ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Effects of rooting media on root growth and morphology of Brassica rapa seedling

Rooting media used in current root phenotyping studies can have substantial effect. In this study, the effects of three different nutrient conducting papers (Black construction paper, Anchor blue germination paper and Kimpak paper) and soil-filled boxes on root growth and root system architecture (RSA) of Brassica rapa (cultivars ‘R500’ and ‘IMB211’) were investigated. Seedlings of the two B. rapa genotypes were supplied with nutrients on the nutrient conducting papers and in the soil-filled boxes. The papers and soil-filled boxes were fixed to flatbed scanners and two-dimensional images of roots were periodically taken and analysed. Root media effects on shoot and root biomass and on topological indices (TI) were observed. For example, root branching was more pronounced on the construction paper. Mean TI of 0.82 and 0.93, recorded for R500 and IMB211, respectively, on the construction paper indicated that substrates affect the herringbone pattern of brassica roots. Whilst it was indicated that different results could be obtained for the same RSA when different germination papers are used, the results showed that Anchor blue germination paper is an ideal proxy for soil in phenotyping seedlings for RSA traits and root growth

Source: UCC
Effects of rooting media on root growth and morphology of Brassica rapa seedlings

Rooting media used in current root phenotyping studies can have substantial effect. In this study, the effects of three different nutrient conducting papers (Black construction paper, Anchor blue germination paper and Kimpak paper) and soil-filled boxes on root growth and root system architecture (RSA) of Brassica rapa (cultivars ‘R500’ and ‘IMB211’) were investigated. Seedlings of the two B. rapa genotypes were supplied with nutrients on the nutrient conducting papers and, in the soil, -filled boxes. The papers and soil-filled boxes were fixed to flatbed scanners and two-dimensional images of roots were periodically taken and analyzed. Root media effects on shoot and root biomass and on topological indices (TI) were observed. For example, root branching was more pronounced on the construction paper. Mean TI of 0.82 and 0.93, recorded for R500 and IMB211, respectively, on the construction paper indicated that substrates affect the herringbone pattern of brassica roots. Whilst it was indicated that different results could be obtained for the same RSA when different germination papers are used, the results showed that Anchor blue germination paper is an ideal proxy for soil in phenotyping seedlings for RSA traits and root growth

Source: UCC
Effects of Sacred Grove Size and Isolation Distance on Avifaunal Assemblages in Forest-Savannah Transition Zone of Ghana

Sacred groves which are remnants of old-growth forests protected by indigenous people with the view that their gods reside in them and protect them from all forms of calamities, may be important areas for forest-dependent birds in Ghana. However, the information of how bird communities utilize them is inadequate. Bird survey was conducted in the sacred groves located in the forest-savanna transition zone of Ghana. The goal was to determine the effects of sacred grove size and isolation (distance from the nearest large fragment) on the density and diversity of tropical forest-dependent bird species. Thirty sacred groves were selected and point transect method of bird sampling was adopted for the survey. The findings revealed that sacred groves of larger sizes supported a large number of different species of birds. The study, however, also revealed that, most bird community composition was basically determined by the structure of the vegetation. Similarly, it has also been shown that, sacred groves protect habitats which are suitable for the conservation of birds. In view of this, it is recommended that effective conservation measures should be put in place, taking into consideration the concerns of the local people, so as to conserve this relict of old growth forests.

