ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Some physical, mechanical and anatomical characteristics of stemwood and branchwood of two hardwood species used for structural applications

Interest in branchwood utilization is gradually increasing on account of increasing demand for wood for construction and furniture production. However, wood quality assessment involves consideration of physical, mechanical and anatomical characteristics. This present study compared density, MOE and MOR, and compressive strength at 17���3�%MC and 10���4�%MC and some anatomical characteristics of Khaya ivorensis and Entandrophragma cylindricum by following BS (British Standard) 373, Strength properties of timber 1�24, 1957; ISO (International Standard) 3131, International Standard; wood-determination of density for physical and mechanical tests, 1975) and IAWA committee protocol of 1989. Branchwood and stemwood samples were extracted from two natural forest reserves. Results indicated that branchwood of the species dried to 17�%MC and 10�%MC proved to be as good materials as their stemwood counterparts in terms of bending and compressive strength parallel to the grain. Branchwood had significantly (p�<�.01) higher density than stemwood but such high densities did not translate into significant higher strength values. Moisture content and wood types (stemwood or branchwood) had significant effect (p�<�.001) on density, MOE, MOR and compressive strength. Fibre and axial parenchyma quantities were, respectively, the highest and lowest in both stemwood and branchwood of the two species. Fibre proportions in stemwood and branchwood correlated positively with density, MOE, MOR and compressive strength. Compared to bending strength, compressive strength was less influenced by anatomical properties of stemwood and branchwood. It was concluded that branchwood of E. cylindricum and K. ivorensis are not inferior to their stemwood and therefore could be used for structural applications. Further studies including shear strength, adhesive bonding, and finishing properties should be carried out to confirm the possibility of utilising branchwood for structural applications. � 2016, RILEM.

Source: UEW
Some physiochemical and heavy metal concentration in surface water stream of Tutuka in the Kenyasi mining catchment area

The research was conducted in the Akantansu stream of Tutuka in Kenyasi in the Brong Ahafo Region of Ghana from October 2010 to January 2011. The objectives of the study were to find out the contamination levels of pH, BOD5, Lead, Chromium, and Arsenic in the Akantansu stream of Tutuka to promote public health safety of people patronizing the stream for bathing and cooking. Determination of pH was achieved using Etech instrument (PC 300 series where as BOD5 level was assessed by means of empirical standard laboratory test which determined the relative oxygen requirements of waste water, effluents and polluted water using the standard procedure as per America Public Health Association (2006). An AAS 220 atomic absorption spectrometer was used for the analyses of heavy metals (lead, chromium and arsenic). The Research revealed that, the geometric mean levels of (0.01- 0.02, 0.03 – 0.26, 0 - 0.01, 3.99 – 7.06) mg/L and 5.64 – 6.40 for Arsenic, Lead, Chromium, BOD5 and pH compared to the EPA Maximum Permissible Limits of ( 0.5, 0.1, 0.1, 50) mg/L and 6-9 were respectively within the acceptable standards. However, due to slightly higher concentration of chromium (0.26 mg/L) up the stream, the people of Tutuka may develop health effects such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, hallucinations, headaches, depression, sleeping disorders, skin cancers, tumours in lungs, bladder, kidney and liver if they continue to use water from the stream for bathing and cooking. Keywords: Arsenic, Lead, Chromium, pH, Concentration, Upstream, Mid-stream, Downstream

Source: UEW
Some physiochemical and heavy metal concentration in surface water streams of Tutuka in the Kenyasi mining catchment area

This research was conducted in the Akantansu stream of Tutuka in Kenyasi in the Brong Ahafo Region of Ghana in the months of October and November 2010 and January 2011. The major objectives of the study were to measure levels of pH, BOD (biochemical oxygen demand), lead, chromium, and arsenic in the Akantansu stream of Tutuka and to find ways that the community could ensure safe water use. To achieve the objectives of the study, sampling was done over a period of three months and data was collected and analyzed into graphs and ANOVA tables. The research revealed that the levels of arsenic and BOD were high as compared to the standards of WHO and EPA. If the people of Tutuka continue to use the stream, they may experience negative health effects (e.g., nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, etc.). The level of pH, chromium and lead was acceptable as compared to the standard of WHO and EPA. Copyright � 2013 by ASME.

