ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
The use of insults to challenge political authority: A critical discourse analysis

Many scholars have argued that insults are meant to cause mental pain, embarrassment, and disgrace; they violate the principle of politeness; and they are face-threatening acts (Agyekum, 2004; Leech, 1983; Brown & Levinson, 1987). Therefore, they may be considered in many societies as socially unacceptable. In this study, however, I argue that the use of insults in Ghanaian political discourse is a means by which ordinary citizens challenge the existing political authority (herein refer to current elected politicians or those in political office). To achieve this end, I adopt two of Fairclough’s (1989) three-dimensional approach to the study of discourse: discourse-as-text and discourse-as-social-practice. Drawing on these two layers of analysis, I link text to context, and employ the sociopolitical and cultural context to link the entire discourse to the society in general. By studying the sociopolitical and cultural context, the analysis reveals media empowerment of the powerless in society to make their voices heard in political discussions to the extent of insulting and challenging the existing political authority

Source: UCC
Use of proscribed chloroquine is associated with an increased risk of pfcrt T76 mutation in some parts of Ghana

Background: After years of disuse of chloroquine (CQ) as first-line anti-malarial drug in Ghana, reports from molecular studies conducted in parts of the country indicate varying prevalence of T76 mutation in the pfcrt gene. This situation has several health implications, one being that mutations that confer resistance to CQ have been reported to show substantial cross-resistance to other anti-malarial drugs. It is important to identify some of the factors contributing to the continuous presence of CQ resistance markers in the country. This study determined the prevalence of T76 mutation in pfcrt gene of Plasmodium falciparum isolates collected from selected areas of the Central region of Ghana and correlated with the level of CQ use in these areas. Methods: Plasmodium falciparum DNA was extracted from collected blood-blot filter paper samples in the study sites. The prevalence of T76 point mutation in pfcrt gene was assessed using nested PCR followed by RFLP. CQ from pharmacy and chemical shops was obtained using mystery buying method. The extent of CQ use by the participants was determined by measuring the level of the drug in their urine samples using the Saker-Solomon method. Results: Of the 214 P. falciparum isolates analysed, 71.9% were found to have T76 mutation of pfcrt gene. The study revealed that 14.49% of community pharmacies and chemical shops had stocks of CQ for sale while 16.9% of the participants had CQ in their urine samples. There is five times more risks of becoming infected with CQ resistant strain for staying in an area where CQ is stocked for sale [RR = 0.20, p < 0.0001] and thirteen times more risks of having CQ-resistant mutant from those who still use CQ than non-users [OR = 0.08, p < 0.0001]. Conclusion: This study has shown that high variation in the prevalence of T76 mutations of P. falciparum is linked with the level of CQ stocking and usage within study area.

Source: UCC
Use of proscribed chloroquine is associated with an increased risk ofpfcrtT76 mutation in some parts of Ghana

Background: After years of disuse of chloroquine (CQ) as first-line anti-malarial drug in Ghana, reports from molecular studies conducted in parts of the country indicate varying prevalence of 76 mutation in the pfcrtgene. This situation has several health implications, one being that mutations that confer resistance to CQ have been reported to show substantial cross-resistance to other anti-malarial drugs. It is important to identify some of the factors contributing to the continuous presence of CQ resistance markers in the country. This study determined the prevalence of 76 mutations in pfcrtgene of Plasmodium falciparum isolates collected from selected areas of the Central region of Ghana and correlated with the level of CQ use in these areas. Methods: Plasmodium falciparum DNA was extracted from collected blood-blot filter paper samples in the study sites. The prevalence of 76 point mutation in pfcrtgene was assessed using nested PCR followed by RFLP. CQ from pharmacy and chemical shops was obtained using mystery buying method. he extent of CQ use by the participants was determined by measuring the level of the drug in their urine samples using the Saker-Solomon method. Results: Of the 214 P. falciparum isolates analyzed, 71.9% were found to have 76 mutation of pfcrtgene. The study revealed that 14.49% of community pharmacies and chemical shops had stocks of CQ for sale while 16.9% of the participants had CQ in their urine samples. here is five times more risks of becoming infected with CQ resistant strain for staying in an area where CQ is stocked for sale [RR = 0.20, p < 0.0001] and thirteen times more risks of having CQ-resistant mutant from those who still use CQ than non-users [OR = 0.08, p < 0.0001]. Conclusion: This study has shown that high variation in the prevalence of 76 mutations of P. falciparum is linked with the level of CQ stocking and usage within study area

