ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
A comparative study of the evolution of tourism policy in Spain and Portugal

The purposes of this study are to analyze and compare the way in which tourism policy has evolved in Spain and Portugal. Our study covers an extensive period of time, enabling the similarities and differences between the two processes and the effects of the main factors involved to be highlighted phase by phase. We start by looking at the genesis of tourism authorities, whose principal objective was to promote the countries and improve their external image. We will then see how the onset of mass tourism led to changes in strategy, which now sought to maximize revenue in order to fund national development. The third phase will deal with the restructuring of the countries' respective tourism authorities, whereby policies and planning were tailored to accommodate the changes that had occurred in the sector. We will conclude by suggesting a series of topics for debate, notably the Latin model of tourism development

Source: UCC
Comparative study of the logistic regression analysis and the discriminant analysis

This thesis considers logistic regression and discriminant analysis. Because the ordinary least regression requires that a dependent variable in a study cannot be categorical, the logistic regression and the discriminant analysis techniques are two major techniques that are often used to handle categorical dependent variable problems. This study, therefore, seeks to getting answer to the question of whether using the logistic regression and the discriminant analysis techniques, on the same data set, would yield the same result or not. Since the logistic regression and the discriminant analysis methods relates in many ways, extensive review of the theories behind them and comparison, in terms of similarities and differences, were necessary and have therefore been captured in the study. The graphical nature of the two techniques, interpretation of results, in using the two techniques, and significant tests of the various aspects of the two techniques are also not left out. At the end, empirical comparison of the binary logistic regression and the two-group discriminant analysis was made and the result for this comparison suggests that logistic regression gives a better result than two-group discriminant analysis when all requirements and assumptions of the two techniques are met. Finally, summary of the findings of the research is also captured in the study and consideration also given to discussion and conclusion about the findings.

Source: UCC
A comparative study of the perceived learning strategies junior and senior high school students adopt when assessed with different item formats

This study aimed at comparing the types of learning strategies Junior and Senior High School students adopt when they are assessed with different item formats in English Language, Core Mathematics and Integrated Science examinations. The population for the study was students from the Junior and Senior High Schools in the Komenda-Edina-Eguafo-Abirem (KEEA) District. A sample size of 600 students (300 from each level) were selected for the study. The Lottery method of the simple random sampling and a multi-level sampling technique were used in selecting the Junior and Senior High School students respectively. A descriptive survey design was carried out using questionnaire as the main instrument for data collection. The data were analysed using frequencies, percentages and Chi-square tests. Results revealed that the Senior High School students adopt deep learning strategies towards both multiple-choice and essay item formats in all the three core subjects. In contrast, the Junior High School students adopted surface learning strategies in preparing towards both items formats in all the three core subjects. The results also showed that students’ adoption of specific learning strategies were based on several reasons like their prior experience and control of examination anxieties. The study recommended that the Teacher Education Division of the Ghana Education Service in collaboration with the Faculty of Educational Foundations of the University of Cape Coast and the Department of Psychology and Education of the University of Education, Winneba, who have experts in this regard organise in-service training for teachers on how to construct multiple-choice and essay items that measure outcomes beyond the knowledge level and this will challenge students to adopt appropriate strategies in learning.

Source: UCC
A comparative study of the quality and shelf life of fish smoked using chorkor oven and ahotor oven

