ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
A study of inbound tourist’s expenditure behaviour in the Central Region of Ghana

Tourist expenditure forms an integral part in the analysis of the impact of tourism. It is the goal of various tourism stakeholders to maximize tourism expenditures in order to increase the benefits of tourism. These goals can only be achieved if the stakeholders become aware of the factors that cause tourists to spend at the destination and the several expenditure categories (e.g. expenditures on accommodation, transports, and food and beverage, etc.) that lead to their total expenditure since that will enable them to identify effective strategies to achieve their goals. The main objective of the study was to examine the spending behaviour of inbound Tourists in the Central Region of Ghana. 260 respondents were conveniently sampled for the study. Questionnaires were used for data collection. From a theoretical perspective, this study contributes to the body of literature in relation to tourists’ expenditure by examining how tourists’ characteristics shape their consumer behaviour at the destination. This study found that, length of stay and travel party size were the travel characteristics that have relationship with tourist’s expenditure in the Central Region. It is recommended that tourism marketers and management organizations should segment their target market and develop better strategic marketing tools that will satisfy and fulfil those tourists’ needs in order to get them to spend more.

Source: UCC
A study of iterative methods in optimization

Optimization techniques are called into play everyday in decision making processes involving resource allocation in almost every discipline. However, the development and implementation of algorithm for solving optimization problems are fraught with many difficulties and frustrations. The aim of this thesis has been to examine and identify some of the problems associated with the development and implementation of a class of optimization algorithms and to develop a means of improving upon them. The study made use of functions such as the Rosenbrock's function that are known to be a good test of robustness of these techniques. The study covered a number of algorithms in both unconstrained and constrained optimization. Some of the problems encountered were in the implementation of the Modified Newton's method. It was discovered that if at any iterate Xk, the Hessian matrix H(Xk) is not positive definite, then-H(Xk)-1s'f(Xk) is not a descent direction. In this case, we look for a new direction where the Hessian matrix will be positive definite. Some of the suggestions proposed in the literature did not always lead to a descent direction. A new iterate could be found from Xk+1 = Xk - lkVk where Vk is the eigenvector corresponding to the negative eigenvalue of H(Xk). However, if this fails then an alternative is to make use of the Hessian at the previous iterate H(Xk-l) to compute the next iterate Xk+l which will hopefully give a positive definite Hessian. If this also fails, then setting H(Xk)-1 = In converts the Modified Newton's method into the Steepest Descent method, where Xk+1 = Xk - aks' f(Xk). The study also revealed that to determine the various critical points of a given function, it may require more than one technique. All the computations in this work made use of OCTAVE, a public domain mathematical software.

Source: UCC
A Study of Iterative Methods in Optimization

Optimization techniques are called into play everyday in decision making processes involving resource allocation in almost every discipline. However, the development and implementation of algorithm for solving optimization problems are fraught with many difficulties and frustrations. The aim of this thesis has been to examine and identify some of the problems associated with the development and implementation of a class of optimization algorithms and to develop a means of improving upon them. The study made use of functions such as the Rosenbrock’s function that are known to be a good test of robustness of these techniques. The study covered a number of algorithms in both unconstrained and constrained optimization. Some of the problems encountered were in the implementation of the Modified Newton’s method. It was discovered that if at any iterate xk, the Hessian matrix H(xk) is not positive definite, then −H(xk)−1∇f(xk) is not a descent direction. In this case, we look for a new direction where the Hessian matrix will be positive definite. Some of the suggestions proposed in the literature did not always lead to a descent direction. A new iterate could be found from xk+1 = xk − λkvk where vk is the eigenvector corresponding to the negative eigenvalue of H(xk). However, if this fails then an alternative is to make use of the Hessian at the previous iterate H(xk−1) to compute the next iterate xk+1 which will hopefully give a positive definite Hessian. If this also fails, then setting H(xk)−1 = In converts the Modified Newton’s method into the Steepest Descent method, where xk+1 = xk − αk∇f(xk). The study also revealed that to determine the various critical points of a given function, it may require more than one technique. All the computations in this work made use of OCTAVE, a public domain mathematical software.

Source: UCC
A study of marriage and family counselling services of Pentecostal and Charismatic churches in Cape Coast metropolis

This study assessed family and marriage counselling services in Pentecostal and Charismatic churches in the Cape Coast Metropolis. The study employed the descriptive research design. Through the simple random sampling procedure, 40 churches were selected for the study. A counsellor, with the longest number of years in counselling was selected from each church. The data for the study were gathered with the use of questionnaires and analysed through the computation of descriptive statistics such as frequencies and percentages. The study found that professionalism in Christian marriage and family counselling in the study area was highly compromised. For instance, 37 (100%) of the respondents had no professional training in counselling. There were also pitfalls (potential disasters) in the counselling activities of the counsellors. For example, 32 (86.5%) of the respondents were judgemental. Again, over 30 (81%) of the counsellors gave their clients adequate counselling on gender roles in a Christian marriage and family. Also, between 20 (54%) and 32 (86%) of the counsellors failed to help clients appreciate detailed factors and techniques that enhance sexual satisfaction. Again, between 19 (51%) and 33 (82%) of the respondents failed to take clients through practical techniques or factors that facilitate marital communication. It was recommended that the Christian Council of Ghana, Ghana Pentecostal and Charismatic Council, and the National Association of Charismatic Churches should organise regular in-service training for Christian marriage and family counsellors. Professionally certified counsellors should be employed to conduct counselling in churches.

