ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Pyrazole and Pyrazolate as Ligands in the Synthesis and Stabilization of New Palladium(II) and (III) Compounds

. The versatility of pyrazole/pyrazolate as ligands has allowed the synthesis and the structural characterization of four diferent types of new orthometalated palladium compounds, for hich DFT calculations have een performed in order to investigate their relative stabilities. [Pd2{μ-(C6H4)PPh2}2{μ (R,R′2pz)}2] (R = R′= H, 2a; R = Br, R′= H, 2b; R = CH3, R′= H, 2c; R = H, R′= CH3, 2d; R = Br, R′= CH3, 2e) compounds ith exo-bidentate pyrazolatos are the first paddlewheel dinuclear palladium(II) compound ith pyrazolato ridging ligands described and characterized in the literature. In the process of the synthesis of 2a, a new tetranuclear intermediate compound, [Pd4{μ- (C6H4)PPh2}4(μ-pz)2(μ−OH)2] (3a), has een isolated and structurally characterized. Compounds of the general formula [Pd2{μ-(C6H4)- PPh2}2Br2(R,R′2pzH)2] (R = R′= H, 4a; R = Br; R′= H, 4b; R = CH3; R′= H, 4c; R = H; R′= CH3, 4d; R = Br; R′= CH3, 4e) ith pyrazoles as monodentate ligands have also een obtained, in hich, according to the QTAIM analysis, additional Br•••HNpz weak interactions stabilize their structure. The tetranuclear Pd2Ag2 compounds, [Pd2{μ-(C6H4)PPh2}2{μ-(R,R′2pz-Ag-R,R′2pz)}2] (R = R′= H, 5a; R = Br; R′= H, 5b; R = CH3, R′= H, 5c), showed a distorted tetrahedron disposition of the metal atoms. The QTAIM analysis revealed an enhanced stability ecause of additional metal−metal interactions. New palladium(III) compounds, [Pd2{μ-(C6H4)PPh2}2{μ-(R,R′2pz)}2Cl2] (R = R′= H, 6a; R = Br, R′= H, 6b) ere also synthesized y oxidation of compounds 2 with PhICl2. DFT calculations highlighted their greater stability compared to that of similar compounds ith N,N-donor ligands, such as formamidinatos and triazenidos

Source: UCC
“Pɛrpl Greyps”: Kodzi In 3re Beatz

This study explores musical composition within contemporary theatre to rejuvenate traditional musical legacies and challenge established artistic structures. Grounded in Ghana’s rich cultural diversity and inspired by the concept of sankɔfa (cultural return to roots), the research endeavours to craft artistic expressions reflective of Ghanaian heritage. Employing Artistic Research within the Arts-Based Research (ABR) framework, this study develops ‘Pɛrpl Greyps,’ a ‘programmatic visual’ music inspired by indigenous storytelling traditions. The composition aims to revitalise Ghanaian-Akan-Mfantse folklore (Kodzi) by integrating traditional rhythms, avant-garde techniques, and visual arts. A customised compositional framework is also devised to promote Ghanaian unity (nkabom). Integrating traditional Ghanaian rhythms into ‘Pɛrpl Greyps’ enriches its authenticity, while exploration of avant-garde techniques further revitalises Ghanaian ‘art’ music. The composition incorporates looping, aleatory, and eclecticism techniques enhanced by narrative art and music technology. The research employs auditory, visual, and ecological elements to shape musical concepts, emphasising the importance of documenting and analysing musical compositions. Recommendations include exploring traditional Ghanaian rhythmic resources, integrating diverse musical materials, and refining custom compositional structures with contemporary techniques and technology. Through this exploration, ‘Pɛrpl Greyps’ demonstrates the transformative power of music and art in celebrating cultural heritage, fostering unity, and facilitating shared experiences in a rapidly evolving cultural landscape.

Source: UCC
QR code utilization in a large classroom: Higher education students’ initial perceptions

The integration of Quick Response (QR) codes in classrooms have been identified as an important tool in promoting active as well as distributed learning, especially in higher education. Even though the versatility of this technology within the educational milieu cannot be over-emphasized, the initial perceptions of students who are at the centre of QR integration are important towards achieving the prospects of this technology in the pedagogical process, particularly in a large classroom context. Against this backdrop, Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology2 (UTAUT2) were employed as theoretical foundation to study students’ perceptions. A questionnaire was used to collect data from 200 students, based on a purposive sampling technique with Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) employed for statistical analysis. Initial results suggested that students had very positive attitudes towards QR code utilization for course related activities which ultimately determined their intentions to accept this technology. However, their positive attitude was anchored on their perceived usefulness and easiness towards QR code which were promoted by perceived playfulness, facilitating conditions and hedonic motivation respectively. The social influence variable was not a predictive factor of students’ perception towards the usefulness of QR codes. The study provided practical examples of how QR codes can be integrated in teaching and also recommended future experimental research into QR code effectiveness as well as instructor acceptance if the technology is to be integrated on a wider national scale.

