ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of different methods of sterilizing sprouting media for in the control of minisett rot of white yam (Dioscorea rotundata Poir)

Abstract: Different methods of sterilizing sprouting media for the confrol of rot in minisetts of Dioscorea rotundata var Pona and Dente were evaluated. Sawdust and topsoil sprouting media were sterilized by roasting, solarization and fumigation in a completely randomized block design replicated thrice in the laboratory. Significantly higher percentage rot was recorded for minisetts planted in unsterilized sprouting media than those in sterilized media. Incidence of minisett rot was, however, higher in unsterilized topsoil than in unsterilized sawdust. Roasting was most effective in sterilizing the sprouting media, followed by fumigation and the least was solarization. There was no significant difference between the effects of sterilized sawdust and topsoil on rotting and sprouting of yam minisetts. Pona minisetts planted in sterilized medium produced higher percentage sprouting and lower percentage rotting as compared with that of Dente minisetts

Source: UCC
Evaluation of Different Methods of Sterilizing Sprouting Media for in the Control of Minisett Rot of White Yam (Dioscorea rotundata Poir)

Different methods of sterilizing sprouting media for the control of rot in minisetts of Dioscorea rotundata var Pona and Dente were evaluated. Sawdust and topsoil sprouting media were sterilized by roasting, solarization and fumigation in a completely randomized block design replicated thrice in the laboratory. Significantly higher percentage rot was recorded for minisetts planted in unsterilized sprouting media than those in sterilized media. Incidence of minisett rot was, however, higher in unsterilized topsoil than in unsterilized sawdust. Roasting was most effective in sterilizing the sprouting media, followed by fumigation and the least was solarization. There was no significant difference between the effects of sterilized sawdust and topsoil on rotting and sprouting of yam minisetts. Pona minisetts planted in sterilized medium produced higher percentage sprouting and lower percentage rotting as compared with that of Dente minisetts.

Source: UCC
Evaluation of employee recruitment and selection practices of selected Commercial Banks in Cape Coast Metropolis

The main purpose of the study was to evaluate the employee recruitment and selection practices of commercial banks in Cape Coast Metropolis. More specifically the study sought to ascertain whether the banks have employee selection policy, examine the employee recruitment and selection methods applied by the commercial banks, and evaluate the methods. Simple random sampling was used to select one hundred and twenty (120) respondents for the study. Management and Human Resource Managers were included in the study due to their role in the selection process. Responses were gathered through the use of questionnaires and an interview guide. Descriptive statistics such as frequency table and pie chart were used to analyze the data. The study revealed that the selection methods that were used by the commercial banks in their selection process included preliminary screening, application blank, short-listing, employment test, interview and reference checks. Findings were that the banks did not employ workers of the banks without employing rigorous selection methods. The results also revealed that the banks have recruitment and selection policy to guide their recruitment and selection practices. However majority of the employees did not know the contents of the policy. All potential employees were discriminated objectively using the same requirements. The study recommends that the recruitment policy of the banks and its contents should be made known to all employees and the potential applicants.

Source: UCC
Evaluation of External Abdominal Wall Hernia Surgery in a Secondary Level Facility in Kumasi, Ghana

Aims: We aimed at auditing hernia surgeries performed at a secondary care center and determine the outcome of surgery based on the grade of operating surgeon. Study Design: A single center retrospective study. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Surgery of Ashanti regional Hospital between October 2015 to September 2018. Methodology: We included 259 patients, age ranging between 1 and 84 years, who underwent external hernia surgeries. Information retrieved included patient demographics, type of hernia, duration of hernia, whether hernia was emergency or elective, method of repair, whether surgery was performed by a surgeon or non-surgeon and early post-operative complications. Data was analyzed using PASW Statistics for Windows, Version 18.0. Chicago: SPSS Inc SPSS. Bivariate analysis was done to ascertain relationship between complications and operating doctor. Results: A total of 259 hernia surgeries were performed over the study period. There were 186 (71.8 %) males and 73 (28.2 %) females, age range of 1 to 84 years. There were 66 (25.5%) children and 193(74.5%) adults. Children in their first decade were the majority (22.4%) age group followed by adults in their 5th decade (17%). Inguinal hernia was the most common (75.7%) type of hernia, 49 (18.9%) children and 147(56.6%) adults. There were 32 (12.4%) emergencies. Small bowel (20) was the most common content found in the hernia sac with 6 of them being gangrenous. Hematoma was the most common early complication. The majority (63.7%) of the cases were performed by the general surgeon and (20.1%) by house officers (interns) under supervision. Complications like haematoma, surgical site infection and acute urinary retention were more likely to occur in the non-surgeon operators. There was no statistically significant relation between the grade of operating surgeon and Haematoma (p = 0.28) and surgical site infection (p= 0.76). Conclusion: Hernias are common in children in the first decade and in adults in the 5th decade. With a well-structured training programme non-surgeon physicians can be trained to perform hernia surgeries with relatively low complication.

