ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Automated Threshold Method For Dimensionality Detection In Multivariate Data

Multivariate methods such as principal component analysis and factor analysis have been used to interpret multivariate data. However, these statistical applications are not able to determine prior to their application whether a dimension exists within the multivariate data set since it is possible to have a dimensionless multivariate dataset. In addition, these statistical applications are method dependent, it is therefore imperative to propose an independent technique for detecting dimensionality using automated threshold settings which are thresholds generated based on the structure of the data and not by the judgement of the researcher so that these statistical applications will be for purposes of interpretation or giving meaning to the data structure. Also, the formation of dimensionality in the well-known multivariate techniques is not analytically or computationally presented. They therefore offer a leave-or-take result with no understanding of the formation of the dimensions. This study therefore filled this gap by successfully proposing an independent dimensionality detection method using three automated threshold settings that generate data specific thresholds by allowing the data structure to generate the optimal threshold for detecting dimensionality of the multivariate data set for more accurate results. The study also established the robustness of the method using Pearson's correlation which hinges on the mean and another correlation profile that does not hinge on a statistic which is affected by extreme values, in this case order statistic which hinges on the median. The algorithm converged in all cases. Confirmatory factor analysis are carried out for confirmation of results. The proposed method completely removes the challenge of subjectivity associated with dimensionality detection, and hence is highly recommended.

Source: UCC
Autophagy in the control and pathogenesis of parasitic infections

Background: Autophagy has a crucial role in the defense against parasites. The interplay existing between host autophagy and parasites has varied outcomes due to the kind of host cell and microorganism. The presence of autophagic compartments disrupt a significant number of pathogens and are further cleared by xenophagy in an autolysosome. Another section of pathogens have the capacity to outwit the autophagic pathway to their own advantage. Result: To comprehend the interaction between pathogens and the host cells, it is significant to distinguish between starvation-induced autophagy and other autophagic pathways. Subversion of host autophagy by parasites is likely due to differences in cellular pathways from those of ‘classical’ autophagy and that they are controlled by parasites in a peculiar way. In xenophagy clearance at the intracellular level, the pathogens are first ubiquitinated before autophagy receptors acknowledgement, followed by labeling with light chain 3 (LC3) protein. The LC3 in LC3-associated phago‑ cytosis (LAP) is added directly into vacuole membrane and functions regardless of the ULK, an initiation complex. The activation of the ULK complex composed of ATG13, FIP200 and ATG101causes the initiation of host autophagic response. Again, the recognition of PAMPs by conserved PRRs marks the first line of defense against pathogens, involving Toll-like receptors (TLRs). These all important immune-related receptors have been reported recently to regulate autophagy. Conclusion: In this review, we sum up recent advances in autophagy to acknowledge and understand the interplay between host and parasites, focusing on target proteins for the design of therapeutic drugs. The target host proteins on the initiation of the ULK complex and PRRs-mediated recognition of PAMPs may provide strong potential for the design of therapeutic drugs against parasitic infections.

Source: UCC
Autorefraction, Retinoscopy, Javal’s Rule, and Grosvenor’s Modified Javal’s Rule: The Best Predictor of Refractive Astigmatism

The aim of the study was to determine the level of agreement between Javal’s rule, autorefraction, retinoscopy, and refractive astigmatism and to determine which technique is the most suitable substitute when subjective refraction is not applicable using a clinical sample. A total of 36 subjects, 14 males and 22 females, were involved in this study. The intraclass correlation coefficients between subjective refraction, autorefraction, and retinoscopy were 0.895 and 0.989, respectively, for the spherical equivalent.The Bland-Altman 95% limits of agreement between subjective refraction and autorefraction; subjective refraction and retinoscopy; and autorefraction and retinoscopy were −2.84 to 3.58, −0.88 to 1.12, and −3.01 to 3.53, respectively, for the spherical equivalent. The intraclass correlation coefficients between spectacle total astigmatism and the following techniques were as follows: retinoscopy (0.85); autorefraction (0.92); Javal’s rule (0.82); and Grosvenor et al. version (0.85). The Bland-Altman 95% limits of agreement between subjective refraction and autorefraction; subjective refraction and retinoscopy; subjective refraction and Javal’s rule; and subjective refraction and Grosvenor et al. version were −0.87 to 1.25, −1.49 to 1.99, −0.73 to 1.93, and −0.89 to 1.7, respectively, for the total astigmatism. The study showed that autorefraction and Javal’s rule may provide a starting point for subjective refraction cylinder power determination but only retinoscopy may satisfactorily replace subjective refraction total astigmatism when subjective refraction is not applicable.

