ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Effectiveness of training and development in organisations: a study of junior workers in the College of Art and Social Sciences in KNUST

In recent years, ideas and practices relating to human resource development have moved beyond a narrow conception of training and development. As business evolves and grow they are faced with great pressure to change. It has become necessary in view of the advancement in the modern world to invest in human resource training and Development. Training both physically, socially, mentally and intellectually are very essential in facilitating the level of productivity but also the development of personnel in organisations. Training involves the use of formal processes to impart knowledge and help people to acquire the skills necessary for them to perform their jobs satisfactorily. The quality of training carried out by organisations differs from organisations to organisations. Development on the other hand is an unfolding process that enables people to progress from present state of understanding and capability to a future state in which higher- level skills, knowledge and competencies are required. The study sought to examine the effectiveness of training and development in organisation, It sought to look at whether training improves skills and the role motivation play in training effectiveness. Questionnaire was designed using structured questionnaires to collect data from junior workers of the College of Art and Social Sciences of the university. The result of the training indicated that training impacted very much on the skills of the workers and enhanced positively on their performance. The study also revealed that there is a relationship between effectiveness of training and development and skills and knowledge and acquisition. It was recommended that there should be systematic training for workers through the identification of their training needs and also there should be frequent evaluation of the training given to workers.

Source: KNUST
Effectiveness of UV sanitization of vegetables using polymerase chain reaction and microbial culture techniques

Vegetable related food poisoning is a very serious issue in Ghana and has been linked to a number of diverse health effects such as cholera and deaths. This study focused on assessing the effectiveness of ultraviolet (UV) irradiation to sanitize three vegetables (carrot, cabbage and lettuce) for consumption. Microbial cultures were performed on raw non-sanitized carrots, cabbages, and lettuce to enumerate bacterial colonies, and yeasts and moulds. Biochemical tests were carried out using various media to quantify Gram negative bacteria and enteric pathogens present on raw or untreated vegetables. Also selective sub culturing was carried out to determine the presence of Salmonella spp. and Escherichia coli. The three vegetables were subjected to UV irradiation at different times of 1 hr, 3 hrs, 6 hrs and 9 hrs. The microbial loads of vegetables exposed to the different times of UV irradiation were assessed using microbial culturing for bacteria, yeasts and moulds. Vinegar as a control was used to sanitize the raw vegetables and microbial analysis carried out. Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and gel electrophoresis were used to confirm the effectiveness of UV irradiation. USP gene of size 615 bp specific for E. coli O157: H7 was amplified by PCR using primer sequences of usp-F-5’ CGGCTCTTACATCGGTGCGTTG-3’, and R-5’-GACATATCCAGCCAGCGAGTTC-3’. The results obtained revealed that the untreated raw vegetable samples recorded high microbial loads and tested positive for all microbial assays. The vinegar treated vegetables (control) showed significant reduction in microbes as compared to the untreated raw vegetables. UV irradiation was able to eliminate residual microbes on the three vegetables giving a positive sanitizing effect. It reduced a large number of microbes found on these vegetables than the sanitizing effect of vinegar, though statistically, there was no difference between the sanitizing effects both had on the vegetables. Microbial counts reduced with increase in periods of UV exposure, and this was seen in lanes with bands of E. coli representing untreated raw vegetables and vegetables that have been exposed to 1 hr, 3 hrs and 6 hrs of UV irradiation while 9 hrs of UV exposure had no counts of bacterial colonies as well as yeasts and moulds. UV is thus an effective and convenient approach to reducing microbes on vegetables in various markets in Ghana. It also had no suspected bands of E. coli. Microbial culture techniques and PCR proved to be effective measures for monitoring the efficiency of UV as a vegetable sanitizing agent.

