ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Utilization of Field Trips in the Teaching of Social Studies in Colleges of Education in the Volta Region, Ghana

The main aim of the study was to examine how field trips could be utilized in the teaching of Social Studies in Colleges of Education in the Volta Region of Ghana. In this regard, four research questions were formulated to guide the study. To answer these research questions, the researcher adopted the descriptive survey approach for the study. Thus, the researcher collected and analysed data quantitatively. The population of the study included Social Studies tutors and students of Social Studies department in the Colleges of Education in the Volta Region. The purposive sampling technique was employed to select 35 tutors while the simple random sampling method was used to select 316 students. Data were collected using two sets of questionnaires. The data were analysed using frequency counts and percentages and presented using tables and charts. The findings of the study revealed that the main methods of integrating field trips is to embark on field trips as stated by about 91.4% of the tutors and 91.2% of the students. The findings also revealed the use of virtual reality animations and models. In addition, the study revealed that majority of the students have positive perception about field trips since 73.7% of them prefer field trips that are more educational than fun. However, 65.7% of tutors stated otherwise. Further, 94.3% of the tutors and 79.5% of the students indicated that organising field trips is stressful. It has been recommended that appropriate procedures are adopted for students and tutors in order to facilitate the organisation of field trips.

Source: UCC
Utilization of hotels in the Central region: A case study of hotels in the Cape Coast and Elmina municipalities

The importance of hotels as central in the development of tourism cannot be underestimated - because they serve as the home base of the tourist (Fridgen, 1991) and also contribute to about 30 percent of the tourist's budget (Lundgren, 1973). This study investigates the causes of low patronage of hotels in the region. The survey covered a sample of 135 guests in 18 hotels and 18 hoteliers or their representatives. Descriptive as well as inferential statistics including the multicriteria test were used to analyse the data. The results revealed that: i. Hotels in the study area do not generally meet the needs of guests; whereas higher categories are more preferred, those in the study area are predominantly of the lower grade. ii. Socio-economic characteristics of guests such as income, age, academic background had influence on choice of hotels. iii. International tourists use the hotels far more than their domestic counter-parts thus giving rise to the seasonality situation which is regarded as a bane in development of the industry; in addition, the international tourists prefer the use of higher categories of hotels and therefore tend to give more revenue to the industry. iv. Three main problems militating against development of the hotels and therefore serve as setbacks to patronage are: difficult accessibility, inadequate or poor facilities, and poor service delivery. Based on the findings, it is recommended that more higher-graded hotels should be provided to entice more guests. Promotion of domestic tourism should also be rigorously pursued to entice more domestic guests to use botel facilities, to help minimize seasonality. To address the t\nee main problems of most hotels in the region, it is suggested that hotels maintain clean environments in and around their premises Hotels should also be located in easily accessible places. They (hotels) are also expected to provide all facilities, maintain or Upgrade these facilities as well. Finally, the hotels also need to work with more qualified staff motivated enough to help deliver better services in order to help ensure increased patronage.

Source: UCC
Utilization of information and communication technology (ICT) in facilitating teaching and learning at the Cape Coast Polytechnic

The study investigated the utilization of information communication technology (ICT) in facilitating teaching and learning at the Cape Coast Polytechnic. The research design used for the study was descriptive survey. A total sample of 360 including 300 students and 60 teaching staff was selected for the study. Multi-stage sampling was used to select the students whiles the census method was used to select the teaching staff. The instrument used for gathering data was the questionnaire. The Cronbach’s Alpha coefficient for reliability was .648 for teaching staff and .661 for students. The descriptive statistics such as percentages, mean and standard deviation were used where applicable to analyze data. The main findings from the study were that ICT facilities with respect to computers, printers, software and internet access were located at the ICT centre, Head of Department’s office, computer laboratory and library and none at the lecture rooms. In addition, staff had acquired a level of ICT proficiency outside the Polytechnic whereas the student had acquired their proficiency from the Polytechnic. The institutional support for ICT was low. ICT use was hampered by factors such as unreliable internet service, inadequate computers/computer peripherals and inadequate professional training. The study recommends the need to organise regular training in ICT for staff and students, employ internet service providers to provide the Polytechnic with reliable and stable internet connections, and review and implement the framework for achieving the ICT policy plan, 2007-2010 and the 5-year Strategic Plan, 2007-2011.

