ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Scrap metal art an instrument for promoting environmental sanitation

The focus of this studio-based study was to transform scrap metals into aesthetic masterpieces of art. It was premised on the assumption that the intuitive technique of working with scrap metal art provides the freedom and flexibility to exercise creative expressions on a three dimensional level of art. Moreover, our environment can be enhanced and saved from untidiness and destitution through different efforts, one of which the artist can contribute his/her quota creatively to transform the discards into a new forms of aesthetic values. Even though scrap metal art is widely known and practiced by a large number of artists around the world, in Ghana much has not been seen. The study commenced with the study and assessment of the scrap metal situation and possible environmental hazards or risks in the Sekondi/Takoradi metropolis. Structured questionnaires, interviews and observation were used to gather data using qualitative research approach. It employed descriptive methods of research data collection from artists, metalworkers/craftsmen, scrap metal collectors, scrap dealers, the Sekondi/Takoradi Metropolitan Assembly and Environmental Protection Agency for its execution and analysis of the results. The questionnaire sheets and interviews were carefully scored and transferred for analysis. The total number of sampled participants was 100. Questionnaires were administered on 65% of the respondents. The remaining Thirty-five were interviewed. The descriptive method was used to discuss the activities on scrap metals. To produce and document scrap metal art the researcher chose the studio-based research approach where aesthetico-action method was employed for techniques and procedures of executing scrap metal art. The outcome of the study on the nature of scrap metals in Sekondi/Takoradi indicated that its trade serves as livelihood opportunities for people with less educational background. The economic benefit from scrap metal trade was found to be satisfactory among its traders in its suburbs of Sekondi/Takoradi metropolis. Moreover, knowledge and education on health hazards and environmental pollution were found to be lacking in those engaged in the activity of scrap metal trade. Having identified the aesthetic qualities of scrap metals, therefore, a piece of sculpture was created with scrap metals as means of establishing the viability of the materials as potential material for creation of sculpture. This was also to demonstrate how scrap metal art could serve as a means of controlling the dangers posed by scrap metals in the environment. In other words, transforming dangers into beauty. Based on the outcome of the study, it was recommended that handling of scrap metal situation in the Sekondi/Takoradi metropolis should not be left solely in the hands of metal traders. With the ongoing diversification in aesthetic sensibilities and creativity, Ghanaian sculptors need to direct their attention to scrap metals as alternative materials for their work.

Source: UEW
Scrap metal management practices in the Kumasi Suame magazine industrial area of the Ashanti region of Ghana challenges and prospects

This study was conducted in the Kumasi Metropolis to assess the scrap metal management practices in the Suame Magazine industrial area. Today with increasing public awareness and research into the many environmental implications, metals recycling is now of paramount importance due to a number of reasons. The study sought to determine the economic profitability of scrap metal trade in the Metropolis, assess the challenges faced by scrap metal dealers in the collection, sorting and smelter of scrap metals in their operations and determine the innovative ways of managing scrap metal in the Kumasi Metropolis. The study employed the descriptive research design in the form of a survey. The population for the study consisted of all scrap metal collectors (SMCs) and all scrap dealers (SDs) in the Suame Magazine industrial area. A total of 25 participants were sampled for the study using snowballing technique. The main instrument used for data collection was questionnaire. From the data analysis it was revealed that even though the activity of scrap metal dealing was beneficial, it was not mechanically useful to those engaged in it, especially the scrap metal collectors. It became evident that challenges such as lack of access to funding, no government regulations, no specialised equipment to help in sorting and separating scrap, the risk of injury during collection of scrap and the inherently tedious nature of scrap collection and separation plagued the scrap metal trade. Additionally, in order to improve the scrap metal business, stakeholders should provide safety equipment for scrap metal collectors, employ technology and modern equipment in the collection and separation of scrap, form associations to fight for their interests and government support, and provide education and technical know-how for SMC and SD to improve their trade. The study recommends that a holistic approach should be put in place where all stakeholders will help to streamline and standardise the scrap metal trade.

