ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
effect of problem-based learning on Junior High School learners’ Achievements and attitudes in solving linear equation word problems in one variable

The study investigated the effects of Problem-Based Learning (PBL) on Junior High School learners‟ achievements and attitudes toward solving linear equation word problems in one variable. The study employed a quasi-experimental research design in which 100 learners in two Junior High School classes were randomly sampled and assigned to a control group (N=50) and an experimental group (N=50). Data were gathered using tests (pre-test and post-test), interview, and questionnaire which was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The study revealed that many Junior High School learners perform poorly in solving linear equation word problems in one variable. This was established by the fact that fifty (50) learners of the control group who were engaged in the pre-test, thirty-seven (37) of them scored less than the pass mark of the total score of twenty-eight (28) and this represents 74% and out of fifty (50) learners of the experimental group who were also engaged in the pre-test, forty-six (46) of them scored less than the pass mark of the total score of twenty-eight (28) and this represents 92%. The study also revealed that Junior High School learners‟ difficulties in solving linear equation word problems in one variable were largely due to their inability to understand (comprehend) the problem, inability to devise a correct plan (write correct mathematical equation), inability to carry out their plans (solve the problem) and inability to check and state the correct solution (looking back). The study revealed that learners who are exposed to Problem-Based Learning developed more positive attitudes towards linear equation word problems than learners taught using the Traditional Method. The researcher resolved that PBL is a more effective teaching approach, which mathematics teachers need to incorporate into their teaching. The PBL approach is therefore recommended for use by mathematics teachers to enhance learners‟ achievement in solving mathematical problems. Finally, the study revealed that learners who are exposed to the Problem Based Learning approach of teaching develop positive attitude towards solving linear equation word-problems in one variable and also performed better in the post-test than the Traditional group. This suggests that PBL has a positive effect on learners‟ achievement in solving linear equation word problems in one variable as a teaching strategy.

Source: UEW
Effect of problem-based learning on students’ achievement in mole concept a case study at Tamale College of Education

The purpose of the study was to determine the effect of Problem-Based Learning (PBL) on students’ achievement in mole concept. The study was quasi-experimental research and nonrandomized control group pre-test – post-test design. The target population consisted of students in the four public Colleges of Education in the Northern Region of Ghana. The accessible population was level hundred students in Tamale College of Education. Purposive sampling was used to obtain a sample of eighty-eight participants from two intact classes for the study. One class was the experimental group and the other the control group because both groups were within the same institution. In the experimental group, the Problem-Based Learning (PBL) approach was used while the Traditional Lecture-Based (TLB) method was used in the control group. The participants (students) were taught the same topic, which is the mole concept by the researcher for a period of four weeks. The instruments used in the study were Mole Concept Achievement Test (MCAT), Likert scale-based questionnaire and interview. The instruments were piloted in another college with similar characteristics and their reliability coefficients were found to be suitable for the study. Data were analysed using t-test, bar charts and percentages. Hypotheses were accepted or rejected at significant level of 0.05. The results of the study reveal that the PBL resulted in significantly higher students’ achievement in mole concept compared to the TLB. The students’ perception and attitude toward the mole concept was positive with PBL compared to TLB. The results of this study would be beneficial to integrated science and chemistry teachers, curriculum planners and developers as well as policy makers in improving the teaching and learning process and achievement in mole concept.

Source: UEW
Effect of Rice Husk on the Mechanical Properties of Cement-Based Mortar

This paper presents an experimental study on effect of rice husk on the mechanical properties of cement-based mortar. Cement-based mortar enhanced with rice husk between 0 and 2% by weight was cured and tested on 7, 14, 21 and 28�days for their properties. The 0.5% rice husk specimens achieved 24% and 6% increase in tensile and compressive strengths, respectively, over the control. SEM analysis revealed a good bond between the rice husk and the matrix. The study concludes that the inclusion of rice husk positively affects the mechanical properties of the cement-based mortar. 0.5% rice husk is recommended to construction practitioners as an enhancement of cement-based mortar for construction application. � 2020, The Institution of Engineers (India).