Source: UCC
Use of school libraries by students on teaching practice: A case study of the Seventh-Day Adventist College of education in Ghana

Purpose: This paper points out the extent of availability of library materials in basic schools, the problems teacher trainees face in accessing library materials in their practicing schools and the impact school library materials have on the OUT stage of the IN-IN-OUT programme of teacher education in Ghana.. Research design: The study adopted the case study approach and the instrument used was the questionnaire. Purposive sampling was used since the study was mainly targeted on teacher trainees doing their teaching practice only Findings: The study revealed that; most basic schools teacher trainees had their teaching practice had no library buildings, library materials were kept in wooden and metal boxes, the majority of the library materials were irrelevant to the teaching and learning activities, also the majority of the teacher trainees did not integrate the usage of library materials into the teaching and learning process. Implication: A lot has been written on schools and college libraries, but the researchers found it necessary to point out the impact school libraries on teacher trainees Originality: Based on the findings, some recommendations were made so that stakeholders of teacher training education in Ghana would recognize the role school libraries play in the training of teachers for basic schools.

Source: UCC
Use of Social Media and its Impact on Academic Performance of Tertiary Institution Students: A Study of Students of Koforidua Polytechnic, Ghana

The study sought to assess students’ use of social media and its effect on academic performance of tertiary institutions students in Ghana with a focus on Koforidua Polytechnic students. Questionnaire was used for collecting data. Out of one thousand five hundred and seventy-eight copies of the questionnaire distributed, one thousand five hundred and eight were retrieved which represented a response rate of 95.5 %. The study revealed that majority of the respondents had mobile phones which also had Internet facility on them and had knowledge of the existence of many media sites. The study further confirmed that most of the respondents visit their social media sites using their phones and spend between thirty minutes to three hours per day. In addition the study revealed that the use of social media sites had affected academic performance of the respondents negatively and that there was direct relationship between the use of social media sites and academic performance. The study recommends among others that, students with mobile phones having internet facility should be encouraged to use it to supplement their research in the library rather than the usual charting with friends all the time. Students should be encouraged to limit the time they spend on their social media sites per day and advise them to rather substitute those hours to read novels to improve their knowledge. Since the use of social media sites had affected the academic work of students negatively there is the urgent need for the introduction of students to the availability of novels and other information resources or materials that can help them academically. Keywords: Social Networks, Academic Output, Tertiary Students, Internet Use, Ghana

Source: UCC
Use of Social Media and Its Impact on the Academic Performance of Students at the Tertiary Institution in Ghana. A Case Study of University of Cape Coast

This dissertation conducted a study into the impact of utilizing social media platforms on the academic accomplishment of students within the University of Cape Coast, located in Ghana. The research studied the strategies employed by students to manage academic stress through social media and assesses the resulting impact on their scholastic accomplishments. The outcomes of this inquiry unveiled a favourable correlation between social media engagement and students' academic achievements. Employing a quantitative approach and utilizing a descriptive survey method, the research did not identify any noteworthy gender-based disparities in the use of social media. The study recommended that educational stakeholders support the responsible use of social media for educational purposes. School counsellors should organize programmes to teach students how to balance social media engagement with academics. The university's management should address social media addiction by educating students on effective usage to enhance academic performance.

Source: UCC
Use of social networking websites among NGOs in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana

NGOs in Ghana use social networking websites for various purposes: e.g. to establish relationship with stakeholders, raise funds, and advocate for the vulnerable in society. Factors affecting the extent of use of social networking websites among NGOs in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana was analysed using a stepwise regression analysis. Background characteristics of NGOs were found to determine the extent of use of Social Networking websites among NGOS in Greater Accra region of Ghana. Specifically, ownership of a website, perceived usefulness of social networking websites and type of NGO mainly determine the use of social networking websites

Source: UCC
The use of sweet potato (Ipomoea Batatas) starch as binder in beef and pork frankfurter-type sausages

This study was conducted to find an alternative ingredient for use as a binder in comminuted sausages. Sweet potato starch (SPS) was used to formulate products at three levels of inclusion (2%, 4% and 6% of minced meat) and compared with products formulated with polyphosphates (5g/kg meat) as binder, to determine the storability and sensory characteristics of the products. The single factor design was used in this study. Each treatment contained 3kg meat (2kg pork and 1kg beef). The products were formulated in duplicates, vacuum sealed in transparent polythene bags and refrigerated at 2°C for laboratory and sensory analyses. The results indicated that SPS up to 4% inclusion had no significant effect on cooking loss, meat flavour intensity, flavour liking and overall acceptability of the products. The 6% level of SPS inclusion however, significantly minimized the meat flavour intensity, flavour liking, overall acceptability and also increased cooking losses in the products. The use of SPS minimized the rate of lipid per-oxidation, but had no effect on the microbial quality of the products. It was cheaper using SPS up to 4% inclusion (US$55.12 or GH¢ 83.00) than polyphosphates (US$83.00 or GH¢125.00). SPS could be used up to 4% inclusion in meat products, to minimize formulation costs and consumers‟ worry over the excessive use of chemical ingredients in meat products