Source: UCC
An evaluation of factors that influence children's behaviour at the kindergarten level: A case study of University of Cape Coast kindergarten

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the factors influencing children behaviour using University of Cape Coast Kindergarten as a case study. The outcome of this study was to help shape people’s understanding of the behaviour of children at the kindergarten level and the factors that influence these behaviours. The descriptive research was employed in obtaining information about this topic. Three categories of people were considered as a sample population: teachers, parents and children. In all, a sampling size of 32 respondents was selected using the multistage sampling technique. Questionnaires, interview schedules and observation methods were used to collect data. It was found among other things that children exhibit different kinds of behaviour. The most frequent among them include: talking, shouting fidgeting, sleeping, crying, begging, and singing. The study also revealed that the behaviour exhibited by children affects their academic performance and school attendance. It was concluded that the most frequent behavior exhibited by children in the University of Cape Coast Kindergarten are sleeping, crying, shouting, talking, fidgeting, and fighting. It was also concluded that the behavior exhibited by children affects their academic especially in the academic performance and school attendance. It was recommended that teachers should be given adequate training in managing children’s behavior especially at the kindergarten level in order to ensure effective teaching and learning.

Source: UCC
Evaluation of Financial Performance of Rural Banks in Ghana. A Case Study of Nzema Manle Rural Bank Limited

Though rural banks remain a major backbone of the developing economies' financial sector, their performance and ability to meet their mandates have been debated among policymakers and the general public. Thus, this study assesses the financial performance of rural banks in Ghana, focusing on Nzema Manle Rural Bank Limited. Specifically, this study examines the effect of the liquidity position of the bank, annual loans, non-performing loans, and bank size on financial performance. The research follows the positivist research paradigm with an explanatory research design and a quantitative approach. The data were analysed using both descriptive and inferential statistics, specifically ordinary least square (OLS) regression. The results show that the liquidity position of the bank influences financial performance positively, while non-performing loans and bank size negatively influence bank's financial performance. Annual loans, however, had an elastic but statistically insignificant positive effect on financial performance. It can be concluded that Nzema Manle Rural Bank Limited's liquidity position has a statistically significant beneficial impact on its financial performance. The study recommends that the bank should improve its liquidity position to obtain benefits from the investment in short-term assets. Also, the bank should enhance its credit risk management system, specifically the screening and monitoring of loan applications and credit facilities granted to its clients, to reduce the effect of non-performing loans.

Source: UCC
Evaluation of Ghana's 2007 Educational Policy: Effects on Education in the Upper West Region

The Ghana 2007 educational policy aims to improve performance in the education sector. The current study is interested in investigating the provisions made for free and compulsory education in the Ghana 2007 educational policy regarding the Wa Municipality. The researcher believes that there is a gap between the provisions made and the extent to which the policy provisions has impacted on free and compulsory education in the Wa Municipality. Four research questions guided the research. A sample size of 350 members consisting of stakeholders of education in the Municipality was selected using purposive and simple random sampling. A questionnaire and an interview guide were designed and used to collect data over a period of eight weeks. Qualitative analysis was employed to analyze the data with an emphasis on thematic analysis and a little descriptive statistic. The findings showed that the provisions are implemented resulting in increased enrolment figures but not without significant challenges that are threatening the sustenance of the success so far achieved in the Municipality. Thus, members demonstrated that education at the basic level is free but not compulsory in the Wa Municipality.

Source: UCC
Evaluation of Guidance Services in Senior High Schools in Ghana

The study sought to evaluate guidance services provided in senior high schools and their benefits to students. Again, the study sought to identify the factors that discourage students from patronising guidance services and come out with measures to promote effective guidance services in SHSs. This study used a concurrent mixed approach underpinned by pragmatic philosophical thought. It employed a descriptive survey and multiple case study designs, where data were collected in two phases using four-point Likert-type scale questionnaire and semi-structured interview guide. The total sample for the study was 1827. At the quantitative phase, a questionnaire was administered to students, teachers and school counsellors while the qualitative phase involved semi-structured interviews for school counsellors and headmasters/mistresses. The quantitative data were analysed using independent samples T-test, ANOVA, mean and standard deviation. The qualitative data were thematically analysed. The study outlined several benefits students derived from guidance services. It emerged from the study that guidance services help students to realise their academic potentials and resolve inter-personal conflict. Notwithstanding, the benefits associated with guidance services, students were not really patronising it because the location of counselling units were not convenient to ensure confidentiality and privacy. It was also revealed that some schools lacked guidance plan and its approach to integrate and share understanding about guidance services to students. The study also pointed out the measures to promote effective guidance services. These included reducing teaching periods of teacher-counsellors so that they can concentrate on the provision of guidance services. It was recommended among other things that schools should organise workshops and seminars for teachers and incorporate guidance activities in the timetable. It was also recommended that the Ministry of Education should provide a clear national policy on funding of guidance services in schools. There should also be clear definition of role for school counsellors and allocation of time so as to promote effective and efficient guidance services in senior high schools in Ghana.

