ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Ameliorer La Competence Orthographique Des Etudiants Ghaneens De Fle Par Le Biats Des Tice: Approches Linguistique Et Didactique

Developing competence in orthography as a crucial factor in the mastery of the French language is the subject matter of this research work. This thesis looked at teaching strategies to be put in place in order to help learners of French as a foreign language within the university context in Ghana improve competence in French orthography through the use of ICT tools. The study focused on finding out specific weaknesses of students by identifying, classifying and analysing their errors related to various aspects of the French orthography system. The communicative theory of Hymes (1972), the plurisysteme theory of Catach (2001) and the theory of instructional design of Gagne (1985) constituted the theoretical framework of the study. The relationship between orthographic, linguistic, and communicative competence was explored and related data were collected through 60 respondents purposively sampled from University of Education, Winneba and University of Cape Coast. A mixed research design was used to gather the data through a questionnaire, an essay type and multiple-choice tests which were analysed using Atlas. Ti. 6.2 and SPSS 20.0. Results were discussed based on frequencies, percentages and the number of occurrences with regards to specific types of errors analysed according to specific orthographic units that were identified in a chart we proposed. Various types of errors committed by students were identified to be related to major areas of their weakness in French orthography. One major causative factor of this weakness was found to be closely related to orthography not taught as an aspect of the language. It was also revealed that students' exposure to the use of ICT to learn other aspects the language, coupled with the availability or varieties of resources could help improve the situation. The study therefore suggested a model which combines the use of ICT tools, the principles of the task-based approach that could be adapted by teachers to help improve leaners' competence not only in orthography but in their written language as a whole.

Source: UCC
Amos’ critique of the Israelite cult of Yahweh: its implications for Ghanaian Christian community in the Pentecostal/charismatic churches

There has been inconsistency between a nation with about two thirds of its citizens being Christians yet ranking high in corruption in Africa. It is against this background that Amos‘ message is relevant. This study seeks to investigate Amos‘ critique of the Israelite cult of Yahweh and its implications for modern Ghanaian Christian Community in the Pentecostal/ Charismatic Churches. Rhetorical criticism is the methodology used in the study and Kennedy‘s model of five- staged procedure has been chosen. In this study two texts, 4:4-5 and 5:21-27 which is the rhetorical unit. Rhetorical situation is made up of the background, historical context and the birth of the text and the third step being rhetorical invention which uses both internal and external proofs. The fourth step is the rhetorical disposition made up of the organization and the persuasive style. Persuasive discourse is divided into logos, pathos and ethos. Using the style above, the people are zealous with the cultic rites to the extent of offering an abomination, neglecting justice and righteousness and making noise about it. The people were told of their strained relationship with Yahweh as well as the hatred that has been evoked. Yahweh is therefore displeased and cuts off his allegiance with the people who then go into exile. The people of Israel are condemned to exile since they are only zealous with rituals but oppress people and deny the weak the needed justice. For national development to be enhanced in a highly Christianised country like Ghana, this thesis recommends that this in-depth study be extended to the ruling class and public sector workers since Amos‘ message has so much implication for their work ethics.

Source: UCC
Amplification of acoustic phonons in a degenerate semiconductor superlattices

Amplification of acoustic phonons propagating along the axis of a semiconductor superlattice (SL) is investigated using the microscopic theory. A non-quantizing electric field is applied to the S to produce a drift velocity VD f the charge carriers and whenever VD exceeds v (sound velocity) amplification occurs. The threshold field EOat which absorption switches over to amplification depends on the SL, parameters and v It is noted that E in SL is by far lower than that in bulk semiconductor and that there exists the possibility of finding a field E* such that-JF(E*)Ž F7(-E*). This allows in principle the use of SL, as hypersound generator

Source: UCC
Amplification of acoustic phonons in superlattice

The amplification of acoustic phonons in a superlattice in the presence of an electric field cos( ) has been investigated theoretically and numerically by computational methods. The calculation is done in the hypersound regime (ql >> ) where the attenuation coefficient depends on the phonon wave vector ]2[ ,d dq− π π = and the frequency 12 1 10 − = s Q . An inversion is attained where amplification far exceeds absorption and the ratio 3 / / 0 max 0 min≈Γ Γ Γ Γ. A high frequency build up of acoustic energy from noise (phonon spectrum) is obtained by using specialized spectral techniques. This indicates an amplification of the phonons generated in the terahertz range leading to the possibility of obtaining a hypersound MASER.