Source: UCC
The Use of the Bible in Politics: the Case of the Hebrew Bible’s Lex Talionis and Political Vengeance in Ghana’s Politics

ABSTRACT The literal meaning of the phrase is often removed from its context and understood to be the catch-phrase for vengeance and retaliation. This popular understanding is no different in the Ghanaian political arena. It is becoming so patent that this “eye for eye and tooth for a tooth” saying is becoming part of the Ghanaian politics; Ghanaian politicians allude to this biblical law to seek vengeance on political opponents. Therefore, this study sought to investigate the meaning of the biblical maxim “eye for eye and tooth for tooth” in ancient Israel to find out if this biblical law was meant to seek vengeance of any form. The study reveals that this biblical law which is popularly known as lex talionis appears in three portions (Exodus 21:22-25, Leviticus 24:10-23, and Deuteronomy 19:16-21) of the Torah of the Hebrew Bible. Each of the talion comes to serve a distinct purpose in ancient Israel; the talion in Exodus comes to enforce social order by protecting the right of the vulnerable in society, the one found in Leviticus comes to ensure the supremacy of YHWH’s law, while the talion found in Deuteronomy comes to purge evil from society so that certain evil activities would not be repeated again. It was particularly revealed that the lex talionis was given to guide judges in ancient Israel so that punishment would fit the crime. Against this backdrop, considering the purpose the lex talionis comes to serve in all its entirety, Ghanaian politicians do not have any basis to use the lex talionis to seek vengeance on political opponents. In fact, they are wrong to apply the lex talionis in the way they do.

Source: UCC
THE USE OF THE INTERNET AMONG AGRICULTURAL STUDENTS AT UNIVERSITY OF CAPE COAST IN GHANA

We are living in the age where the Internet is one of the most important tools for accessing information and knowledge to improve the welfare of humankind. All graduates from universities are expected to become internet proficient in order to participate in the Information and Knowledge Age. Therefore, Internet literacy is important to agricultural education because almost all facets of agriculture use computers. This study analyzed the use of the Internet among Agricultural Students at University of Cape Coast in Ghana in 2008/2009 academic year. A total of 200 students were randomly selected and surveyed using a content-validated questionnaire and group discussion. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse the data. The major finding was that the level of knowledge of students on the Internet was low. However, most students have the e-mail addresses and have received training on Internet from private firms outside the University. Occasionally, students used the private cafes in the University to access the Internet. The study recommends among others that hands-on practical approach should be adopted to enhance teaching and learning of ICTs. Moreover, students should be linked to the main University-wide wireless network to enhance access

Source: UCC
The Use of Visual Art Forms in Teaching And Learning in Schools for the Deaf in Ghana: Investigating the Practice

Students who are deaf typically lack the language of the hearing, even in written form. This hearing handicap presents serious academic challenges that require visual teaching strategies. Nonetheless, it is not clear whether visual teaching is practised in the various Schools for the Deaf hence the need to investigate its practice in the Schools for the Deaf in Ghana. A multiple site case study approach was adopted to investigate teaching and learning in five Schools for the Deaf in Ghana. The purposive sampling technique and a three-tier research strategy involving observation, in-depth interview and focus group discussion were used to get the accessible population and to gather data for the study respectively. The findings from this qualitative study revealed that although the deaf is a visual learner, visual teaching in Schools for the Deaf is not adequately practised in a way that meets the visual needs of the deaf. Therefore the need to adopt and modify new trends to meet the needs of deaf students.