Source: UEW
Some word formation processes in Dagaare

The research investigates word formation processes in Dagaare, a Gur language spoken in the Upper-West Region of Ghana. The word formation processes that were looked at include; derivation, compounding and reduplication. The research briefly touched on borrowing, clipping and coinage. The study notes that, there are a number of processes that take place during derivation. Thus, abstract nouns are derived from nouns by the addition of suffixes like –lυŋ, -luŋ and –nυŋ. Furthermore, the suffix -rԑ which is an agentive suffix is added to the duplicated form of a verb to realize a nominal. The suffixes –bu/-bυ, -mυ/-mu are also attached to verb stems to derive nouns. In the nominalization of adjectives, we have the suffixes: -lυŋ, -luŋ and – ruŋ. During the combination, deletion of syllables occurs. Even though Dagaare nouns are not automatically divided into masculine, feminine or neuter forms, a few words are attached to nouns to denote gender. These include: [-daa], [-pͻlee], [-dͻͻ], [-nyaŋaa], [-pͻge] and [-saraa]. These words have been referred to as suffixes by Bodomo (1997) and Dong (1977) whereas they are not. These are words on their own that can stand and make meaning. In the formation of compound words, Dagaare compounds undergo certain phonological processes such as vowel harmony, homoganic nasal assimilation, loss of final vowel bof final syllable among others.

Source: UEW
Some word formation processes in Sisaali

The study investigates some word formation processes in Sɩsaalɩ, under the frameworks of Optimality Theory, propounded by Prince and Smolensky (1993) and Hockett’s model of morphological analysis (IA approach). Four word formation processes were found, namely; borrowing, reduplication, compounding and affixation. The data on borrowing and reduplication were analyzed using OT and the data on compounding and affixation were analyzed using the IA. The study established that, words borrowed from Akan into Sɩsaalɩ will not be structurally constrained because both languages have similar syllable structures. But words borrowed from English into Sɩsaalɩ with consonant clusters and codas were structurally constrained and had to be repaired through vowel epenthesis and final consonant deletion because the syllable structure of Sɩsaalɩ does not permit consonant clusters and syllable codas. The study also revealed that, the reduplicant for verbs is reserved to be a CV ending in a short vowel, such that a CV verb ending in a long vowel will have to be shortened in the reduplicant. Also, verbs with structures larger than a CV will have to be elided to generate only CVs in the reduplicant. The vowel of the reduplicant for verbs was noted to be reserved for [+High] vowels, such that a [-High] base vowel will necessarily change to a [+High] vowel in the reduplicant. The study equally showed three types of compound words exist in Sɩsaalɩ; endocentric, exocentric and coordinate compounds. The suffixes -bá, -á:, -nὶŋ́ , -sὶŋ́ and –é: were identified as plural marker suffixes in Sɩsaalɩ. Audio recording, focused group discussions, direct elicitation and documents were the methods used to arrive at the data.

Source: UEW
Songs that aid reading in kindergarten schools a case study of three selected kindergarten schools in Agona Kwanyarko, Ghana

The work was a study to examine songs that aid reading among three selected kindergarten schools in Agona Kwanyarko traditional area. It highlights songs that are appropriate for teaching reading skills. Through convenience sampling and purposive sampling techniques, the study used three selected kindergarten schools and collected 46 songs for analysis and categorization for teaching specific elements of reading. The study was also rooted in the cognitive development and multiple intelligence theories which gave birth to a conceptual model for teaching reading with songs. It was found out that teachers use songs in their teaching activities but not for enhancing reading skills. It is recommended that Music Educators prepare adequate song books and run programmes for kindergarten teachers to enable them know the basics in songs selection for use with regards to reading concepts.

Source: UEW
The spatial ability effect on pre-service teachers’ basic geometry content knowledge in relation to verbal reasoning

Research in cognitive psychology suggests that cognitive factors such as spatial abilities and verbal reasoning are important in developing geometric knowledge of students in elementary school. However, these cognitive abilities are less explored in teacher education. The study adopted cross-sectional survey design to investigate relationships among knowledge types in geometry, and how spatial ability and verbal reasoning relate to and account for knowledge in basic shape and space among pre service teachers. A sample of 757 pre-service teachers from 12 public colleges of education in Ghana participated in the study. Cognitive tests on spatial ability, verbal reasoning and basic Geometry content knowledge were validated for the main data collection. The instrument was found to be reliable and achieved measurement invariant across gender and programmes offered by pre-service teachers. Descriptive statistics and structural equation modeling were employed to analyze and estimate model parameters to answer the research questions and hypotheses. Bootstrapping was conducted to determine significance of effect sizes in the relationship paths connecting spatial ability, verbal reasoning and basic Geometry content knowledge. The study found that pre-service teachers performed better in procedural and declarative tasks than in conditional tasks. Pre-service teachers also did better in 2-D tasks than in 3-D tasks. The declarative, conditional and procedural knowledge were found to be significantly interrelated in a way that defines pre-service teachers‟ content knowledge. From the structural equations, pre-service teachers‟ spatial ability significantly affected their basic Geometry content knowledge. Verbal reasoning was also found to intermediate the effect of spatial ability on basic Geometry content knowledge. Finally, the results of multigroup structural equation modeling show that the relationship among spatial ability, verbal reasoning and basic Geometry content knowledge was structurally invariant across programme of study but moderated by gender of pre-service teachers. Implications for the design of curriculum, teaching, learning and assessment tasks in basic geometry at colleges of education were discussed.

