ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Informal features in students’ formal texts :the case of Komenda College of Education

This thesis sought to investigate informal features that infiltrate students’ formal writing, factors which contribute to that practice and the subsequent effects. Genrebased conceptual framework with its tenets was used as the theory underpinning the work. The researcher explored other literature such as social class and context, key distinctive features of academic writing, major genres in academic writing and ways of acquiring adequate skills in academic writing. This study made use of qualitative approach and case study design. The researcher used systematic sampling to sample targeted population of three-hundred out of one-thousand five-hundred scripts. Also, simple random and purposive samplings were used to select fifty students and five tutors respectively for interview to ascertain why they use informal language in formal writing and the effect of that practice. The research established that clipping, high value modals, abbreviations, contractions and informal expressions were some of the informal elements used in formal writing. The findings revealed that five factors are the cause of students’ mixing informal language in formal writing. These factors include lack of practice, absenteeism, habitual use of more informal words in conversation, lack of feedback from teachers and the use of English as a second language. Finally, the effects of mixing informal element in writing such as affecting the assignments and project work they write were discussed thoroughly and pedagogical implications were made.

Source: UEW
The informal healthcare providers and universal health coverage in low and middle-income countries

The World Health Organization has indicated that achieving universal health coverage (UHC) through public sector service delivery alone would not be possible. This calls for corporation, collaboration and partnership between the public and the private sector actors. Informal providers represent a significant portion of the healthcare delivery systems in low-and-middle-income countries (LMCs). However, the presence of this group of private sector actors in national health systems presents both challenges and opportunities. Considering the limited resources in LMCs, ignoring the role of the informal sector in national health systems is not an option. This paper aims to discuss the role of informal health care providers in achieving universal health coverage in low-and-middle-income countries. � 2022, The Author(s).

Source: UEW
Information access and evaluation skills of secondary school students in Ghana

Information Literacy (IL) is a necessary skill needed by students to survive in the dynamic information environment of the 21st century. This study explored the IL skills of secondary school students in Ghana with specific focus on students' abilities in finding and evaluating information. The study was conducted in two "first-class" secondary schools in the Kumasi Metropolis of the Ashanti Region of Ghana; Opoku Ware Senior High School and Yaa Asantewaa Girls' Senior High School. A survey instrument was developed to assess the skills of the students in that regard. Questionnaires were distributed to an overall sample size of one hundred and seventy (170) students in the two schools. In addition, four teaching staff of the schools were also interviewed to corroborate the findings from the students. The findings revealed that students in the two schools lack the ability to effectively access information for their academic work. The study also discovered that students in the participating schools lack the basic skills to differentiate good information from bad ones. The study recommends, among others, the integration of IL into the secondary school curriculum in Ghana; and collaboration between librarians, teaching staff and the Ghana Education Service to promote IL among students to promote lifelong learning.

Source: UEW
Information and communication technology application and challenges in management of patients’ personal records in some selected public hospitals in Kumasi Metropolis

Information and Communication Technology (ICT) consists of the array of technologies which gives users the opportunity to receive, produce and also share resources and ideas. Healthcare facilities, such as hospitals, have little choice but to implement IT solutions. However, these technologies appear to be in short supply in hospitals, particularly in developing nations. The study showed that at public hospitals in Kumasi Metropolis, ICT tool is used to assist claims officer in generating claims for NHIA, discharging of clinical services, entering provisional diagnoses for patients and requesting for consultation service. The study revealed that Public hospitals are faced with numerous challenges in deploying ICT tools. According to the study users, management and technology are the factors that play various roles in posing as challenges in the adoption of ICT in the public hospitals. It was concluded that ICT application have effect on hospital operations. The study concluded that the board/management of the public hospital need to build the capacity of healthcare providers on ICT utilization for effective and efficient ICT usage in order to improve the healthcare service provision.