Source: UCC
Effects of Sand Winning on the Livelihood of Food Crop Farmers in the Ayensuano District, Ghana

Fertile agriculture lands are degraded continuously by sand winners in several communities. This study therefore, examined the effects of sand winning on the livelihood of food crop farmers in Ayensuano District, Ghana. In this study, a mixed method research technique was used. Specifically, the explanatory sequential research constituted the study design. A sample of 316 respondents took part in the study. An interview schedule, interview guide, and an observation checklist were utilised in the collection of data. Quantitative data was analysed using descriptive statistics, binary logistic regression, linear regression and Pearson chi-square test of independence whiles a thematic analysis was performed on the qualitative data. The study discovered that majority of farmers had their farmlands reduced, and some had lost all of their farmlands. It also emerged that air pollution is on the rise as a result of the dust produced by moving trucks loaded with sand since the communities are not tarred. Besides, the study also found out that constructional related activities and petty trading were the new livelihood activities engaged in by the people. It is suggested that the Physical Planning Department of the District Assembly should work together with land owners and opinion leaders in each of the communities to develop local plans to earmark specific areas for sand winning ensuring that people‟s farms are not destroyed whiles households or farmers should start engaging in more non-farm livelihood activities in order to sustain their livelihood.

Source: UCC
Effects of self-concept on academic performance: A study of junior high school students in Elmina, Central region

The main objective of the study was to determine the effects of self-concept on academic performance of Junior High School form three students in Elmina township. Simple random sampling was the technique used by the researcher in this study to draw the sample of schools. In all, 280 form three students from the six selected Schools were used as respondents for the study. The research design adopted by the researcher was the Ex Post Facto and the instrument developed and used for eliciting relevant data for the study was the questionnaire which was in the form of summated scales (or Likert type of scales). Multiple regressions and One-way analysis of variance statistics were used to analyse the data. The major result established by the study was that some constructs of self-concept including physical, self-esteem and academic self-concepts significantly influenced academic performance of students, while others did not. In view of this, it was recommended that constructs that have significant influence on students’ academic performance should be given prominent attention when counselling students to overcome their academic challenges.

Source: UCC
Effects of service quality and customer satisfaction on repurchase intention in restaurants on University of Cape Coast campus

This study sought to examine the effects of service quality and customer satisfaction on the repurchase intentions of customers of restaurants on University of Cape Coast Campus. The survey method was employed involving a convenient sample of 200 customers of 10 restaurants on the University of Cape Coast Campus. A modified DINESERV scale was used to measure customers’ perceived service quality. The results of the study indicate that four factors accounted for 50% of the variance in perceived service quality, namely; responsiveness-assurance, empathy-equity, reliability and tangibles. Service quality was found to have a significant effect on customer satisfaction. Also, both service quality and customer satisfaction had significant effects on repurchase intention. However, customer satisfaction could not moderate the effect of service quality on repurchase intention. This paper adds to the debate on the dimensions of service quality and provides evidence on the effects of service quality and customer satisfaction on repurchase intention in a campus food service context

Source: UCC
Effects of service quality and customer satisfaction on repurchase intention in restaurants on University of Cape Coast campus

This study sought to examine the effects of service quality and customer satisfaction on the repurchase intentions of customers of restaurants on University of Cape Coast Campus. The survey method was employed involving a convenient sample of 200 customers of 10 restaurants on the University of Cape Coast Campus. A modified DINESERV scale was used to measure customers’ perceived service quality. The results of the study indicate that four factors accounted for 50% of the variance in perceived service quality, namely; responsiveness-assurance, empathy-equity, reliability and tangibles. Service quality was found to have a significant effect on customer satisfaction. Also, both service quality and customer satisfaction had significant effects on repurchase intention. However, customer satisfaction could not moderate the effect of service quality on repurchase intention. This paper adds to the debate on the dimensions of service quality and provides evidence on the effects of service quality and customer satisfaction on repurchase intention in a campus food service context.

