ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Investigation of a New Focus of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis in Ghana

Leishmaniasis is a disease of significant public health importance, which burdens a number of countries around the world, particularly in the tropics and subtropics. An outbreak of suspected cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) has been witnessed in the Ho district of the Volta region in the south-eastern part of Ghana since 1999, where chronic ulcers typical of CL are being diagnosed. In this part of Ghana leishmaniasis has remained endemic to date. To add to the improvement of the level of understanding of the diseases in Ghana; the identity of the parasite, vector incrimination, non-invasive and field friendly diagnosis, and compound susceptibility19 tests were investigated. Patients presenting with cutaneous lesions suggestive of CL were selected where skin aspirates were collected from the sites of active lesion(s). Portions of the aspirates were cultured in M199 medium and DNA extracted from the promastigotes generated, while portions of the aspirates were inoculated onto FTA cards. PCR and PCR-RFLP were directly performed on the isolated DNA and the FTA cards. The pattern of bands produced from the patient samples were a complete deviation from DNAs of all the positive controls of Leishmania species. The sequenced PCR products and the further phylogenetic analysis revealed close relatedness to Leishmania enriettii species. The Leishmania species (GH5) responsible for the CL cases in that part of Ghana were successfully isolated into culture for the first time and proved to be distinct from the known species but closely related to non- pathogenic Leishmania enriettii. The transmission and the scanning electron micrograph evidence of the parasite confirmed their Leishmania identity. A peroxidoxin-based simple field friendly antigen detection test device was found diagnostically sensitive to Ghana species (GH5) and the other species of Leishmania used as controls in the diagnostic investigation. In the compound susceptibility test, the species isolated from Ghana (GH5) was found to be relatively resistant to cryptolepine, at concentrations to which the control species Leishmania mexicana was susceptible.

Source: UCC
Investigation of adsorption characteristics of fibrinogen on modified gold substrates using infrared reflection absorption spectroscopy

The adsorption characteristics of human fibrinogen (HFG) on surfaces with well-controlled chemistries have been studied using infrared reflection absorption spectroscopy. The surfaces examined in this study provide the experimental basis for exploring fundamental non-covalent intermolecular forces that dominate protein adsorption processes. Comparisons were drawn between fibrinogen and non-specifically adsorbed bovine IgG (bIgG) as well as structurally rigid lysozyme (LYS) on a positively-charged amine-modified surface to further understand substrate-influence on protein surface coverage. Work presented herein shows that surface coverage of an adsorbed protein depends largely on the nature of the substrate and the protein structure

Source: UCC
Investigation of Amplitude of Accommodation among Ghanaian School Children

Deficient amplitude of accommodation is the most frequently used criteria in an optometric practice in diagnosing whether a patient has accommodative insufficiency. This deficiency is determined based on an age-related expected finding calculated using Hofstetter’s equation derived from Donder’s and Duane’s data. The aim of the present study was to investigate the amplitude of accommodation among Ghanaian school children and to compare the findings with age-expected norms predicted by Hofstetter’s equation. Methods: The amplitude of accommodation was measured using the push-up method in a random sample of 435 school children from the Cape Coast Municipality. The mean amplitude of accommodation was compared with the age-expected amplitude of accommodation as predicted by Hofstetter’s equation for average amplitude of accommodation. Results: The mean amplitude of accommodation was 16.86 3.07 D (95% CI = 16.57, 17.15). This is significantly higher than age-expected norms calculated using Hofstetter’s equation. The amplitude of accommodation showed the characteristic decline with age. Conclusion: From the results, we conclude that the age-expected norms for amplitude of accommodation using Hofstetter’s equation might not be accurate for Ghanaian children.

Source: UCC
An investigation of Chinese students’ learning styles at an english-medium University in Mainland China

This paper reports on an investigation of Chinese tertiary students’ perceptual learning styles at an English-medium university in mainland China. Results revealed that 1) a wide variety of learning styles was distributed among Chinese EFL students, a majority of them favoring tactile, kinesthetic, and visual learningstyles; 2) gender differences existed but were not statistically significant in the learning-style preferences between male and female students; 3) English majors and Non-English majors showed statistically significant differences in their tactile learning and kinesthetic learning; 4) English majors differed significantly from Non-English majors in their tactile learning and kinesthetic learning; 5) postgraduates and undergraduates were significantly different in their preferences for auditory learning and individual learning. These results provided insightful implications for tertiary English teaching in China

Source: UCC
Investigation of cucumeropsis mannii n. seed oil as potential biodiesel feedstock