Source: UCC
Amplification of acoustic waves due to an external temperature gradient in super lattices

Amplification of short-wave sound propagating along the axis of a semiconductor super lattice by electrons of the lowest mini band in an external temperature gradient is investigated theoretically. The mechanism of absorption of phonons is due to Landau damping. Unlike a homogeneous material, the threshold field at which absorption turns over to amplification depends on the super lattice parameters and the wavelength of the sound wave

Source: UCC
Amplification of acoustic waves in armchair graphene nanoribbon in the presence of external electric and magnetic field

Amplification of Acoustic Waves in Armchair Graphene Nanoribbon (AGNR) in the presence of an external Electric and Magnetic field was studied using the Boltzmann’s kinetic equation. The general expression for the Amplification (Γ⊥/Γ0) was obtained in the region ql >> 1 for the energy dispersion ε(~) near the Fermi point. For various parameters of the quantized wave vector (β), the analysis of Γ⊥/Γ0 against the sub-bands index (pi); width of AGNR; and magnetic strength (Ωτ ), were numerically analyzed. The results showed a linear relation for Γ⊥/Γ0 with constant electric field (E~ ) but nonlinear for Γ⊥/Γ0 with q or Ωτ . Sound Amplification in AGNR is reported with an increase in Acoustic wave number (~) > 1.5 × 107 cm−1. This can cause SASER in Armchair Graphene Nanoribbon (AGNR).

Source: UCC
Amplification of acoustic waves in armchair graphene nanoribbon in the presence of external electric and magnetic fields

Amplification of acoustic waves in Armchair Graphene Nanoribbon (AGNR) in the presence of an external electric and magnetic fields was studied using the Boltzmann's kinetic equation. The general expression for the amplification (Γ Γ ) was obtained in the region ql⪢1 for the energy dispersion ε (→p ) near the Fermi point. For various parameters of the quantized wave vector (β), the graphs of Γ⊥/Γ0 against the electric field (→ Ex), the acoustic wave-number ( → q ), the energy gap (Eg) and the dimensionless factor (Ωτ0) were numerically analyzed. The results showed a linear relation for Γ⊥/Γ0 with → Ex but non-linear for → q and Ωτ0. The observed amplification can lead to SASER in Armchair Graphene Nanoribbon (AGNR)

Source: UCC
Amplification of hypersound in graphene with degenerate energy dispersion

Hypersound amplification/absorption of acoustic phonons in Graphene with degenerate energy dispersion ε(p) near the Fermi level was theoretically studied. For kβT << 1 and ql >> 1, the dependence of the absorption coefficient Γ/Γ0 on VD Vs was studied where the results satisfied the Cerenkov effect. That is when VD Vs> 1, an amplification was obtained but for VD Vs < 1, an absorption was obtained which could lead to Acoustoelectric Effect (AE) in Graphene. A linear dependence of the Γ/Γ0 on ωq was observed where the result obtained qualitatively agreed with an experimentally observed acoustoelectric current in Graphene via the Weinrich relation. It is interesting to note from this study that, frequencies above 10T Hz can be attained for VD = 1.1ms−1. This study permit the use of Graphene as hypersound phonon laser (SASER

Source: UCC
Amplification of terahertz radiation in carbon nanotubes

We investigate theoretically the feasibility of amplification of terahertz radiation in aligned vachiral carbon nanotubes, a zigzag (12,0) and an armchair (10,10) in comparison with a super lattice using a combination of a constant direct current (dc) and a high-frequency alternate current (ac) electric fields. The electric current density expression is derived using the semi classical Boltzmann transport equation with a constant relaxation time. The electric field is applied along the nanotube axis. Analysis of the current density versus electric field characteristics reveals a negative differential conductivity behavior at high frequency, as well as photon assisted peaks. The photon assisted peaks are about an order of magnitude higher in the carbon nanotubes compared to the super lattice. These strong phenomena in carbon nanotubes can be used to obtain domain less amplification of terahertz radiation at room temperature