Source: UEW
The effect of science technology and mathematics education clinics on the perception and attitudes of JHS pupils towards science in selected districts in the Ashanti region

This study assessed the effect of STME clinics on the perception and attitudes of JHS pupils in selected districts towards science in the Ashanti region. The population included all JHS 2 and 3 pupils totaling 100 from five districts in the region. The districts, schools and respondents were chosen through random, and convenience sampling method. The research instrument adopted was the Relevance of Science Education questionnaire (ROSE instrument) with a 4-point Likert-type scale which was administered and supported with interview. The data gathered was analyzed by SPSS version 16 with t-test statistics. Reliability calculated using Cronbach’s alpha coefficient was (0.76). The study revealed the following: a satisfaction for STME clinic activities; the exposure of the participants to STME clinic shaped their attitude, interest, and aspirations for STM subjects; also participants consider Science and Technology as the engine for growth, development of nations and lives, and so valuable for every country and individual, though it comes with its merits and demerits; higher preference for STME clinic activities like excursions, interaction with role models, discussions and hands on activities; different perceptions about science in terms of aspirations, easiness and difficulties; significant disparity in the perception of those exposed to and those not exposed to STME clinic; and teachers practical/unrealistic/theoretical teaching methodologies due to competence and or incompetence coupled with inadequate/lack of TLMs. It was recommended that for effective implementation of the clinic where by majority of JHS pupils would be given opportunity to participate. Moreover, STM teachers are to be given regular training and support. For a well-planned and implemented science, technology and mathematics education clinic today would play a great role in the development of vital skills, positive attitude and perception in science and technology to aid self employment and self-reliant.

Source: UEW
The effect of shade-dried moringa oleifera leaf meal at different inclusion levels on the growth performance and carcass characteristics of quail broilers

The use of readily available feed resources in the rearing of quail has the potential of improving animal protein needs in resource-poor communities in Ghana. The leaf meal of Moringa oleifera is one such feed resource. However, its utility has not been assessed by quail farmers. This study was, therefore, conducted to determine the effect of M. oleifera leaf meal (MOLM) on growth performance and carcass characteristics of Japanese quails. Freshly harvested M.oleifera leaves were shadedried for one week, milled using a hammer mill, sieved into meal and used in the formulation of the feed for the birds. A total of 120 unsexed Japanese quails were randomly allotted to four treatments with three replications each. There were ten (10) birds per replicate giving a total of 30 birds in each treatment. Completely Randomized Design was used for the experiment. Four levels of MOLM consisting 0 %, 5 %, 10 % and 15 % treatments (T1, T2, T3 and T4) were fed during the research period which lasted for 12 weeks. All the experimental diets were formulated to meet the nutrient requirements of breeder chicks according to the NRC (1994). The experimental diets were formulated at Akenten Appiah-Menka University of Skills Training and Entrepreneurial Development (AAMUSTED) Teaching and Research Farm of the Department of Animal Science Education. The MOLM was used to mix with a commercial started and finisher diet at a rate of 0, 5, 10 and 15 g/kg (CON, MOLM5, MOLM10 and MOLM15, respectively) producing four dietary treatments. During the feeding trial feed intake and body weight gain were measured and used to calculate feed conversion ratio (FCR). The results showed that dietary treatments of MOLM had a statically significant effect (P < 0.05) on overall body weight gain, feed intake, FCR and dressed weight of birds. However, there were no statically significant difference (P > 0.05) between the varied levels of MOLM diets on live weight, bledweight, defeathered weight, head weight, Leg pair, intestine weight and giblet weights. The study concluded that birds' development efficiency and carcass characteristics appeared to be unaffected, Japanese quail nutrition may include Moringa oleifera leaf meal to enhance their growth performance and their carcass characteristics.

Source: UEW
Effect of simultaneous dual-frequency ultrasound aided ethanolic pretreatment on drying kinetics, bioactive compounds, antioxidant activity, and physicochemical properties of apple slices using pulsed vacuum dryer

This work aims at investigating effect of different pretreatments and varied temperature on the drying kinetics, bioactive compounds, antioxidant activity, microstructure and functional group of apple slices using pulsed vacuum dryer. Pretreated apple slices (Ethanol, US + W, and US + E) dried at varied temperature (60, 70, and 80�C) were analyzed to determine total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH+), 2,2-azino-bis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS+), color, microstructure and FT-IR spectroscopy. The findings revealed that US + E pretreatment significantly (p &lt;.05) decreased drying time (20�33.33%). Activation energy and moisture effective diffusivity were 17.60�29.86 kJ/mol and 1.52�3.60 � 10?8 m2/s, respectively. Microstructure evaluation showed disruption of cells structure and microchannels formation but was more prominent in US + E pretreatment with noticeable larger pores and several microchannels. US + E pretreatment retained TPC (64.89�75.75 mg/100 g GAE dw), TFC (45.96�56.25 mg/100 g ER dw), DPPH+ (66.85�73.34%) and ABTS+ (62.58�71.17%) than Ethanol, US + W, and control and was further corroborated by the observed peaks as revealed by the FT-IR spectroscopy. Color (L*, a*, b*, whiteness) was better retained by Ethanol and US + E pretreatments. US + E pretreatment decreased drying time and also preserved bioactive compounds, antioxidant activity and color of apple slices. Practical application: Apples are popularly consumed fruits and confer various nutritional and health benefits to humans. Drying is the most common approach for apple processing and shelf life extension. However, drying often leads to a reduction in quality parameters as well as degradation of nutritional components of the apple. Novel pretreatment techniques like ultrasonic aided ethanolic pretreatment preceding to apple drying provides an added advantage over conventional drying methods in that it reduces dehydration time as a result of faster moisture removal, lowers energy consumption, improves process efficiency leading to industrial competiveness and it also preserves the nutritional and sensorial parameters of dried apple slices. � 2020 Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Source: UEW
The effect of single parenting on the academic performance of students in the Asikuma Odben-Brakwa district in the central region