Source: UCC
Autorefraction, Retinoscopy, Javal’s Rule, and Grosvenor’s Modified Javal’s Rule: The Best Predictor of Refractive Astigmatism

The aim of the study was to determine the level of agreement between Javal’s rule, autorefraction, retinoscopy, and refractive astigmatism and to determine which technique is the most suitable substitute when subjective refraction is not applicable using a clinical sample. A total of 36 subjects, 14 males and 22 females, were involved in this study. The intraclass correlation coefficients between subjective refraction, autorefraction, and retinoscopy were 0.895 and 0.989, respectively, for the spherical equivalent. The Bland-Altman 95% limits of agreement between subjective refraction and autorefraction; subjective refraction and retinoscopy; and autorefraction and retinoscopy were −2.84 to 3.58, −0.88 to 1.12, and −3.01 to 3.53, respectively, for the spherical equivalent. The intraclass correlation coefficients between spectacle total astigmatism and the following techniques were as follows: retinoscopy (0.85); autorefraction (0.92); Javal’s rule (0.82); and Grosvenor et al. version (0.85). The Bland-Altman 95% limits of agreement between subjective refraction and autorefraction; subjective refraction and retinoscopy; subjective refraction and Javal’s rule; and subjective refraction and Grosvenor et al. version were −0.87 to 1.25, −1.49 to 1.99, −0.73 to 1.93, and −0.89 to 1.7, respectively, for the total astigmatism. The study showed that autorefraction and Javal’s rule may provide a starting point for subjective refraction cylinder power determination but only retinoscopy may satisfactorily replace subjective refraction total astigmatism when subjective refraction is not applicable.

Source: UCC
Availability and state of school infrastructure in Rural senior high schools in the Assin North Municipality: perceptions of users

The purpose of this study was to investigate the availability and state of infrastructure in rural senior high schools in the Assin North Municipality of the Central Region as perceived by the users of the infrastructure. The descriptive survey design approach was used for the study. A sample of 350 students, 110 teachers and 24 administrators was selected through purposive, stratified, simple random and census sampling procedures. A questionnaire and a semi-structured interview guide were used for the study. Pilot test was done with respondents from Assin Nsuta senior high school which was not part of the sample for the study. The reliability obtained was 0.77. The data obtained from the questionnaire were analysed descriptively according to the research questions of the study. The recorded data were transcribed, coded and presented in themes using thematic analysis according to the research questions. The study found that in most rural senior high schools, the facilities were not adequate, not in a good state and as such need some of renovation which might not have been done in a long time. It was also found that the availability and adequacy of school infrastructure affect the teaching and learning process in senior high schools. Finally, it was found that the presence or otherwise of school facilities affects the general administration of schools. From the findings, it was recommended that the Government respond to the pleas of school administrators in rural areas to provide their schools with the necessary facilities to facilitate teaching and learning

Source: UCC
The availability and use of information and communication technology resources for teaching social studies in selected senior high schools in Awutu Senya District

The objective of this study was to assess the availability and utilization of ICT resources in teaching of social studies. The descriptive research design was adopted for the study. A census technique was used for the fifty social studies teachers in Awutu Senya district. The study is underpinned by Bates Action model. The questionnaire was used to gather the requisite data for the study. The data were analysed through the computation of descriptive and inferential statistics such as frequencies, percentages, mean of mean distributions and independent sample t-test. The study among other things found out that ICT resources are available for teaching and learning social studies in the public senior high schools. Also, the study revealed that social studies teachers use ICT resources in teaching the subject. Again, the study showed that social studies teachers have positive perception towards the use of ICT facilities in the teaching of social studies. Based on the numerous benefits of the use of ICT resources to both teachers and students, it is recommended that barriers that hinder the integration of ICT resources in teaching should be tackled by policy implementers. In this regard, as teachers who are unwilling to change from the traditional methods of teaching to using information and communication technologies, they should be encouraged by policy makers and sensitized from time to time to understand the good side of technology.