Source: UCC
Study Of Okra Leaf Curl Disease And Its Whitefly Vector (Bemisia Tabaci) Vector In Three Agro-Ecological Zones In The Volta And Oti Regions Of Ghana

Research was carried out on okra leaf curl disease (OLCD) and its whitefly vector in the three agro-ecological zones of the Volta and Oti regions. The study evaluated the prevalence and severity of the disease, the level of the whitefly population and the impact of weather variables on their abundance. In order to evaluate the prevalence of the disease, farmers’ knowledge of leaf curl disease, agronomic methods, and use of pesticides to manage pest and disease outbreaks, questionnaires were administered. The study also assessed quantitatively the intensity (severity and incidence) of the disease. The study then examined the resistance levels of 21 okra varieties to the disease and its vector during the major and minor okra seasons and further examined the molecular diversity of the Begomoviruses responsible for okra leaf curl disease. The majority of farmers observed whitefly and Okra leaf curl disease on their farms during both minor and major seasons. The mean incidence of the disease ranged from 69.69% to 80.62%, with a mean severity index of 1.18 to 1.44. The mean disease incidence was higher in coastal with 77.42%, than in transition (72.56%) and forest (71.85%) zones in both year one and two. Generally, the minor season had a much higher level of significance of disease incidence than the major season. A total 38,504 whiteflies were estimated where 25,978 for minor season and 12,526 in the major season. Varieties Kobinami, 1097, and 2033 were the most susceptible varieties to okra leaf curl disease. PCR using degenerate primers detected the presence of Begomoviruses. Sequence analysis of the PCR products revealed the presence of Okra yellow crinkle virus (OYCrV), which is responsible for okra leaf curl disease in the Volta and Oti regions. This is the first report of Okra yellow crinkle virus (OYCrV) in Ghana.

Source: UCC
Study Of Okra Leaf Curl Disease And Its Whitefly Vector (Bemisia Tabaci) Vector In Three Agro-Ecological Zones In The Volta And Oti Regions Of Ghana

Coat protein Incidence Insecticide Okra leaf curl disease Okra yellow crinkle virus Pesticide Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) Sequencing Severity Whitefly

Source: UCC
A study of performance-based assessment practices of teachers in second cycle institutions in the Cape Coast metropolis

The study assessed PBA practices of teachers in second cycle institutions in the Cape Coast Metropolis. The study was guided three research questions and three hypotheses. The study was carried out employing the descriptive survey design. A total of 426 public second-cycle teachers (Out of 1299) were proportionately sampled for the study. Questionnaires were adapted for the study. Reliability was ascertained using the internal consistency method. Pilot testing revealed that the Cronbach’s alpha of all the four scales were; knowledge (.733), Beliefs (.727), Practices (.747) and challenges (.839). The data collected were analysed using means, standard deviations, frequency and percentages; and inferential statistics (Structural equation modelling, moderation, and mediation analysis). Teachers used in the study had a moderate level of knowledge, often practised PBA but faced several challenges such as large class sizes, inadequate time, resources, and too much workload. Teachers’ knowledge of PBA predicted their PBA practices. PBA Beliefs significantly mediated the relationship between knowledge of teachers and PBA practices of teachers. The study concluded that current teachers’ knowledge and practice of PBA may be inadequate since the current market trends call for practical application of knowledge learnt in the classroom to help solve real life problems. The Ministry of Education and Ghana Education Service as well as heads of the various institutions should encourage teachers to practice PBA regularly to help students gain the necessary skills to function and contribute to development.