Source: UCC
Usernames of Ghanaian University Students on Whatsapp: An Electronic Socio-Onomastic Study

Several studies have been carried out on names, and how names are used as linguistic resource for identity construction in the traditional offline society. The advent of internet has led to the formation of online communities where offline socio-cultural practices such as naming and identity construction have been transported to. Consequentially, this study sought to investigate the categories of username students of the University of Cape Coast use on WhatsApp, the factors that influenced their choice of usernames and how they use these names to construct their online identity. Using Kozinets’ netnographic approach and the concepts of virtual community, symbolic interactionism and Goffman’s presentation of self in everyday life, as well as Aldrin’s theory on naming and identity, 138 usernames were analysed. The findings indicated that the students used real names, nicknames and other symbols such as emojis as their WhatsApp usernames. The choice of the usernames was due to several factors such as the desire for easy identification, to be anonymous, to reflect the character of a popular person, and also to inform about some happenings in the participants’ immediate environment. The findings also showed that the students used their usernames to construct their religious, music, academic, institutional or group affiliation, family, sports, and self identities. The study contributes to the general scholarship on names and identity and also makes significant contributions to internet naming practices in particular.

Source: UCC
Users’ Perception of Library Facilities: Evidence from the University of Cape Coast

The purpose of this paper is to present the findings of the users’ perception of library facilities on quality of service at Sam Jonah Library University of Cape Coast, Ghana using Library Quality (LibQUAL+) model approach. The survey used the LibQUAL+ model to evaluate quality of service at Sam Jonah Library University of Cape Coast, Ghana. The data were collected from library users by administering the LibQUAL+ questionnaire in a printed format. Using the survey design, both open-ended and close-ended questions were used to obtain data from 400 respondents, comprising of 310 and 50 undergraduate and postgraduate students, respectively and 40 faculty members. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21 was used to analyze data from the questionnaire and descriptive statistics in the form of frequencies and percentages. Inferential statistics was also used to determine the relationship between gender and adequacy of library resources. Findings from the study showed that majority of the respondents agreed that the library had adequate number of computers to meet their needs. The respondents also affirmed that the library had comfortable tables and chairs for effective learning and a space that is conducive for learning. However, postgraduate students did not consider the library environment conducive for learning. The respondents indicated that the printing materials in the library were inadequate. Students’ expectations were higher than their perceptions on what the library provided. Therefore, the researchers recommended that the library should establish knowledge commons for undergraduate students and research commons for postgraduate students.

Source: UCC
Users’ perceptions of service quality in Murtala Muhammed International Airport (Mmia), Lagos, Nigeria

MMIA enjoys the position of aviation hub in Nigeria, in terms of passengers’ and freights movements. This is because of the available facilities and services. The functionalities of these services and facilities have come under scrutiny of late. This study looks at this from the users’ perspective aimed at proffering recommendations for meeting the myriad shortfalls of the Nigeria’s pride. This would offer the airport managers, policy makers, aviation experts, researchers, air transport students and the general public a useful guide all streamlined for better service delivery in time, efficiency, comfort, cost and functionality. Furthermore, the troubles in the airline industry can provide important lessons for managers in other industries interested in questions of customer service

Source: UCC
Using biochar and poultry manure to improve the fertility of a highly weathered tropical soil and yield of lettuce

The study was undertaken to evaluate the effects of biochar and poultry manure in improving the fertility of a strongly weathered soil and the yield of lettuce. In two separate experiments, three rates (0, 39 and 65 t ha-1 per 1 kg soil) of biochar (CCB, CHB and PMB) solely or in combination with poultry manure (0 and 10 t ha-1) were incorporated into pots containing 1 kg soil and arranged in completely randomized design. Biochar and or manure effects on SOC, mineral N, AVP, pH, ECEC, MBC, MBN and MBP were evaluated on days (3, 7, 14 28 and 42) and P solubilizing fungi (PSF) and bacteria (PSB) on day 42. All amendments significantly (P < 0.05) increased SOC, pH, ECEC, MBC, MBN and MBP for all sampling periods and PSF and PSB on day 42. Unlike PMB, CCB and CHB amended soils showed no significant differences in mineral N compared with the control by day 42. Available P in CHB and PMB amended soil showed significant (P < 0.05) increase at both rates but only significant (P < 0.05) at 65 t ha-1 for CCB treatments. In experiment three, significant increase in yield and shoot NPK were realized from PMB amended soils but insignificant in CCB and CHB treatments. In all, biochar combined with manure was superior in increasing the concentrations of SOC, NH4+-N, NO3--N, AVP, pH, ECEC, MBC, MBN MBP, PSF, PSB, shoot NPK and yield of lettuce. In experiment two, ten earthworms were exposed to CCB, CHB and PMB at respective rates of 0, 13, 26, 39, 52, 65, 78, 91, 104, 117, 130, 143 and 156 t ha-1. Significantly inverse relationship was found between biochar rates and earthworm survival. It is therefore recommended that combined biochar and manure is adopted for effective restoration of the fertility of strongly weathered soils in Ghana for lettuce production.

Source: UCC