Source: UEW
Screen–printed Adinkra symbolic fabrics in the production of female fashionable office suits

Adinkra symbols are visual symbols among the Akan in Ghana. These symbols represent objects that encapsulate evocative messages conveying traditional wisdom, life and beliefs. The Akan mainly use the symbols for producing funeral cloths or other fabrics as wrappers for men and women (especially the elderly class). There have not been much creativity and innovation regarding the use of the adinkra cloth for female fashionable wears. Black and indigo hues are employed for printing adinkra cloth and these hues are associated with mourning among the Akans. Thus, using adinkra cloth for fashionable wears pose many challenges to fashion designers due to the characteristics of the cloth. This research is anchored on Vygotsky’s creativity theory and Baumgarten’s aesthetic theory. The study employed mixed methods (qualitative and quantitative) research approach. Purposive sampling technique was used to draw a sample size of three hundred and ninety-one from the estimated population of eighteen thousand. This study seeks to employ selected adinkra symbols for the production of fashionable office suits for women. The objectives were to use the Akan adinkra symbols to meet the contemporary demands of the fashion industry, apply screen printing technique to produce adinkra clothes with synthetic pastes, develop innovative fabrics with adinkra symbols that can withstand different tailoring processes and produce fashionable office suits from the redeveloped adinkra cloth. The findings revealed that designing adinkra to meet different cultures would be the best way to promote the cloth and the symbols. Fashionable office suits made from adinkra as redesigned will promote the local textile and fashion industries in Ghana. This study recommends the need to educate and encourage people to patronise the locally- made clothing with indigenous symbols in order to help build and promote the fashion industry.

Source: UEW
Seasonal variations in groundwater quality in Twifo Praso, Ghana.

The quality of groundwater from Twifo Praso town in the Twifo Atti-Morkwa District of Central region of Ghana was analysed from January 2023 to June 2023. A total of twenty groundwater samples were collected from boreholes and wells for both the dry and wet seasons. The samples were analysed for the physicochemical parameters such as temperature, pH, turbidity, conductivity, total dissolved solids, chloride, calcium, hardness and some selected anions PO4 3-, NO3 -, SO4 2-. Three heavy metals (Cd, Fe and Pb) and faecal coliforms levels were also determined. The results were compared to WHO acceptable limits and parameters such as TDS, PO4 3-, NO3 -, SO4 2-, chloride and K were all found to be within the permissible limits. The faecal coliforms ranged between not detected to 106 Cfu/mL. Student-t-test analysis was used to compare the parameters determined in the dry season and the wet season. The t-test results showed that there were statistically no significant differences in the parameters such as pH, electrical conductivity, TDS, calcium, TSS, sulphate, potassium, and coliform during the dry and wet seasons with p-values higher than 0.05. However, parameters such as chloride, turbidity, phosphate, nitrate and total hardness indicated statistically significant differences in the dry and wet seasons with p-values lower than 0.05. Cadmium was detected in only one of the samples (B1) which was within the WHO permissible limit of 0.003 mg/L. The concentrations of iron were all within the WHO permissible limit except for the sample B1 which was above the WHO permissible limit. A very alarming observation the study found was that, all the 10 samples of groundwater studied recorded lead concentration greater than 0.0015 mg/L which are above the WHO acceptable limit. The water quality index was the main criteria used to establish the quality of the water. Water Quality Indices were calculated for the dry and wet seasons using the weighted arithmetic water quality index (WAWQI). Ten parameters were used to calculate the WQI for both the dry and wet seasons. The WQI value of 105.38 was recorded for the wet season whereas, during the dry season WQI value of 68.72 was recorded. The water quality indices indicated that the groundwater in the study area ranged from poor in the dry season to undesirable for drinking in the wet season. The water quality indices, therefore indicated that the groundwater in the study area, Twifo Praso were unsafe for drinking.

