ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Effects of harvesting times and fertilizer application on cassava yield and quality in two agroecological zones of Nigeria

Farmers desire to harvest cassava roots with high total dry matter and of good quality at shorter times. However, they have limited knowledge regarding combinations of improved varieties and right types and rates of fertilizer application that are most suitable for their agro-ecological zones. The study was earned out to quantify total dry matter and root quality response of six cassava varieties to fertilizer application and intra-annual rainfall variability in two agro-ecological zones of Nigeria. Two field experiments were conducted at Oke-oyi and Ikenne. Three inorganic NPK fertilizer types were applied at two rates to six cassava varieties in a split split plot arrangement with three replicates. In each experiment cassava was harvested destructively at 6, 8, 10 and 12 MAP. Data on yield and quality parameters were analyzed using SAS, means separation by LSD 5%. The results revealed that fertilizer application significantly increased all the parameters measured at Ikenne (at both experimental sites) except fresh storage root weight and diy matter content at Oke-oyi. TME 419 had higher starch content at Ikenne while TMS 96/1632 had significant higher starch content at Oke-oyi. Cyanide potential was highest in TMS 96/1632 and TMS 30572 at 12 MAP at Oke-oyi and Ikenne respectively. NPK 12-12-17 was observed to perform belter than other fertilizer types. This study showed that application of NPK 12-12-17 fertilizer at 300 kg ha ' to cassava varieties TME 419 and TMS 98/0505 at study sites, increased total dry matter root yield, starch content and showed low cyanide potential. Fanners who plant these two cassava varieties either for food or for industrial purposes at the two sites will earn higher income.

Source: UCC
Effects of human encroachment on Wetlands in Ghana: The case of Sakumono Ramsar site

The study set out to examine the effects of human encroachment on the Sakumo Ramsar Site. Descriptive and cross-sectional designs were employed to study 102 household heads from Lahibi, Sakumono, Klagon and Tema, as well as the Director of the Wildlife Department. Interview schedules were used to collect quantitative data from household heads, while interview guide was used to solicit qualitative data from the Director of the Wildlife Department. The quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics, such as means, modes, medians, percentages and Mann Whitney U test. The qualitative data were presented as discussions. The study revealed that there were seasonal and permanent spatiotemporal changes in the Sakumo Ramsar Site. These were seen in the size, saturation and vegetal cover of the land. The most harmful land use of the site was those that related to construction as this had taken up significant portions of the site and was adding to bare surface areas in the wetlands. The major factor contributing to encroachment on the Ramsar Site was the corruption and poor monitoring of officials that allowed estate developers to use the lands for construction.The Wildlife Department was advised to embark on environmental education into the communities around the Sakumo wetlands. Collaboration among relevant environmental protection institutions for the enforcement environmental laws against encroachment on the wetlands was also suggested. Household heads were advised to report all illegal land uses of the wetlands to the relevant environmental protection authorities for action and redress.

Source: UCC
Effects of human resource management practices on employee performance of selected Commercial Banks in Cape Coast Metropolis, Ghana

The study seeks to explore the strategic role of human resource management practices on employee‟s performance of some selected commercial banks in Cape Coast metropolis, Ghana. This study was empowered by Resource Based View Theory. In particular, the primary data was collected through standard questionnaires from a random and purposive selected sample of 97 employees of the selected banks. Regression model was used to analyze the data SPSS presented. The findings of this study reported that HRM practices (Recruitment and Selection, Training and Development, Performance Management) are positively related to employee‟s performance. The significance of this study is to investigate the relationship of HR practices on employee performance in selected Banks in Cape Coast, Ghana. The study also provides meaningful insight about HRMPs and employees performance in organizations for academics and professional research. It directs organizations especially the banks under study in their effort to recruit and select, train and develop and manage the performance of their employees. It also helps to provide clarity and concise procedures for developing and implementing HR strategies to ensure effectiveness and efficiency in organizations. In addition, the study contains factual information that contributes to existing body of knowledge in academia, helping to broaden minds on the concept and scope of HRM

Source: UCC
Effects of Hydroalcoholic leaf Extract of Ficus Exasperata Vahl (Moraceae) In Carrageenan! Kaolin-Induced Acute and Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain in Rats

Background: Leaf extracts of Ficus exasperata has been used traditionally sprains, sore eyes, rheumatism and arthritis. in Ghana for the management of Objective: This study evaluates the scientific basis for the use of Ficus exasperata leaves in the management of acute and chronic musculoskeletal pain Methods: The carrageenan-kaolin-induced hyperalgesia model was used to assess acute and chronic musculoskeletal pain using the Randall-Sellito and the grip strength tests using morphine as a reference drug. Results: F. exasperata extract (30-300 mg kg-i) significantly and dose-dependently decreased acute skeletal pain as well as chronic skeletal hyperalgesia in the ipsilateral and contralateral paws with maximum possible anti-hyperalgesia effects being achieved at the highest dose. Furthermore, it completely reversed both acute and chronic muscle hyperalgesia in a significant and dose- dependent manner. Conclusion: These findings thus support the usefulness of Ficus exasperata leaf extracts in the management of musculoskeletal pain.