A number of traditional fish processing methods exist in Ghana with the most common being smoking using the Chorkor oven. Studies have, however, shown that smoking with Chorkor oven has both health and environmental implications through release of PAHs and other compounds that are carcinogenic, and increased deforestation which accelerates climate change through excessive use of firewood. The Ahotor oven was designed in order to address the issues posed by the use of Chorkor oven. To enhance its adoption, a comparative study was carried out to determine the quality and the shelf life of products smoked using Chorkor oven and Ahotor oven. Two fishing communities, namely; Winneba and Shama-Kesewokan were selected as the study locations while Atlantic chub mackerel (Scomber colias) was the selected species. Fish samples at both sites were smoked using both ovens and analyzed with respect to safety and shelf-life. Results revealed that aroma, texture, moisture and protein varied significantly while appearance, taste, acceptability, ash content, fiber content did not vary significantly in quality and shelf life indicators of fish smoked using the two oven types at the two study sites. TVB-N and PV values obtained were both within maximum acceptable limits for smoked fish smoke with two ovens. PAHs for Chorkor oven smoked samples were higher than those smoked with Ahotor oven, however, they both exceeded the EU maximum residue limit of PAHs in smoked fish. From this research, it can be concluded that fish smoked with these two ovens are not significantly different in terms of quality and shelf life, however, there is the need for a standardized method of fish smoking.

Source: UCC
A Comparative Study of the Quality of Wastewater from Tema Oil Refinery (TOR) Against EPA Standards and its Effect on the Environment

The proliferation of industrialization has resulted in increased wastewater generation and its disposal has rapidly been of serious concern in recent times to environmental scientists. The discharge of these untreated or partially treated effluents into the environment, especially, surface water poses a great threat to the environment and also causes adverse human health. Industrial wastewater may contain high levels of contaminants such as suspended, colloidal and dissolved minerals, inert organic matter, heavy metals, possible pathogenic bacteria which might be either excessively acidic or alkaline in a way that may have negative impact on all forms of life in the environment. This study was therefore conducted to determine the treated effluent quality of Tema (Ghana) Oil Refinery against the Ghana Environmental Protection Agency (EPA standards and also assess its impact on the environment. Samples of the effluents discharged from the refinery were taken and analyzed for physico-chemical parameters as well as Heavy Metals; lead (Pb), manganese (Mn), chromium(Cr), vanadium (V), nickel (Ni), copper (Cu) and iron (Fe) for three consecutive months and their mean values compared with EPA standard. The results revealed that, all the heavy metals were within the standard of the EPA regulatory standard but mean conductivity was very high with a mean value of 10399.0 as against 1500 . Also a high TDS mean value of 5358.67mg/l was recorded as against the EPA standard of 1000mg/l. Unsatisfactory mean levels of BOD and COD which reflected the organic load in the water were recorded. The BOD value was found to be 60mg/l as against the EPA standard of 50mg/l while COD value was 423.7mg/l which was far above the EPA standard of 250mg/l. It is therefore recommended that, the wastewater treatment unit of the Tema Oil Refinery should be revamped to enhance the control of contaminant levels of the final effluent discharged into the environment.

Source: UCC
A comparative study of the super cooling and carbonization processes of the gibbsitic Ghanaian Bauxite

A comparative study of the super cooling and carbonization processes of the gibbsitic Ghanaian Bauxite was investigated. Carbonization of the sodium aluminate solution (NaAl(OH)4 was carried out by introducing CO2 at atmospheric pressure into the solution to obtain aluminate trihydrate gel precipitate which was calcined at a temperature of 550 °C to produce gamma-alumina why in the super-cooling process, fresh alumina seed was used to precipitate the pregnant solution(NaAl(OH)4. The effect of Lime in desiliconisation, precipitating time, lime addition and alumina yield were determined. The percentage yield of aluminum obtained at the end of experiment for carbonization and super cooling were 92% and 62% at 6 hours and 100 hours respectively. The desiliconisation of 0.0008-0.001g/l of SiO2 was effectively achieved by the addition of varied concentration of lime. The average particle size of 0.105 and 0.193 mm for both super cooling and carbonization process were obtained from the products respectively

Source: UCC
A comparative study of three drying methods for preservation of the giant African snail (Achatina achatina) meat