Source: UCC
Utilization of library resources by lecturers in university of cape coast

This research work was designed to examine the utilization of library resources by lecturers in University of Cape Coast. The objective of the study was to find out the level of availability of library materials in the university, and determine the extent of use of the materials by lecturers. It is also to find out factors that impede lecturer’s use of the library and make recommendations for improvement. A descriptive survey was used for the study. In all, 200 lecturers were selected for the study. The lecturers were selected using random sampling. Statistical tools used for the analysis were frequency counts and mean scores. The major finding of the study is that there are many library resources such as textbooks, journals, research monographs, research reports, newspapers, indexes/abstracts, internet services and dictionaries/encyclopedias amongst others, and that lecturers use the library mainly for consultation of reference materials. They also use it for research purposes and borrowing of books. A major finding was also that lecturers utilized books more than any other source of information. A number of recommendations were put forward for improvement of library use but the most prominent suggestion was that more up to date and relevant materials should be acquired by the library, and lecturers should be informed of newly acquired materials

Source: UCC
Utilization of locally produced desiccated coconut in plain and milk chocolate

Value addition to locally produced coconuts is an alternative livelihoods support to coconut famers and generates new markets for Ghana’s coconuts. Fresh matured un-bruised de-husked West African Tall coconuts were grated, hot-water blanched for sixty seconds and oven-dried (80oC-90oC) for ten hours. The samples were then milled and conditioned in a refrigerator for seven days. Coconut centers were made out of the samples and dipped into milk and dark chocolate masses for coating. A 7 point hedonic scale sensory evaluation analysis was carried out with 33 untrained panelists. ANOVA results on the sensory data showed higher preference for the desiccated milk chocolate (DCMC), (P<0.05). Proximate values for desiccated plain chocolate (DCPC) and DCMC respectively were: fibre (2.40+0.00% and 3.10 + 0.00%), protein (6.40+0.00% and 9.50+0.00%), fat (39.35+0.73% and 42.88+2.34%), ash (1.37+0.12% and 2.04+0.76%), moisture (2.96+0.08% and 3.61+0.25%) and sugar (26.94+0.02% 25.93+0.15%). Microbiological values for the DCPC and DCMC respectively were: Total Viable Counts (50 and 260 CFU/ml), Mould/Yeast (0 and 720 CFU/ml), Coliforms (0 CFU/ml) perhaps due to contamination. The study proved that coconut can be incorporated into locally manufactured chocolates, especially milk chocolates

Source: UCC
Utilization of microfinance loan among clients of the Upper Menya Krobo Rural bank of the Eastern region of Ghana.

Micro and small enterprises constitute an important feature of the economy of many countries. The microfinance concept, which emerged in the late 1970s, aimed at providing financial services to poor entrepreneurs in order to enhance their socio-economic status. This thesis sought to assess from the perspectives of microfinance client, loan utilization and wellbeing. The study was guided by the Sustainable Livelihood Framework. Using quantitative and qualitative techniques, a sample of 420 clients of the Upper Manya Krobo. Rural Bank (UMKRB) in the Eastern Region of Ghana was selected. The sample consisted of new, repeated, permanent and exit clients. The data were collected through interview schedules, focus group discussions and in-depth interviews. This study results indicated that the clients of the microcredit programme had expanded their businesses and increased their income levels. Specific issues that significantly influenced business expansion were length of participation, use of loan and non-financial service training. Among the challenges that the clients encountered were high interest on loan, charges and deductions from loans and frequent group meetings. The study recommends among others that the management of the Bank should provide continuous advisory, counselling, training and other business development support services for the clients. The clients should utilise loan for the purposes for which the loans were granted.

Source: UCC
Utilization of Sexual and Reproductive Health Services among Students: Insight from a Ghanaian University

Most Tertiary students are sexually active and are predisposed to sexually transmitted infections and other reproductive health issues. To help protect students from the consequences of unsafe sex, reproductive health services are essential and to be made accessible on campuses and other health facilities. Objective: To determine the level of utilization of sexual and reproductive health services among students in Ghana and any perceived barriers that militated against students’ utilization of these services. Study Design: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study that recruited students from the Presbyterian University College Ghana. Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 21 was used to analyse responses of participants. Results: The study revealed that majority of the respondents have heard about sexual and reproductive health services and knew where they could access these services. However, less than half (29.7%) of the respondents have ever utilized reproductive health services such as family planning services, voluntary counselling for Human Immune Virus and reproductive health counselling. Unfriendly attitude of staff, high cost of services, lack of privacy and confidentiality were identified as major barriers to the uptake of reproductive health services. Conclusion: The uptake of sexual and reproductive health services among students is low due to challenges that related to service providers, community and the healthcare delivery system. It is important that further studies investigating the expectations of students is done in order to introduce student friendly services that will enhance utilization.