Source: UEW
Information communication technology usage patterns in second cycle schools, a study of selected senior high schools in Western North Region of Ghana

Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) are valuable tools that can help people gain access to higher-quality education. ICT resources have been used to develop teaching and learning pedagogical techniques where teachers can use ICT for online interactive learning. Teachers' attitudes toward ICT and their perceptions of ICT viability play a significant role in ICT use in their teaching and learning activities. Empirically, several studies have been done on ICT usage in schools in different countries but very limited in Ghanaian context. Thus, the study sought to find out the usage pattern of Information Communication Technology at senior high schools in Western North Region of Ghana. Descriptive research design with quantitative approach was used in this study. The population of the study comprise of all teaching and non-teaching staff of public senior high schools in Western North Region of Ghana. The sample size for the study was three hundred and ten (310) staff of public senior high schools in Western North Region of Ghana. Stratified sampling was used for selecting the sample size from the population. The study used questionnaire in gathering the data for studying the issue under investigation. Analysis of the data was done through the use of the SPSS. The study shows that the effects of ICT usage in teaching and learning explain almost all of the factors that explain students’ academic work. The study concluded that there is a statistically significant effect of ICT usage in teaching and learning in students’ academic work. It is recommended that stakeholders should supply teaching and non-teaching staff of public senior high schools in Western North Region of Ghana with a rack, laptop computers, tablets, projectors, routers, internet servers, printer, uninterrupted power supply, power invertor, desktop computers, and solar panels.

Source: UEW
Injury-severity analysis of intercity bus crashes in Ghana: A random parameters multinomial logit with heterogeneity in means and variances approach

Travel by bus is an efficient, cost-effective, safe and preferred means of intercity transport in many advanced countries. On the contrary, there is huge public sentiment about the safety records of intercity buses in low- and middle-income countries given the increasing bus-involved road traffic crashes and high fatality rates. This study sought to model the injury severity of intercity bus transport in Ghana using the random parameters multinomial logit with heterogeneity in means and variances modelling technique to account for unobserved heterogeneity in the dataset. The dataset involves crash data from the 575 km long Accra-Kumasi-Sunyani-Gonokrom highway in Ghana. Four discrete crash outcome categories were considered in this study: fatal injury, hospitalized injury, minor injury, and no injury. The study observed that crashes involving pedestrians, unlicensed drivers, and drivers and passengers aged more than 60 years have a higher probability of sustaining fatal injuries. Also, speeding, wrong overtaking, careless driving and inexperienced drivers were associated with fatal injury outcomes on the highway. The incidence of intercity bus transport crashes involving larger buses and minibuses were also found to more likely result in fatalities. The probability of hospitalized injury increased for crashes that occurred in a village setting. Given these findings, the study proposed improvement of the road infrastructure, enforcing seatbelt availability and use in intercity buses, increased enforcement of the traffic rules and regulations to deter driver recklessness and speeding as well as improving the luminance of the highways. Additionally, apps that have features for customers to rate intercity bus operators, the quality of services provided, and also have the option to report reckless driving activities can be developed to promote safe and inclusive public transport in the country. � 2021 Elsevier Ltd

Source: UEW
Innovation for sexing guinea fowls (Numida meleagris) at day one of hatching using biometric and morphometric traits

All over the world it is almost impossible to determine the sex of Guinea keets at day one of hatching. The aim of this study was to determine the sex of Guinea fowls at day old. A total of 1176 eggs were set in an incubator. The study was conducted at the Poultry Unit of the Department of Animal Science, University of Education, Winneba, Mampong Campus, (Ghana) from April, 2015 to March, 2016. Hatchability of fertile eggs (728) was 44.6%. Keets were reared from day-old to four months. Differences between males and females were observed (confirmed) using morphometric and biometric traits at four months old. Data obtained from both traits were analyzed using the General Linear Model Procedure of the Statistical Analysis System (SAS) and Chi square test. Males and females did not differ (P˃ 0.05) in all morphometric traits measured at day one of hatching, indicating that sexual dimorphism had not taken place at that age. However, at four months, neck, body, shank and wattles lengths in males were longer (P˂0.01) than in female counterparts. The helmet in males was also thicker than in females. However, females had wider (P˂0.01) pelvic inlet than males. At day old, swollen leg technique indicated 52% and 48% expected males and females, and at four months there were 52.8% and 47.2% observed males and females, respectively (P˃ 0.05). Results from stretched leg technique showed 56% and 44% expected males and females at day old, and 52.8% and 47.2% males and females, respectively, were observed at four months (P˃ 0.05). In conclusion, the swollen and stretched leg techniques are effective in sexing Guinea fowls at day-old. Farmers should use both swollen or non-swollen and stretched and non-stretched leg techniques to reduce cost of feeding males till four months before sexing and maximize profit.