Source: UCC
Amplification of terahertz radiation in carbon nanotubes

We investigate theoretically the feasibility of amplification of terahertz radiation in aligned achiral carbon nanotubes, a zigzag (12,0) and an armchair (10,10) in comparison with a superlattice using a combination of a constant direct current (dc) and a high-frequency alternate current (ac) electric fields. The electric current density expression is derived using the semiclassical Boltzmann transport equation with a constant relaxation time. The electric field is applied along the nanotube axis. Analysis of the current density versus electric field characteristics reveals a negative differential conductivity behavior at high frequency, as well as photon assisted peaks. The photon assisted peaks are about an order of magnitude higher in the carbon nanotubes compared to the superlattice. These strong phenomena in carbon nanotubes can be used to obtain domainless amplification of terahertz radiation at room temperature

Source: UCC
ANAEMIA PREVALENCE AND NUTRIENT INTAKE AMONG WOMEN IN PERI-URBAN SETTLEMENTS IN ACCRA, GHANA

Anaemia among women is a major public health concern globally. In developing countries, nutritional anaemia may be due to poor bioavailability of dietary iron, haemoglobinopathies, or intestinal parasites. The study objectives were to determine the prevalence of anaemia and current nutrient intakes essential to erythropoiesis among women of reproductive age (WRA) in peri-urban settlements in the Ga-East Municipality, Accra, Ghana. This cross-sectional study assessed the nutrient intake, sickling and haemoglobin levels of 134 women aged 15-49 years enrolled in a peanutbased field trial at baseline. A pretested semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire was used to assess energy and nutrient intake using the Food Processor (ESHA) software. Whole blood was used to determine full blood count using the haematology automated analyser. Sickling was determined by blood staining. Anaemia was classified based on recommended cut-offs. Chi-square analysis was used as a test of independence between anaemia and age groups. Linear regression was used to determine predictors of haemoglobin concentration. The mean age of the women was 29 ± 8 years. The mean total caloric intake was 2315 ± 915 kcal, whilst protein and fat intakes were 67 ± 27g and 68± 30g, respectively. Almost three-quarters of the women met the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for iron and vitamin C. However, only a third met the RDA for fat, and about two-thirds met their needs for energy and protein. None of the women met the RDA for folate which is integral for haem formation. Also 17% (23/134) of the women were sickle cell anaemia positive. Mean haemoglobin concentration was 12.1 ± 1.8 g/dL. Mild, moderate and severe anaemia due to iron deficiency was present in 35.8%, 6.7% and 1.5%, of the women respectively. All categories of anaemia was present in 44% of the women. Anaemia, prevalence increased during the early stages of the reproductive age (15-29 years) and declined towards the end of the reproductive age period (40-49 years). An increase in age of one year was significantly associated with a 0.056 g/dL rise in haemoglobin level (p=0.014). Anaemia due to iron deficiency exists as a public health problem among women in peri-urban settlements in the Ga-East Municipality, Accra, Ghana. Dietary diversity to include green leafy vegetables which are rich in folate and pro-vitamin A may reduce the current level of prevalence

Source: UCC
Anaerobic digestion of shea waste for energy generation

In search for an alternative source of energy and also in order to utilize the shea waste in an appropriate way and to reduce its negative impact on the environment, the waste was investigated to identify its potential in methane generation through anaerobic digestion. The basic raw materials for the study were shea waste and cow dung. Input substrates were prepared with addition of predetermined amounts of water to bring the substrates to the required organic dry matter (odm) concentrations. The experiments were conducted on continuous feed system and under varying hydraulic retention times (HRT) and odm concentration of the waste. The experimental treatments were carried out in the following phases: cow dung fermentation at 30, 45 and 60 days HRT in 3 %, 5 % and 7 % odm; mono fermentation of shea waste at 30, 45 and 60 days HRT in 3 %, 5 % and 7 % odm; co-fermentation of shea waste with cow dung in proportions of 50:50, 75:25 and 90:10 by volume, at 7 % odm and 30 days HRT; and co-fermentation of substrate 50:50 at 7 % odm and 20 days HRT. The result of the experiments showed that process stability in anaerobic digestion of the shea waste could only be achieved through co-fermentation with cow dung in the ratio of 50:50 by volume at 7 % odm concentrations at 30 days HRT. Anaerobic digestion of shea waste was therefore found to be feasible in the generation of methane. It is recommended that the design and construction of the biogas digester must be located below ground level to promote an even temperature regime.

