ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Graduate artists in the classroom: the state of non-professional graduate teachers in Ghana

Effective teaching and learning are paramount to education stakeholders in Ghana and discussions are ongoing about how to achieve this across all educational levels. The existence of untrained university graduate teachers who are classified as Non-professional Graduate Teachers under the Ghana Education Service, in the teaching field is inevitable yet there is limited information on their state as facilitators of effective learning. ‘State’ in this study is defined as the conditions and performance of the graduates who serve as teachers, in terms of their strength, challenges and their performance in ensuring effective teaching and learning. Both Qualitative and quantitative research design were used for this study. With the technique of qualitative and quantitative descriptive research designs, the objectives which sought for factors that influence the Art graduates to become teachers, their strengths and the challenges they encounter in performing their task and whether they are successful as effective teachers were achieved. This was aided by document analysis, interviews, observations and administration of questionnaires. Graduates of Industrial Art Department, KNUST from 2003 to 2012 were used as case study. Fifty four (54%) of the respondents had been teachers after the Industrial Art Programme out of which 70.4% were still teaching. The study revealed that the Art graduates have little interest in becoming teachers while in school but a significant number of them end up in the teaching profession as compared with the Art Industry. Also, the study brought to light that the graduates are more efficient in areas such as content knowledge of the subjects they teach, planning and preparation of lessons and students’ assessment compared with other skills such as delivery mechanisms and addressing students learning needs.

Source: KNUST
Graffiti and patinations in painting

Wall surfaces are often painted as a subsidiary or as background to other subjects regarded as the main subject matter. Therefore beauty and other aesthetic and artistic qualities that exist on walls are not exploited. The wall surfaces either well painted or left at the mercy of the weather is a subject matter worth painting. The researcher sought to explore and treat wall surfaces as independent subject matter and document this area, which has basically prompted this research. Though wall is defined as any conscription, lining or enclosure of wood, metal, brick etc., WALL in this report has been narrowed to wood or concrete wall surfaces and metal and wooden surface of the mummy truck, also known as “tro-tro” by the Ghanaian sources. These wall surfaces invariably reveal the philosophy and the feelings of people in a particular milieu as well as improving creativity without barriers. The encrustations, patinations, graffiti, cracks and drippings reveal artistic inspirational sources. Paintings of walls do not only highlight societal concerns and psychological make-up but also inspire new ways of doing things as well as asserting the fact that life and growth starts from decay. This decay is artistically transformed and communicated back to society as a message from the artist as he sees societal concerns. The painted walls will grow, grow with society till its life is taken away. The wall will be a new central focus into which one will see nature and phenomena necessary for creativity.

Source: KNUST
Graduate students’ interest in immunology as a discipline

Interest and motivation significantly influence achievement; however, interest in immunology remains to be determined. Using a structured questionnaire, the current study assessed for the first time interest in immunology among biomedi cal graduate students in Ghana after a one-week introduction to immunology course. Our results revealed that approximately 80% of study participants expressed an in terest in immunology. In addition, we showed that interest in immunology was inde pendent of age and gender of the study participants. More interestingly, we observed that interest in immunology was primarily influenced by career choice. The findings from the present study have implications on immunology education and calls for investment in building capacity in immunology especially in developing countries.

Source: KNUST
Grain quality characterisation of 87 rice (Oryza sativa) accessions in Ghana

A study was conducted to evaluate grain appearance, cooking and eating quality of 87 rice accessions. The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design with three replications. The highest grain weight value of 4.05g was obtained for variety CRI-2 and the lowest was recorded for variety N22 with mean value of 1.81g. Based on grain length classification, the 87 accessions were grouped into three of which 32 of the accessions exhibited long grain length, 49 were medium grain length while 6 accessions recorded short grain length. For gel consistency measured, 22% of accessions recorded medium gel 71% obtained hard gel and 7% were soft. From accessions studied 66% recorded non aroma and 34% were highly aromatic. Variety IR 81412-B-B-82-1 recorded the highest L/B ratio and the least was found in variety GR 21.The minimum elongation ratio was recorded in variety WAB2125-WAC B-TGR3-WAT B1, while maximum exhibited in variety IR 74371-54-1-1. The longest length after cooked was recorded for variety SIK-353-A 10 and the least for GR-21.The largest width increase during cooking was recorded in WAB-2081-WAC B-TGR4- B (3.47 mm) and the lowest for TXD 88 (2.53mm). Variety DKA recorded minimum volume expansion ratio, while the maximum was exhibited for variety FAROX 15. The maximum water uptake was recorded in variety PHKA RUMDOM, while variety DKA had the lowest. In this study, alkaline spread value had significant positive and strong correlations with gelatinization temperature (r =1.00***). Gel consistency and gelatinization temperature exhibited non- significant correlation among themselves. Gelatinization temperature highly positive weak correlations with volume expansion ratio (r =0.33***).and water uptake (r= 0.27***). The characteristics of the various grains make them suitable for different food preparations and meet the preferences of wide categories of consumers.