The purpose of the study was to assess the impact of Single Parenting on the academic performance of Senior High School students in Asikuma Odoben Brakwa District. The specific objectives were: to assess how parental structure, parenting style and parental involvement influence the academic performance of SHS students in Asikuma Odoben Brakwa District. The study used descriptive survey design and questionnaire as research instrument which had both open and closed ended items. The questionnaires were used to collect data from three hundred and sixty-four (364) randomly selected students from the schools. The main findings of the study were that: parental structure, parenting style and parental involvement are problems facing performances in school. The results also established that parental occupational status is highly related to student academic achievement. Based on these findings the following recommendations were made: Government and other stakeholders in education should economically empower single parents through provision of business advisory services; there should be a proper counselling unit in every school where the psychological and emotional challenges of students will be tackled. Also, government should put in place measures that will allow individual stakeholders in school to provide a sense of security and stability that is necessary for every child development.

Source: UEW
The effect of six briquete types on the sensory characteristics of smoked mackerel

This dissertation reports the findings on the effects of six briquette species on thesensory characteristics of smoked mackerel. Experimental design was assigned as the research design for this study. The population for the research were panellists from the UEW. Purposive sampling method was used to select 15 respondents for the study. Tables and figures were used to present the results of the study. Briquettes from six timber species, Triplochiton scleroxylon (Wawa), Ceiba pentandra (ceiba), Aningeria robusta (Asafina), Terminalia superba (Ofram), Celtis mildbreadii (celtis), Piptadenia africana (Dahoma) and firewood, were selected for the smoking of the fish. The findings revealed that all the respondents preferred the colour of the Asafena briquette smoked fish to Celtis, Dahoma, Ceiba, Ofram, and Wawa briquette smoked fish and firewood smoked fish. Majority of the respondents preferred the taste of Ceiba and Wawa briquette smoked fish compared to Celtis, Dahoma, Asafena, Ofram briquette smoked fish and firewood smoked fish. In terms of flavour, majority of the respondents preferred the flavour of the Ceiba, Asafena and Wawa briquette smoked fish compared to Celtis, Dahoma, Asafena, Ofram briquette smoked fish and the firewood smoked fish. To add more, majority of the respondents preferred the texture of the Asafena, Ofram and Wawa briquette smoked fish compared to Celtis, Dahoma, Ceiba and disliked the texture of the firewood smoked fish. The study recommended that the CSIR through the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) should organise periodic workshops and training programmes to educate fish mongers regarding the use of briquettes to smoke fish.

Source: UEW
Effect of size variation of palm kernel shells as replacement of coarse aggregate on lightweight concrete

The utilization of Palm kernel shell (PKS) as alternative to conventional materials for the Ghanaian construction industry is very desirable to promote sustainable development. This is in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs 11) which promote safe sustainable cities and communities. The purpose of this current study was to investigate the effects of size variation of PKS as coarse aggregate in lightweight concrete. Appropriate sieves were used to get the right various sizes of PKS for this experimental work; these are sizes retained on the sieves 6mm, 8mm, 10mm and 12mm. The study employed a series of mixes which resulted in casting and testing 60 cubes and 60 beams at 7,14,21 and 28 days of curing. The materials phase of this research evaluated the key mechanical properties of hardened concrete, thus compressive strength, flexural strength and density. The compressive strength of the samples increases as the curing age increases. The aggregate sizes 6mm, 8mm,10mm, 12mm and Mixed PKS content, at 7-day recorded an average compressive strength of 3.533 N/mm2 , 3.133 N/mm2 , 3.400 N/mm2 ,5.567 N/mm2 and 4.700 N/mm2 respectively. The average compressive strength for 28-day of curing were 4.100 N/mm2 , 3.833 N/mm2 , 5.167 N/mm2 , 6.500 N/mm2 and 5.767 N/mm2 for aggregate sizes of 6mm, 8mm, 10mm,12mm and Mixed PKS content respectively. Then also the average flexural strength recorded for 28-days of curing were 0.836 N/mm2 ,0.936 N/mm2 ,1.761 N/mm2 ,2.185 N/mm2 and 1.467 N/mm2 for the various aggregate sizes 6mm, 8mm, 10mm, 12mm and Mixed PKS content respectively. The average dry density for 28-days of curing were 1509.73kg/m3 , 1497.0 kg/m3 , 1624.13 kg/m3 , 1685.0 kg/m3 and 1610.47 kg/m3 for aggregate sizes 6mm, 8mm, 10mm, 12mm and Mixed PKS content respectively. The Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) test indicated a highly porous structure of PKS and the Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS) test was done to find out the chemical composition of PKSC specimens. It can be observed that aggregate size 12mm recorded maximum values for most of the test results. The PKS aggregate size 12mm can be partially mixed with granite to produce a desirable concrete for a sustainable construction. The study concluded that, PKS is useful for concrete production as lightweight aggregate. The use of PKS must be encouraged in order to effectively address the environment pollution caused by indiscriminate dumping and burning of PKS(s).