Source: UCC
Effects of Hydroalcoholic leaf Extract of Ficus Exasperata Vahl (Moraceae) In Carrageenan! Kaolin-Induced Acute and Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain in Rats

Background: Leaf extracts of Ficus exasperata has been used traditionally in Ghana for the management of sprains, sore eyes, rheumatism and arthritis. Objective: This study evaluates the scientific basis for the use of Ficus exasperata leaves in the management of acute and chronic musculoskeletal pain Methods: The carrageenan-kaolin-induced hyperalgesia model was used to assess acute and chronic musculoskeletal pain using the Randall-Sellito and the grip strength tests using morphine as a reference drug. Results: F. exasperata extract (30-300 mg kg-i) significantly and dose-dependently decreased acute skeletal pain as well as chronic skeletal hyperalgesia in the ipsilateral and contralateral paws with maximum possible anti-hyperalgesia effects being achieved at the highest dose. Furthermore, it completely reversed both acute and chronic muscle hyperalgesia in a significant and dosedependent manner. Conclusion: These findings thus support the usefulness of Ficus exasperata leaf extracts in the management of musculoskeletal pain.

Source: UCC
Effects of hyrdroethanolic leaf extract of Pseudospondias microcarpa (A. Rich.) Engl. (Anacardiaceae) on the Central Nervous System in Mice

Pseudospondias microcarpa (Anacardiaceae), the African grape tree, is used for various CNS disorders. The neuropharmacological activities of the hydroethanolic leaf extract of Pseudospondias microcarpa (PME) were screened in mice. In this study, the central nervous system (CNS) activity was tested in various animal models including Irwin test, pentobarbitone-induced sleeping time, spontaneous motor activity, rotarod test, pentylenetetrazole-induced convulsions and tail immersion test. The extract produced sedation and analgesia in the Irwin test with an LD50 above 3000 mg kg-1. PME potentiated pentobarbitone sleeping time and induced hepatic enzymes. It however, showed no effect on locomotor activity or motor coordination. Furthermore, the extract blocked convulsions induced by PTZ and showed analgesic activity in the tail withdrawal test. The present investigation suggests that PME may act as a sedative with analgesic and anticonvulsant activity, and thus supporting its use as a sedative and for the relief of various nervous system disorders.

Source: UCC
Effects of ICTs on students' knowledge of environment and environmental problems in junior high schools students of Twifo Hemang Lower Denkyira District, Central Region

This study investigated the effects of ICTs on JHS students' knowledge of environment and environmental problems in Twifo Hemang Lower Denkyira District, Central Region. Quasi-experimental research, the pretest-post-test control group design was used for the study. The sample for the study was 120 students from four selected schools which composed of 60 students each in the control and experimental group. The data was analysed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. The study found that ICTs was effective in increasing students' knowledge and understanding of environment and environmental problems in. It also found that the majority of the students had positive attitude towards environment and environmental problems. The study recommended that the District Directorate of Education through school administrators need to encourage the adoption and use of ICT in teaching Social Studies in school levels and Social Studies curriculum should be enriched to incorporate more environmental issues.

Source: UCC
Effects of Inflation and Interest Rate on Exchange Rate in Ghana

The study assessed the effects of inflation and interest rate on exchange rate in Ghana using data from 1991 to 2016. Inflation rate, interest rate, government expenditure, private investment and money supply were used as independent variables whereas exchange rate was taken as dependent variable. Augmented Dickey-Fuller (ADF), Philips-Perron (PP) unit root tests were applied to find the level of integration in the time series. Auto-Regressive Distributive Lag and its error correction model were applied to find long run and short run relationships. The study found the existence of long run and short run relationships in the estimated model. Inflation, interest rate, government expenditure and money supply exerted positive and significant impact on exchange rate both in the short run and long run. Inflation and money supply had higher impacts in the short run compared to the long run. Private investment showed a negative effect on exchange rate in the short run and long run. The Granger causality test results revealed a unidirectional causality from interest rate to exchange rate. However, there was a bi-directional causality between inflation and exchange rate. It was therefore recommended that the Bank of Ghana needs to ensure a stable exchange rate in order to stimulate economic growth in Ghana. Thus, the Bank of Ghana needs to put measures in place to ensure a stable exchange rate for sustained period of time.

