the thematic approach. The study revealed that some special education teachers could develop and implement Individualised Education Programme (IEP). However, some special educators and majority of the general education teachers could not develop and implement IEPs in the schools due to inadequate knowledge, competency, resources and contribution from other professionals. Also, teachers had challenges with collecting assessment data, IEP format, time and overcrowded classes that affected IEP implementation. For teachers to effectively implement IEPs, there is the need for pre- and in-service training on IEP, and human and material resources to be available.

Source: UEW
Development implications of the Kokwado chieftaincy conflict

This study was aimed at examining the development implications of the Kokwado chieftaincy conflict in the Central region of Ghana. The study was a qualitative case study. Using a sample of 26 purposively selected respondents, the study collected data through interviews and focus group discussion. Data was collected on the nature of the conflict, the resolution mechanisms employed so far and the development implications of the conflict. The analysis of the data was thematic. The study unearthed that the conflict was caused by a single factor: division and misunderstanding over succession to the stool of Kokwado. The conflict is an intra-gate conflict; it is between members of the same royal family. The study also revealed that the conflict was nonviolent yet very difficult to resolve. The conflict is prolonged, has been difficult to resolve and therefore protracted. The conflict has varied development implications. While affecting the economic and health life of the community negatively, the social and cultural life of the community seems to be ‘unaffected’. The study therefore recommended that there is need to: sensitize the people on the need for peace and the effects of conflict on the community’s development; put aside the court verdicts on the conflict; and employ mediation as a mechanism to help the factions to talk-out and address their differences in order to ensure peace, unity and stability in the Kokwado community. The study contributes to knowledge by revealing that a peaceful chieftaincy institution is more likely to attract and enhance development to and preserve the heritage of chiefdoms, kingdoms and communities

Source: UEW
Development in circle theorems

The study investigated the impact and the importance of the use of circle diagrams in the application of circle theorems towards geometry instructions. This study sought to find out what type of instructional approach mathematics teachers use in delivering the concept of circle theorems in mathematics classrooms. Also to find out perceptions students hold towards the learning of circle theorems in geometry. The study also sought to look at the extent diagrams can be used to improve upon learning for application of the concepts of circle theorems in geometry. The study was carried out in Mankessim Senior High School (SHS) in the Central region. The sample consisted of 63 form two students of the selected Senior High School. Business two (2) class was chosen for the study in the school. All the students in the Business class were used with the exception of two students who were absent during the start of the study. Questionnaires, Pre- test and Post- test were administered on mathematics teachers and students in the school. The data were then examined to obtain the attitudes students hold towards the use of circle diagrams in the application questions relating to circle theorems in geometry. The findings from the research questions were analysed which indicated that majority of the students liked the use of diagrams to enable them understand the geometry concept, like in the case of circle theorems. Also, majority of the students felt satisfied when using the circle diagrams in learning the concepts of circle theorems in geometry. The findings from pre-test and the post-test results indicated that the understanding and application of circle theorems using diagrams have improved upon the level of conceptual knowledge of the students in a given mathematical area. The results indicated that students‟ knowledge and understanding and application have improved as a result of the use of circle diagrams.

Source: UEW
Development of a decision-making matrix for effective materials management practices on construction projects in Ghana using Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP)

Construction materials constitute about 60% of the total cost of construction of most building projects. Significant reductions in the cost of projects can be achieved through effective materials management. The aim of the study was to develop a decision-making matrix for effective materials management practices on construction projects in Ghana using analytical hierarchy process (AHP). The specific objectives were to; assess the current construction materials management practices of large-scale construction firms (D1K1 and D2K2) in selected regions in Ghana, determine factors that militate against effective decision making in relation to construction materials management in the Ghanaian construction industry, develop a decision-making matrix for effective materials management practices on construction projects in Ghana using Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP). The study adopted a cross sectional survey design. The target population of the study was site managers/engineers and supervisors employed by D1K1 and D2K2 construction firms. Systematic random sampling was used to select the construction firms whilst purposive sampling technique was used to select the survey respondents and interview participants. The findings of the study revealed that the construction materials management practices adopted by the D1K1 and D2K2 construction firms included; training people on how to reduce waste, daily recording of materials usage on the project, buying efficiently and wisely, obtaining by an ethical means the best value for every money spent, controlling over-ordering and purchasing and tracking materials ordered. In addition, the main factors that militate against effective decision making in relation to materials include; storage, procurement and personnel management issues/factor, inventory and quality control issues/factor, supplier and manufacturing default factor, and communication and system implementation factor. The findings of the study suggest AHP as a promising strategy for addressing challenges to materials management and ensuring significant waste reduction. However, construction firms need to have the requisite human resource and financial resources to bolster the adoption of analytical hierarchy process in materials management within the large-scale construction firms studied. The research recommends optimal training to people in prioritize decision making process and information support systems to effectively and efficiently support material management practices in terms of planning, procurement, storage, usage and waste management in the construction industry.

