ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
The effect of digital media on senior high school students’ performance in organic chemistry nomenclature

The study investigated the effect of digital media on the academic performance of senior high school students in organic chemistry nomenclature. It was carried out in the Central Region of Ghana. The research study adopted the non-equivalent quasiexperimental research design using the pre-test and post-test design. The sample comprised 103 students from Potsin Senior High School and Winneba Senior High School who were selected on purpose. Form 3 science students from Potsin Senior High school were forty-eight (48) in number which formed the control group of the research. Fifty-five (55) form 3 science students comprising 31 males and 24 females were drawn from Winneba Senior High School to form the experimental group. A five-point Likert scale questionnaire was administered to both groups before treatment to determine their conception of organic chemistry nomenclature. After, a pre-test was administered to all the participants to determine their performance level in organic chemistry nomenclature. Treatment was administered to the experimental group using digital media and the control group was taught using the traditional method of teaching. After the treatment, a post-test was administered to both groups to determine the effectiveness of the treatment. Another 5-point Likert scale questionnaire was also administered to students of the experimental group to determine their views of digital media in teaching organic chemistry nomenclature. The tests (pre-test, post-test) and questionnaire results were then analysed using Microsoft excel 2019 and SPSS version 25.0 respectively. When the results of the two methods were compared, the digital media was found to be more effective than the traditional method. Results also revealed that there was no differential effect of digital media on male and female students‘ performance in organic chemistry nomenclature. The responses to the questionnaire proved that the majority of students agreed that digital media is an effective method of teaching organic chemistry nomenclature It is therefore recommended that chemistry teachers should adopt digital media in teaching and chemistry teachers should be made to attend workshops, seminars and conferences to update their knowledge of the methods of teaching concepts in chemistry

Source: UEW
Effect of direct-fed microbial and antibiotics supplementation on the health status and growth performance of broiler chickens under hot humid environmental conditions

The effect of dietary direct-fed microbial (DFM) and antibiotics supplementation on health status and growth performance of broiler chickens under hot humid environmental conditions was studied. A total of 600 one-day-old Cobb hybrid broilers were randomly allotted to three dietary treatments. Three hundred and twenty (320) birds were selected out of the 600 after phase 1 and allotted to four dietary treatments: (i) Basal diet (BD) control, ii) BD plus DFM at the rate of 1.5 ml/kg, (iii) BD plus antibiotics at the rate of 100 mg/kg and (iv) BD plus DFM and antibiotics at the same rate as earlier described. In phase 1, birds fed DFM diet had lower feed intake (P<0.05) which did not affect weight gain but were more efficient in converting feed to gain. In phase 2, increased feed intake, improved weight gain and feed efficiency was observed for birds fed DFM diet. Growth performance of birds fed DFM diet was similar to that of antibiotic diet. Mortality reduced in both phases in favour of DFM and was least susceptible to disease occurrence. Increased intestinal acidity from a pH of 5.79 in control to 5.05 was recorded for birds fed DFM diet. A reduction in serum cholesterol was recorded from 110.25 mg/dl in control to 91.25 mg/dl in DFM fed group. It was more economical rearing broilers on DFM diet. It was concluded that DFM can be a suitable alternative natural feed additive to conventional antibiotics as growth and health promoter in a hot humid environment. Key words: Direct-fed microbial, antibiotics, cholesterol, broiler.

Source: UEW
Effect of double track on teaching and learning of integrated science in some selected schools in Ashanti Region

The double track system of education was introduced in the 2018/2019 academic year in 400 senior high schools across the country, Ghana. This was due to increase in students enrolments as existing facilities could not cater for the classroom demands and dormitory accommodation. The study explored the challenges and coping strategies facing management of double-track schools in selected schools in Ashanti Region of Ghana. The study employed the convergent mixed method research design. The target population for the study were management and second year students of three randomly selected double-track schools in Ashanti Region. Management were purposively and conveniently sampled and interviewed using timely interview schedules. The data was transcribed, coded and thematically analyzed. The students were also randomly sampled and given structured questionnaire to answer. The data was coded and entered into IBM SPSS Version 21, and analyzed with descriptive and inferential statistics. Drawing from the job Demand Resources Model and Robert Merton’s theory on adaptation, the study found out that double track-track schools are faced with infrastructure challenges, inadequate human resource, untimely release of funds, inability to go for vacation. However, if the challenges are not timely met, they would affect effective delivery of education at the senior high school level. As a result of the effect of the challenges, management mostly adopted innovative strategies to cope with the situation at stake. The study therefore recommended that government and other agencies should try to provide the needed resources to nip these challenges in a bud.