Source: UCC
Availability and utilisation of information and communication technology facilities in teaching social studies in public senior high schools in Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis

The main objective of this study was to assess availability and utilization of ICT facilities in teaching of social studies in the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis. The descriptive research design was adopted for the study. A census technique was used for the 100 social studies teachers. The questionnaire was used to gather the requisite data for the study. The data were analysed through the computation of descriptive and inferential statistics such as frequencies, percentages, mean of mean distributions and independent sample t-test.The study among other things found out that ICT facilities are available for teaching and learning social studies in the public senior high schools of Sekondi-Takoradi. Also, the study revealed that social studies teachers in the Sekondi-Takoradi public senior high schools use ICT facilities in teaching the subject. Again, the study showed that social studies teacher has positive perception towards the use of ICT facilities in the teaching of social studies.The study recommended that based on the population of the schools, the schools should find ways of increasing the number of ICT facilities. This would enable the teachers and students to increase the number of days and hours spent using the ICT facilities. With the numerous benefits of the use of ICT facilities to both teachers and students, it is recommended that teachers continue to use ICT facilities during instructional periods. Follow-up support should be provided by the Ghana Education Service in the schools. This must include in-service education and training on the use of ICT for the teachers in the school and discussion of the implications of the use of ICT in teaching and learning.

Source: UCC
The availability and utilisation of local area network in senior high schools in the Central Region of Ghana

The aim of the study was to ascertain the availability and utilisation of local area network in Senior High School in the Central Region of Ghana. The purposive sampling was used to select three hundred and eighty students, ICT teachers and assistant headmasters of selected schools. Data were collected from students, ICT teachers and assistant headmasters for analysis.The study revealed that students, ICT teachers and school administration were dissatisfied with the availability of LAN and LAN tools as well as the utilisation level of the LAN tools available. The schools also express concerns on poor or no extension of LAN to other part of the school such as headmasters office, account office, library etc.. The school administration admitted that, it is responsible for the provision of LAN tools in their schools but was constrained by inadequate funds. Based on the outcome of the study, it was recommended that senior high schools should be provided with LAN tools to facilitate data communication. Also, the G.E.S., PTAs and corporate bodies should assist schools to acquire LAN tools regularly to areas such as the headmaster’s office, assistant headmasters’ offices, science Laboratories, classrooms and staff common room to promote digital data communication. Finally, networking experts should be employed permanently to help configure and educate the entire school population about the uses of LAN tools such as printing, sharing DBMS, etc. and more importantly record keeping to help enrich the technological knowledge of students, teachers and administrators to promote teaching and learning.

Source: UCC
Availability and utilisation of the internet by graduate students of the University of Cape Coast.

The purpose of the study was to ascertain the availability and utilization of Internet by graduate students of` the University of Cape Coast (UCC) to facilitate their academic work. The descriptive survey was adopted for the study. Out of a study population of 1140, a sample size of 382 was selected but 321 respondents responded to the questions. The reliability test for the pilot study yielded .721 Cronbach’s alphalevel. The statistical tools used for the data analysis were frequencies, percentages, means and Mann Whitney U test. Although the Internet was available and was distributed to the graduate students at vantage points on the university campus by the Computer Centre of the university, it was discovered that the Internet was unreliable and not easily accessible by the graduate students. This was due to erratic electricity power supply and very slow speed of the Internet. It was also found out that the graduate students always use the university’s Internet to gather information to write thesis and assignments and to send and receive e-mails. Data from the interview conducted indicate that the state of the Internet infrastructure at the UCC was not of its best quality. Most of the Internet equipment was inadequate, obsolete and inefficient to meet the growing demand of Internet at the UCC. The study concluded that the Internet was available at the university and the graduate students were using it to enhance their research based programs on campus. Management of the university should raise enough funds through its alumni and private individuals to procure state of the art Internet infrastructure for the university.

Source: UCC
Availability and utilization of information and communication technology facilities for teaching at the basic schools in Cape Coast North Constituency

The study seeks to determine the availability and utilization of ICT facilities for teaching in selected basic schools within Cape Coast North constituency in the Central Region of Ghana. The objective of the study is to compare the availability of ICT facilities in Cape Coast North constituency and ascertain the teachers’ level of knowledge regarding the utilization of Information and Communication Technology (ICT), and how ready and willing teachers are to use ICTs facilities available. The Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) Model was adopted because it talks about the intension to use new technology, willingness and readiness of basic school teachers to use modern technology as innovation. Questionnaire were employed to collect data. Convenient sampling technique was used to select the sample size. Seventy three out of total population of 90 teachers were selected as sample. Data was processed using SPSS 16.0. Frequency table, cross tabulation and descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data. The result of the study reveals that there was unequal distribution of ICT facilities among schools, and some basic school teachers do not use ICT facilities in teaching at all. However, the teachers agreed that using ICT facilities help to deliver course content easily and interestingly, but lack ICT in-service training. It is therefore recommended that Government and other stakeholders should provide ICT facilities and ensure equitable distribution to all basic schools and organized regular in-service training for Basic school teachers towards the use of ICTs for teaching at the basic level.