Source: UEW
Secondary education improvement project on educational outcomes the case of three senior high schools in Brong Ahafo

This study examined the influence of the Secondary Educational Improvement Project (SEIP) on educational outcomes in three (3) Senior High Schools in the Brong Ahafo region. Specifically, the study examined the effects of SEIP on enrolment, its influence with regards to academic performance, the challenges facing its implementation and factors essential to its effective implementation. Using a sequential explanatory design, primary data was collected in two phases using semistructured questionnaire and interview guide. Simple random sampling was resorted to in the selection of the three schools. Purposive sampling was used to select 143 beneficiary students and 1 District SEIP Coordinator whereas census sampling was used to select 3 SEIP Coordinators. Criterion sampling technique was resorted to in the selection of 42 qualified teachers. In all, 189 respondents were sampled. The analysis was done using econometrics techniques to establish the effects of the SEIP programme on educational outcomes. The study revealed that the SEIP policy does not have a significant effect on both academic performance and enrolment. The study revealed the lack of means for verifying the authenticity of socio-economic background of beneficiaries and lack of a proper accountability system. The study concluded by noting that although the results are not consistent with prior expectations, the findings reflect the fact that SEIP started in 2014 and thus it is too early to see its effects. However, the study noted that these results may point to the fact that SEIP alone cannot deliver on important educational outcomes. There is the need to carefully look at the design of future similar SEIP-like programs to encompass other factors that might affect educational outcomes. Among other things, the study recommended a rigorous system of selecting students who are really in need. Also, the study recommended regular monitoring and evaluation from the national office.

Source: UEW
A secure intrusion detection and prevention (idp) framework for computer networks

Cyberattack is a serious criminal offense that causes serious information leakage and result in tremendous loss to data of users. A man-in-the-middle-attack (MITM) is a kind of cyberattack where an unapproved outsider enters into an online correspondence between two users. MITM is one of the most well-known and widespread attacks in cybersecurity, targeting connection between two parties and directly putting into jeopardy the confidentiality and coherence of the data itself. The attacker installs a malware that is in the middle-attack which can access, read and change secret information without the knowledge of the users. This issue is intense, and most of the cryptographic systems without decent authentication security are threatened to be hacked by the malware named ‘man-in-the-middle-attack’. It is through this problem that the researcher proposes a framework known as EL_ALBI framework that combines two protocols (IPS Rule and DHCP Snooping) to detect and prevent man in the middle attacks on computer networks. El_ALBI framework was simulated using packet tracer 8.1 platform where the algorithm of the framework is implemented on the network devices including the switch and routers to prevent any attacks coming on the network. The framework is tested using the devices on the network as attacker and servers. Based on the testing parameters such as packet lost, Denial of Service and Network Availability, the results show that the framework was able to detect and prevent man in the middle attacks on computer network.

Source: UEW
A secure iot-based smart daycare implementation in Ghana. a case study of Lambussie District

The study was to propose and develop a conceptual model/system for the implementation of IOT based smart daycare system in Ghanaian schools to enhance security of kids and to promote effective teaching and learning. The specific objectives of the study were to find out the extent of need/effectiveness of the smart daycare system implementation, identify potential security threats associated with the smart daycare system and to determine the impact of smart daycare system on the effectiveness of teaching and learning. The research approach used for this study was descriptive. The study setting was Lambussie District of the upper west region in Ghana. The target population was parents and teachers with a sample space of 150 participants. None probability sampling was used. Also, stratified, purposive and convenient sampling techniques were used in the study. Quantitative data was obtained using close-ended questions in the form of questionnaires. Simple percentages, frequency tables, standard deviation, regression analysis and in some cases mean of means were used to present the data. The study also described the architecture of the smart daycare system. Key findings from the study revealed that teachers need the IOT smart daycare system to enable them work independently, automate school processes, improve their ICT competence, monitor student movement, effectively communicate with parents and ensure security of kids when effectively implemented. The study also identified some possible challenges and security threats that may affect the system and possible countermeasures to forestall any security threats. Some of these are; network failure, phishing and spoofing attacks, man in the middle attacks and so on. The system also made significant impact towards improving teaching and learning as revealed by the findings. The implications of these findings are that, more efforts should be made to fully operationalize the smart daycare system in all Ghanaian daycare schools to safeguard the security of kids and promote effective teaching and learning. This also implies that the rate at which kids were kidnapped drastically reduced compared to the open traditional daycare system.