The meat of the giant African snail (Achatina achatina) was preserved utilising solar drying, tray drying, and traditional hot air/smoking method. The study compared the effectiveness of the three drying methods on the basis of the nutritional, microbiological and sensory attributes of the dried snail samples. In addition, the cost and operational requirements of the three dryers were evaluated. Results obtained showed that, protein (89.92±0.49%), fat (4.76±0.13%), ash (3.84±0.30%), and energy (1729.92±8.09 kJ/100g) were highest in the dried sample from the traditional hot air/smoke dryer, but was lowest in total carbohydrate (1.48±0.06%), all on dry matter basis. In addition, the sample dried using the traditional hot air/smoke dryer, comparatively had least microbial numbers after drying and throughout the storage period of 30 weeks with good sensory attributes making it the most preferred method for drying snail meat

Source: UCC
Comparative study of tilapiine populations from two contrasting habitats in Ghana

The study investigates heavy metal (Arsenic, Cadmium, Lead and Mercury) concentrations in the black chinned tilapia (Sarotherodon melanotheron) inhabiting Benya (an open lagoon) and Fosu (closed lagoon) in the Central Region of Ghana, as well as an analysis of the size –gill relations of the cichlids. The determination of heavy metal concentrations involved the use of CHRIST BETA 1 – 16 freeze drying machine to digest the fish samples which were then asprated using AAS 240fs process. The weight, standard and total lengths as well as gill length and volume of the remaining sample were determined. The results indicated that fish samples from the Fosu lagoon recorded relatively higher Cd (0.28 mg/kg) and As (0.144 mg/kg) concentrations. However, fish samples from Benya had higher concentration of Pb (0.88 mg/kg). The levels of mercury concentration in the fish from both lagoons were below detection limits (µ0.001 mg/kg). Concentrations of Cd in the fish samples from the two populations was statistically significant (p<0.000). However, the differences in the concentrations of Pb and As were not statistically significant (p>0.05). The S. melanotheron specimens from Benya lagoon were much longer than those from Fosu lagoon. There was a positive curvilinear relationship between the standard length and body weight of both populations, with the correlation coefficient being slightly higher for the Benya (r = 0.96) than the Fosu (r = 0.92). Growth was isometric in both cases (b= 2.54, t= 1.2, P> 0.05 for Benya; b= 2.51, t = 0.92, P> 0.05 for Fosu). In both populations, gill length correlated weakly with standard length in a positive linear function (r < 0.45) while gill volume showed a considerably strong linear relationship with body weight in the Benya population (r = 0.70) although this correlation was moderate for the Fosu population (r = 0.54).

Source: UCC
Comparative study on agar and cassava gelled media in in-vitro propagation of ginger

Ginger is propagated vegetatively using underground rhizomes. Most farmers use planting materials saved from previous harvest. These materials could have been sold for cash. Contingent on this, many farmers are reluctant to use healthy succulent rhizomes for planting. These are rather sold thereby resulting in acute shortage of planting materials. Tissue culture technique can be applied to mass produce seedlings for distribution to ginger farmers. This however, is not cost effective now due to lack of the necessary materials required for tissue culture. Most of the materials for tissue culture are not locally available and are therefore, procured at prohibitive cost. It is on the basis of these considerations that the present research was set up to develop a locally available and cheap protocol that is reproducible in ginger plant tissue culture work. Cassava flour possesses gelling properties with potentials for preparation of plant tissue culture medium. Agar gelled medium was compared with cassava gelled medium. Cassava gelled medium at four weeks after initiation, gave a higher mean value of 2.033 buds per plant and bud length of 1.411 cm compared to agar with a mean value of 1.9 buds and 1.192 cm, respectively (P>0.05). At eight weeks, cassava consistently gave a higher mean value of 2.611 buds per plant and bud length of 2.19 cm compared to agar with a mean value of 1.944 buds per plant and 1.42 cm respectively (P>0.05)

Source: UCC
A comparative study on some techniques for fitting linear regression models to big data