Source: UCC
Anaesthesia management for thyroidectomy in a non-euthyroid patient following cardiac failure

A 24-year-old male thyrotoxic student of a tertiary institution had thyroidectomy in the presence of a persistently elevated thyroxine (T4) and tri-iodothyronine (T3) levels. He was initially managed for hypertension at a private hospital before he was referred to our hospital for expert management. He had symptoms of thyrotoxicosis three years before presentation at our hospital. Physical examination revealed bilateral anterior neck masses and a diagnosis of toxic goitre was made. The serum T3 and T4 were elevated. Chest X-Ray, electrocardiogram and echocardiography showed abnormal findings. He was commenced on antithyroid drugs. Surgery was postponed several times due to persistently elevated thyroid hormones. However, he developed cardiac failure after six months on medical treatment and was treated with digoxin and frusemide. He had thyroidectomy under general anesthesia after his cardiovascular status was optimized in order to prevent further deterioration of his cardiac function. The anesthetic management is presented and discussed.

Source: UCC
Analgesic Effects of an Ethanol Extract of the Fruits of Xylopia Aethiopica (Dunal) A. Rich (Annonaceae) and the Major Constituent, Xylopic Acid in Murine Models

Fruit extracts of Xylopia aethiopica are used traditionally in the management of pain disorders including rheumatism, headache, colic pain, and neuralgia. Little pharmacological data exists in scientific literature of the effect of the fruit extract and its major diterpene, xylopic acid, on pain. The present study evaluated the analgesic properties of the ethanol extract of X. aethiopica (XAE) and xylopic acid (XA), in murine models. Materials and Methods: XAE and XA were assessed in chemical (acetic acid-induced abdominal writhing and formalin tests), thermal (Tail-flick and Hargreaves thermal hyperalgesia tests), and mechanical (Randall-Selitto paw pressure test) pain models. Results: XAE and XA exhibited significant analgesic activity in all the pain models used. XAE (30-300 mg kg-1, p.o.) and XA (10-100 mg kg-1, p.o.) inhibited acetic acid-induced visceral nociception, formalin- induced paw pain (both neurogenic and inflammatory), thermal pain as well as carrageenan-induced mechanical and thermal hyperalgesia in animals. Morphine (1-10 mg kg-1, i.p.) and diclofenac (1-10 mg kg-1, i.p.), used as controls, exhibited similar anti-nociceptive activities. XAE and XA did not induce tolerance to their respective anti-nociceptive effects in the formalin test after chronic administration. Morphine tolerance did not also cross-generalize to the analgesic effects of XAE or XA. Conclusions: These findings establish the analgesic properties of the ethanol fruit extract of X. aethiopica and its major diterpene, xylopic acid.

Source: UCC
Analgesic effects of stem bark extracts of Trichilia monadelpha (Thonn.) JJ De Wilde

Objectives: Various parts of Trichilia monadelpha (Thonn) JJ De Wilde (Fam. Meliaceae) are used in Ghanaian traditional medicine for the treatment of painful and inflammatory conditions. The present study examined the analgesic properties of the petroleum ether (PEE), ethyl acetate (EAE), and the hydro-ethanolic (HAE) extract of the stem bark of the plant in murine models. Materials and Methods: PEE, EAE, and HAE were assessed in chemical (acetic acid-induced abdominal writhing and formalin tests), thermal (hot plate test), and mechanical (Randall-Selitto paw pressure test) pain models. The possible mechanisms of the antinociceptive action were also examined with various antagonists in the formalin test. Results: HAE, EAE, and PEE, each at doses of 10–100 mg/kg orally, and the positive controls (morphine and diclofenac) elicited significant dose-dependent antinociceptive activity in the chemical (acetic acid abdominal writhing and formalin tests), thermal (hot plate test), and mechanical (Randall-Selitto paw pressure test) pain models in rodents. The antinociceptive effect of HAE was partly or wholly reversed by systemic administration of atropine, naloxone, and glibenclamide. The antinociceptive effects of EAE and PEE were inhibited by atropine. Conclusion: The extracts HAE, EAE, and PEE caused dose-related antinociception in chemical, thermal, and mechanical models of pain in animals. The mechanism of action of HAE involves an interaction with muscarinic cholinergic, adenosinergic, opioidergic pathways, and ATP-sensitive K+ channels while that of EAE and PEE involve the muscarinic cholinergic system