Source: UEW
Spatial analysis of synergies and trade-offs between the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Africa

Challenges faced by African countries in achieving the goals of sustainable development are similar and transboundary. Previous analysis of Africa's progress on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) has largely been non-spatial, reducing the ability to find spatial relationships between countries and SDGs to help cooperation and proffer country-specific interventions. This study adopted techniques of exploratory and inferential spatial statistics to assess the successes of African countries from 2016 to 2020 in achieving the goals of sustainable development. Also, the study sought to understand how the spatial synergies and trade-offs between SDGs vary per country and time. The results revealed that spatial hotspots of countries with high SDGs scores were mostly confined to northern African countries with significant coldspots within central and eastern Africa and few patches in western and southern Africa for 2016. In 2020, the number of countries forming hotspots reduced, with Central African countries as significant cold spots. Five main spatial relationships: positive linear, negative linear, concave, convex and undefined complex, were found among countries and the SDGs. However, these spatial relationships were fluid as they changed over time and with different levels of influence from 2016 to 2020. The study concludes that generic solutions and policies by development agencies, governments, development finance instiutions and other impact investors will not be enough in achieving the SDGs because of the spatial heterogeneity of the continent. Tailored and country-specific policies based on results of spatial statistics matter. � 2022

Source: UEW
Special education teachers’ perceptions of using assistive technology in educating students with special needs in Northern Region-Ghana

The purpose of the study was to examine how special education teachers perceive and use of assistive technology in educating persons with special needs in (state the number of schools here; e.g., 5 schools) selected schools in the Northern Region, Ghana. A descriptive research design was used for this study. Fifty teachers were randomly selected 5 special schools in the Northern Region of Ghana for the study. The instruments used to collect the data were questionnaires and interviews. The data was presented on SPSS tables and analyzed by calculating the standard deviation and the means of the responses. The results indicated that most teachers in the schools had positive opinions about the use of assistive technology, but they had inadequate knowledge and skills of the use of assistive technology. Teachers agreed that assistive technology were very effective in the teaching of persons with special needs. It was also proven that teachers encountered a lot of challenges in using assistive technology. However, the female teacher‟ faced more challenges than their male colleagues. Recommendations were made to include, more training in assistive technology to enhance teachers‟ capacity in order to adequately support children with special educational needs in Ghana. To address the problem of non-availability of some assistive technology which currently make it difficult to effectively teach children with special needs in the Northern Region, Government and for that matter the Ministry of Education and Ghana Education Service as well as the Special Education Division should collaborate to support the special schools in the Northern Region to acquire some assistive technology. Again, in terms of repairs, the Government of Ghana can help train a set of interested individuals who will readily assist the teachers in maintaining and repairing their devices instead of dumping them when they breakdown. Fresh courses on the acquisition and use of assistive technology should also be introduced into the school curriculum for special education teachers to possess these skills and abilities before being posted to the classroom.

Source: UEW
Special education teachers’ perceptions of using assistive technology in educating students with special needs in Northern Region-Ghana

The purpose of the study was to examine how special education teachers perceive and use of assistive technology in educating persons with special needs in (state the number of schools here; e.g., 5 schools) selected schools in the Northern Region, Ghana. A descriptive research design was used for this study. Fifty teachers were randomly selected 5 special schools in the Northern Region of Ghana for the study. The instruments used to collect the data were questionnaires and interviews. The data was presented on SPSS tables and analyzed by calculating the standard deviation and the means of the responses. The results indicated that most teachers in the schools had positive opinions about the use of assistive technology, but they had inadequate knowledge and skills of the use of assistive technology. Teachers agreed that assistive technology were very effective in the teaching of persons with special needs. It was also proven that teachers encountered a lot of challenges in using assistive technology. However, the female teacher’ faced more challenges than their male colleagues. Recommendations were made to include, more training in assistive technology to enhance teachers’ capacity in order to adequately support children with special educational needs in Ghana. To address the problem of non-availability of some assistive technology which currently make it difficult to effectively teach children with special needs in the Northern Region, Government and for that matter the Ministry of Education and Ghana Education Service as well as the Special Education Division should collaborate to support the special schools in the Northern Region to acquire some assistive technology. Again, in terms of repairs, the Government of Ghana can help train University of Education,Winneba xiii a set of interested individuals who will readily assist the teachers in maintaining and repairing their devices instead of dumping them when they breakdown. Fresh courses on the acquisition and use of assistive technology should also be introduced into the school curriculum for special education teachers to possess these skills and abilities before being posted to the classroom.