Source: UEW
Effect of social media usage on junior high school final year pupils’ academic performance

Social media has been a major stay in the minds of students and the world at large, thereby causing a lot of damage to students, teachers, and even educational administrators at large. This study sought to assess the impact of social media on junior high school final-year pupils’ academic performance in the Bawku Municipality, Upper East, and the role of guidance and counseling. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design. Simple random sampling was used to select 100 respondents for the study. The data collection tool employed was questionnaire. The study revealed that the social media used by the final year pupils in this study were mostly WhatsApp and Facebook; which influences their academic performance. However, this effect could be turned into positive by providing the learning platforms, encouraging online learning, and providing accessibility to academic information. The study further indicated that overuse of social media by pupils brings about distraction and cyberbullying. The study revealed that the predominant coping strategies used by pupils were seeking counseling, switching off their phones, and deleting social media apps from their phones. The study recommended that the school administration, in collaboration with the school’s counseling center and school counselor, organize workshops, lectures, and seminars occasionally for pupils’ so that they can be equipped with the positive and negative aspects of social media in their academic lives.

Source: UEW
The effect of socio-economic background of parents on the academic performance of students. A case of four selected senior high schools in the Kumasi Metropolis

The study was conducted to determine the effects of parents‟ socio-economic status on students‟ academic performance in four selected public Senior High Schools in Kumasi Metropolis. Descriptive survey design using mixed method approach was employed for the study. The target population for this study consisted of all students, parents and teachers of the four selected public Senior High Schools in Kumasi Metropolis. Simple random technique specifically the lottery method was used to select the four Senior High Schools that participated in the study. In all a sample size of 402 consisting of 340 students, 54 teachers and 8 parents participated in the study. Questionnaire and interview guide were the tools used to collect data for the study. The findings of the study revealed that parents‟ income level had an influence on students‟ academic performance in school. Again, the study revealed that parents‟ educational level also have an influence on students‟ academic performance. Finally, the study revealed that Parents who work in the formal sector are able to provide the required educational materials for their children and these children tend to perform better than their counterparts whose parents work in the informal sector. This implies that there is a relation between parents‟ occupation and students‟ academic performance. It is thus recommended that Government of Ghana through the Ministry of Education should increase bursary allocation to students from poor families to retain them in school and enhance their academic performance.

Source: UEW
Effect of species, particle size and compacting pressure on relaxed density and compressive strength of fuel briquettes

Densification of biomass waste materials has provided a great boost to the utilization of wood and agricultural waste for domestic and industrial fuel. However, the processes involved in the production of this fuel make it more expensive than fossil fuel. This is because densification of wood waste into fuel briquettes is not simple. This paper reports the results of research conducted to determine the effect of species, particle size and compacting pressure on relaxed density and compressive strength in cleft of briquettes produced from sawdust of tropical hardwoods. Briquettes were made using a laboratory hydraulic press. Compacting pressure was varied from 10 to 50 MPa at an interval of 10 MPa. Species used were Triplochiton scleroxylon, Ceiba pentandra, Aningeria robusta, Terminalia superba, Celtis mildbreadii and Piptadenia africana. The results indicate that species, compacting pressure and particle size of sawdust at 5% level of significance have significant effect on the relaxed density and compressive strength in cleft of briquettes produced. The multiple correlation coefficient (R) and adjusted R2 for the regression model between relaxed density of briquettes, and species density, particle size and compacting pressure were 0.93 and 0.87, respectively. Additionally, the multiple correlation coefficient and adjusted R2 for the regression model between compressive strength of briquettes, and species density, particle size and compacting pressure were 0.83 and 0.69, respectively. The regression models suggest that species density, particle size and compacting pressure are good predictors of relaxed density and compressive strength in cleft of briquettes produced from sawdust of tropical hardwoods. � 2013 Mitchual et al.

Source: UEW