Source: UCC
Utilization of Smartphones in Science Teaching and Learning in Selected Universities in Ghana

This study was designed to examine the use of mobile phone, a widespread technology, and determined how this technology influences science students’ learning. The study intended to examine the use of smartphones in science teaching and learning and propose of model in the use of smartphones for teaching and learning. The research design employed was a descriptive survey. The target population for the study was science students and lecturers from three selected public universities in Ghana. Five hundred and three students and 71 lecturers were selected for the sample size. Purposive and convenience sampling techniques were used in selecting the sample size. The data was collected using questionnaires from lecturers and students. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics. Qualitative analysis from open ended items from the questionnaires were considered and inferences drawn from the opinions of the respondents. The findings revealed that the mobile phone had great potential as a learning tool and it could positively be used for teaching and learning purposes in science areas. After analyses the results were presented in the form of tables and bar charts. Discussion and conclusions were drawn. The study generated some useful data for lecturers and students to use for recommendations for policy.

Source: UCC
Utilization of social media by international tourists to Ghana

Contemporarily, social media has become pervasive in tourists’ decision making to travel to any destination. The study assesses the use of social media in travel decision-making of international tourists on Ghana. The study revealed that tourists consider social media platforms as useful for their travel planning. The study also revealed that the social media platform frequently used by the tourists was Facebook with some also using Google map. However, Twitter and TripAdvisor were identified by tourists as rarely used. In conclusion, social media is used and seen useful by international tourists’ decision to travel to Ghana. It is recommended that GTA and tourism business should have their businesses visible on these social media platforms to quickly reach tourists who use them

Source: UCC
Utilization of teaching space facilities in colleges of education in Ghana: A case study of OLA College of Education, Cape Coast

The purpose of the study was to assess the utilization of teaching space facilities at Our Lady of Apostle College of Education at Cape Coast in the 2006/2007 academic year. The study sought to provide information on time, space and global utilization rates in order to plan for short and long term admissions of student into the College. The research design adopted in the study was the case study. Purposive, stratified and simple random sampling techniques were used to select samples for the study. Two sets of questionnaire were used to collect data on teaching space facilities and an interview guide was also used to collect data on the number of times the rooms were in use by the students. The methods used in analyzing data were frequencies and percentages presented in tables. Furthermore, various indicators such as time, space and global utilization rates were computed and the rates were compared with the recommended target rates set by the University Rationalization Committee (URC, 1988) Report on the efficient use of teaching space facilities in colleges and universities in Ghana. The study revealed that the special rooms were over-utilized in terms of space, but they were under-utilized in terms of time during teaching and learning sessions. Further, the general classrooms were efficiently utilized throughout the period of the study. The study recommends that new special rooms should be built to ease congestion of students during teaching and learning sessions. It is recommended that from time to time, seminars or workshops on timetabling and space allocation should be organized for principal and tutors who are responsible for time-table preparation at the College.

Source: UCC
Validation of planned radiation absorbed dose for breast cancer treatment using radiometric film dosimeter

The essential role of radiotherapy is to ensure detection and treatment of breast cancers using appropriate doses, these seem not to harm patients under review. Unintended detriments in the treatment and the risk of secondary cancers are mostly associated with delivering much higher doses than planned dose. This study focused on using phantoms for the determination, and comparison of planned doses with actual doses delivered to the breast, during radiation treatment. Adelaide phantoms were constructed using locally procured materials to mimic the surrounding tissues of the human female thoracic cavity. Balloons, mango seed, cassava stick and candle were radiologically assessed and used as surrogates for the lung, heart, spinal cord and glandular tissue of the breast respectively. EBT3 film dosimeter was used with the standard (anthropomorphic) and Adelaide phantoms to measure doses absorbed by the breast and non-target organs; the doses were delivered from Co-60 and linear accelerator systems. Monte Carlo N-Particle transport code was also used on a virtual phantom to compute the dose distribution from the cobalt machine. The spinal cord absorbed the lowest dose of 0.03±0.02 Gy and 0.05±0.01 Gy, while the left lung received the highest doses of 0.74±0.04 Gy and 0.78±0.01 Gy for Co-60 and LINAC respectively. Based on the findings, it was clearly determined that the target organ received the expected dose within the acceptable tolerance level of 5%. Additionally, the non-target organs equally received a minimuim radiation dose according to required standards. A non-clinical significance differences of planned and delivered doses were achievable following appropriate quality control both with anthropomorphic and constructed phantoms.