Source: KNUST
Grain quality evaluation of rice from breeding lines and local collections in Ghana

Rice is gaining increasing popularity in Ghana among both rural and urban dwellers. However more than 60 % of the nation’s annual requirements is still imported to meet demand levels while many local varieties are considered to be of inferior quality. Local research on the crop has generally lacked grain quality components, both for our local varieties and the breeding lines used in Crop Improvement Programmes. Twenty (20) rice varieties made up often breeding lines (B.L.) and ten local varieties (L.V.) were studied. The samples were analysed for grain size, shape and appearance, milling quality, total ash, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, protein content, amylose content, cooking quality and pasting characteristics (rheological properties). Mean values for grain length, length-to-width ratio, total milling recovery, broken grain fraction and degree of whiteness were higher for the B.L. (7.04 mm, 3.12. 67.2 %. 38.08 % and 76.90 respectively) than the LV. (6.61 mm, 2.66. 63.50 %, 30.24 % and 73.96 respectively). Among the LV., grain chalkiness score and 1000 grain weight had higher mean values (2.4 and 28.7 g respectively) than the B.L. (1.1 and 26.14 respectively). Mean protein, albumin, total ash, potassium and calcium contents were higher among the L.V. (8.14 %. 0.33 %. 0.56 %. 87.05 mg!100 g and 24.11 mg/100 g respectively) than the B.L. (7.54 %. 0.28 %. 0.52 %, 85.44mg/100 g and 21.74 mg/100 g respectively) while phosphorus. Amylase, water uptake and volume expansion (during cooking) ratios were lower in the L.V. (131.74 mg/100 g, 22.11 %. 2.89 and 3.49 respectively) than in the B.L. (167.98 mg/100 g, 27.20%, 2.94 and 3.65 respectively). Cooking time was shorter among the B.L. (mean: 19.20 minutes) than in the L.V. (mean: 19.95 minutes). Amylograph peak viscosity and iscosit breakdown were higher among the LV (mean 710 B U and 301 B U respectively than the B.L. (mean: 615 B.U. and 175 B.U. respectively) while hot paste. cold paste and setback viscosities were higher among the B.L. (mean: 440. 944.5 and 329.5 B.U. respectively) than the L.V. (mean: 409. 817.5 and 107.5 B.U. respectively). Significant differences existed between varieties for most of the parameters studied. Among the L.V. significant correlations existed between amvlose and the following parameters: cooking time (r = 0.64), breakdown and setback viscosities (r = -0.74 and 0.67 respectively). However for the B.L. correlation with amylose existed only for cold paste viscosity (r = 0.62). For the formulated rice-based snack from selected varieties, there was a high acceptability rating for the product although varietal differences existed.

Source: KNUST
Granger-Causality analysis of Ghana Universities Staff Superannuation Scheme (GUSSS), KNUST

The Ghana Universities Sta Superannuation Scheme (GUSSS) like any other pension scheme has income and expenditure patterns. However, whether in ows Granger-cause out ows or out ows Granger-cause in ows is unknown. This study investigates the state of the scheme, stability and long-term behaviors of the scheme, analyze the Granger-causality of in ows and out ows of funds and struc-ture of the scheme. In line with this objectives, secondary data of monthly in ows and out ows of funds for the period 2003 to 2009 were collected. The data was tted to vector autoregressive (VAR) model of order one(1) and the model param-eters were estimated by ordinary least squares(OLS) methods. It was found that the model variables were stationary after rst di erencing. The system matrix was also found the be stable. The Granger-causality test showed that out ows Granger-cause in ows which means that out ows of funds in the previous month has in uence on the in ows of funds in the current month. Again, the impulse response analysis showed that when one standard deviation shock was put to the error term, the model variables initially uctuated around the zero mean but remained steady and positive in the long-run. We therefore recommend that optimal investment portfolios must be adopted.