Biodiesels fuels are being explored worldwide as alternatives for fossil fuels. The seeds of “Werewere” (Cucumeropsis mannii N., Cucurbitaceae) a fruit vegetable plant in Ghana with high oil content were analyzed for their fatty acid composition as well as fuel properties to ascertain their potential as biodiesel fuel. The seeds contained 37.15% oil. The extracted seed oil by GC/MS analysis consisted of mainly linoleic acid (18:2) accounting for 58.8% of the total fatty acids. Other fatty acids detected were oleic acid (C18:1), stearic acid (C18:0) and palmitic acid (C16:0,) with contribution of 15.5, 14.1 and 11.5% respectively. Among the fuel properties measured were density (889.9 kg/m3 ), cetane number (57), flash point (155 oC) and pour point (-3 oC). The measured fuel properties of the fatty acid methyl ester of the oil were comparable to both the ASTMD 6751 and the EN 14214 biodiesel standards. Fuel properties were essentially identical with those of soybean, safflower, sunflower and “egusi” biodiesel. The Kinematic viscosity was however measured to be 15. mm2 /s a value higher than most biodiesel fuels reported in the literature

Source: UCC
Investigation of intermittent water supply in the Koforidua Municipality

The study aimed at investigating the intermittent water supply in the New Juaben Municipality of Ghana. The study adopted the descriptive design. A total of 105 respondents from various consumers were selected through multistage sampling approach to respond to the questionnaire and four (4) staff of Ghana Water Company Limited were selected purposively for interview. Data collected were analysed using Statistical Package for Social Scientist (SPSS) version 16 for the questionnaire and the interviews were presented in narration form. Ghana Water Company Limited in the New Juaben Municipality has one water treatment head works with capacity of 19,200m3 per day. The head works receives a total of 19,200m3 of raw water from two intake points which are from River Volta and River Densu. These two main sources are to ensure continuous raw water supply for treatment throughout the year. The quantity of water supplied from the head works have been found to be 18,200m3 per day whiles the daily water demand for the Municipality is about 13,730.4m3 which is less than the water supplied by the Ghana water company Limited. Intermittent water supply in the municipality is not based on the quantity of water available for supply but other factors such as failure in the network distribution, burst in distribution lines, electricity cut-offs, illegal connection and lack of funds to expand and change the old pipe networks. It is recommended that Ghana Water Company Limited should invest in technology to detect leakages, improved maintenance schedule, engage community members to report water leakages and acts promptly to the reports of citizens after validation of issues reported.

Source: UCC
An Investigation of Junior High School students' ideology of fraction in the Cape Coast Metropolis of Ghana

This paper reports of a study that investigated Ghanaian JHS students' understanding of selected concept of fraction. In all, nine JHS 3 students comprising, three each from high, average and low performing Junior High schools were purposely selected. An interview guide was developed and used to interview the student participants. The data collected from the respondents was analyzed qualitatively and presented as per the concepts examined. The study revealed among others that the students had a better understanding of the part-whole concept. The least understood concept was the equivalence concept

Source: UCC
An investigation of monitoring of the teaching of science in basic schools: a case study of the Akuapem North District

The study investigated the extent of monitoring of teaching and learning of science lessons in some selected public primary schools in the Akuapem North District of the Eastern Region of Ghana. It ascertained the level of support given to teachers by headteachers and circuit supervisors who do the monitoring at the basic level with regards to science teaching and also to ascertain whether teachers’ at the basic level are better prepared to teach science more effectively due to the support system from monitoring. The sample for the study comprised 76 Teachers, 20 Headteachers and 9 Circuit Supervisors. The main instrument used for the study was the questionnaire and was supplemented with an interview guide. The major findings of the research were that majority of teachers (86.2%) and headteachers (75%) were Certificate “A” holders hence, the underlying factor to improve their competencies. Circuit Supervisors were mostly diploma or degree holders but did not specialize in science. The study identified lack of in-depth knowledge in science, the non use of activity method of teaching and child centered approach to teaching as a major hindrance in the effective teaching and monitoring of science lessons. The study also revealed that the areas the monitors mainly consider in terms of monitoring were lesson notes preparation and lesson presentation. The study recommends that periodic monitoring of science teaching and learning at the primary level should be done by competent officials to ensure that teachers are given the needed support.