Source: UCC
The Study of Phytophthora Heart Rot Disease of Pineapple in Some Selected Districts in the Central Region

ABSTRACT Phytophthora heart rot disease (PHRD) of pineapple is one of the damaging diseases that attack pineapple plants of all ages and can cause 100% yield loss. Documented information on the disease in Ghana is quite limiting even though Ghana is among the top exporting countries in Africa. It is therefore essential to know the status of this disease, the particular species of Phytophthora causing the disease in the selected areas of study (Komenda-Edina-Eguafo- Abrem, Abura-Asebu-Kwamankese and Ekumfi districts) and how it could be managed using botanicals and bio-control organism. The study was conducted in three main phases: surveys (demographic and field), pathogen identification and characterisation and in vitro disease management. One hundred and twenty (120) farmers were interviewed using structured questionnaires. The disease was present in seven (7) out of the twelve (12) communities selected for the survey. The highest incidence was recorded at Abrenu-Akyinim (3.40%) and Asofa (3.40%) with the least at Nanaben (0.4%). Disease severity was highest at Abrenu-Akyinim (1.50) and lowest at Atabadze (0.2). P. nicotiannae and P. cinnamomi were both found to be the causative organism of PHRD in the study area. In vitro control studies using Neem, Prekԑsԑ, Mahogany extract and Trichoderma asperellum via Minimum Inhibitory Concentration test showed that all treatments with the exception of Mahogany were inhibitory to P. cinnamomi with Prekԑsԑ recording the highest mean inhibition index of 3.00. A dual culture technique test performed using the Trichoderma sp. and Phytophthora isolates on different application days, showed that, the application of the Trichoderma 24 hrs before plating the isolate gave the highest inhibition percentage.

Source: UCC
A study of school facilities maintenance among basic schools in the cape coast metropolis

The main purpose of this study was to investigate how basic schools in the Cape Coast Metropolis maintain their school facilities. The study adopted the sequential explanatory mixed method design and mainly used questionnaire and interview. A sample of 306 respondents was used for the study and respondents were selected from 50 basic schools which were sampled out of the six circuits in the Cape Coast Metropolis, Ghana. The study revealed that the schools sampled always engaged in sweeping and weeding of school compound, repairs and cleaning of walls, windows, doors, roofing sheet and dustbins. However, the schools rarely engaged in washing and cleaning of marks and spots (graffitis) on school walls. The study also showed that most of the schools sampled had maintenance plans mainly to avoid and repair breakdown of facilities as well as replace damaged facilities. The study revealed that the main sources of funds for facilities maintenance for the basic schools were internally generated funds like PTA Levy as well as Capitation Grant. Finally, the study showed further that students are likely to learn more and achieve at higher levels if the facilities in the school are in good condition. From the results obtained, it is recommended among others that the Ministry of Education should work through the Ghana Education Service to formulate policies that can guide a well-planned system of facilities maintenance so that schools do not wait until facilities break down before repairs are made.

Source: UCC
A Study of Sea Urchin Populations Along the Rocky Coast of Ghana With a Note on Its Fishery

ABSTRACT The research seeks to fundamentally outline the occurrence and diversity of sea urchin species along the coastline of Ghana. This work evaluates the growth parameters and some aspect of the sea urchin fishery in Ghana. Samples of sea urchins were taken from November 2020 to April 2021 at ten locations along the coast of Ghana; Tema, Nungua, La, Teshie, Nyanyano, Mumford, Cape Coast, Iture, Dixcove, and Axim. Arbacia lixula, Eucidaris tribuloides and Echinometra lucunter and an unidentified species were found during the sampling period. Arbacia lixula population dominated in the samples collected along the entire coastline of Ghana. Nyanyano had all sea urchin species in its waters. The size ranges of each species were Arbacia lixula (5.8 mm to 85.8 mm), Eucidaris tribuloides (24.7 mm to 47.7 mm), Echinometra lucunter (47.9 mm to 58.3 mm), and Unidentified sp. (20.2 mm to 27.7 mm) respectively. The diameter-weight and height relationships of the urchin species were defined by a significant positive linear relationship. Arbacia lixula (black sea urchin) and Echinometra lucunter (sea raster) were exploited at the subsistence level with few commercial engagements by some coastal dwellers. Sea urchin were harvested by 71.7 % males and 28.3 % females across the entire coast of Ghana. The minimum and maximum prices of roasted sea urchins were between USD 1.32 and 8.22 along the coast of Ghana. The active participation of both genders could be associated with proximity to the resource, diving and the use of less energy-demanding tools such as knives and sharp handy metals required for the exploitation. The sea urchin fishery presents a viable economic potential within the coastal communities which need considerable attention by policy makers.

Source: UCC
A Study of Students’ Preferred Address Terms for Teachers in Two Ghanaian Senior High Schools

Address terms are key verbal behaviours in communication that establish social relationships between interlocutors; thereby, reflecting the norms and practices of society. This communicative act has gained considerable attention in sociolinguistics research; however, the use of address terms in Senior High Schools (SHSs) appears under-studied. The study, therefore, aimed to investigate address terms students use for teachers in selected SHSs in Ghana. This study is underpinned by Interactional Sociolinguistics (IS) and Community of Practice (CoP). The study used an ethnographic approach, which consisted of participant and non-participant observations of naturally occurring interactions and semi-structured interview which were recorded. The study identified six major categories of address terms: Title plus Personal Names (TPNs), Nicknames (Ns), Titles (Ts), Kinship Terms (KTs), Zero Address Terms (ZATs), and Acronyms/Abbreviations/Initialisms (ACs/ABs/INs) as the key lexicon of address forms used by students for teachers in their interactions. The students’ choice of address terms for teachers was determined by social variables such as formality, context of situation, religion, power, degree of acquaintanceship, and different levels of salience, socio-pragmatic variables of age, gender, and social status. Address terms provide mechanisms for students to bond socially and academically with their teachers in the SHSs environments. The study has some implications for concept, address terms scholarship and further studies.