Source: UCC
The effects of inflation,exchange rate,and interest rate on economic growth in Ghana

Several studies have explored the impact of macroeconomic variables on economic growth. Such works have often established a significant relationship between these variables (Agyapong et‟al, 2016; Mensah and Okyere, 2015; Agalega and Antwi, 2013; Khan and Senhadji, 2011; Hausmann et‟al, 2005). The main purpose of this study is to find the effect of exchange rate, inflation, and interest rate on economic growth in Ghana. The general objective of the study is to determine if these three macroeconomic variables have a significant impact on economic growth. Using data from world development indicators (World Bank) for the period 1980 to 2015, the study applied autoregressive distributed lag model (ARDL) for the estimation of the model. The results revealed that exchange rate depreciation has a statistically significant positive impact on economic growth in the long-run and a negative and a statistically insignificant impact in the short-run. Unlike exchange rate, the study suggests a statistically insignificant effect of inflation on economic growth in the long-run but a negative and statistically significant impact in the short-run. Interest rate however exerted a negative and significant effect in both the long and short run. The study recommended that the Bank of Ghana (BoG) and the Ministry of Finance continue the implementation and reduction of the Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) and Inflation Targeting (IT) to very low levels practicably possible to stimulate investment. It also recommended that Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Trade, the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, the export promotion center, and the Ghana investment promotion center put programs and projects in place to encourage the processing and production of goods and services for the export market.

Source: UCC
The Effects of Information and Communication Technology Tools on Teaching and Learning: A Case Study of Presbytarian Boys’ Senior High School, Legon

The study examined the effects of information and communication technology (ICT) tools used in teaching and learning, which is a case study of Presbyterian Boys’ Senior High School in Greater Accra Region. The study is underpinned by Valsiner’s (1997) zone theory. A combination of qualitative and quantitative research designs were chosen for this study. Purposive sampling technique was used to select the senior high school teachers in Presbyterian Boys’ Senior High School. In all, 50 teachers were selected for the study and 20 heads of department were interviewed. Self-administered questionnaire was used as an instrument for the study. SPSS version 21.0 was the software used for the data analysis. Specifically, the study revealed that majority of the teachers had positive attitudes towards teaching with ICT tools. The findings of the study revealed that the teachers were confident or very confident with the basics of operating PC (using keyboards, mouse), using word processors (such as MS Word) and using PowerPoint software. However, majority of the teachers are not confident using spreadsheets (such as MS Excel). It was recommended that authorities of senior high schools in Ghana should collaborate with the Ghana Education Service, education stakeholders and development partners to expand ICT infrastructure on various senior high schools. Furthermore, the Government of Ghana should build more computer laboratories; increase the number of computers as well as Internet bandwidth and speed, this would help increase the rate at which teachers use ICT tools for teaching.

Source: UCC
Effects of Inland Valley Rice Project on Farmers in Shama District of Western Region

The Inland Valley Rice Project enhances agriculture by improving soil fertility, conserving water, and offering a sustainable method for continuous planting. However, low farmer engagement, marketing challenges, and restricted access to irrigated land hinder the project's success and result in socioeconomic difficulties, high transportation costs, and decreased profits for farmers. This study evaluated the effects of the inland valley rice project on farmers in the Shama District. Specifically, the study accessed the level of access to land by farmers, examined the factors influencing market accessibility of farmers, examined the efficiency of inland valley rice production in the Shama district, and analysed the effects of the project on the livelihood outcomes of farmers. The underlined principle and research approach was Pragmatism and a descriptive mixed-method approach. Data were generated from 185 respondents using questionnaires and interview guides. It was found that gender-based disparities in agricultural land ownership prevail in the Shama district, with male farmers dominating. Factors influencing market accessibility include distance to market centres, transportation modes, and road conditions. It was found that the seasonal average rice yield significantly surpasses the national average yield of 26.56 bags/Acre by 29.80 bags/Acre. The project creates employment opportunities, contributing to local job opportunities and increasing income generation. However, challenges related to mechanization affected the efficiency of the project. It is recommended that the government explore options for providing farmers with affordable and secure land access to ensure the efficient production of Inland Valley rice.

Source: UCC
Effects of Innovativeness and Firm Resources on the Growth of Small Enterprises in the Ga South Municipality in Ghana

This study sought to examine the effects of innovativeness and firm resources on the growth of small enterprises in the Ga South Municipality in Ghana. The study employed a quantitative approach using a cross sectional design. A sample of 188 registered small enterprises was selected from a population of 368 based on Krejcie and Morgan’s 1970 Table for determining sample size. Simple random sampling technique was used in selecting the sample for the study. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire with a response rate of 55 percent. Key findings were that innovativeness and firm resources both affected the growth of small enterprises in the Ga South Municipality. It was concluded that to enhance their growth, small enterprises must be encouraged to be more innovative, reinforce and maximise the effective use of resources.