Source: UCC
An Investigation of Pre-Tertiary In-Service Science Teachers‟ Perception of and Compliance with The National Teachers‟ Standards for Ghana

This study investigated the perceptions and compliance levels of pre-tertiary in-service science teachers in Ghana with the Ghana National Teachers' Standards (NTS) to inform policy interventions and professional development strategies to enhance educational quality. The study employed qualitative and quantitative methods in an exploratory sequential multi-method design using cross-sectional surveys and interviews. Data was collected through questionnaires, lesson observation guides, and interviews. Proportionate stratified random sampling was used to select 360 pre-tertiary in-service science teachers from public Upper Primary, Junior High, and Senior High Schools across 10 districts in the Greater Accra Region for the study. The quantitative data analysis through descriptive statistics and qualitative data thematic coding and content analysis revealed a significant lack of science teachers‟ compliance with the NTS, particularly in implementing the science curriculum. The essential competences specified in the NTS were notably absent in the teachers‟ practices due to teachers' negative perceptions of the document. Teachers' inability to demonstrate the expected competences was because of their difficulty understanding the NTS, inadequate dissemination, insufficient sensitization, and a general lack of understanding among teachers. To address these challenges, this study proposed targeted interventions that recommend comprehensive professional development initiatives facilitated by the National Teaching Council (NTC) and Ghana Education Service (GES). A Continuous Professional Development plan and the use of Professional Learning Communities are suggested to empower teachers with the knowledge and skills required to integrate NTS principles into their teaching and assessment practices.

Source: UCC
An investigation of primary and JHS teachers’ attitudes toward mathematics in some selected schools in the Central Region of Ghana

This study explored primary and junior high school (JHS) teachers’ attitudes toward mathematics. A survey of attitudes toward mathematics of 114 primary and JHS teachers who were holders of three-year post secondary teachers’ certificate “A” from 40 basic schools in the Cape Coast Metropolis and Elmina district in the Central region of Ghana was carried out using a questionnaire. Data collected were analysed using means and standard deviations. The t-test was used to investigate whether there was significant difference between primary school and JHS teachers’ attitudes toward mathematics. The results from the study revealed amongst others that both primary and JHS teachers had favorable attitudes toward mathematics. The study also found no significant difference between the attitudes of the two sets of teachers toward mathematics. However, whilst the study found no significant difference between the attitudes of upper primary and JHS teachers toward mathematics, both upper primary and JHS teachers were found to have significantly more positive attitudes toward mathematics than the lower primary teachers. The study recommended the need to encourage lower primary school teachers to develop more positive attitudes toward mathematics.

Source: UCC
An Investigation of Provision of Quality Basic Education in Ghana A Case Study of Selected Schools in the Central Region

This study investigated teaching and learning in six private and public (rural and urban) basic schools in two districts in the Central Region of Ghana. Six headteachers and 26 teachers whose classes or lessons were observed participated in the study. Simple random sampling technique was used to draw 144 pupils from primary 3, 4, 6 and junior secondary school form one. Four research instruments were used for data gathering. The results showed that the quality of education offered by the private, public (rural and urban ) schools was hampered by many shortcomings such as lack of textbooks and teaching and learning materials; inappropriate teaching methods, and the extensive use of English as the language of instruction. The major differences between private and public schools were the superior language facility of pupils; greater availability and use of textbooks; and more access to extra tuition for pupils in private schools

Source: UCC
An investigation of the relationship between perceptions of mathematics teachers towards assessment and their assessment practices in the Binduri District

The study sought to identify the relationship between the perception of mathematics teachers about assessment and their assessment practices. Descriptive survey was adopted as a design for the study. Questionnaires were administered to a sample of 63 teachers in the Binduri District after which their lessons were observed to gather data for the study. A multi-stage sampling technique was used to get the sample for the study. Data was analysed based on the research questions and hypotheses that guided the study. The descriptive statistics and inferential statistics were used to present results for the study. From the study, although the perception of teachers about assessment in mathematics is not generally in line with the current thinking of assessment, teachers generally had positive perceptions about what should be assessed, how it should be assessed and the feedback to give to students. This implies that teachers generally have inadequate training in assessment. It was also found that, teachers generally perceive and profess positive assessment practices but their practice is not generally positive. It was also found that, there was a significant difference between the professed assessment practices of teachers and their actual assessment practices. It is therefore recommended the Ghana Education Service should organise In-Service Training and Education course on current trends in assessment in mathematics. It is further recommended that heads of schools should conduct regular needs assessment and provide adequate support to enable teachers practice what they professed.