Source: KNUST
Effects of a well landscaped environment on teaching and learning in basic schools in the Kumasi Metropolis

This study assessed the state of grounds in Basic Schools in the Kumasi Metropolis, and its effect on teaching and learning. The study was qualitative and quantitative in approach. 100 Basic schools within the Kumasi Metropolis were selected for the study. Data was collected from head teachers, teachers and pupils. Tools for data collection included structured questionnaires and interview guide. The study investigated the knowledge of respondents on; the benefits of landscaping schools, the concept of outdoor learning and the relationship between the schools landscape and the school curriculum. The findings of the study revealed that Grounds in Basic Schools in the Kumasi Metropolis were generally poor and the use of ornamental plants was simply lacking in most schools. The research clearly showed that most schools within the study area, that had good landscaped grounds scored very good aggregates in the BECE, while those with very poor or no landscaping performed poorly comparatively, in the BECE. It also revealed that Head teachers and teachers are aware of the functional and aesthetic benefits in landscaping school grounds but not many of them were prepared to help improve on the environment in schools even though it is encouraged.

Source: KNUST
Effects of abusive supervision on employees at Adansi Rural Bank, Fomena.

Abusive supervision is a predictive factor to counterproductive work behaviour among employees, guilt proneness, and poor employee job performance. The aim of the study was to examine the effects of abusive supervision on employees at Adansi Rural Bank, Fomena. The study employed the cross-sectional case study design using quantitative method. A sample of 263 employees excluding managers and supervisors were selected using the convenience sampling method. Opinions of employees were solicited using a standardised questionnaire. Results from the study showed that there was a negative relationship between abusive supervision and job performance (t = 4.809, p = 0.000). The study also showed that abusive supervision has a positive but insignificant effect on counterproductive work behaviour (t = 1.728; p = .085). There was a negative significant relationship between counterproductive work behaviour and employee job performance (t = -2.795, p = 0.006). Results from the study found that counterproductive work behaviour partially mediate the relationship between abusive supervision and job performance (β = -.293, t = -4.513). Regression analysis showed that there was moderation but insignificant effect of guilt proneness between counterproductive work behaviour and job performance relationship (p <0.05). Consequently, it was suggested that there is the need for the bank to educate its supervisors on the negative effects of abusive supervision on employees. Supervisors on the other hand are recommended to give utmost respect and treatment to all supervisees in the bank. Employees are also advised not to react to abusive supervision with counterproductive work attitudes. They are entreated to report to management any kind of abuse they encounter in the banking hall.

Source: KNUST
Effects of age of seedling transplants and Nitrogen Fertilizer in lowland rice production

Two field experiments were conducted at the C.S.I.R Crops Research Institute Rice Research field at Nobewam during the 2014 and 2015 growing seasons. The 2014 experiment was conducted in the minor season to evaluate the effect of age of seedling transplants on the growth and yield of lowland rice. The 2015 experiment was also conducted in the major season to evaluate the best top dressing time for urea application in lowland rice. Both experiments were laid out in the Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications each. Seedlings were transplanted in the 2014 experiment at 14, 21, 28, 35 and 42 days after nursery. In the 2015 experiments all plots received NPK fertilizer at the rate of 40kg ha-1 at 2 weeks after planting. Urea fertilizer was top dressed at 90kg/ha at various split times and concentrations. All cultural practices were carried out at the right times. Data collected included plant height, number of tillers, number of leaves, number of spikelets per particle, mean seed weight and grain yield. The results showed that the best transplanting time was 14 days, and that beyond 21 days growth, tiller production, grain weight and grain yield decreased. The 2015 experiment showed that although split urea application showed greater growth in rice, mean grain weight and total grain yield were greater when urea was top-dressed in a single dose of 90kg N/ha at 2weeks after transplanting.