Source: UCC
A Qualitative Exploration of Factors Causing Mphil Students’ Delay in Completion of Thesis at University Of Cape Coast

This study adopted a qualitative case study approach to explore factors causing MPhil students’ delay using students of the Institute for Educational Planning and Administration (IEPA) and School of Development Studies (SDS), faculty members from IEPA and SDS, and key administrators of School of Graduate Studies (SGS), totalling 284. The purposive sampling procedure was used in selecting 14 respondents consisting of six students, six supervisors and two. The sole method of gathering data was in-depth face-to-face interviews. Transcript of recorded interviews was prepared for analysis, using thematic deductions and descriptive language. This study found that thesis writing helped in the generation of knowledge, contributed to national development and was a requirement for MPhil students to graduate. Secondly, personal qualities and commitments of students, students’ concern about marital, family or health problems, employment and financial status of students emerged as some student-related factors while pressure on supervisors’ time due to other commitments, supervisors’ style of supervision and supervisor-supervisee relationships were the most influential supervisor-related factors that affected the timely completion of MPhil thesis. Finally, institutional policies and procedures, and the availability of teaching and learning resources in the university also affected the timely completion of the MPhil programme at the University of Cape Coast (UCC). By recommendation, students in full-time employment should seek proper study leave to be able to dedicate the required time needed for research and thesis writing. It was also recommended that the management should strengthen its strategies of speeding up MPhil students’ completion of thesis writing.

Source: UCC
Qualitative Inquiry into Challenges Experienced by Registered General Nurses in the Emergency Department: A Study of Selected Hospitals in the Volta Region of Ghana

Registered General Nurses (RGNs) play crucial roles in emergency departments (EDs). EDs in Ghana are primarily staffed by RGNs who have had no additional formal education in emergency care. Additionally, basic, master’s, or doctoral level nursing education programs provide limited content on the complexities of emergency nursing. Nurses in EDs are affected by many challenges such as growing patient population, financial pressures, physical violence, verbal abuse, operational inefficiencies, overcrowding, and work overload. There is a paucity of research on challenges experienced by RGNs in EDs in the Volta Region of Ghana. In this qualitative study, twenty RGNs in EDs from three selected hospitals in the Volta Region of Ghana were interviewed. All recorded interviews were transcribed, reviewed several times by researchers and supervisors, and analyzed using content analysis. Five thematic categories were identified. These thematic categories of challenges were lack of preparation for ED role, verbal abuse from patients relatives, lack of resources in ED, stressful and time consuming nature of ED, and overcrowding in ED. Formal education of RGNs in the advanced role of emergency care, adequate supply of resources, increased hospital management support, and motivations for RGNs working in ED are necessary to improve the practice of emergency care.

Source: UCC
A Qualitative Study of the Communication and Information Needs of People with Learning Disabilities and Epilepsy with Physicians, Nurses and Carers

Living with a chronic condition such as epilepsy can have a debilitating effect on the individual and their carers. Managing epilepsy among people with learning disabilities may present a challenge because of limited communication and may require a multidisciplinary approach. The study investigated the communication and information needs of people with learning disabilities with epilepsy and their physicians, nurses and carers. Methods: Qualitative designed was adopted to collect data from 15 community-based people with mild learning disabilities with epilepsy and 13 carers. Recorded data were transcribed verbatim and analysed thematically. Results: A range of findings emerged related to patient communication and information needs. These included: Knowledge regarding epilepsy; involvement; honesty and openness when giving information and consistency in provision of information. Conclusion: People with learning disabilities with epilepsy and their carers would like to know more about epilepsy, to be more involved decision makings through communication in the management of epilepsy to enable them feedback information regarding their health.

Source: UCC
A qualitative study of the communication and information needs of people with learning disabilities and epilepsy with physicians, nurses and carers

Background: Living with a chronic condition such as epilepsy can have a debilitating effect on the individual and their carers. Managing epilepsy among people with learning disabilities may present a challenge because of limited communication and may require a multidisciplinary approach. The study investigated the communication and information needs of people with learning disabilities with epilepsy and their physicians, nurses and carers. Methods: Qualitative designed was adopted to collect data from 15 community-based people with mild learning disabilities with epilepsy and 13 carers. Recorded data were transcribed verbatim and analysed thematically. Results: A range of findings emerged related to patient communication and information needs. These included: Knowledge regarding epilepsy; involvement; honesty and openness when giving information and consistency in provision of information. Conclusion: People with learning disabilities with epilepsy and their carers would like to know more about epilepsy, to be more involved decision makings through communication in the management of epilepsy to enable them feedback information regarding their health.