Source: UEW
Selected macroeconomic variables and stock market movements: Empirical evidence from Thailand

This paper investigates and analyzes the long-run equilibrium relationship between the Thai stock Exchange Index (SETI) and selected macroeconomic variables using monthly time series data that cover a 20-year period from January 1990 to December 2009. The following macroeconomic vari ables are included in our analysis: money supply (MS), the consumer price index (CPI), interest rate (IR) and the industrial production index (IP) (as a proxy for GDP). Our findings prove that the SET In dex and the selected macroeconomic variables are cointegrated at I (1) and have a significant equi librium relationship over the long run. Money supply demonstrates a strong positive relationship with the SET Index over the long run, whereas the industrial production index and consumer price index show negative long-run relationships with the SET Index. Furthermore, in non-equilibrium situations, the error correction mechanism suggests that the consumer price index, industrial pro duction index and money supply each contribute in some way to restore equilibrium. In addition, using Toda and Yamamoto’s augmented Granger causality test, we identify a bi-causal relationship between industrial production and money supply and unilateral causal relationships between CPI and IR, IP and CPI, MS and CPI, and IP and SETI, indicating that all of these variables are sensitive to Thai stock market movements. The policy implications of these findings are also discussed. KEY WORDS: macroeconomic variables; cointegration; Thai Stock Exchange index (SETI); T-Y augmented Granger-causality

Source: UEW
Selection, use and care of undergarments among students in Kwanyako Senior High School

The study was conducted at Kwanyako Senior High School. The descriptive survey design was employed to investigate how students in the school‟s boarding house select, use and care for their undergarments. Multistage sampling technique was used to select 176 respondents, comprising 115 females and 61 males for the study. Research objectives for the study were: to identify the types of undergarments used by students, examine factors they considered in their selection, evaluate the care methods adopted by students to maintain their undergarments and to explore undergarment related challenges they experienced. Questionnaire was used to collect data which were analysed electronically with the SPSS version 21 to generate percentages, means and standard deviations and independent t-test. The study revealed that female students often wore undergarments such as chemises, brassieres, boy shorts, briefs, underskirts, thongs, G-strings, brassieres and chemise while the male students used boxer shorts, undershirts, singlets, boxer briefs and briefs. Both female and male students considered association, intention for use, outer wear, convenience and affordability. Care methods used were mending, washing, airing, bleaching, drying, ironing and storing in trunks. It was also found that both sexes used appropriate care methods for their undergarments; however, both had health problems. Independent t-test was used to determine the significant difference in the factors for selecting undergarments among male and male female students, and the care methods adopted to maintain their undergarments. It was tested at a significant level of p<0.05 at a confidence interval of 95%. The test results showed that both null hypotheses were not rejected. Thus, similar factors and care methods were considered by both male and female students in their selection and care. It is recommended that the authorities of the school educate students on the health implications of using thongs and G-strings, tight casing of undergarment at waist line, and the use of undergarments made with synthetic fabrics in order to prevent infections. Students should be advised to desist from stealing undergarments, school authorities should provide enough drying lines on campus to prevent infections.