Source: KNUST
The Effects of Advertisement on Self-Medication: Case Study of Ejura-Sekyedumase Municipality

Self-care, including self-treatment or medication, has been a feature of healthcare for many years (FIP 1996.) According to International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) nowadays, members of the public, better informed than in the past, are keen to take more personal responsibility for their own health status. Governments and health insurers encourage responsible self-care to improve the health of the nation and recognize that it may help to limit the rate of increase in third party funded expenditure on healthcare. A study by van den Boom et al. compiled in 2004 noted that access to these facilities remained a problem in Ghana: Medical facilities were not evenly distributed across the country, with most rural areas lacking basic facilities such as hospitals and clinics as well as doctors and nurses leading to people opting for the alternative such as self medication. The dependant is self medication whiles the independent variables includes advertisement, insurance, age, income, radio, television, female, educational status. The study examines the effects of advertisement on self medication in Ejura municipality. The study uses logistics regression in finding the effects of advertisement on self medication. Primary data is collected from Ejura municipality on what influences them to engage in self medication. The study found that advertisements have much impact on self medication at 5% error level. There is positive relationship between advertisements and self medication. Insurance does not have impact on self medication. The common sicknesses that people perceive that influence them to engage in self medication are malaria and general pains. It can be concluded that advertisement as a factor influencing self-medication has impact on the likelihood of people engaging in self-medication.

Source: KNUST
Effects of agrochemical use in agricultural activities on the drinking water quality of ground and surface water: a case study of Agogo in the Asanti-Akim North District

The effects of agrochemical use in agricultural activities on the quality of ground and surface water within Agogo, a prominent tomato growing area in the Ashanti Region was assessed by monitoring levels of pH, conductivity, turbidity, total hardness, total dissolved solids, nitrates and chlorides, some heavy metals and microbial indicator organisms using standard methods. Ground and surface water samples were collected from three zones within the Agogo area between January and June of 2005 to coincide with the dry, mid and rainy seasons in Ghana. The levels of all parameters measured were generally higher in surface water than in ground water. The levels of iron, lead, zinc, and cadmium were 1.40, 0.12, 0.08, and 0.18 (mg/L) in surface water and 0.08, 0.10, 0.05, and 0.08 (mg/L) in ground water respectively. Iron, lead and cadmium levels in surface waters and that of lead in ground water did not meet the WHO standards for drinking water. Differences in nitrates, chlorides and pH levels in the three zones were statistically significant (p S 0.05). Bacterial indicator numbers (geometric means 100ml2) in surface waters varied from 9.35 x 1 to 1.57 x 10” for total coliforms, 4.15 x 104 to 2.10 x 107 for faecal coliforms and 2.80 x 10 to 3.25 x 102 for enterococci but none was found in ground water. High physicochemical, heavy metals and microbial indicator levels in the water sources could be attributed to the intense and indiscriminate use of agrochemicals by the vegetable farmers. The adoption of appropriate techniques in agrochemicals application will help prevent further contamination of the water sources and improve the general health of the people in Agogo.

Source: KNUST
Effects of aging on persistence of Escherichia coli (E. coli) and coliforms in poultry manure

The use of poultry manure as soil amendment in peri-urban vegetable farming coupled with consumer awareness on food safety and the risk of microbial contamination call for improvement of on-farm management practices. The effects of aging on the persistence of coliforms in poultry manure was evaluated over an eight (8) week period using three (3) different treatment conditions; an Aerobin composter, Turned and Unturned windrow. Temperature, moisture content, pH, total and faecal coliforms were measured over the study period. Coliform numbers reduced by more than 90% (>90) at the end of week four for all the treatments. At the end of week eight, more than 95% reductions had been recorded in the Aerobin, Turned and Unturned windrow. Mean temperatures varied from a low 34.6oC in the Aerobin to 38.1oC in the turned windrow to 41.7oC in the Unturned windrow. Mean moisture content in the aging material was 1.63% in the Aerobin, 2.6% in the Turned windrow and 2.9% in the Unturned windrow. Composting in the Aerobin recorded the lowest mean pH of 7.6, followed by the Turned windrow, 7.8 and the Unturned windrow 8.1. The study highlights the need for further studies into the interrelationship between temperature, moisture and pathogen reduction during aging.