Source: UCC
Analgesic properties of aqueous leaf extract of Haematostaphis barteri: involvement of ATP sensitive potassium channels, adrenergic, opioidergic, muscarinic, adenosinergic and serotoninergic pathways

Background: Pain is the most common cause of patients seeking medical advice as a result of its association with different pathologies. This study evaluated the antinociceptive property of Haematostaphis barteri as well as the possible mechanism(s) associated with its antinociceptive property. Methods: Mice were administered H. barteri (30–300 mg kg−1; p.o.), followed by intraplantar injection of 10 μL of 5% formalin into the hind paws. The pain score was determined for 1 h in the formalin test. The possible nociceptive pathways involved in the antinociceptive action of H. barteri were determined by pre-treating mice with theophylline (5 mg kg−1, a non-selective adenosine receptor antagonist), naloxone (2 mg kg−1, a non-selective opioid receptor antagonist), glibenclamide (8 mg kg−1; an ATP-sensitive K+ channel inhibitor), and atropine (3 mg kg−1; non-selective muscarinic antagonist). Results: H. barteri (30–300 mg kg−1) significantly and dose dependently precluded both first and second phases of nociception. Pre-treatment with naloxone had no effect on the analgesic activities of H. barteri in the first phase. Again, pre-treatment with atropine and glibenclamide did not significantly reverse the neurogenic antinociception of the extract in phase 1. However, theophylline reversed the analgesic effect of the extract in the first phase. In phase 2, theophylline had no effect on the analgesic activities of the extract. Naloxone, atropine, and glibenclamide significantly blocked the antinociception of H. barteri in the inflammatory phase of the formalin test. Conclusions: H. barteri possesses antinociceptive property mediated via the opioidergic, adrenergic, muscarinic, ATP-sensitive K+channels, and adenosinergic nociceptive pathways

Source: UCC
Analyse De Besoins De Formation En Français Médical : Étude De Cas Des Médecins Et Des Infirmiers À St. Anthony Hospital De Dzodze Dans La Région Volta Au Ghana

This research reveals, through the observation that we have made concerning language needs in French for Special Purposes for health workers at St, Anthony Hospital, Dzodze in the Ketu North Municipality of the Volta Region in Ghana. Thus, our topic for investigation is “Analysis of the need for Formation in Medical French: A case Study for Medical Doctors and Nurses of St. Anthony Hospital of Dzodze in the Volta Region of Ghana”. In our research, we highlighted the profiles of these health workers in this hospital, then we tried to determine their disposition vis-à-vis the learning of French for Special Purposes. Finally, we endeavoured to determine the specific language needs of these health workers in terms of learning /teaching materials, the objectives envisaged by this group in terms of the program for the French for Special Purpose.

Source: UCC
Analyse des besoins langagiers en français des agents de tourisme dans la région centrale du Ghana

The study is an investigation into the language needs (phonetics, lexis, syntax) in French for tourism of the workers in the tourism industry in the Central Region, in terms of written and especially oral communication difficulties in French with francophone tourists who arrive in the Region. Data collected from both the workers and the francophone tourists through questionnaire revealed on one hand that almost all of our public are restricted to the use of only English language as a result of the laid down requirements for the recruitment and training of workers in the tourism industry. On the other hand, the francophone tourists lack oral proficiency in English to communicate with workers as well as understanding them due to the speed at which these workers speak. Moreover, workers who studied French at one level or the other, find it difficult to express themselves in the French language. The study recommends among other things that, the decision makers in the tourism industry consider French language as part of the requirements for recruitment of prospective workers and organize a continuous in-service training programme for workers. It will be suitable to equip the workers, majority of which are ready, with another language competency such as French language. This new language competency will make these workers more operational in their field. French could be used as a communication tool in the tourism industry in order to raise foreign exchange earnings.

Source: UCC