Source: UCC
Effects of service quality delivery on customer satisfaction in the Banking sector: A study in the Cape Coast Metropolis

Quality service is an important factor to customer satisfaction. In the world of global economy, banking sector needs has become more diverse and exotic than ever before. The purpose of the study was to assess the effects of quality service delivery on customer satisfaction in banking institutions in Cape Coast. The methods of the study made use of the positivist philosophy of research. Thus, the use of quantitative primary data collected from the field. The sample size for the study was 300 customers from the Zenith Bank. The respondents were selected accidentally for the study. The study showed that there is a statistically significant effect between tangibility and customer satisfaction. The study also established that the combination of reliability, responsiveness, assurance and empathy all have significant effect on customer satisfaction. Therefore, service quality has positive effect oncustomer satisfaction. The study, therefore, recommended that since bank is a service oriented organization, the management of the bank should provide continuous training to the employees on issues like courtesy, etiquette and communication skills while dealing with customers. Banks should continuously maintain error-free transactions, since bank accounts and figures are very sensitive for each and every customer.The management needs to improve quality services so as to satisfy customer’s needs.Further study should investigate the impact of service quality dimension on technological trust and usage by consumers of commercial banks.

Source: UCC
Effects of shade and sun drying on nutrient composition of hibiscus cannabinus

Leafy vegetables are very rich sources of nutrients in diet. However, they are perishable and have short shelf lives after harvest. This study assessed effects of shade and sun drying as methods of preservation or retention of nutrients of Hibiscus cannabinus, a leafy vegetable commonly cultivated in Northern region of Ghana. Freshly harvested leaves of H. cannabinus were either shade or sun dried for 72 hours. Proximate (moisture ash, fat, protein, fibre and carbohydrate) and minerals (calcium, copper, iron, potassium, magnesium, phosphorus and zinc) analysis were done using Association of Analytical Chemists (AOAC) methods. Results showed that sun drying retained more nutrients than shade drying of leaves, which were significant (P < 0.05). Ash, protein, fat, fibre and carbohydrate contents of shade and sun dried leaves were respectively 1.75±0.35 g/100g and 6.91±0.06 g/100g, 2.56±0.03 g/100g and 19.14±0.09 g/100g, 0.78±0.06 g/100g and 4.12±0.04 g/100g, 1.68±0.07 g/100g and 12.19±0.07 g/100g, 7.38±0.12 g/100g and 49.16±0.17 g/100g. Calcium, copper, iron, potassium, magnesium, phosphorus and zinc contents of shade and sun dried leaves were 60.98±0.03 mg/100g and 454.03±0.03mg/100g, 0.03±0.01 mg/100g and 0.28±0.01 mg/100g, 4.36±0.03 mg/100g and 21.58±0.23 mg/100g, 5.60±0.02 mg/100g and 41.33±0.02 mg/100g, 5.33±0.02 mg/100g and 37.87±0.04 mg/100g, 21.31±0.03 mg/100g and 154.16±0.06 mg/100g, 0.26±0.01 mg/100g and 1.81±0.03 mg/100g respectively. Sun dried leaves thus provided more of Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) of fibre, carbohydrate, proteins and fat than shade dried leaves. Apart from calcium and phosphorus, sun dried leaves provided more of Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) of the mineral than shade dried leaves. Sun drying is therefore recommended for preservation of Hibiscus cannabinus. Continued intake of sun-dried H. cannabinus could significantly increase micronutrient consumption thus reducing micronutrient deficiency among Ghanaian population

Source: UCC
Effects of single parenting on academic performance of basic school pupils in Yamoransa circuit, Mfantseman municipality,central region

The purpose of the study was to investigate the effects of single parenting on the academic performance of basic school pupils at the Yamoransa circuit in the Mfantseman Municipality. The study adopted the descriptive survey research design. The target population was basic school pupils in the Yamoransa Circuit. The total population was 200 made up of 80 males and 120 females. A sample of 200 was used by employing a purposive sampling. The instrument used for the study was two sets of self-designed questionnaire for students and teachers. The questionnaire comprised 26 close-ended items. The researcher’s supervisors validated the instrument. Reliability was established with Cronbach alpha coefficient of 0.802. Data was analysed using frequencies, percentages and the independent sample t-test. All tests were determined at 0.05 significance levels. The findings revealed that majority of the pupils in single parenting homes are supervised by their siblings when learning at home. Again it was revealed that the main area of effects of single parenting on the academic work of pupils had to do with single parents not providing all the books their children need on time. The outcome of the study was used as a basis to recommend to school authorities, community leaders, government agencies, NGOs and professional guidance and counselling coordinators to work together by organizing school durbars, parent-teacher meetings and making use of such fora to enable parents know that their supervision of their children is vital to the success of their academic work