Source: UEW
Effect of drying on nutritional and anti-nutritional composition of solanum torvum

The Solanum torvum fruits are used generally in Ghanaian food preparations because of the conviction that they are very nutritious and boost the blood level of lactating and nursing mothers, pregnant women and anemic patients. The post-harvest losses of turkey berry (Solanum torvum) are of higher rate in the country so this work sought to investigate how these post-harvest losses can be minimized by drying it and popularise the plant or crop so that farmers will cultivate it and get more money. The main aim of this work was to determine the physiochemical properties of Solanum torvum fruits. Proximate analyses of dried powdered fruits were therefore performed by using the AOAC (200) (Association of Official Analytical Chemists). Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy analysis of essential minerals was performed to ascertain the concentrations of iron, magnesium, phosphorus, and sodium in the fruit. The results indicated that the fruits possess high moisture content (78.34±1.22). The values for the other parameters checked were fat 0.57±0.03 %, fibre 4.34±0.94%, protein 3.01±0.11%, ash 1.04±0.05 % and carbohydrate 12.70%. The results for minerals were iron (12.90 to 14.85mg/100g), magnesium (0.019 to 0.036mg/100g), phosphorus (0.093 to 0.135mg/100g) and sodium (0.055 to 0.208mg/100g). The values for antinutrient are as follows tannins (0.61 to 0.75mg/100g), phytate (1.42 to1.65mg/100g), oxalate (0.34 to 0.50mg/100g) and saponin (0.48to 0.65mg/100g). The high iron content of the fruits proves the fact that the fruits truly have hematinic property. These results obtained show that Solanum torvum fruits when dry do not only conserve the fruits but also increase the nutritive composition per gram with the exception of moisture content.

Source: UEW
Effect of eight week physical activity programme on weight loss in Akwamuman senior high school students

Losing weight has become a problem for students in senior high schools in Ghana due to decrease time for physical activity. Even though GES allocated 120 minutes for PE each week, Akwamuman SHS only uses 60 minutes. This study seeks to assess the effect of eight-week physical activity on weight loss among overweight and obese students of Akwamuman Senior High School. A pre-experimental pre-test, post-test design was used with a population of 2309 (81.19%) boarding students. 113 participants made up of 72 (63.72%) overweight and 41 (36.28%) obese were purposively sampled. Results indicated weight loss in all except participants in group 50 – 59 and 110 – 119. Males did not differ significantly in their rate of weight loss from their female participants as the rate of weight loss did not differ about their ages. Conclusions: Physical activity (exercise) is a major factor in weight loss although other factors can affect the rate at which it is done. Eight weeks of physical activity can make overweight and obese students lose weight if extra hours of physical activity can be found. After eight weeks, weight loss did not differ significantly in gender and age groups even though overweight and obese males lost more weight than females. The researcher recommended that schools should adhere to the time allocated to P. E. with no reduction whilst overweight and obese students are given extra hours for properly designed activities and supervision to meet their needs

Source: UEW
The effect of electronic banking on banks performance

Electronic banking has gained prominence in the banking sector following the introduction of the Ghana Interbank Payment and Settlement System. Today universal banks have adapted their banking operations and have introduced designated electronic banking as one of their business models. This study focused on effect of mobile and internet banking on banks performance using the performance and profitability ratios. The study was conducted using panel data extracted from the annual reports and financial statements of the selected commercial banks in Ghana. The objectives of the study were achieved using quantitative research design and deductive research approach. The study examined the relationship between electronic banking and banks’ performance, the effect of electronic banking on banks profitability and the impact of electronic banking on the efficiency of banks in Ghana. The study revealed that profitability of banks (return on assets and return on equity) has significant positive association with electronic banking variables (ATM, EXP and Internet banking). The study also revealed that electronic banking in the form of internet banking, automated teller machines have significant positive effect on the profitability of the selected banks. The study concluded that electronic banking and the profitability of banks has significant association and there is causal effect running from electronic banking to the profitability of banks. The study recommended that banks should increase the number of automated teller machines and also improve their internet banking to allow more of their clients to use them since they have significant influence on their performance.