Source: UCC
Validation of planned radiation absorbed dose for Breast cancer treatment using radiometric film Dosimeter

The essential role of radiotherapy is to ensure detection and treatment of breast Cancers using appropriate doses, these seem not to harm patients under review. Unintended detriments in the treatment and the risk of secondary cancers are Mostly associated with delivering much higher doses than planned dose. This Study focused on using phantoms for the determination, and comparison of Planned doses with actual doses delivered to the breast, during radiation Treatment. Adelaide phantoms were constructed using locally procured Materials to mimic the surrounding tissues of the human female thoracic cavity. Balloons, mango seed, cassava stick and candle were radiologically assessed And used as surrogates for the lung, heart, spinal cord and glandular tissue of the Breast respectively. EBT3 film dosimeter was used with the standard (anthropomorphic) and Adelaide phantoms to measure doses absorbed by the Breast and non-target organs; the doses were delivered from Co-60 and linear Accelerator systems. Monte Carlo N-Particle transport code was also used on a Virtual phantom to compute the dose distribution from the cobalt machine. The Spinal cord absorbed the lowest dose of 0.03 ±0.02 Gy and 0.05+0.01 Gy, while The left lung received the highest doses of 0.74+0.04 Gy and 0.78+0.01 Gy for Co-60 and LINAC respectively. Based on the findings, it was clearly Determined that the target organ received the expected dose within the Acceptable tolerance level of 5%. Additionally, the non-target organs equally Received a minimuim radiation dose according to required standards. A nonclinical Significance differences of planned and delivered doses were achievable Following appropriate quality control both with anthropomorphic and Constructed phantoms.

Source: UCC
Validation of the fao aquacrop model for irrigated hot pepper (capsicum frustescensvarlegon 18) in the coastal savannah ecological zone of Ghana

Validation of FAO AquaCrop model for irrigated hot pepper in the coastal savannah of Ghana was carried out using two field experiments between August, 2014 and January, 2015 at the School of Agriculture Research and Teaching Farm, University of Cape Coast in the Central Region of Ghana. The first experiment’s results were used to calibrate the model while the second were used to validate the model. Experimental design was the Randomized Complete Block Design consisting of four treatments (T1-T4) of different levels of irrigation water applied: T1- full irrigation (100%), T2-90% irrigation, T3-80% irrigation and T4- 70% irrigation. They were replicated three times (R1-R3). Agronomic parameters such as plant height, canopy development, and yield production along with water productivity of hot pepper were used to assess the effect of deficit irrigation on the growth and yield of the hot pepper and also used as parameterized variables for the calibration of the model. The optimum water requirement determined for the hot pepper ranged from 315.7mm to 318.3mm while the total fruit yield varied from 0.31t/ha to 1.20t/ha. However, the level of irrigation water affected the plant height, the canopy cover and the yield. Water productivity was also affected by total fruit yield in proportion to water applied. The AquaCrop model was validated and results obtained from the model agreed quite well with measured data. In general, the model performed well for the crop water requirement for all the treatments, water productivity predictions and the fruit yield but less satisfactorily for canopy development.

Source: UCC
Validity Of Students' Evaluation Of Courses And Teaching Using Generalizability Theory And Many-Facet Rasch Modelling In The University Of Cape Coast, Ghana

The overarching purpose of this research was to examine the validity of students' evaluation of teaching and courses in the University of Cape Coast (UCC) through the lenses of Generalizability Theory and the Many-Facet Rasch Model. The study was grounded in the positivists' paradigm using the hybrid quantitative approach. Two main quantitative designs were used: a two-facets partially nested random unbalanced design and the three-facets design with a partial credit model. The study covered students for the 2019/2020 academic year in UCC. The study used secondary data on students obtained from the Directorate of Academic Planning and Quality Assurance, UCC (DAPQAUCC). All cases and data points were involved in this study with a sample size of24,726 regular students. The data were analysed by conducting univariate GT and partial credit MFRM analyses. The study revealed a low to moderate level of dependability of students' appraisal of courses and teaching and as such, lecturers were unfairly rated. It was further found that the sources of measurement error in the student evaluation exercise were halo effect, nonfunctional item structure, inconsistent students' ratings, rater leniency, and nonfunctional rating scale. It was concluded that data from students' appraisal of lecturers' teaching should be used with caution. It was recommended that DAPQA-UCC and the university management should sensitise and train students on the evaluation of teaching, and as well review the existing evaluation form for appraising courses and teaching by subjecting the instrument to rigorous validation procedures.

Source: UCC