Source: UCC
The availability of inputs in the development and sustainability of aquaculture production in Ghana: A case study of farmers in Asuogyaman and Lower Manya Districts.

Aquaculture in the sub-Sahara Africa will grow by 8.3 percent from its current 1.2 percent over the next 20 years. The growth trend will lead to high demand for inputs for fish production, especially fishmeal and fish oil, and can threaten the sustainability of fish farming in Ghana. There is the need to consider cost of production because of high protein needs of tilapia and other fish species currently being farmed. This study intended to investigate the cost and availability of inputs for sustainable aquaculture in Ghana. Content validated questionnaire and an interview guide were used to conduct the survey within six selected Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs), in the Greater Accra and Eastern Regions. In all, sixty four (64) fish farmers, ten (10) feed mills, forty (40) animal productions input suppliers and ten (10) fingerling producers were interviewed. Pearson’s correlation was used to analyse the relationship between variables.The results of the study showed that age, sex, level of education of fish farmers had a positive effect on production. Fish farmers do not have access to all the inputs required for production. Input supply is erratic, expensive and unavailable. Feed millers do not have the required capacity to produce floating fish feed locally.The study recommends that animal production input suppliers and feed millers should be equipped with the necessary resources to boost their capacity to produce and supply fish feeds locally. Also, more certified hatcheries should be set up to produce high quality fingerlings for fish farmers.

Source: UCC
Availability, accessibility and utilization of post-abortion care in Sub-Saharan Africa: A systematic review

At the 1994 ICPD, sub-Saharan African (SSA) states pledged, inter alia, to guarantee quality post-abortion care (PAC) services. We synthesized existing research on PAC services provision, utilization and access in SSA since the 1994 ICPD. Generally, evidence on PAC is only available in a few countries in the sub-region. The available evidence however suggests that PAC constitutes a significant financial burden on public health systems in SSA; that accessibility, utilization and availability of PAC services have expanded during the period; and that worrying inequities characterize PAC services. Manual and electrical vacuum aspiration and medication abortion drugs are increasingly common PAC methods in SSA, but poor-quality treatment methods persist in many contexts. Complex socio-economic, infrastructural, cultural and political factors mediate the availability, accessibility and utilization of PAC services in SSA. Interventions that have been implemented to improve different aspects of PAC in the sub-region have had variable levels of success. Underexplored themes in the existing literature include the individual and household level costs of PAC; the quality of PAC services; the provision of non-abortion reproductive health services in the context of PAC; and health care provider-community partnerships

Source: UCC
Availabilty and utilisation of information and communication technology facilities in teaching social studies in public senior high schools in Sekondi-Takoradi metropolis

The main objective of this study was to assess availability and utilization of ICT facilities in teaching of social studies in the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis. The descriptive research design was adopted for the study. A census technique was used for the 100 social studies teachers. The questionnaire was used to gather the requisite data for the study. The data were analysed through the computation of descriptive and inferential statistics such as frequencies, percentages, mean of mean distributions and independent sample t-test. The study among other things found out that ICT facilities are available for teaching and learning social studies in the public senior high schools of Sekondi-Takoradi. Also, the study revealed that social studies teachers in the Sekondi-Takoradi public senior high schools use ICT facilities in teaching the subject. Again, the study showed that social studies teacher has positive perception towards the use of ICT facilities in the teaching of social studies. The study recommended that based on the population of the schools, the schools should find ways of increasing the number of ICT facilities. This would enable the teachers and students to increase the number of days and hours spent using the ICT facilities. With the numerous benefits of the use of ICT facilities to both teachers and students, it is recommended that teachers continue to use ICT facilities during instructional periods. Follow-up support should be provided by the Ghana Education Service in the schools. This must include in-service education and training on the use of ICT for the teachers in the school and discussion of the implications of the use of ICT in teaching and learning.

Source: UCC