Source: UCC
Effects of sleep deprivation on students' learning: a study of medical students in University of Cape Coast

This study set out to answer six research questions as to whether University of Cape Coast School of Medical Sciences (UCCSMS) students were truly sleep deprived and whether there was a significant difference in the sleepiness scale score among the three levels of medical students in UCCSMS. The Epworth Sleepiness Scale (Johns, 1991) and a self-administered questionnaire adopted from Nojomi, Bandi, Mir, Kaffashi & Siyamak (2009) were used. A total of 125 UCCSMS medical students were conveniently selected to take part in the study. One -Way ANOVA, Descriptive statistics and Post Hoc comparisons using the Turkey HSD test, were used to analyse the data. The results: majority of the students were not generally sleep deprived in most times of the semester except during the frequent examination times when the majority reported sleep deprivation. There were differences between levels 200 and 400 in amount of sleep and in hours of sleep that were statistically significant at the p < 0.05 level of significance. There were no significant statistical differences between levels 200 and 300. The average of 5 hours of sleep experienced by level 400 students and 6 hours of sleep reported by level 200 and 300 students, were below the reported hours of sleep that is adequate for adults. Despite this amount of inadequate quantity of sleep that UCCSMS students had at the time of their training, they did not experience physical symptoms of sleep deprivation. The major effect of sleep deprivation reported was concentration difficulties. The findings have group and personal counselling, curriculum and pedagogical implications.

Source: UCC
EFFECTS OF SLEEP DEPRIVATION ON STUDENTS' LEARNING: A STUDY OF MEDICAL STUDENTS IN UNIVERSITY OF CAPE COAST

Abstract This study set out to answer six research questions as to whether University of Cape Coast School of Medical Sciences (UCCSMS) students were truly sleep deprived and whether there was a significant difference in the sleepiness scale score among the three levels of medical students in UCCSMS. The Epworth Sleepiness Scale (Johns, 1991) and a self-administered questionnaire adopted from Nojomi, Bandi, Mir, Kaffashi & Siyamak (2009) were used. A total of 125 UCCSMS medical students were conveniently selected to take part in the study. One -Way ANOVA, Descriptive statistics and Post Hoc comparisons using the Turkey HSD test, were used to analyse the data. The results: majority of the students were not generally sleep deprived in most times of the semester except during the frequent examination times when the majority reported sleep deprivation. There were differences between levels 200 and 400 in amount of sleep and in hours of sleep that were statistically significant at the p < 0.05 level of significance. There were no significant statistical differences between levels 200 and 300. The average of 5 hours of sleep experienced by level 400 students and 6 hours of sleep reported by level 200 and 300 students, were below the reported hours of sleep that is adequate for adults. Despite this amount of inadequate quantity of sleep that UCCSMS students had at the time of their training, they did not experience physical symptoms of sleep deprivation. The major effect of sleep deprivation reported was concentration difficulties. The findings have group and personal counselling, curriculum and pedagogical implications.