Source: UEW
The effect of external audit on financial performance and accountability of local government organisation in Ghana a study of Effutu Municipal Assembly (Winneba)

The roles of external auditors have been under the spotlight due to the strategic positions they occupy to ensure accountability by public sector managers. This study examines the role of external auditors in the financial accountability and transparency regime of the Ghanaian local governance structure. The study analyzed the effectiveness of the external audit engagement, the quality of delivery, and the quality of people and service regarding financial accountability and transparency at the Local Government Organizations. A quantitative approach was used in the form of questionnaires to collect data. A purposive sampling technique was used in the selection of respondents. A sample size of fifty (50) respondents was selected from the Effutu Municipal Assembly comprising management, senior, and junior staff. SPSS was used in the data analysis and the results were presented in tables. From the findings, it was observed that management support the existence of adequate and competent internal audit staff, and approved external audit standards the activities of the Municipal were statistically significant and positively related to the external audit effectiveness to ensure financial accountability and transparency at the Effutu Municipal Assembly. The study recommends that the scope of the internal audit functions should be given a high status in the assembly to avoid manipulation by management. The internal Chief Auditors of the various assemblies should be in high positions as the Finance Officers, this will the internal auditors to operate with a high level of autonomy in their delivery. xiThe scope of the external audit should also include performance auditing and the auditing team should be rotated preferably every year to enhance the independence of the external auditors. There should be in-service training and workshops regularly for both the internal and external auditors to update them on the current trends of the Auditing profession to enhance their competence and knowledge in the profession.

Source: UEW
The effect of family size and income level on children’s educational performance in the Ejisu Municipality

The study was undertaken to investigate the effect of family size and income level on children’s educational performance in the Ejisu Municipality of the Ashanti Region. The objectives of the study were to determine the major sources of income among families; determine the extent to which family size and income level influence children educational performance; to determine the significance of family policy on child’s education and to determine the effects of family income children educational performance. The study used descriptive survey design. The population for this study was 76. Census sampling was used to select all the 71 head teachers and teachers in the five public Junior High Schools for the study. The data was processed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software package version 20.0. The study revealed that sources of income for children education were salary / wages, bank loan and investment. The findings also revealed that Students from small family size at all social levels tend to perform better in intelligence test and at school were how family size and income level influence children educational performance. Again, students from low income families attain less education than students from high income families. This study recommends school authorities must remove any form of discrimination and biases relating to socio-economic status of students. They should let the students enjoy the levelled-field of learning process and must also encourage them to participate in all academic activities. Provision of counselling and inspiration to less-privileged students must be encouraged.

Source: UEW
Effect of fibre aspect ratio of palm bunch fibre on some physical and strength properties of concrete

The natural fibres, abundantly available in nature and also generated as agricultural waste, can be used advantageously in improving certain physical and strength properties of cement matrix and concrete. As compared to fibres widely used in construction activities viz. steel, glass carbon synthetic etc., these are advantageous in the sense that they are renewable, non-abrasive, cheaper, comparatively more flexible etc. Also, the health and safety concerns during their handling, processing and mixing are less. Several natural fibres have been used in experimental studies and construction activities to investigate and improve upon the mechanical properties of cement and concrete matrices which are brittle in nature. This research examines the effects of fibre aspect ratio of palm bunch fibre on the physical and strength properties of concrete. Experimental studies on compressive strength in accordance with BS 1881: Part 116 (1983), split tensile strength in accordance with BS1881, Part 117 (1983) and flexural strength in accordance with BS 1881: Part 118: (1983) were conducted with fibre aspect ratios of 75, 100, 125 and 150. The addition of palm bunch fibres significantly improved many of the engineering properties of the concrete, notably toughness, split tensile and flexural strengths. The ability to resist cracking and spalling were also enhanced. However, compressive strength was adversely affected. The toughness or energy-absorbing capacity increased, but there is an optimum aspect ratio (125), beyond which the toughness started to decrease. Overall the study has demonstrated that addition of palm bunch fibre to concrete leads to improvement of its engineering properties. Further work is however, required to assess the long term durability of concrete enhanced with palm bunch fibre.

Source: UEW
Effect of fibre aspect ratio on mechanical properties of soil building blocks

Inclusion of fibres in soil blocks has been shown to enhance strength development. This study investigates the effect of aspect ratio of coconut, bagasse and oil palm fibres on the mechanical properties of soil blocks. Experiments were conducted on soil blocks with fibre aspect ratios (25-125) to determine the compressive and tensile strength of the blocks. Blocks with coconut and oil palm fibres showed increasing strength with increase aspect ratio, while bagasse fibres showed an initial increase followed by a decline at higher aspect ratio. The study concludes that generally longer aspect ratios produce better mechanical properties of soil blocks. � 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Source: UEW
Effect of financial development, primary and secondary sectors activities on environmental quality in sub–Saharan Africa