Source: KNUST
Effects of anthropogenic activities on water quality of Streams: a case study of the Onyasia Stream in the Greater Accra Region

Indiscriminate disposal of waste, use of pesticides and fertilizer on farms along the Onyasia has been of great concern. This study assessed the water quality of the Onyasia stream in the Greater Accra Region. Composite water samples drawn from sections of the Onyasia stream from fifteen sampling points, five each from Upstream, midstream and downstream were analyzed in the laboratory for heavy metals (Al, Mn, Fe, Cd and Cu), selected nutrients (PO3-4, SO42-, NO3-N and NH3-N) and Microbial counts (total and faecal coliforms). Physico-chemical parameters (pH, temperature, conductivity, turbidity, total dissolved solids and dissolved oxygen) were also analyzed in-situ using the Horiba water quality multi-checker. With the exception of turbidity (ranging from 68.86 to 129.24 NTU) which was far above the WHO limit of 5 NTU, all the other physical parameters (pH values ranging from 6.31 to 6.68, conductivity ranging from 1.31 to 1.71 μS/cm, TDS ranging from 0.76 to 0.97 mg/l and DO ranging 5.09 to 7.87mg/l) were below the WHO standards of 6.5-8.5, 1500μS/cm, 1000mg/l and 5mg/l respectively. With the exception of sulphate (47.00 to 76.40 mg/l), concentrations of phosphate (3.11 to 5.05 mg/l), nitrate-nitrogen (2.01 to 11.37 mg/l) and ammonia nitrogen (10.09 to 19.67 mg/l) the analyzed water samples were above the WHO limit of 250mg/l, 2.00mg/l, 3.00mg/l and 1.5mg/l respectively. There were high levels of Al (8.54-16.55mg/l) and Fe (0.81-2.5 mg/l) recorded compared to WHO limit of 0.05mg/l and 0.3 mg/l respectively; considerable concentrations of Mn, Cu and Cd (0.34-0.89, 1.36-2.80mg/l and 0.00-0.10mg/l) were recorded. The faecal coliform counts were significantly higher than the WHO standard for potable water of 0.00 cfu/100ml (P<0.05). Consequently, both total and faecal coliforms reached their maximum counts in the dry season when the stream turbulence is low and stream course choked with both organic and inorganic wastes. The study therefore concluded that the water from the Onyasia stream is not safe for human related activities.

Source: KNUST
Effects of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Inoculation and Phosphorus Application on Yield and Nutrient Uptake of Yam

To be sustainable, production in the traditional yam cropping system, faced with declining soil fertility, could benefit from yam–arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) symbiosis, which can improve nutrient uptake, disease resistance, and drought tolerance in plants. However, only limited information exists about AM colonization of yam. A pot experi ment was conducted to collect information on the response of two genotypes (Dioscorea rotundata accession TDr 97/00903 and D. alata accession TDa 297) to AM inoculation (with and without) and phosphorus (P) (0, 0.05, 0.5, and 5 mg P kg–1 soil). Factorial combinations of the treatments were arranged in a completely randomized design with four replicates. The percentage of AM colonization was significantly lowered at 5mg P kg–1 soil rate in mycorrhizal plants of both genotypes. TDr 97/00903 showed more responsiveness to AM inoculation than TDa 297. The greatest AM responsive ness for tuber yield (52%) was obtained at 0.5 mg P kg–1 soil rate for TDr 97/00903. Mycorrhizal inoculation significantly increased root dry weight and tuber yield of TDr 97/00903 with the greatest values obtained at the 0.5 mg P kg–1 soil rate. Arbuscular mycorrhizal inoculation did not lead to significant (P < 0.05) changes in root length and area. Phosphorus application significantly increased the shoot dry weight and root diameter of TDa 297. Uptake of P was greatest at 0.5 mg P kg–1 soil in both genotypes and was significantly influenced by AM inoculation. Nitrogen (N) and potassium (K) uptake were greatest in mycorrhizal plants at 0.05 mg P kg–1 soil for TDr 97/00903 but at 0.5 mg P kg–1 soil of nonmycorrhizal plants of TDa 297. The increased tuber yield and nutrient uptake observed in the mycorrhizal plants indicate the potential for the improvement of nutrient acquisition and tuber yield through AM symbiosis.