Source: UEW
Innovative weave structures integrating Asante kente weave designs into the northern fugu fabric weaves

Ghana’s traditions of weaving include the Kente, the fugu traditions as well as the kete. The Kente is identified as woven by the Asantes with other versions created by the Ewes in the Volta region (kete), while the fugu fabric is the work of some Northern ethnic groups. The traditional weaving is wide spread among many ethnic groups. The traditional weaving industry in Ghana is an example of such industry which has seen little change over a period of time. Some attempts have been made in the past to bring some changes to the traditions of weaving in Ghana. This project is an additional effort to suggest some changes to the way traditional weaving of the kente and the fugu fabrics are done by introducing an Innovative Weave Structure. This was done in order to contribute to the concept of national unity and cohesion which is continually being forged through academic discussions and socio-political media engagements. The project sought to, integrate the weave structures of Northern fugu fabric and the Ashante kente into a common weave structure. The approach of the study was qualitative research method and practice-based research approach, which is original research undertaken with a view to gaining new knowledge partly through practice and the results of that practice and instrument used to collect data were mainly interviewed (one-to-one) and participant observation with players in the traditional weaving industry and then some secondary data. The scope of the study covered selected indigenous weaving centres in the Ashanti and Upper East Regions of Ghana. The population of the study was limited to nine weaving centres in both regions mostly weavers from Bolgatanga craft village, Namoo, Yeliwungo, Bonwire, Adanwomase, Bepoase, Ntonso, Tewobabi and Wonoo. The concepts under investigation included research into various types of woven fabrics in the two regions that is kente and fugu fabrics. The findings of this study suggest that the researcher

Source: UEW
Input cost of tractor operations in Ghana using the Farmtrac 70 tractor

The Government of Ghana in an attempt to modernize agriculture is embarking on establishing agricultural mechanization service and support centres using Farmtrac tractors. This is to make mechanization services readily available to majority of the rural farmers who cannot acquire their own machines. One of the most important but difficult jobs for the Ghanaian farmer is the management of farm machinery and equipment. Farmers in Ghana are faced with farm machinery operation charges that are not realistic. They are either too low resulting in poor maintenance and unsustainable management of farm machines by their owners, or too high with the resultant high production cost and low returns on investment. This study attempts to analyze and show application of field performance data of the aggregation using Farmtrac tractor. The technical specifications and other literature review were studied on the Farmtrac 70 tractor and its aggregations. Field capacities were investigated and used to determine input cost. It was concluded that tractor operations using the Farmtrac could be cost effective. Details of the results of study are presented in this paper.

Source: UEW
Inquiry into the pedagogical content knowledge and practice of basic design and TechnologyTteachers in the central Tongu District

This study was to investigate the pedagogical content knowledge and practice of Basic Design and Technology (BDT) teachers in some basic schools in the Central Tongu district in the Volta region of Ghana. In the senior high schools, however, the subject is referred to as Visual Arts. The major problem identified with students in one of the Senior High Schools was drawing difficulty. This situation motivated the researcher to: inquire into the pedagogical content knowledge and practice of Basic Design and Technology teachers in some Junior High Schools in the Central Tongu District, examine the professional practice of art teachers in drawing in some these schools and to ascertain the techniques used in assessing students’ learning outcomes. Census sampling technique was adopted in selecting the Form 3 students, their BDT teachers with Case Study as the research design. The total sample size was 100 which were made up of 92 Form 3 students, 4 BDT teachers and 4 headmasters. The research instruments used included opinionnaire, interview, participant observation and focus group discussion. Simple descriptive analysis and bar charts were used to analyse findings. The study revealed that BDT teachers do not demonstrate enough skills and varied pedagogic strategies in their practical activities involving drawing, hence students’ inability to draw appropriately. The study recommends regular in-service training/capacity building seminars for BDT teachers by the education directorate and to provide relevant tools and materials for BDT teachers for effective teaching and learning.

Source: UEW
Insects observed on cowpea flowers in three Districts in the Central Region of Ghana.