Source: UCC
Effects of SLIRP on Sperm Motility and Oxidative Stress

Deficient spermatozoon motility is one of the main causes of male infertility. However, there are still no accurate and effective treatments in a clinical setting for male asthenospermia. Exploring the genes and mechanism of asthenospermia has become one of the hot topics in reproductive medicine. Our aim is to study the effect of SLRIP on human spermatozoon motility and oxidative stress. Methods. Sperm samples were collected including a normospermia group (60 cases) and an asthenospermia group (50 cases). SLIRP protein expression in spermatozoa was examined by western blotting, and relative mRNA expression of SLIRP in spermatozoa was quantified by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), adenosine triphosphate (ATP) content, and the activity of manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) in spermatozoa were also measured. Results. The mRNA level and protein expression of SLIRP in the asthenospermia group were significantly reduced compared with those in the normospermia group. The ROS active oxygen level in the asthenospermia group significantly increased; however, the ATP content decreased significantly as well as the activity of MnSOD. Conclusion. SLIRP regulates human male fertility, and SLIRP and sperm progressive motility are positively correlated. The expression of SLIRP is declined, oxidative damage is increased, and energy metabolism is decreased in spermatozoa of asthenospermia patients compared to normospermia participants.

Source: UCC
Effects of small-scale gold mining on farming in Atiwa West District

Mining in developing countries are located in rural areas where agriculture is the main source of livelihood, mining communities in Ghana’s mineral-rich regions engage in food and cash crop production. Mineral exploitation contributes significantly to economic growth and development in most world economies. In Africa, Ghana is the first largest gold producer, contributing to about 8.7% of the country’s GDP. The mining sector in Ghana consists of both small-scale and large-scale mining, each of which has varying environmental impacts. The paper is examining the effects of gold mining on staple food crop production, water bodies and the impacts on the health of people living in the area as well as cost of living in these areas. The paper mainly focused on the mining activities in Atiwa West District in the Eastern region of the country. The data collection involved both primary and secondary sources. These included research tools such as review of relevant literature including personal observation, in-depth interviews with mining communities and government officials, environmental assessments of various mining sites in the study area. The findings from the study showed that mining activities, especially that resulting from illegal small-scale mining (popularly known as ‘galamsey’) deplete environmental resources such as water, soil, the landscape, vegetation, the ecosystem, among others. Important soil organisms have been destroyed, stable soil aggregates disrupted, and eventually depriving the soil of organic matter and low levels of macronutrients and soil fertility necessary for plant growth and crop production and this can leads to food insecurity in most parts of Ghana, in the long term. On the basis of the above, the study recommended that there should be effective community participation in environmental decision making to ensure sustainable mining activities; easing of the registration process for small-scale mines; addressing the various weaknesses in the policies and their enforcement in the mining sector.

Source: UCC
Effects Of Small-Scale Gold Mining On Livelihoods Of Selected Mining Communities In Obuasi Municipal Assembly, Ghana

Small-scale gold mining and its effect has been an interesting area of study for many researchers. Most of these studies posit that poverty is the main predisposing factor that pushes people into illegal small-scale mining (Opoku-Ware, 2010). In a similar study conducted by Awumbila and Tsikata (2004), they found that unemployment is the reason why several people in their region take up mining. Also, Danyo and Osei-Bonsu (2016) noted that unlawful small-scale mining negatively affects farmers wellbeing and food production in Ghana. The main objective of this study was to analyze the effects of small-scale gold mining on the livelihoods of residents of mining communities within the Obuasi Municipal Assembly. Specifically, the study sought to identify the factors that influence residents of mining community‘s engagement in small-scale mining (SSM) and assess the effects of small-scale mining (SSM) activities on the livelihoods of residents in the Obuasi Municipal Assembly. Additionally, it sought to examine the coping strategies of residents whose livelihood had been affected by SSM activities within the Obuasi Municipal Assembly. The study used concurrent triangulation mixed method design and a sample of 406 respondents. In general, the study found that small-scale gold mining is plagued with conspicuous negative social and environmental consequences that affect the livelihood and wellbeing of members of affected communities in the study area. has a lot of negative consequences. In the same vein, the social and environmental consequences are conspicuous. Additionally, the study discovered that illegal mining is one of the primary sources of income for the majority of Obuasi residents, despite the fact that some individuals continue to work in agriculture or engage in both unlawful mining and farming activities.

Source: UCC