Source: KNUST
Effects of artisanal and small scale mining on the environment and livelihoods in Ghana: a case study of selected mining communities in the Upper East Region

Around the developing world especially, Artisanal and Small Scale Mining, has done tremendous damage to water bodies and to the wider environment which has led to many calls for a clamp down on the sector. However, the sector has a striking cord with poverty and deprivation. From Asia to Africa and to South America, ASM is a poverty driven industry. The UN’s efforts at addressing the issues have been quite microscopic basing on issues such as technicalities, environmental and quite recently alternative livelihood concerns whiles ignoring the very wide and deep socio-economic issues encompassing the ASM sector. Thus, this study focused on analyzing the environmental, livelihood and other socio-economic issues of ASM as they affect the people of the Upper East Region. The discussion therefore, brings to the fore, the micro ASM and community development issues. Using a case study approach, the Talensi Nabdam mining belt which has the highest concentration of ASM activities was chosen. Data was obtained at the District and at the regional capital town – Bolgatanga. Interviews were administered to 138 miners, 8 institutions and other stakeholders. To have qualitative enquiry on the issues, community forum involving 324 people were organized in the six mining communities of Gbani. Most of the study’s secondary data was sourced from issues in the news, journals and renowned publications for relevant information. The survey found out that, extreme poverty, long off farm activities, flooding, post harvest losses , low skill and high illiteracy levels are some of the causes of increased ASM activities. It was also revealed that ASM is worsening the environmental problems of the region, increasing malaria and HIV cases among others but employs over 10,000 people of the region, who see the gold mining as a timely recipe to eliminating poverty, hunger and deprivation and will do anything to continue mining. The people were found not to be ignorant and unappreciative of the negative aspects of ASM and are yearning for government support to minimize them. It is against this back drop, that the study recommends incisive policy emanating from consultations and inputs from stakeholders especially in mining communities to make them feel they owe the policies. as was done in China for the people of Shouzhou and Duyun small scale mining areas. Policies on environmental protection and other important mining rules subservient to the national mining laws can be strategically enshrined in the District’s Medium Term Plans and given the necessary support from Regional Coordinating Council and central government for effective implementation to minimize the negative effects of ASM and to strengthen capacities of the people against losses due to low technology and exploitation by middlemen. This could culminate into enhancing wealth creation and help alleviate the region’s extreme poverty level of 84%.

Source: KNUST
Effects of biochar and inorganic fertilizer application on soil fertility and agronomic performance of maize (Zea mays)

Biochar application on agricultural soils could provide a new technology for both soil fertility and crop productivity improvement. Meanwhile, limited research has investigated the suitability of biochar for soil improvement practices in Ghana. The aim of this research was to determine the synergistic effect of biochar and inorganic N fertilizer on soil fertility improvement and crop performance. The research was conducted at the Faculty of Renewable Natural Resources Research farm in the minor and major cropping seasons of 2012 and 2013 respectively. Biochar was applied at 0, 5, 10, 15 and 20 t ha-1 and fertilizer N applied at 0, 45 and 90 kg ha-1. The results of this study demonstrated that the application of fertilizer N may improve soil fertility and increase the biological yield of maize but their effects may be higher when applied with biochar (particularly at 10 t ha-1). Relative to the control, the application of biochar at 10 t ha-1 increased grain yield by 213% and 160% in the minor and major cropping seasons respectively. The greater yield of maize recorded on biochar-amended soils was attributed to the improved nutrient uptake and nitrogen use efficiency. The results showed that biochar application increased N uptake by about 200% compared with un-amended plots. In conclusion, the results of this study points to the fact that biochar could be an important resource for resource-poor farmers within the study area.

Source: KNUST