Globally, it has been estimated that more than 100,000 species of wild plants depend on insects for pollination and reproduction. In Africa, and for that matter Ghana, not much is known about crop pollinators, especially legumes such as cowpea. In Ghana, little is known about even insects that visit the cowpea flowers. However, if the insects that visit the cowpea flowers are known it would serve as a platform to investigate insects that can possibly cause pollination in cowpea. Hence, this study was undertaken to verify the types of insects that visit cowpea flowers in three districts in the Central Region of Ghana. As a result, insects that visited cowpea flowers on surveyed, and the researcher’s own established farms were observed on the petals, tip of the stigma and inside the flowers. Samples of insects collected were identified. Also, percentage frequency of occurrence of the insects on the various parts of the flowers was determined. Differences between total frequencies were determined using chi square (÷²) analysis. The main insects observed on the cowpea flowers were bees such as Apis mellifera, Ceratina sp, Megachile sp, Xylocopa calens, Xylocopa imitator, Braussepis sp., .Lipotriches sp., Melecta sp and Amegilla sp. and other insects, such as thrips, flies, butterflies / moths, beetles, and Dysdercus sp. Thrips were the insects most often observed on the cowpea flowers in the surveyed farms, followed by flies or dipterans, Lasioglossium sp and butterflies/moths. From the researcher’s own established farm, during the minor rainy season, the most active insect observed on the tip of stigmas of the flowers was Megachile sp whilst thrips, butterflies / moths, Lasioglossum sp. and flies were active on the petals of the flowers. The differences between the total frequencies were highly significant (÷² = 154.61; P = 0.001). Indications are that Ceratina is most likely to be cowpea flower pest rather than a pollinator. However, further research into the role of Ceratina on cowpea flowers is recommended.

Source: UEW
Instagram influencer marketing and consumer purchase intention The mediating role of brand credibility

Purpose: This study examined the mediating effect of branding credibility on the relationship between Instagram's influence on marketing and consumer purchase intention. Research Design/Methodology: The study employed a quantitative approach using a cross-sectional survey and a questionnaire as the data collection instrument. The sampling technique used for the study was purposive sampling. The sampling frame was the Instagram database. Data was collected from 350 respondents. Findings: The study's findings reveal that Instagram influencer marketing has a significant positive relationship with consumer purchase intention; Instagram influencer marketing also positively affects brand credibility. Finally, brand credibility partially mediates the relationship between Instagram influencer marketing and consumer purchase intention. Research Limitations: The study was limited to Instagram Influencer Marketing as against other social media platforms Practical Implication: Instagram marketing influencers should be considered agents acceptable for brand recommendations, attracting customers for long-term economic rewards. Originality: This study posed originality by considering the mediating role of brand credibility. Keywords: Keywords: Influencer marketing, Instagram, brand credibility, purchase intention. Paper type: Dissertation

Source: UEW
Instagram influencer marketing and consumer purchase intention The mediating role of brand credibility

Purpose: This study examined the mediating effect of branding credibility on the relationship between Instagram's influence on marketing and consumer purchase intention. Research Design/Methodology: The study employed a quantitative approach using a cross-sectional survey and a questionnaire as the data collection instrument. The sampling technique used for the study was purposive sampling. The sampling frame was the Instagram database. Data was collected from 350 respondents. Findings: The study's findings reveal that Instagram influencer marketing has a significant positive relationship with consumer purchase intention; Instagram influencer marketing also positively affects brand credibility. Finally, brand credibility partially mediates the relationship between Instagram influencer marketing and consumer purchase intention. Research Limitations: The study was limited to Instagram Influencer Marketing as against other social media platforms Practical Implication: Instagram marketing influencers should be considered agents acceptable for brand recommendations, attracting customers for long-term economic rewards. Originality: This study posed originality by considering the mediating role of brand credibility.

Source: UEW
Institutional environment and academic performance of private universities in Ghana the mediation role of governance mechanisms

The study was designed to explore and explain the influence of institutional environments on the academic performance of private universities in Ghana and the mediating role of governance mechanisms. The target population was the private universities in Ghana. The study employed both quantitative and qualitative methods. Using a purposive sampling technique, a sample size of 120 (100 for the quantitative and 20 for the qualitative phase) were selected from private universities in Ghana. Data were obtained through self administered questionnaires from field survey and focus group discussions. The quantitative data was analysed using regression analytical tool while content analysis was employed to analyse the qualitative data. Results from the study indicate that regulative, normative, mimetic, and cognitive institutional forces largely influence private university education management. The findings further show that in the context of private universities’ operations, the institutional environment generally has a positive effect on academic performance. Again, the findings indicate that quality assurance practices, but not faculty governance, has a significant positive effect on academic performance. In addition, governance mechanisms partially mediate the relationship between institutional environment and academic performance. Results from the qualitative phase of the study largely corroborate the quantitative results. A significant theoretical contribution from this study is its ability to show that the institutional environments-academic performance relationship is partially mediated by governance mechanisms. Managerially, the findings inform policy decisions by offering guidance to the Ministry of Education (MoE), Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC), and other relevant agencies to take into cognisance the prevailing institutional forces within their environments when developing and implementing policies of higher education in Ghana (and in similar context).

Source: UEW