Source: UCC
Quality (quantitative) and predictive relationship between internal assessment scores and student’ Performance in basic education certificate examination in the KEEA Municipality Ghana

It is expected that students‟ performance in internal assessment at a particular grade level will not be significantly different from their performance in external assessment of the same grade level. Grounded in the expectancy theory of motivation by Vroom (1964), this study was carried out to examine the quality (quantitative) of the District Based Mock Examination and the predictive relationship between internal assessment scores and students‟ performance in the Basic Education Certificate Examination (external) for the 2019 candidates in Komenda Edina Eguafo Abrem Municipality in the Central Region of Ghana. The study adopted the Ex-post facto design and used the multistage sampling technique to select 602 out of 2,545 of the 2019 Basic Education Certificate Examination candidates. Ordinal regression was used to test the hypotheses. The findings of the study revealed that the item difficulty and discrimination indices of the District Based Mock Examination were within the recommended coefficients. However, the reliability indices of the items were deficient of the recommended coefficients (>.80). Further, with the exception of the Integrated Science, which had a significant negative predictive relationship with the BECE, the School Based Assessment for the other three core subjects did not show a significant predictive relationship with the Basic Education Certificate Examination. interestingly, all the District Based Mock Examination scores showed a significant negative predictive relationship with the Basic Education Certificate Examination. It was, therefore, suggested that the practice of the District Based Mock Examination should be sustained and regulated by Ghana Education Service while the Ghana Education Service device mechanisms to check adherence of the School Based Assessment guidelines by teachers

Source: UCC
The quality and infrared determination of trans-fatty acid contents in some edible vegetable oils

The analysis of some edible vegetable oils available in the Cape Coast metropolis in Ghana has been carried out by physical and chemical methods quality determination and comparative analysis. The parameters investigated were the specific gravity, refractive index, iodine value, saponification value, acid value, free fatty acid content, percentage impurity. The specific gravities of the oils ranged from 0.9096 to 0.9984 whilst the refractive indexes were from 1.445 to 1.507. The saponification value ranged from 187 for ‘Werewere to 244 for coconut while the iodine values varied from 9.5 for coconut to 135 for safflower. The other parameters were from 0.187 for soyabean oil to 6.89 for ‘Werewere oil for the acid values and between 0 to 6% for the free fatty acid of the oil samples. The trans- fatty acid contents of the oils were also investigated by Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopic method by the determination of the transmittance ratios of the absorbances at 966 cm -1 in the infrared spectra of the oils. The trans-fatty acid contents ranged from minimum of 0% for olive oil to a maximum of 6% in Werewere oil. The results indicated that the oils were of good quality and that the amounts of trans-fatty acid were not appreciably high to pose any health risk to consumers

Source: UCC
Quality Assessment of Artemether-Lumefantrine Samples and Artemether Injections Sold in the Cape Coast Metropolis

Most prescribers and patients in Ghana now opt for the relatively expensive artemether/lumefantrine rather than artesunate- amodiaquine due to undesirable side effects in the treatment of uncomplicated malaria. The study sought to determine the existence of substandard and/or counterfeit artemether-lumefantrine tablets and suspension as well as artemether injection on the market in Cape Coast. Six brands of artemether-lumefantrine tablets, two brands of artemether-lumefantrine suspensions, and two brands of artemether injections were purchased from pharmacies in Cape Coast for the study. The mechanical properties of the tablets were evaluated. The samples were then analyzed for the content of active ingredients using High Performance Liquid Chromatography with a variable wavelength detector. None of the samples was found to be counterfeit. However, the artemether content of the samples was variable (93.22%−104.70% of stated content by manufacturer). The lumefantrine content of the artemether/lumefantrine samples was also variable (98.70%–111.87%). Seven of the artemether-lumefantrine brands passed whilst one failed the International Pharmacopoeia content requirements. All brands of artemether injections sampled met the International Pharmacopoeia content requirement. The presence of a substandard artemether-lumefantrine suspension in the market should alert regulatory bodies to be more vigilant and totally flush out counterfeit and substandard drugs from the Ghanaian market.