The study examines the effect of financial development, primary and secondary sectors activities on environmental quality. The study considers three distinct objectives. First, the study examines whether primary sector activities have positive effect on environmental quality in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Second, it assesses whether secondary sector activities have positive effect on environmental quality in sub-Saharan Africa, and the third objective investigates whether there is short and long-run bidirectional causal relationship between financial development and environmental quality. A panel of county-level data on twenty (20) selected countries from sub- Saharan Africa are obtained from the World Development Indicators (WDIs). Employing the Generalized Method of Moments (GMM), Random Effect (RE), and Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) techniques, the study finds that, one, primary sector activities affect environmental quality in sub-Saharan countries negatively. Two, secondary sector activities in sub-Saharan Africa have positive influence on environmental quality. Three, financial development has no influence on environmental quality in short and long-run in SSA. The directional causality suggests that these variables do not have effect on each other in short and long term for countries in sub- Saharan Africa (SSA). However, the coefficients of energy consumption, primary and secondary sector show bidirectional causality for long-run, but primary sector shows one way causality from primary sector to carbon emission in the short run. As a policy recommendation, SSA countries should enact and implement policies that would control and regulate the activities in the primary and secondary sectors, to prevent the use of environmentally unsustainable chemicals in factories and on the earth surface to improve the quality of the environment.

Source: UEW
Effect of financial inclusion on out-of-pocket health expenditure: empirics from Ghana

Empirical evidence on the link between financial inclusion and out-of-pocket health expenditure remains sparse while existing studies have mainly not used a multidimensional financial inclusion index. This study examines the link between financial inclusion and out-of-pocket health expenditure in Ghana using data from the seventh round of the Ghana Living Standards Survey. To ensure robustness in findings, the standard instrumental variable (with external instruments) and Lewbel�s heteroskedasticity-based instrumental variable approaches are both applied. Our findings indicate that a standard deviation increase in financial inclusion is associated with an increase in households� out-of-pocket health expenditure between 0.1367 and 1.7608 standard deviations. This finding is more pronounced for female-headed and urban-located households. Financial inclusion has a bigger association with expenses on medical products/appliances than on outpatient services. Policymakers are encouraged to design and implement programs to scale up the level of financial inclusion which has the potential of facilitating demand for health, thereby leading to better health outcomes. � 2021, The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.

Source: UEW
Effect of financial services access on health services utilisation among rural older adults in Ghana

This study explored the effect of access to financial services on rural older adults' health services utilisation. A cross-sectional survey design was adopted to gather data (N�=�310; mean age�=�66.13 years and standard deviation [SD]�=�24.72) in selected rural communities in Ghana. We applied endogenous treatment Poisson regression (ETPR), an econometrics model that accounts for self-selection bias, to estimate the association between access to financial services and the use of health services. Findings revealed that education, internet use, club membership, employment status, proximity to financial institution (FI) and regional location were associated with access to financial services. Importantly, access to financial services was associated with increased health services use. The study results suggest that access to financial services may help increase the use of health services among rural older adults in Ghana. � 2022 Akademikerf�rbundet SSR (ASSR) and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Source: UEW
Effect of fine aggregate type on the durability and strength of concrete

The effect of fine aggregate type on the durability and strength of concrete was assessed. The different fine aggregate sources the study considered were pit sand, river sand and sea sand from Shama in the Western region of Ghana. The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of using different fine aggregate types or source on the durability and strength properties of concrete. The sample preparation and testing were conducted in accordance with BS EN 197-1. The study observed that the average compressive strength increases with the curing age. The compressive strength recorded for 7, 14 to 28 curing days were; 9.96 N/mm2, 13.86 N/mm2 and 16.00 N/mm2 respectively for Pit sand , 17.80 N/mm2, 18.70 N/mm2, and 25.33 N/mm2 respectively for river sand , 17.46 N/mm2, 18.00 N/mm2 and 22.50 N/mm2 respectively for sea sand . The highest compressive strength was recorded with concrete made from river sand 25.33N/mm2 -at curing age of 28 days as pit sand recorded the lowest compressive strength of 16.0 N/mm2 at 28 days of curing age. Water absorption test was conducted on the samples at curing age of 28 days through immersion. It was observed that concrete made with pit, river and sea sand recorded an average percentage of 4.008, 3.571 and 3.341 respectively. River sand is suitable for all construction works. The study therefore, recommends the use of river sand for all varieties of construction works such as concrete blocks, plastering, concrete production etc.

Source: UEW