Source: UEW
Self-medication among pregnant women in Ghana: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background: Despite the associated health risks of self-medication during pregnancy, recent evidence suggests that the phenomena persist in most countries. However, self-medication during pregnancy in Ghana is poorly understood due to the lack of a comprehensive review study. Objectives: We sought to review existing literature on the prevalence of self-medication, drugs used in self-medication, diseases associated with self-medication, and why pregnant women in Ghana self-medicate. Methods: A comprehensive search was conducted in PubMed, Science Direct, African Journal Online (AJOL), Google Scholar, and the websites of Ghanaian universities to identify studies that were published until February 2022. We performed this review following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). A random-effects meta-analysis was done in StatsDirect statistical software and OpenMeta [Analyst] to estimate the prevalence of self-medication during pregnancy and was reported in a forest plot. Simple charts and tables were used to summarize evidence on drugs used in self-medication, diseases associated with self-medication, and reasons for self-medication. Results: Six (6) studies met our inclusion criteria and the pooled prevalence of self-medication during pregnancy was 65.4% (95% CI = 58.2%�72.6%; I2 = 88.32%; p &lt; 0.001). Common drugs used for self-medication included analgesics (48.1%) and herbal drugs (45.9%). Headache and lower abdominal pain were the most common conditions for which pregnant women self-medicated. The main reasons for self-medication were the perceived unserious nature of diseases, previous experience with drugs, and easy access to over-the-counter drugs. Conclusions: Self-medication among pregnant women in Ghana is substantially high. Measures need to be implemented to reduce the high prevalence of self-medication during pregnancy to achieve sustainable development goals on maternal health in Ghana. A limitation of this study was the small number of included studies, which calls for more studies on self-medication during pregnancy in Ghana. � 2022 The Author(s)

Source: UEW
Self-medication among pregnant women in two municipalities in the Central Region of Ghana

Self-medication in pregnancy is a concern in Ghana. We assessed the practice among 136 pregnant women in Effutu and Agona West Municipalities using facility-based, cross-sectional design and mixed method approach of data collection. Our findings show that pregnant women of varying backgrounds self-medicate for sociocultural and economic reasons, with 69% prevalence, motivated by cheaper treatment cost (17%), minor ailments (29%) and positive outcomes (33%). Commonly used medications include antibiotics (23%), pain killers (20%) and herbal preparations (19%). We recommend further studies on pharmacological compositions of the medications used and effects on pregnancy outcomes to inform policy and programs decisions. � 2020 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.

Source: UEW
Semanteks mpԑnsԑmpԑnsԑmu fa Akan adeyԑ, nom, we, tafere ne gu ho

Nhwehwɛmu dwumadi yi yɛ semanteks mpɛnsɛmpɛnsɛnmu fa Akan adeyɛ; nom, we, tafere ne gu. Dwumadi yi botae ne sɛ ɛbɛhwɛ nnuru pɔtee a nsɛmfua yi mu biara fa, nkyerɛase ankasa a nsɛmfua no mu biara de to gua ne asetena mu nneɛma afoforo bi a etumi gyina hɔ ma wɔ Akan kasa mu. Megyinaa ‘Conceptual Metaphor Theory’ a Lakoff ne Johnson daa no adi 1980 mu no so na ɛyɛɛ nsɛm no mu mpɛnsɛmpɛnsɛmu wɔ dwumadi yi mu. Menyaa nhwɛso a mede yɛɛ adwuma yi fii kasadwini nhoma ahorow a wɔatintim no Akan kasa mu, Akuapemfo binom nkyɛn ne nimdeɛ a m’ankasa mewɔ wɔ Akuapem kasa no mu. Dwumadi yi da no adi sɛ asɛmfua nom, we, tafere ne gu mu biara wɔ nnuru pɔtee a ɛfa anaasɛ yɛde bata ho de kyerɛ sɛnea yɛdekɔ nnipadua no mu wɔ Akan kasa mu. Dwumadi yi san da no adi sɛ yetumi de saa nsɛmfua yi yɛ adwuma akwan foforo so de gyina hɔ ma asetena mu nneɛma ahorow bi te sɛ nna ho nkitahodi, yawdi, anigyedi, nhomasua, ahonyade a obi nya, ade a obi sɛe ne nea ɛkeka ho. Dwumadi yi si Agyepong, Amfo ne Osam (2017) nhwehwɛmu no so dua sɛ yetumi de asɛmfua nom ne nsɛmfua afoforo di dwuma akwan so de gyina hɔ ma asetena mu nneɛma ahorow. Dwumadi yi boa Akanfo ne wɔn a wɔnyɛ Akanfo nyinaa ma nimdeɛ a wɔwɔ fa sɛnea yɛde nsɛmfua yi di dwuma nnuru mu ne asetena mu nneɛma afoforo a egyina hɔ ma no kɔ nkan.

Source: UEW