Source: UCC
Quality assessment of rtemether-Lumefantrine Samples and Artemether Injections Sold in the Cape Coast Metropolis

Most prescribers and patients in Ghana now opt for the relatively expensive artemether/lumefantrine rather than artesunate amodiaquine due to undesirable side effects in the treatment of uncomplicated malaria. The study sought to determine the existence of substandard and/or counterfeit artemether-lumefantrine tablets and suspension as well as artemether injection on the market in Cape Coast. Six brands of artemether-lumefantrine tablets, two brands of artemether-lumefantrine suspensions, and two brands of artemether injections were purchased from pharmacies in Cape Coast for the study. Te mechanical properties of the tablets were evaluated. The samples were then analyzed for the content of active ingredients using High Performance Liquid Chromatography with a variable wavelength detector. None of the samples was found to be counterfeit. However, the artemether content of the samples was ariable (93.22%−104.70% of stated content by manufacturer). The lumefantrine content of the artemether/lumefantrine samples was also ariable (98.70%–111.87%). Seven of the artemether-lumefantrine brands passed whilst one failed the International Pharmacopoeia content requirements. All brands of artemether injections sampled met the International Pharmacopoeia content requirement. Te presence of a substandard artemether-lumefantrine suspension in the market should alert regulatory bodies to be more vigilant and totally flush out counterfeit and substandard drugs from the Ghanaian market.

Source: UCC
Quality assurance practices in private universities in the Greater Accra region of Ghana

This study aimed at investigating quality assurance practices in ten private universities in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana. The descriptive survey design was adopted for the study. The study involved 268 participants, comprising 168 lecturers, 70 students, 10 Quality Assurance heads, 10 registrars and 10 deans of students. Simple random and purposive sampling technique were used in selecting the respondents. Questionnaires and interview guide were the main instruments used to collect data. Frequencies, percentages, means and standard deviations were used to analyse the quantitative data, using Statistical Package for Social Sciences Version 21 while the qualitative data were analysed by the thematic analysis approach using themes that emerged from the data. The questionnaires generated a standardised Cronbach Alpha coefficient of .83. The respondents perceived the role of quality assurance as, to help the universities to achieve their missions and visions. Also they perceived that quality assurance raises the reputation of the university. The study concludes that the role of quality assurance is very important in the sense that it helps private universities in the greater Accra region of Ghana to achieve their visions and missions. Though the role of quality assurance is to help the universities to achieve their missions and visions, it is should be noted that it takes the collective and relentless effort of students, administrative and academic staff as well as management to achieve the desired standard of quality. It is recommended that private universities in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana should continue to use feedback from the periodic evaluation of courses to improve the quality of teaching and learning.

Source: UCC
Quality Attributes of Fermented Fish (Momone) Processed by Different Periods

The study investigated the quality attributes of fermented fish processed by different fermentation periods. The factorial design was used to test the effect of the period of fermentation on the nutritional composition, bacterial count and sensory properties of fermented fish samples using the locally fermented fish as the control. Freshly harvested cassava croaker fish was purchased from Elmina, Central Region and transported to the laboratory in an ice box. Processing of the fermented fish was carried out using standard procedures and methods. Nutritional composition and bacterial count of fish samples were then determined. A self-developed sensory evaluation questionnaire was used to assess the sensory properties and consumer acceptability of the fermented samples. ANOVA and Chi- Square were used to test for differences among the nutritional composition, bacterial count and sensory properties of samples processed by different fermentation periods. The results showed that the longer the fermentation period, the more the nutrients (protein and fats) are reduced. It was also observed that the fish samples processed by different fermentation periods had reduced bacteria counts whiles the local fermented recorded the highest bacteria counts. The results also indicated that the fish sample fermented for three days (MD3F) had a comparable sensory attributes and consumer acceptability with the control but with a reduced bacterial count. Therefore the study recommends that producers of fermented fish adopt standard procedures in processing fermented fish to reduce bacterial count.

Source: UCC
Quality evaluation of locally manufactured amodiaquine tablets in Accra, Ghana

This study was carried out to assess the quality of four brands of locally produced amodiaquine tablets in Accra, Ghana. The assayed samples were characterized for their weight, percentage active ingredients, and percentage active ingredient released during dissolution. All the tablets sampled were within their shelf life period as well as possessing good physical characteristics. Samples from the examined manufacturers were assayed to determine the percentage of active ingredient within the tablets and. Assayed amodiaquine samples from MCI, MC2 and MC4 manufacturers passed the test of percentage active ingredient within the tablets in compliance with British Pharmacopoeia requirement. However, MC3 recorded a higher percentage which could be due to a high amount of active ingredient added. All the samples had good results in the uniformity of weight test, which could be due to free flow of granules during tableting. All the tablets sampled complied with standards with regards to dissolution which could be due to the amount or type of binder used. Therefore based on the findings of this study, amodiaquine tablets manufactured by the local manufacturers are in general of good quality

Source: UCC