Source: UCC
Evaluation of Haemato-Biochemical Parameters and Serum Levels of 8-Iso-Prosta-glandin F2α Oxidative Stress Biomarker in Sickle Cell-Malaria Comorbidity

Blood (5ml) was collected from suspected malaria patients (n=2272) into K3-EDTA tube. Samples were grouped as malaria infections in normal haemoglobin (malaria-HbAA), malaria infections in sickle cell disease (malaria-SCD), malaria infections in sickle cell trait (malaria- SCT) and non-malaria with normal haemoglobin (controls). The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of Plasmodium falciparum infections on haematological, biochemical profiles and oxidative stress in sickle cell patients as paucity of data exist in this regard. Malaria parasites were identified and quantified according to WHO guidelines. All eligible samples were assayed for haematological and biochemical parameters, T-cell profiling and levels of 8-iso-prostaglandin F2α oxidative stress biomarker. The study found that geometric mean of parasite density was higher in malaria-HbAA than malaria-SCD (20394 parasites/µl vs. 9990 parasites/µl, p=0.001) whilst mean body temperature was higher in malaria-SCD and malaria-HbAA than control samples and malaria-SCT. Mean leukocytes were significantly elevated in co-morbidity states while lymphopenia and neutrophilia were associated with malaria-HbAA and malaria-SCD. However, CD3+, CD4+ and CD8+ T cells were significantly higher in malaria-HbAA than malaria-SCD. Eosinophilia was also associated with malaria-SCT while monocytosis was seen in malaria- SCD. Severely low red blood cells, low haemoglobin concentrations and low red cell indices were seen in malaria-SCD with corresponding significant elevations in plasma haemoglobin, % haemolysis, serum potassium, serum bilirubin and lactate dehydrogenase in malaria- SCD. Levels of means 8-iso-prostaglandin F2α in all the patient groups were significantly higher than the control sample with compounding levels seen in malaria-SCD group. In conclusion, severe haemolysis was observed in malaria-SCD co-morbidity which associated with compounding oxidative stress. Exhaustive clinical assessment must be done to prevent or reduce oxidant related pathologies in SCD patients

Source: UCC
An Evaluation of Head teachers Performance in Supervision of Instruction and Involvement of Staff in Decision-Making in the School

Head teachers are expected to provide some services that will enhance the smooth performance of teachers in the school. This study evaluates the extent to which head teachers provide these services with particular reference to supervision and decision-making. The site selected for the study is the WA Municipality in the Upper West Region of Ghana. A descriptive survey design was used for the study. A sample size of 220 teachers and head teachers were involved in the study. A questionnaire and an interview guide were used to collect data while data analysis was descriptive. The results indicated that to a very large extent, head teachers in the WA Municipality provide supervision services for teachers, and also involve teachers in decision-making in their schools.

Source: UCC
Evaluation of health and safety practices at workplaces in New Juaben municipality, Ghana

This study evaluates problems and issues related to Occupational Health and Safety at Eastern Regional Hospital Koforidua (ERHK) and Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) all in Koforidua. The study was a descriptive survey and views of 130 respondents comprising of 110 junior staff and 20 senior staff members from ECG and ERHK in the New Juaben Municipality were sought using self-developed questionnaire. Primary and secondary sources of data collection method were used and data collected from the field was processed and analysed through the use of Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21. The study reveals that 50% of the respondents strongly agreed that their institutions provides safe place of work for all employees of the organisation, 55% of the respondents disagreed that the organisation provides adequate equipment, materials (personal protective equipment) and clothing to enable employees to carry out their work safely and 50% of the respondents strongly agreed that staffs must put on protective clothing in the performance of their duties. Moreover, 70% agreed that the institution provides notices on all health and safety measures, 60% of the respondents agreed that Co-worker ensures the safety of fellow worker at the workplace and that 50% agreed that the institution provides Safety induction, orientation and refresher courses to employees in the organisation. Based on the findings of the study it is recommended that, Management should regularly organize education, training, workshops, seminars on health and safety issues, publish materials on health and safety and many other steps to include safety consciousness in the minds of workers.