Source: UCC
The Effects Of Instructional Quality On Students’ Learning Outcomes In Mathematics Word Problems

Word problems are mathematics tasks that are linguistically framed with a context. The context of word problems may involve a story or an application illustration linked to the tasks. The planners of the mathematics curriculum have envisaged the use of word problems to bridge the wedge between mathematics and the real world. Consequently, the Senior High School Core-Mathematics curriculum and the West African Senior Secondary Certificate Examination in core mathematics are inundated with word problem tasks. Nonetheless, researchers and the West African Examination Council have consistently reported weaknesses in high school students’ ability to solve word problem tasks. Previous studies and examination reports have sought to question the quality of word problem instruction. Consequently, by using a pragmatist paradigm mainly through questionnaire, interview and test, this study explored how the quality of instruction affected the word problem solving ability of students in six senior high schools in the Ashanti region. The findings showed that students’ performance was low and the quality of instruction moderate. Besides, the categorisation of high schools had an effect on students’ word problem test scores. Furthermore, the study showed that the quality of instruction as well as students’ mathematics language competence directly predicted students’ word problem test performance. However, the positive association between instructional quality and performance was dampened by teachers’ poor integration of technology in teaching. It is therefore suggested that mathematics teachers should not skip word problems, try to enact quality word problem instruction, endeavour to develop the mathematics vocabulary of students, and devise appropriate strategies to integrate technology tools in teaching word problems.

Source: UCC
Effects of Inter-Hall Student Vandalism on the Development of The University of Cape Coast

Studies have shown that student vandalism adversely affects educational institutions and properties. It is also generally accepted that school facilities, adequate furniture and equipment, as well as clean ablution facilities, are conducive to a healthy learning environment. This study therefore aimed at examining the effects of inter-hall student vandalism on the development of the University of Cape Coast. The descriptive research design was employed to observe, describe and record the impacts of vandalism and interpret the relationship between inter-hall vandalism and its effects on the university. Random and purposive sampling techniques were used to sample 410 participants (comprising 390 students and 20 senior members (9 hall-masters and 11 lecturers) from the study population of students, lecturers and hall staff. The questionnaire was used for the data collection. The study revealed that supremacy, vengeance, peer pressure, and discrimination were the primary causes of vandalism with 75.36%, 60.97%, 58.78%, and 52.19% respondent identification, respectively. The regression model also revealed that supremacy, vengeance, peer pressure, and discrimination impact interhall vandalism (p < 0.001). The study further found that vandalism contributes to the destruction of school property (96.34%); induces fear and panic (94.39%); leads to defacing hall symbols (60.73%) and damages property (72.43%). Areas most affected by inter-hall student vandalism include residential halls (99.02%), recreational areas (73.41%), academic buildings (94.39%) and public spaces (96.83%). The study recommends the implementation of proactive prevention programmes aimed at addressing the root causes of inter-hall student vandalism in tertiary institutions.

Source: UCC
Effects of interfirm co-operation on performance of small and medium scale enterprises in Dormaa Central Municipality, Ghana

Interfirm co-operation among organisations has become increasingly vital in modern business environments graced with immense unhealthy competitions. The study examines interfirm co-operation and performance of Small and medium-sized Enterprises in the Dormaa Municipality of Ghana. This quantitative study was underpinned by the network theory of social capital. The study employed the explanatory research design due to its research objectives. Out of a target population of 216 Small and Medium-sized Enterprises in the municipality, 140 of them were randomly sampled, using the Krejcie and Morgan (1970) sampling determination table. Questionnaires were then administered to owner/managers of these Small and Medium-sized Enterprises and obtained a response rate of 100 percent. Data obtained were processed, using Statistical Package for Service Solution version 22 and analysed, using both descriptive and inferential statistical tools such as frequencies, percentages, means, relative important index and multinomial logistics regression. The study found that some forms/types of Interfirm co-operation strategies included cluster, joint venture and networking. Also, interfirm co-operation was found to have a positive impact on firm performance such as improved sales margin and profit level. The study concluded that Small and Medium-sized Enterprises that continuously collaborate with other firms within or outside their geographical areas are able to enhance their overall performances. The study, therefore, recommended that, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises within the Dormaa Municipality should continuously integrate with other firms through clustering, networking and joint venturing to enhance their performance levels.

Source: UCC