Source: UEW
Development of a Machine Learning Model for Detecting and Classifying Ransomware

The dynamic concept of technology has caused unprecedented technological and socio-economic development in everyday human activities. The fact is that there is an increasing number of digital attacks in digital kidnapping, purporting to be ransomware as a continuing threat, resulting in the battle between the development and detection of new techniques. Detection and mitigation systems have been developed and are in wide-scale use; however, their reactive nature has resulted in a continuing evolution and updating process. This is mainly because detection mechanisms can often be circumvented by introducing changes in the malicious code and its behaviour. In this paper, we develop a machine learning model for detecting and classifying ransomware using classification techniques. The work trained supervised machine learning algorithms for building the model and used the test set to perform the model evaluation. The study used a confusion matrix to observe the proposed algorithm's model accuracy, which enabled a systematic comparison of each algorithm. Supervised algorithms used for this study are the naive Bayes, which resulted in an accuracy of 83.40% with the test set result, and Decision Tree with an accuracy of (J48) 97.60%, respectively. The models result indicated an increase in the accuracy of detection and classification of ransomware. � 2021 IEEE.

Source: UEW
The Development of a Model of Technical Expertise: Towards Innovative Teaching Methods in Technical Education

Technical education plays a significant role in providing middle level manpower needed for work in various industries for development and economic growth of every nation. There is the need for technical education to provide students with expertise to cope with the changing industrial demands in the present knowledge and technological economy. However, research has identified a significant gap between technical education and industries. For this reason the present teaching methods and the practices of technical education have been questioned. This article discusses and analyses the cognitive processes of novice and expert technicians in line with expertise development from the perspective of cognitive psychology. The intention is to describe and propose a model of technical expertise towards the identification of innovative teaching methods for the development of technical expertise in technical schools.

Source: UEW
Development of expertise in science at basic schools: The effect of first principles of instruction with computer animation and chart and their functional effect on gender

The study was designed to investigate the impact of First Principles of Instruction (FPI) with computer animation and chart, and their functional effect on gender to acquire expertise in science in Junior High School (JHS). The content for the treatments was selected from JHS integrated science syllabus. The contents of the instructional media were designed in line with the specifications of Principles of Multimedia Learning (PML). All the learning tasks for the two treatments were designed based on FPI. Eighty- seven second-year JHS students (male�=�48, female�=�39) with a mean age of 14.4�years were randomly assigned to the two treatments. Ateacher was trained to deliver the content. The main study consisted of three sessions, which were delivered in the regular classroom and computer laboratory. Paired-sample and independent t-tests and univariate analyses were used to analyze the data. The result showed that there was no statistically significant difference between the two treatments. In addition, the result revealed no significant interaction effect on gender and the two treatments for the acquisition of expertise in science at the basic school. The findings are novel and suggest that static/inexpensive instructional media (e.g.chart) carefully designed with specifications of PML integrated withFPI is equally effective as dynamic instructional media (e.g., computer animation) for the development of expertise in science in the context of traditional classrooms of basic schools irrespective of the gender of the students. � 2022 The Author(s). This open access article is distributed under a Creative Commons Attribution (CC-BY) 4.0 license.

Source: UEW
Development of feed package for layers using low energy agro-industrial by products

A feeding trial of 20 weeks duration was conducted using 240 point-of-lay Hy-line layers to study the nutritive value of diets containing low-energy agro-industrial by-products namely wheat bran, maize bran, rice bran, brewers’ spent grains and cocoa pod husk on laying performance. The experimental diets were formulated to be iso-caloric and iso-nitrogenous. They contained an average of 16.3% crude protein and metabolisable energy of 10.38 MJ/kg. Each dietary treatment was replicated four times in a completely randomized design. The initial average live weight of the experimental birds was 1.75 kg. Feed and water were provided ad libitum. Among the production parameters studied were feed intake, body weight gain, feed conversion ratio, hen-day production, hen-housed egg production, egg weight, mortality, shell thickness, and Haugh unit. In addition, cost-benefit analysis was carried out to establish the economic feasibility of the experimental diets. With the exception of feed intake which showed significant response (p < 0.05) to dietary treatments, all the other production parameters showed a non significant positive response (p > 0.05). Cost per kilogram diet was reduced when agro-industrial by products were used. Dietary treatment T2 supported the best egg production with a net revenue of GH¢371.30. Seasonal increases in the prices of conventional feedstuffs like maize and fishmeal would make the use of agro-industrial by-products in poultry diets even more attractive. Key words: Feed package, low energy agro-industrial by-product, layer hens, performance.

Source: UEW
Development of feed package for layers using low energy agro-industrial by products

A feeding trial of 20 weeks duration was conducted using 240 point-of-lay Hy-line layers to study the nutritive value of diets containing low-energy agro-industrial by-products namely wheat bran, maize bran, rice bran, brewers’ spent grains and cocoa pod husk on laying performance. The experimental diets were formulated to be iso-caloric and iso-nitrogenous. They contained an average of 16.3% crude protein and metabolisable energy of 10.38 MJ/kg. Each dietary treatment was replicated four times in a completely randomized design. The initial average live weight of the experimental birds was 1.75 kg. Feed and water were provided ad libitum. Among the production parameters studied were feed intake, body weight gain, feed conversion ratio, hen-day production, hen-housed egg production, egg weight, mortality, shell thickness, and Haugh unit. In addition, cost-benefit analysis was carried out to establish the economic feasibility of the experimental diets. With the exception of feed intake which showed significant response (p < 0.05) to dietary treatments, all the other production parameters showed a nonsignificant positive response (p > 0.05). Cost per kilogram diet was reduced when agro-industrial byproducts were used. Dietary treatment T2 supported the best egg production with a net revenue of GH¢371.30. Seasonal increases in the prices of conventional feedstuffs like maize and fishmeal would make the use of agro-industrial by-products in poultry diets even more attractive.

Source: UEW