Source: UCC
Investigation of thermoelectric properties of graphene superlattice

Graphene and its derivatives have attracted significant attention due to their unique electronic, thermal, and mechanical properties which make it a promising material for device applications. This work theoretically investigated the thermoelectric properties of graphene superlattice which was subjected to a combined direct and alternative field. This was done by solving the Boltzmann’s kinetic equation within the semiclassical regime with the energy dispersion relation of graphene superlattice obtained using tight-binding approximation. The expressions for the resistivity, thermo-power as well as thermoelectric power factor of this novel material were derived analytical as a function of temperature, material parameters, and amplitudes of the external applied field. The findings suggest that graphene superlattice exhibits a metallic property, and as expected, its resistivity generally rises with temperature. Due to its low resistivity and high figure of merit at room temperature, graphene superlattice could be served as a suitable material for thermoelectric device applications

Source: UCC
Investigation of Young’s modulus of elasticity in wood Using Electronic Speckle Pattern Interferometry (ESPI)

Electronic Speckle Pattern Interferometry (ESPI) is a holographic interferometric non-contact optical technique used to measure in-plane and out-of-plane object displacements. This optical method was adopted to measure Young’s modulus of elasticity in two tropical wood samples odum, kussia and steel, a reference material. The experimental results of Young’s moduli of the samples compared reasonably well to the literature values obtained with mechanical methods

Source: UCC
Investigations of Natural Radioactivity, Radon Levels, and Soil Properties in Kpando Municipality, Volta Region, Ghana

This study measured natural radioactivity, indoor radon, radon exhalation rate and soil properties in the Kpando Municipality of Volta Region, Ghana. 120 dwellings, and 51 soil samples from Torkor, Agbenoxoe and Tsakpa in the Kpando Municipal were studied for indoor radon, radon exhalation rates, radionuclides and soil properties using CR – 39 detectors, gamma spectrometry and Gravimetric techniques. The radionuclides and radiation hazards associated with soil samples were found to vary as: 226Ra (2.80 to 53.30 Bq/kg), 232Th (3.40 to 58.80 Bq/kg), 40K (62.70 to 421.60 Bq/kg), indoor absorbed dose rate (13.72 to 138.45 nGy/h), indoor effective doses (67.37 to 679.77 μSv/y) and indoor excess lifetime cancer risk (0.24 × 10-3 to 2.38 × 10-3). The radon exhalation varied from 1.00 × 10-5 to 15.00 × 10-5 Bq/m2h and the soil properties ranged from 1.11 to 1.66 Mg/m3 (bulk density), 0.10 to 0.65 (soil porosity), 6.00 to 19.00 % (moisture content), 30.21 to 52.00 % (silt), 35.00 to 55.00 % (sand) and 0.01 to 34.79 % (clay). The annual indoor radon concentrations in homes ranged from 23.50 Bq m-3 to 124.90 Bqm-3, the mean seasonal indoor radon levels are 60.54 ± 6.49 Bq/m3 (dry season), 63.85 ± 6.28 Bq/m3 (rainy season) with seasonal radon correction factors varying from 0.51 to 1.55. The results show that, soil properties have influence on the soil radionuclides and indoor radon. The results of Pearson’s linear correlation analysis were in line with principal component analysis and cluster analysis. The findings of this studies are within the recommended limits proposed by International Commission on Radiological Protection, United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation and World Health Organization. Therefore, soil from these areas is safe and can be used as a construction material without posing any significant radiological threat to the population.

Source: UCC
Investigations of Staff Doses during Computed Tomography-Fluoroscopy Procedures Using Monte Carlo Simulation

Radiation dose to staff during Computed Tomography (CT) fluoroscopy procedures has been investigated using Monte Carlo N-Particle code 6 (MCNP6). Four (4) CT machines located at Korle-bu Teaching Hospital, Sweden Ghana Medical Centre, Karlsruhe Hospital and FOCOS Orthopaedic Hospital respectively were modelled using SimpleGeo software. The patient (supine) and staff (standing) were represented both by Female Adult meSH (FASH) and Male Adult meSH (MASH) computational voxel phantoms. Seven scenarios consisting of staff use of protective equipment, CT gantry and staff positioning in the CT room, CT room size variation, the use of lead drape and patient cover on patient, the use of protective face mask and apron by staff, scatter radiation distribution in the CT room, and the effective estimation of staff effective dose were investigated for occupational staff protection. A systematic approach for validating CT scanners with unknown bowtie-filter was proposed and tested. The use of protective equipment, lead drape and patient cover, protective face mask and apron, diagonal positioning of CT fluoroscopy gantry, and staff standing away from walls of room were observed to reduce effective dose to staff by a factor of 4.5, 4.4, 2.8, 1.1 and 1.2 respectively. Sex based single and double TLD effective dose estimation algorithm was proposed. The staff dose reduction factors observed for applying protection measures for this study varied by a factor of 1.6 - 6.9 compared with other studies. The use of conventional protection equipment at all times is recommended and complemented with alternative one (that is, standing position) to further reduce doses.

Source: UCC