This study examines the applicability of two Random Projection and Merge and Reduce methods, widely used in Computer Science, for linear regression analysis of big data in Statistics. The Clarkson-Woodruff, Rademacher Matrix as well as the Merge and Reduce techniques are used as data reduction techniques before performing a linear regression analysis on big data sets. The Classical Merge and Reduce approach uses parameter estimates and standard errors as summary values. In summary statistics, the Bayesian Merge and Reduce approach uses some characteristics of the posterior distribution. The study reveals that the techniques considered in this thesis are good data reduction techniques for fitting linear regression models to big data sets. The Clarkson-Woodruff method provides faster and more reliable reduced data sets for linear regression analysis. The Merge and Reduce models better approximate the true Poisson and linear regression models provided there are enough observations per variable per block (5000 observations per block). However, for data sets with unbalanced factor variables, the Bayesian Merge and Reduce models approximate the true models better than the Classical Merge and Reduce models. The Merge and Reduce models show good approximations of the true models when outliers are evenly distributed among blocks. But the standard errors are overestimated for models without intercept terms. For uneven distribution of outliers, the Random Projection methods provide reliable results. The methods considered in this thesis are largely used in Computers Science, but they can be used for efficient linear regression analysis of big data sets.

Source: UCC
Comparative Study on the Organoleptic Properties of Salted Fermented Fish

Salted fish is a Ghanaian delicacy used in meal preparation as a flavour and taste enhancer. This product is less expensive and afforded by all manner of persons across families and generations. The objective of the study was to compare two fermented fish (opaa and saflo) in their organoleptic properties and macro-nutrients composition. The mixed method design comprising sensory evaluation and laboratory work were employed for the study. Purposive and convenience sampling were used to select fishes from Mankessim market and panelists for the study. Questionnaires were used to collect data for sensory evaluation. The data was analysed using descriptive statistics and the means compared with two sample t-test. The study revealed that both fishes had good organoleptic properties and nutritional values. However, the palm nut soup used had statistical significant different in their organoleptic properties with a value of 0.002 which is less than the alpha value of 0.05. The fresh and fermented fishes had varied amount in their macro-nutrients composition. Hence, both fishes in their fresh and fermented had statistically significant difference with values of 0.018 and 0.021 for opaa and saflo respectively. The study recommended that, fermented fish should be used other protein sources to beef up their protein values due to the decrease in their nutrient values after fermentation. Additionally, spices like ginger, garlic, pepper can be used to boost their organoleptic properties during fermentation.

Source: UCC
Comparing concept mapping and traditional methods in teaching some selected topics in biology at Senior High School level in Ghana

The purpose of this study was to compare the concept mapping approach which is based on constructivist theory to the traditional method of teaching biology in senior high schools. Two intact classes were randomly selected from five co-educational senior high schools offering elective biology in the New Juaben Municipality. The design used was the pretest post nonequivalent quasi design. The sample size was 105 students. The experimental group consisted of 51 students while the control group consisted of 54 students. The students in the experimental group were instructed with concept mapping while the control group were instructed with the traditional method. Both groups were taught the same content which was on photosynthesis and internal respiration. Means, standard deviations, frequencies, Mann Whitney U, independent sample t-test, paired sample t-test, one way MANOV A, two _ way ANOVA, and Pearson's Product Moment Coefficient correlation and thematic content analysis were used to analyse the data. The results indicated that those instructed with concept mapping did better than those instructed with traditional method. The result also revealed that both males and females constructed concept maps alike. Also those exposed to concept mapping showed positive perception towards concept mapping. It has been recommended that concept mapping method should be encouraged in many biology classes at the SHS. Much attention should be given to students concerning analysis and other high order cognitive level questions.