Source: UCC
A study of supervision in rural and urban junior high schools in the Akuapem North district

The study was to find out the type(s) of supervision emphasized in the junior high schools, the extent to which supervision is carried out in the junior high schools, how supervision affects teaching and learning and the problem(s) that is/are associated with supervision within the junior high schools in urban and rural communities in the Akwapim North District. Twenty five junior high schools were covered in the Akwapim North District. Two hundred and eighty respondents were involved in the study. Data were collected through interview guides, administering of questionnaires and verification of documents. The design used for the survey was the descriptive design. The design was used in this survey to assess the situation in the Akwapim North District, the area of investigation. Percentages were calculated for the summary of the various responses. Headteachers and teachers especially, those in the rural areas, viewed external supervision to be inadequate. Records that were available in the schools and the District Education Office and the school log books indicate that intensive and follow -up visits constitute the least form of visits while brief visits account for the highest number of visits made by the external supervisors to the urban and rural junior secondary schools. It is recommended, among other things, that emphasis should be placed on both internal and external supervision. Visits to junior high schools have to be increased by external supervisors especially for intensive and follow - up visits in the rural areas. Motivation and supply of needed logistics have to be made available for supervisors to enforce efficient and effective supervision especially in the rural circuits.

Source: UCC
A study of the aesthetic responses of undergraduate students to music

To yield the educational value of music education in schools, most music educators align music education with aesthetic education. Accordingly, the development of the aesthetic responsiveness and sensitivities of students have been widely embraced. Yet, there is little or no information regarding the delivery of music education which, in part, can contribute to the evocation of important aesthetic experience in listeners. This research work was an attempt to study the aesthetic responses of Ghanaian undergraduate students to music with the primary purpose of providing a strong information base for the delivery of music education in Ghana. Using a mixed method design, I compared the aesthetic responses of music and non-music students to six musical types. All subjects used the Continuous Response Digital Interface (CRDI) to track aesthetic responses to six different musical selections. Also, questionnaire administered after each listening experience asked subjects to indicate whether or not each had an aesthetic response. It was found that the frequency and magnitude of subjects' perceived aesthetic experiences were different for music and non-music majors. All subjects differentiated across the various musical selections, indicating relatively higher and lower aesthetic interest at various points within the music. Analyses of emergent data indicated that music students differed significantly from non-music students in aesthetic responsiveness.

Source: UCC
Study of the chronology of environmental impact of vehicular and industrial emissions in some parts of greater Accra region using tree rings

This study determined the heavy metals pollution chronologies from vehicular and industrial emissions in the atmosphere using tree-rings as bio-indicators. Haatso atomic road and Tema Industrial area in the Greater Accra Region over the years have been the major hot spots for vehicular and industrial pollution respectively. Swietenia mahagoni (Mahogany) tree which is over 50 years in age was chosen for this study because it produces annual growth rings which is vital for the reconstruction of past climates. Tree ring counting method was used to determine the ages of both trees, at the various locations; Haatso Atomic road (1957-2018) and Tema Industrial Area (1968 - 2018). Energy Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence (EDXRF) was utilized to determine the presence and concentration of the following heavy metals (Cu, Mn, Zn, Pb, Cd, Fe and Ni) in the tree rings sampled. Concentration of Cu, Mn, Zn, Pb, Cd, Fe and Ni at the two sampling sites ranged from (1.92—9.84mg/kg), (2.58 – 5.49 mg/kg), (5.37 – 15.78mg/kg), (0.12—0.60 mg/kg), (0.01—0.09 mg/kg) (11.21—90.13 mg/kg) and (0.10 – 0.99 mg/kg) respectively. Surprisingly an increasing trend in concentration was observed for (Cd, Fe and Mn) with levels higher than the WHO guideline for heavy metals in the plant. The concentration of Cu, Zn, Pb, and Ni at both sampling sites were below WHO maximum limit by a factor of 1.2. Statistical analysis performed on the data from both sites revealed a strong positive correlation (0.85) between growth rings width of tree sampled from Haatso-Atomic road and that of the Tema Industrial area. It was observed that wet seasons correlate with high growth rate of trees while low precipitation seasons correspond to low or no growth rate of trees.

Source: UCC