Source: UEW
A speech act analysis of selected presidential inaugural addresses in the 4th republic of Ghana

With the establishment of democratic cultures in Africa, the need for a deeper appreciation and application of the communicative functions (as the fundamental principles of rhetoric) which the linguistic choices of a political speaker are able to generate within a particular social context is not only essential but also critical. This study explores the illocutionary acts performed in Presidential Inaugural Addresses (PIAs) by some Ghanaian presidents of the 4th republic and their intended communicative effects on the audience. It also investigates the indicators that give rise to these acts. This is a qualitative study which adopts an exploratory design. The sample speeches used are President J. E. A. Mills’ 2009 inaugural speech and President Mahama’s 2013 inaugural speech. Rooted in Austin’s (1962) and Searle’s (1969) Speech Act Theory, four out of the five classes of illocutionary speech acts delineated by Searle are significant in the speeches. They include assertives (60.89%), commissives (20.51%), expressives (11.54%) and directives (7.05%) of the total data. The study concludes that Presidential Inaugural Speeches (PIAs) are characterized by dominant performing of assertives and no declaratives. These illocutionary acts are used to depict past, present and future situations in the country and to inspire public confidence in the governments. The acts are indicated by the interplay of the time, the mood and the subject of the verb phrase of the proposition and the use of performative verbs. The study has implications for literature on African political speeches in general and particularly, presidential speeches. It also has implications for the Speech Act Theory.

Source: UEW
Speech act of greetings in Gonja

Greeting forms are considered as socio-cultural methods developed by humans to exchange pleasantries and good wishes with the view of advancing friendship, recognition, and solidarity in a particular speech community. This study examined the speech act of greeting in the Gonja speech community. It utilizes an ethnographic design using a qualitative approach to collect data from four (4) Gonja communities and employs a purposive sampling technique to collect data through observations, audio recordings, and focus group discussions with native Gonja speakers. It was discovered that Gonja greetings reflect the universality of the phenomenon, even though there are culture- and language- specific nuances in their meanings. The data analysis also uncovered the socio-pragmatic principles guiding greeting choices as well as shedding light on the socio-cultural facets of the people that are embedded in their greetings, including the use of non-verbal cues such as squatting and lying down in showing deference to the elderly and people in authority such as chiefs.

Source: UEW
Split-ticket voting behaviour and socio-economic development in Ghana. A case of Agona East Constituency 2008-2020.

Ghana’s general elections over the years have been competitive and characterized by various patterns of voting behaviour. One notable voting behaviour among them is split ticket voting behaviour. This study set out to identify what accounts for the split-ticket voting behaviour in the Agona East constituency and its implications on socio economic development of the area. The study employed the sociological model and rational choice theory to help explain the data from the field. Voters and key informants were sampled for the study. Concurrent Mixed Methods approach was employed to collect and analyze data from the field. The study found that while the distribution of valuable items and other gifts do not influence split-ticket voters’ decisions, campaign messages and performance of ruling governments play significant role in voters’ intention to opt for split-ticket voting. It was also established that split-ticket voting behaviour breeds hostility between the DCE and the Opposition Member of Parliament in the constituency and this hinders smooth implementation of laudable socio-economic development plans in the area. The study therefore recommends that politicians must focus on the delivery of their campaign promises to attract the votes from the split ticket voters in the constituency. It also recommends that in order to promote peaceful working relationship between DCE and Opposition Member of Parliament, the DCEs must be elected by the people to ensure the promotion of socio-economic development in areas where voters engage in split-ticket voting behaviour.

Source: UEW
Spousal communication in Juo and Joa communities in the Nanumba-North Municipality-Bimbilla

This study examines factors that account for spousal communication in Juo and Joa communities in the Nanumba-North Municipality. The study also examined how spouses communicate and how spousal communication can be enhanced. A case study research design was adopted while in-depth interviews, focus group discussions and non-participant observation were used to gather qualitative data. Twenty married couples were sampled for the study. Data were analyzed thematically and explained using communication theories (interpretive and interaction Theories) and Social exchange theory as the theoretical basis. The findings show that infidelity, inadequate sexual role, infertility, performance self-responsibility, affection, and tolerance are factors that account for spousal communication. It was also found that couples communicate verbally and non-verbally through words and proxemics (distance), facial expression, paralanguage (manner of communication), eye contact, personal attire, hand gestures, body position, posture, head movement, material gifts, silent protest, physical assault, avoidance, responsibility taking, engagement, sexual denial and adequate sexual role respectively. The study concluded that spousal communication can be enhanced through decision-making, affection, engagement, responsibility taking, adequate sexual role and tolerance.

Source: UEW