Source: UCC
Evaluation of hepatic and kidney dysfunction among newly diagnosed HIV patients with viral hepatitis infection in Cape Coast, Ghana

Objective: HIV positive individuals infected with viral hepatitis B (HBV) or C (HCV) are at an increased risk of progres‑ sion to kidney and liver failures. Therefore, prior to initiation of antiretroviral therapy, early diagnosis and initiation of appropriate treatment protocols are imperative for co-infected individuals. This study evaluated the prevalence of HBV and HCV, and extent of liver and renal dysfunction among 90 newly diagnosed HIV patients attending the Cape Coast Teaching Hospital HIV clinic. Results: Levels of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate-platelet ratio index and estimated glomerular filtration rate were used respectively to diagnose hepatotoxicity, liver fibrosis and chronic kidney disease (CKD). Association analy‑ ses were evaluated by Pearson’s Chi-square test or Fisher’s exact test and considered significant at p < 0.05. Using rapid diagnostic tests, 75.6% (n = 68) had HIV1 mono-infection, 24.4% (n = 22) had HIV1/HBV co-infection while 0.0% (n = 0) had HIV1/HCV co-infection. The prevalence of hepatotoxicity, liver fibrosis, and CKD were 7.8% (n = 7), 2.2% (n = 2), and 15.5% (n = 14) respectively. Similar proportions of HIV1/HBV and HIV1 were diagnosed with liver fibrosis (p = 0.431). In relation to hepatotoxicity Grade, a high proportion of HIV1/HBV were diagnosed with Grade 2 (p = 0.042). Also, severely reduced kidney function (CKD stage 4) was observed in only HIV1/HBV (n = 2, 9.1%, p = 0.053)

Source: UCC
An Evaluation of Honey Produced in the Volta Region of Ghana Towards Certification as a Geographical Indications (GI) Product

Geographical Indication (GI) is a form of intellectual property identifying a product as originating from a region/locality/territory where its quality and reputation is associated with its geographical origin. GIs are considered as a place - specific quality assurance initiative that enhances the monetary value of a product, hence increase producers’ premium. Honey produced by the honeybee (Apis mellefera) is the most commercialized hive product in Ghana. The country may have the opportunity to promote unique honey products through geographical indications (GIs), to improve the economic livelihood of the numerous honey producers across the country, the environment by way of biodiversity conservation, and the country through foreign exchange. Yet very little is known about the potential of Ghanaian honeys in terms of development and promotion through GIs. The same holds for botanical and geographical origins, quality, what a GI honey is and whether Ghanaian consumers appreciate information on food labels and are even aware of the concept of GIs. GI product in Ghana. This study seeks to increase knowledge about the concept of geographical indications. The investigations also assessed how the GI concept could be introduced to the Ghanaian consumer by assessing how they utilise information of food labels and how familiar they arc with a GI label. The study took place in the Volta Region (for the main honey case studies) and the Greater Accra Region (for consumer studies). In the Volta Region, four honey producing districts (Kadjebi, Adaklu, Ho west and Akatsi south) were selected for the studies. Data were collected from local producer groups on honey production processes, harvesting and extraction as well as how honey quality is ensured among producers. Honey samples were also analysed for pollen and physico-chemical qualities. Results from pollen and quality analysis together with personal observations enabled the determination of botanical and geographical origins of the honeys and their quality parameters within international standards. Results on food label appreciation and GI awareness by consumers enables the interpretation of how the Ghanaian consumer could be engaged in terms of reaching them with the GI concept and its benefits. The main investigation was premised on four research questions stemming from the overall objective of the study.

Source: UCC
Evaluation of inclusive education practice in Ghana: Survey of inclusive pilot schools

This study evaluated inclusive education practice in Ghana. The study considered how teachers were equipped academically and professionally to handle children with and without disabilities in inclusive schools. It also examined were the curriculum used in these schools, the physical environment as well as how teachers perceived inclusive education. One hundred and thirty-four (134) teachers in twenty-four (24) inclusive pilot schools were selected for the study. A four-point Likert-scale structured questionnaire supported with an observation guide was the main instruments used to collect data for the study. Data was analyzed with simple frequencies and percentages with the aid of the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS, version 15.0). The Cronbach Alpha was used to determine the reliability of the instruments. The coefficient yielded 0.84. The study revealed that 94.0% of the teachers were adequately prepared for inclusive schools and most teachers held positive perception about inclusive education. The curriculum in use for inclusive schools is flexible which allows for adaptation. However, the kind of physical environment meant for inclusive schools was not suitable. Among the recommendations is the need for Ghana Education Service to collaborate with the Initial Teacher Education Colleges to offer opportunities for fieldwork or practicum to enrich teacher trainees’ knowledge in handling pupils with disabilities in inclusive schools.

Source: UCC