Source: KNUST
Grammaticalization in Kaakyi: From a temporal adverb to a future tense marker

This paper discusses the linguistic phenomenon of grammaticalization in relation to the development of the future tense marker k1´ in Kaakyi (Kwa, Niger Congo). Focusing on some characteristic features of grammaticalization such as metaphorical extension, phonetic reduction, morphosyntactic reduction and the fusion of elements, the paper examines the paths along which the future tense marker has developed. First, it shows the extension of the meaning of the time adverbial ɔ̀k1´ ‘tomorrow’, to the functional morpheme, k1´-, expressing future time. Second, it demonstrates the loss in the morphological and syntactic properties of ɔ̀k1´ and a gain in some properties characteristic of its use as a functional morpheme. Third, two of Hopper’s (1991) principles of grammaticalization, divergence and decategorization, are shown to be applicable in the development of the marker. Kaakyi appears to be the only Kwa language to have so far been identified as deriving its future tense marker from a temporal adverb.

Source: KNUST
Graphic Corporation; A Newspaper and Publishing Plant

Established as a registered newspaper organisation in 1951, Graphic Corporation, publishers, printers, and advertisers, has undergone a marked evolution of its functions from printers to the nation most widely circulating daily and weekly, the Daily Graphic and the Mirror. In addition the Corporation produces a weekly sports magazine, the Graphic Sports and undertakes a variety of commercial printing works. The Corporation has, in many respect lived well to its task of fulfilling what service a newspaper should render to the community it belong. It is unfortunate however, that infrastructure and other facilities, especially those related to working spaces for accommodation of personnel and machines, present at the Corporation’s disposal are grossly inadequate for its range and scope of activities. This set back is an undermining feature which needs to be checked if the Corporation’s successes are to be ensured.

Source: KNUST
Graphing calculator a Tool for Learning, Teaching and Research in Mathematics

Graphing /Programmable calculators are instruments that have been with us for a considerable length of time yet its fullest potential in the effective learning of MATHEMATICS and application to the solution of real world problems still remains untapped. By concentrating on typical mathematical problems this thesis demonstrated how graphing calculators could be effectively used, not only as tool for the teaching and learning of mathematics but also as a research tool. The accuracy of the solutions obtained when the TI - 92, our model graphing calculator, was used to solve standard problems in Optimisation Techniques and Numerical Analysis was on the average 10-8 approximately. As a research tool the results obtained, marched that of the computer to an accuracy of 10-6. If graphing calculations are given the necessary recognition and attention that it demands, there is no doubt it can have a positive impact on the way mathematics is taught and studied in our country.

Source: KNUST
Green and social accounting practices among Ghanaian listed companies.

Reporting on only the financial performance of an organisation is no longer the focus of reporting because gradually, investors and other stakeholders demand that companies also report on their effect on the society and the environment. Accounting and reporting for the environment and society has therefore increasingly become important to stakeholders and organisations because the effect of an organisation’s environmental and social performance on its financial health is of increasing concern to creditors, investors, governments and the public at large. In view of this, the study aimed to examine the annual reports of companies listed on the Ghana Stock Exchange (GSE) to ascertain the extent to which these companies practice voluntary green and social accounting. The viewpoints of several key stakeholders, including investors, accountants, customers, creditors and the general public were also sought with respect to what they perceived to be valuable social and environmental reporting in supporting decision making. Two hundred and two (202) annual reports from 2006 to 2015 of twenty three (23) companies listed on the GSE were scrutinized using content analysis. A literature review with the objective of developing an evaluation matrix that could be used to access the quality of the green and social information being disclosed within the annual reports of companies was undertaken. Again, content analyses of the annual reports were carried out to find empirical evidence on the reporting disclosures made by companies listed on the GSE. The study revealed that the green and social reporting process of companies listed on the GSE is still in the development phase. Few companies (mining, oil and gas companies) have integrated environmental and social sustainability information in their accounting system. With regards to the nature of green and social disclosure, it was observed that only positive qualitative disclosures were provided in the annual reports. Additionally, a significant difference existed between the information disclosed by the companies and what the users expected in most of the categories. A striking weakness in the integration of green and social information was the manner in which certain information were reported, often arbitrarily, throughout the reports. Awarding scheme on integrated reporting, training, more mandatory rules and standards on green and environmental reporting may improve the quality, quantity and transparency of reporting among listed companies.

Source: KNUST
Graphic techniques in painting

technological advancement, particularly in artistic expression and digital media, spawns new Concepts and styles of an increasing rate. To cope with this artistic developmental trend, there is the need to incorporate techniques of other art disciplines within the major discipline. In view of this the researcher wants to break new grounds hitherto consider a taboo to unusual method of painting. In this regard chapter ne offers an introduction to the subject “Graphic Techniques in Painting”. This involves the background study of the traditional and contemporary materials, media and techniques. The problem, objective and justification are also well spelt out. The hypothesis, delimitation, importance and research methodology are stated. Chapter two ushers in the historical and related literature review. In the review, the researcher attempts to trace the historical development of multimedia - printmaking processes as well as other means usually employed by graphic designers. Works of other artist related to the study are reviewed. Chapter three deals with the materials, equipment and the practical procedures in painting. These are interrelated with photography, screen-printing and special marbling techniques. Experimental survey displays works in this chapter. Chapter four comprises of a small collection of the project works in requirement of the problem statement. The project paintings are analysed regarding the fusion of painting with graphic techniques.