Source: UCC
Comparing Different Methods of Measuring Accommodative Amplitude with Hofstetter’s Normative Values in a Ghanaian Population

Amplitude of accommodation (AoA) can be determined clinically using different methods. Some methods are known to be more reliable than others for measuring AoA in different age categories. The purpose of this study was to compare Hofstetter’s age-expected norms with five recommended methods of measuring AoA in order to determine age-appropriate techniques for a Ghanaian population. Materials and methods: AoA was measured using four subjective methods (push-up, push-down, minus lens, and modified push-up) and one objective method, the modified dynamic retinoscopy. The amplitudes obtained by each technique were compared to each other and also compared to the ageexpected amplitudes as predicted by Hofstetter’s equations. Results: 352 non-presbyopes aged 10–39 years were included in this study. All five methods except the push-up (p = 0.089) and modified push-up (p = 0.081) differed significantly from Hofstetter’s data, while the modified dynamic retinoscopy recorded the strongest agreement with Hofstetter’s average (ICC = 0.78, p ˂ 0.001). With reference to Hofstetter’s expected AoA, the minus lens, push-down, modified dynamic retinoscopy, and modified push-up methods underestimated AoA by −4.18D, −1.99D, −0.48D, and −0.43D, respectively. As age increased, underestimated AoA values by the minus lens (10–19 years: −5.57D, 20–29 years: −3.50D, 30–39 years: −2.39D), modified push-up (10–19 years: −1.51D, 20–29 years: +0.40D, 30–39 years: +0.56D), and push-down (10–19 years: −2.90D, 20–29 years: −1.07D, 30–39 years: −1.46D) methods decreased but the modified push-up in relation to Hofstetter’s expected was most accurate for the older age. The push-up, on the other hand, overestimated accommodation in all age categories by +0.42D (10–19 years: +0.01D, 20–29 years: +0.82D, 30–39 years: 0.67D). Thus, the push-up method became more accurate as age decreased. Conclusion: This study suggested that Hofstetter’s formulae could be used to predict the amplitudes of Ghanaian non-presbyopes aged 10–39 years using the push-up and modified push-up. With regard to Hofstetter’s data, the push-up method was more accurate for the younger age-group 10–19 years while the modified push-up was more accurate for the older age-group 20–39.

Source: UCC
Comparing reading and understanding levels of junior high school student who read electronic texts with the level of those who read printed texts

An experimental posttest-only control-group design was used to assess the influence of electronic text on the reading comprehension of junior high school students of Akosombo Volta River Authority Junior High School No. 1. A convenience sample of 140 randomly assigned students was used for this research. Half of the students used passages from text read on screens while the other half used traditional print text passages. Data was collected during one class period in which the reading comprehension section of the ReadTheory Reading Test was administered. An independent t-test was used to analyze the reading comprehension data. The influence of electronic text on the reading motivation of junior high school students was examined using a quasi-experimental pretest-posttest control-group design. All participants took the initial Motivations for Reading Questionnaire, on the next day. A posttest MRQ was administered in which 27 participants completed the MRQ after reading a printed text passage, and 27 participants completed the MRQ after reading the same passage in electronic form. Reading motivation data was analyzed using a MANOVA. Results established no significant differences in either reading comprehension or motivation levels based on printed text format. It was recommended that additional research questions regarding the use of adjustments to readability features of electronic text, and data could be collected by inserting researcher-created questions at the end of the research instrument. Additionally, this study could be furthered by having the paper test administrators’ record finishing times for a statistical comparison of the two groups.

Source: UCC
Comparing students' performance in examinations at the St. Joseph senior high school

My motivation to embark on this project work was triggered by the academic performance of the students in St. Joseph Senior High Secondary/Technical. The main objectives of this study were to compare the performance of male and female students, use principal components to determine indices for ranking the students in descending order. The Data used in the analysis were sourced from the students’ of St. Joseph Senior High Secondary/Technical third term terminal examination results. Hotelling’s T-squared test and Principal Component Analysis were the main statistical tools used in the study. The test revealed that the males outperformed the females in the examination. The first principal component of the unrotated component matrix, was found to be the most suitable index that was used to determine the performance of students by ranking.

Source: UCC