Source: KNUST
Green Approach To Metal Chalcogenide Semiconductor Nanomaterials: Syntheses And Characterization Of Cds, Pbs, Zns, Mns And Mnxzn1-Xs Nanoparticles

Metal chalcogenide nanomaterials such as CdS, PbS, ZnS, MnS and MnxZn1-xS are very useful compound semiconductors with potential applications in sensing, bioimaging, drug delivery, data storage and photovoltaic devices as well as in catalysis. However, the syntheses of good quality nanomaterials usually include toxic chemical reagents and therefore limit their application and adaptation to large scale production. Castor oil and single source precursors (SSPs) are suitable alternative green reagents for the syntheses of undoped and doped metal chalcogenide nanocrystals. In this thesis, green syntheses of (i) CdS nanoclusters and PbS nanorods/belts via thermal decomposition of xanthate complexes in castor oil, and (ii) ZnS, MnS and MnxZn1-xS nanocrystals via the thermal decomposition of diricinoleate carboxylate and heterocyclic dithiocarbamate complexes in oleylamine are reported. The dopant (Mn) feed concentration was varied in the range 0 ≤ x ≤ 0.1. The CdS displayed a band gap of 2.63 – 2.84 eV and a strong emission in the near-UV (λmax = 393 nm) region and formed small clusters of nanocrystals with average particle size of 6.78 1.89 nm. The PbS nanocrystals showed variety of morphologies. The average width and length of the PbS nanorods observed were 22.2 ( 2.3) nm and 225.9 ( 23.3) nm respectively. The activation energy obtained for the growth of ZnS nanoparticles in oleylamine was 53.41 kJ/mol. Powder-X-ray diffraction (p-XRD) patterns showed that the ZnS and MnxZn1-xS nanocrystals synthesized by different precursor routes were sphalerite and the shift in the lattice parameter indicated distortion due to the incorporation of the Mn(II) into the ZnS. The MnS nanocrystals were pure alabandite. The p-XRD patterns of the nanocrystals synthesized by the dithiocarbamate route showed some wurtzitic characteristics of ZnS and MnxZn1-xS. The band gap energy was found to decrease with increasing Mn(II) dopant concentration which indicated the introduction of trap states into the forbidden zone of the host ZnS. Luminescence was observed for MnxZn1-xS (for x ≤ 0.01) nanocrystals at 587 – 599.7 nm characteristic of Mn 4T16A1 transition suggesting possible incorporation of the Mn(II) into the ZnS host lattice. Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) studies confirmed the presence of Mn(II) ions dispersed at substitutionary sites for x ≤ 0.01 MnxZn1-xS nanocrystals. However, at high concentrations of Mn dopant (≥ 0.01), the Mn(II) ions were found bound to the surface/interstitial sites in ZnS. Thus, useful morphologies and interesting properties of important metal chalcogenide semiconductors were achieved by the use of environmentally benign materials.

Source: KNUST
Green Innovation and Environmental Performance: The Moderating Role of Innovation Orientation

Adopting green practices is a critical factor for today's businesses. However, green innovation, like all forms of innovation, bears inherent risk. There are instances where these efforts fail to achieve the desired environmental performance due to various reasons such as high cost, lack of acceptance, technology failures, or unforeseen adverse environmental impacts. Such risks may deter firms from investing in green innovations or limit their effectiveness in enhancing environmental performance. This study thus investigates the moderating role of innovation orientation in the relationship between green innovation and environmental performance. Grounded in the contingency natural resource based view theory, the research focuses on manufacturing firms in the Greater Accra region of Ghana. A quantitative research approach was employed, utilizing a sample of 200 firms and collecting data through a survey. The results show that both green innovation and innovation orientation positively impact environmental iv performance. However, the interaction effect between green innovation and innovation orientation was not significant. The research contributes to the theoretical understanding of green innovation and innovation orientation in enhancing environmental performance and offers practical implications for firms seeking to improve their environmental performance. This study therefore recommends that the adoption of green practices, fostering a culture of innovation, and integrating innovation and sustainability strategies should be prioritized. Despite the limitations of focusing on the Greater Accra region and relying on self-reported data, the study provides valuable insights into the relationship between green innovation, innovation orientation, and environmental performance, with the potential for future research to expand the scope and explore the mediating role of innovation orientation.

Source: KNUST